Indeed, and when you consider just where some of those stitches will be... blimey, don't want to think about it! If he climbs off the bike today, I don't think there's a person on the planet that wouldn't understand. I thought true grit was a movie...
TDF Tough Guy
- Thread starter abo
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Indeed, and when you consider just where some of those stitches will be... blimey, don't want to think about it! If he climbs off the bike today, I don't think there's a person on the planet that wouldn't understand. I thought true grit was a movie...
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
And many of us though that Lance had a will of Iron. This guys will is made of Titanium!!!!
Sonofpear
Well-Known Member
- Location
- South Shields
He went straight through a fence post back first aswell. That would have probably snapped me in two. Hope he's got some strong painkillers. Don't think a couple of paracetamol will cut it.
Alembicbassman
Confused.com
Looks like the media car driver saw the tree and tried to accelerate past the leading group before the tree instead of braking to avoid hitting it.
The riders were doing about 30 mph.
I guess those French deisels don't do 0-60 in 4 seconds like the motorcycles do. Why have a car on such narrow roads? The motorcycles do a good job and are far more manoueverable (except the one with the photographer on it)
The riders were doing about 30 mph.
I guess those French deisels don't do 0-60 in 4 seconds like the motorcycles do. Why have a car on such narrow roads? The motorcycles do a good job and are far more manoueverable (except the one with the photographer on it)
OP
OP
abo
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Stockton on Tees
Yeah I'm no expert on this road racing malarky but I can't see the need for cars at all, like you say the bikes are more manoueverable; just have a guy hanging off the back with a camera and job done.
I guess the cars offer a more stable mount, but I guess it was just a matter of time before one collided with a competitor in something, be it cycling, marathon running or whatever
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
Does that make the driver a Veritably idiotic person?
OP
OP
abo
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Stockton on Tees
Ah but you can't get VIP's paying good money to France TV on the back of a motorcycle that's already carrying a cameraman
can't remember where, but one article read this morning quoted that there were VIPs in the car....
Money talks then as usual... Why can't the VIP's sit in a nice air conditioned tent with free hospitality and watch it all on a massive screen like they do in everything else. If they wanna be that close to the race they should get on a Pinarello and start pedalling
Alembicbassman
Confused.com
Stick the VIPs in the helicopters - well out of the way !!
gbb
Squire
- Location
- Peterborough
Decision, reaction, whichever...no excuse for being unaware of the trees ?, he'd already passed 3 in that shot running up to the collision...and there were plenty after.
Still, there isn't a person alive who hasn't made a mistake, the driver certainly made his in a very public and unfortunate way.
RedRider
Pulling through
- Location
- Location Embrocation
Some properly outspoken comments from Flecha there, about Voeckler too. Astonishing that France TV and the driver hadn't even tried to apologise...it's like something out of Commuting.
France TV have issued an apology.
Decision or reaction, the main thing is that it was a manoeuvre that he shouldn't have made in the first place. He was apparently instructed to stay put and ignored that instruction. Perhaps one of the passengers considered themselves above and beyond that instruction?
asterix
Comrade Member
- Location
- Limoges or York
The only VIPs in the TdF are the riders.
I recall Vino (a hero) having a big tumble a couple of years ago and slicing various elbows and knees.
In true TdF fashion he had the legs titched with his knee bent, so he'd still be able to pedal without tearing the stitches.
He won the next stage, but was booted off the next day for some sort of issue with his blood... although I'm sure he only took an aspirin or something.
These people are made of different things....
And yes, Hoogerland did have extraordinary grace and dignity both on the podium and in his post-stage interview. I am in awe of anyone who can do the TdF, but some of them are another level again.
In true TdF fashion he had the legs titched with his knee bent, so he'd still be able to pedal without tearing the stitches.
He won the next stage, but was booted off the next day for some sort of issue with his blood... although I'm sure he only took an aspirin or something.
These people are made of different things....
And yes, Hoogerland did have extraordinary grace and dignity both on the podium and in his post-stage interview. I am in awe of anyone who can do the TdF, but some of them are another level again.