La Vuelta a Espana 22/8 - 13/9 2015 (here be spoilers)

[JMAG]

You may have taken the quote out of context there! I was commenting on the riders' clout as far as their annual programme was concerned, with reference to the discussion about downgrading the Giro and Vuelta. Interesting comments on safety though - I missed that interview / Millar's comments.

Although a different context, Millar's comments indicate that the riders have very little clout in general. If they can't influence safety when it's their hide on the line, I can't imagine they get much say in other matters i.e. programme and objectives.

 

[Buddfox]

Footage of the Sagan crash has emerged:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=57&v=20DG3NcErXU

I actually had to watch it about three times to figure out what happened, but basically a motorbike accelerated and just drove into the back of him. It looks, and sounds, horrendous - and am amazed he wasn't more hurt

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Footage of the Sagan crash has emerged:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=57&v=20DG3NcErXU

I actually had to watch it about three times to figure out what happened, but basically a motorbike accelerated and just drove into the back of him. It looks, and sounds, horrendous - and am amazed he wasn't more hurt

I had to look at it a few times as well. It appears that the moto was taking a line and then the cyclists changed from right to left - not much chance for moto really.

 

[StuAff]

I've not heard to much moaning about the commentators thus far, maybe a few grumbles...and that's about to change.

I like Ned Boulting. I really do. I have been a supporter of him and Imlach. Rendell, Millar, anyone they want to invite along for a chat to be the voices of cycling coverage.

But now I find that when he is given the chance to be the "commentator" he babbles just as much shite as the rest of them!

Ned, just relax, have a chat. You are great at it.

Yebbut Ned still spouts less twaddle than P&P though!!

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Yebbut Ned still spouts less twaddle than P&P though!!

True, but he is getting worse. I diagnose commentitis, along with fellow sufferers Simon Brotherton and Carlton Kirby. An alternative view would be that only P&P have the capacity to spout so much.

 

[BSRU]

I had to look at it a few times as well. It appears that the moto was taking a line and then the cyclists changed from right to left - not much chance for moto really.

From watching it, the group of riders was obviously moving to the left and the motorcyclist was going far too fast plus the motorcyclist should be anticipating the group moving all over the road.
Also the motorcycle rider doesn't bother stopping just rides off.

 

[rich p]

From watching it, the group of riders was obviously moving to the left and the motorcyclist was going far too fast plus the motorcyclist should be anticipating the group moving all over the road.
Also the motorcycle rider doesn't bother stopping just rides off.

The motos normally use the horn to warn riders if they're coming through. Totally moto at fault IMHO.

 

[Rustybucket]

Boring stage I thought yesterday

 

[HF2300]

Although a different context, Millar's comments indicate that the riders have very little clout in general. If they can't influence safety when it's their hide on the line, I can't imagine they get much say in other matters i.e. programme and objectives.

Ah, I see what you mean. On the programme and objectives side, I'm going by what's been said by leading riders, DSs and team principals etc. in the past. The difference between rider programmes and safety is that riders and teams have a firm contractual relationship and mutual interests; with safety they're reliant on whatever nebulous influence they have with UCI and race organisers. Not the same situation at all.

I've not heard to much moaning about the commentators thus far... and that's about to change.

I like Ned Boulting. I really do... But now I find that when he is given the chance to be the "commentator" he babbles just as much shite as the rest of them!

Ned, just relax, have a chat. You are great at it.

He did have a big attack of babble the other day - the sprint Degenkolb didn't win. He calmed down a bit yesterday. I'm a bit worried by the appearance of phrases like 'looking after the interests of...' and even 'false flat' as well! Early days though. Hopefully he'll relax into it and find his own style. Those around him are pretty relaxed and competent, so maybe they'll influence him.

 

[SWSteve]

It's foggy today. I thought Spain was the land of hot weather, sunshine and getting a full English breakfast on the promenade

 

[rich p]

I'm not sure if anyone is capable of sticking it into Aru now. Assuming Quintana is sick, Dumoulin isn't explosive enough and ValvPiti is knackered.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

''Because bike are sowe
Me and my bicycowe
This is how we rowe''
That Wiggle ad really annoys me.

 

[rich p]

''Because bike are sowe
Me and my bicycowe
This is how we rowe''
That Wiggle ad really annoys me.

That other one with a Yank talking earnestly about...
"Why now, because it's time
Why here etc etc "
I still don't know what it's advertising but it irritates me intensely

 

[Dayvo]

That other one with a Yank talking earnestly about...
"Why now, because it's time
Why here etc etc "
I still don't know what it's advertising but it irritates me intensely

Morgan Freeman, I think.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

That other one with a Yank talking earnestly about...
"Why now, because it's time
Why here etc etc "
I still don't know what it's advertising but it irritates me intensely

And that too macho to watch what your eating and too macho to admit it's hot wasabi advert.... (Though that might be an ITV4 ad.)