Tour de France Stage 7 - SPOILER

[Keith Oates]

Today there is not much doubt that this is very much a sprinters day as it is a very flat course and no uphill finish. I hope this is where Cav gets number two for this year but no doubt Mr.Farrar will have other ideas so it could be an exciting run for the line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!o

 

[yello]

Indeed, one for Cavendish and the HTC train. The flattest stage of the tour with a long, wide, straight and flat run to the finish. Cavendish won here in 2008 so that'll motivate him extra to do so again.

We've not really seen the sprinters' teams in full flight so far. I reckon this is the day to see it. I'd expect to see a long Sky train too. And other teams trying to break the trains up and muscle in too perhaps.

The forecast wind of 30kph is not showing as yet, but there's time. Not only is the stage flat but it's open. The wind could be a factor if it picks up, otherwise it'll be a fast stage I'd anticipate. I know the area within 100km of the finish pretty well. It can be damned hard work against the slightest of breezes as there's nowhere to hide (but then, I never have the benefits of a peleton!)

 

[lukesdad]

Yes Cav day to day

 

[Rob3rt]

The intermediate sprint is very close to the finish though :S

 

[Noodley]

Everey day there is a FdeJ rider in the break I am happy, today there are 2 so doubly so!

 

[yello]

Boonen's just packed. Shame. Obviously in too much discomfort but you can't say he didn't give it a good go.

 

[yello]

Watch for it this evening on hilights -

There was a minor chute towards the back of the peleton, just after a corner, but nothing serious. A Sky bloke, EBH I think, was involved. He stays upright but his specs fall onto the road. As he moves towards them, LL Sanchez, still riding and following, rounds the bend, sees the glasses on the road, leans down and sweeps them up in his hand and carries on! Excellent skills! The Sky fella looks around bemused! It's going to be a 'what happened next' moment!

 

[accountantpete]

Wiggins down and a bit groggy!

 

[accountantpete]

He's out !

 

[Spinney]

He's out !

 

[Fab Foodie]

Ohhh Noooooo.
FFS, in the best form of his life ...

 

[brockers]

Arse

 

[2PedalsTez]

He's out !

 

[accountantpete]

Looks like a bust collar bone

 

[Fab Foodie]

You'd have thought he'd have learnt the other day, that to be a contender you need to ride out the way of the crashes