Tour de France 2012 (with SPOILERS)

[lukesdad]

Today's not-very-interesting fact: One winner of the overall combativity award did not complete the Tour - Cyrille Guimard in 1972, when he was also given the green points jersey by Eddy Merckx after he was forced to retire 2 days before the end of the Tour when leading the greeen jersey competition. Guimard later went on to be DS for Hinault, Fignon and van Impe when they won the Tour.

As a doping-related aside, in the 1972 Tour, Guimard's medical "treatment" was provided by Bernard Sainz, aka Dr Mabuse. It is reported that prior to his withdrawal from the 1972 Guimard was lifted to and from his bike due to the level of pain in his knees.

..and I had a sleepless night waiting for that !

 

[yello]

I was born in England to English parents. We emigrated to New Zealand when I was 5. I returned to the UK when I was 21. So my nationality is a confusing issue for me. I say I'm an NZer because I that's the country with which I mainly identify (though I admit it's never clear cut). However, I'm classed as British by my cycling club mates (and I've given up protesting!) because I was born in England. My passport says I'm British and I enjoy the privileges of that, though I don't feel a strong personal affiliation.

So, from my standpoint, I'd say Froome is whatever he says he is and it's for nobody else to decide (outside of a legal context that is). Context dependant innit? It bothers me not either way. I don't tend to be influenced by a sense of patriotism.

Raining here today so I'm may be sat in front of the tv again this afternoon.

 

[smutchin]

Anyway, predictions for today?

Got to be a suicidal assault on the Grand Colombier by Liquigas. Koren, Nerz, Szmyd and Basso to give Sky a lesson in the true meaning of riding high tempo on a climb...

Here's a supplementary to Noodley's daily fact: local hero of the day is Maxim Bouet, whose mum's ashes are scattered on the summit of the Grand Colombier. His dad rides up there once a week in tribute to her. Expect him to be in any breakaway.

d.

 

[raindog]

His dad rides up there once a week in tribute to her. Expect him to be in any breakaway.

his dad?

 

[smutchin]

Yes, on the basis that Sky have shown the benefits of in-depth reconnaissance, Maxime Bouet Sr is one of the favourites for today's stage.

d.

 

[perplexed]

Just wondering, what happens if Nibali doesn't have much joy in the next couple of days, what would Liquigas do?

If he makes no impression on Wiggins, Froome and Evans, would Liquigas then think more about concentrating on keeping Sagan in green, thus maybe easing the pressure on the GC?

 

[thom]

Just wondering, what happens if Nibali doesn't have much joy in the next couple of days, what would Liquigas do?

If he makes no impression on Wiggins, Froome and Evans, would Liquigas then think more about concentrating on keeping Sagan in green, thus maybe easing the pressure on the GC?

Yes but no but.
How much has Liquigas as a team done for Sagan ? They would have worked to keep Nibali out of trouble and Sagan beneifts from that but in terms of lead outs, Sagan hasn't really had that much specific help.
Which parallels the Cavendish situation - Cav would have benefited from a train and dedicated protection but I think Sagan would still be leading the points comp at this stage.

 

[thom]

Sagan in the first attack of the day. Is this for sprint points or to be up the road to help Nibali with some tasty descending late in the day ?
Still early doors.

 

[smutchin]

Which parallels the Cavendish situation - Cav would have benefited from a train and dedicated protection but I think Sagan would still be leading the points comp at this stage.

Funny, isn't it, that before the race all the talk was of whether Sky could do the green-yellow double, but in the event, Liquigas look better equipped for that particular challenge.

d.

 

[thom]

Big break with 2 mins advantage:
Burghardt and Cummings (BMC), Popovych and Voigt (RNT), Arashiro (EUC), Martinez (EUS), Sagan (LIQ), Scarponi (LAM), Millar and Zabriskie (GRS), Peraud (ALM), Jeandesboz (SAU), Horrach (KAT), Casar, Hutarovich and Ladagnous,(FDJ), Sanchez (RAB), Kroon and Morkov (STB), Fofonov and Grivko (AST), Devenyns (OPQ), Gerrans and Goss (OGE)

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Just pointing out an 'interesting' observation..........................keep your hair on

I probably should have added a smiley to show that I wasn't 100% serious...

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Flying Monkey has a thing for young Colombians...

Careful now...

 

[yello]

I love to listen to Sean Yates speaking French... he's sounds more Lundun than when he speaks English!

I wonder what Voekler's plans are? His knees are surely not up to going it alone so I guess he's just 'up the road' for Rolland later??

 

[smutchin]

Looking at the pics of the Grand Colombier... what an absolutely stunning chunk of scenery!

 

[thom]

So Sagan is indeed still in front of the peloton, awaiting Nibali I suspect...