Le Tour

[Mantis]

Who's watching it?

I am for one, well not yet, I am waiting for the real tour to start. Ie. When they hit the mountains...

Hopefully Cadel rides to form as it will make for some great viewing.

[The Coon Dog]

Re: Le Tour

Who's watching it?

No, bores me to death, a bit like car racing.

[GVGjr]

Re: Le Tour

Who's watching it?

I am for one, well not yet, I am waiting for the real tour to start. Ie. When they hit the mountains...

Hopefully Cadel rides to form as it will make for some great viewing.

It's something that I watch very closely. Some of the work in the mountains is exceptional.

I also remember seeing Mario Chippolini (sp) not lead a day at all until just the last few seconds.
His team protected him all the way and just unleashed him with about 100 mtrs to ride.

[GVGjr]

Re: Le Tour

No, bores me to death, a bit like car racing.

I can't stand car racing but the team work displayed in cycling makes for good viewing. Phil Liggit is just about the best commentator in world sports and the package that gets presented is anything but ho hum in my opinion.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Le Tour

I paid attention for the first time last year.

Like TCD I thought it was boring as hell, until I started to work out what was going on. Now I love it. The 1am finishes kill me, though.

Watch for Stuart O'Grady tonight.

[GVGjr]

Re: Le Tour

I paid attention for the first time last year.

Like TCD I thought it was boring as hell, until I started to work out what was going on. Now I love it. The 1am finishes kill me, though.

Watch for Stuart O'Grady tonight.

SBS and Fox have highlight packages about 6pm.

[Mantis]

Re: Le Tour

SBS and Fox have highlight packages about 6pm.

But they live action, especially in the Alps is worthing staying up for.

When the 'big guns' hit the mountains in a breakaway it's like a game of chess, except your on a bike going up a bloody big hill.

[Sockeye Salmon]

Re: Le Tour

But they live action, especially in the Alps is worthing staying up for.

When the 'big guns' hit the mountains in a breakaway it's like a game of chess, except your on a bike going up a bloody big hill.

Or coming back down the other side at 80 kmh, 2 inches behind some other bloke and there's a narrow bridge to get over at the bottom of the hill.

[hujsh]

Re: Le Tour

No, bores me to death, a bit like car racing.

I'm with you

[LostDoggy]

Re: Le Tour

No, bores me to death, a bit like car racing.

I can't stand car racing but absolutely love the Tour.

Maybe it is a case of needing to understand everything about it to enjoy it. I find the tactical side of the tour second to none when it comes to team sports. Their are literally guys out there racing everyday for nearly a month, over 3500km who have absolutely no ambition to win the race or any stage at all. They are there purely to help their team mate achieve his goals. Whether that be supporting a sprinter, climber or the ultimate goal of over all winner.

The 3 stages so far have been relative flat stages and hence are pretty boring as there is little chance that anyone will make an substantial ground on the rest of the field - especially guys like Valverde and Evans who are marked men and if they tried to get in a break away group would be hunted down very quickly.

I'd wait for the mountain stages. This is where it separates the men from the boys and is a lot more action packed. It's also very important to have an understanding of the over all position of riders while watching these stages. If you just so saw guy going up a hill in front, then i agree it would be pretty boring. BUT if you know he's 2 minutes behind the over all leaders on the 15th day of racing and is currently 3 minutes ahead of the pack, with the peloton led by the domestiques pounding away to close the gap as not to lose the yellow jersey 1 day before the final time trial of which their main rider is known for being an average individualist.....well that that shits the best!

Bring it on!

[Bornadog]

Re: Le Tour

I can't stand car racing but the team work displayed in cycling makes for good viewing. Phil Liggit is just about the best commentator in world sports and the package that gets presented is anything but ho hum in my opinion.

I love listening to Phil, he is a great commentator. The strategies used by the team make great viewing.

I have been watching every night from 10pm, for about an hour and a half, and the highlights at 6pm.

[Mantis]

Re: Le Tour

I have been watching every night from 10pm, for about an hour and a half, and the highlights at 6pm.

As have I.

Toying with the idea to sit up and watch the TT tonight, but thinking I might save myself for the mountain stages.

[Mantis]

Re: Le Tour

Good ride by Cadel last night.

Gained a minute Velverde + doesn't have the added pressure of being the man in yellow.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Le Tour

Good ride by Cadel last night.

Gained a minute Velverde + doesn't have the added pressure of being the man in yellow.

Was a great ride. When he went through the first check point i was a bit worried but he timed his run almost to perfection. Valverde and Menchov are going to have to try a few things to make up the lost time. Cadel really is in the box seat now.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Le Tour

....but thinking I might save myself for the mountain stages.

Yes its where the tour is won and lost.
First week is usually for sprinters, its the second week when the real tour starts.