Tour de France 2017 ***SPOILERS***

[smutchin]

Where's the mostly flat bits?

I love the fact that the final climb of the race this year is called "Pointy Pass".

 

[MacB]

I beg your pardon?

ITV4 interview from London with BC bigwig and subject of funding and current shenanigans was broached.

 

[smutchin]

Specially for @Marmion, the Cycling Podcast did an interview with Thierry Gouvenou, who designed this year's Tour, in which he justifies his route choices:
https://audioboom.com/posts/6124097-kilometre-0-the-route-master

Also has some interesting thoughts about dangerous descents.

 

[MacB]

Things I've learned today:-

Eddy Merckx is still alive

 

[BrumJim]

Where's the mostly flat bits?
View attachment 363272

OK, only flat compared with yesterday.

 

[brommers]

I can't even bother watching today - nothing's happened since 1st 10km

 

[smutchin]

I fear Keukeleire has shot his bolt rather early. The one rider in my punditry selection who deigned to make the effort to get in the break, and he's throwing his chances away 60km from the finish, damn him.

Ned & Dave reckon he's doing it to set up Albasini for the finish. I had Albasini on my shortlist of possible picks but decided against - he's one of those riders who seems fated never to win a grand tour stage despite often being fancied. If he proves me wrong today, I'll be somewhat miffed. (ETA: except, as Ned and Dave just pointed out, he did once win a stage of the Vuelta.)

 

[smutchin]

Ned & Dave are now discussing Ben Swift. Another rider I had on my shortlist of punditry picks today, as if anyone is even remotely interested. Would love to see him win - he's one of the good guys in my book, and a big result is long overdue for him.

 

[jarlrmai]

Swift or EBH the fans can't lose here.

 

[rich p]

Millar is over-reading this
Albasini and Keukelaire will both be bolloxed at this rate

 

[smutchin]

Swift or EBH the fans can't lose here.

Swifty missed the split, unfortunately.

 

[rich p]

Far canal...

and a near canal...

 

[rich p]

FFS Millar!
He says that the Fortuneo rider should soft pedal at the back and in the next breath says that he is right to attack from 8km out!!!

 

[smutchin]

FFS Millar!
He says that the Fortuneo rider should soft pedal at the back and in the next breath says that he is right to attack from 8km out!!!

Never expect coherent thinking from Millar post-lunch.

 

[jarlrmai]

It's Millar time.