rudemedic Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 As it starts today and I know there are a few cycling fans on here, I thought I'd start a thread on what is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the world. Can Froome replicate Wiggo's success from last year? I'd like to think he can but the field looks a bit stronger this year with Contador, Andy Schleck, and Rodriguez all participating. Rodriguez and Contador both dominated Froome in the mountains in last year's Vuelta but Froome was coming from having ridden superbly for Wiggo in the Tour and so was not in as good fettle as he is supposed to be in this year. Rodriguez for me is the danger man to Froome's chances as his ability to dramatically up the tempo in the mountains might be difficult for Froome to match, but Contador showed in the Vuelta that he get closer than Froome. The combination of climbing L'Alpe d'Huez twice in the same stage and Mont Ventoux in this year's race indicate that this year's event is more for the true climbers than last year's but time will tell. Also can Cav win his first Yellow Jersey today? Plus the Green Jersey in Paris? Yes and No for me, again I think Sagan is the man to beat for the Green Jersey and the race profile probably gives him the advantage with the added mountains and finishes that suit a more of a puncheur style sprinter than Cav's flat out speed style. Phillipe Gilbert is probably in contention too. Although this year Cav has a much better team working for him than Team Sky last year so he has that advantage. Anyone else... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disjointed Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 As it starts today and I know there are a few cycling fans on here, I thought I'd start a thread on what is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the world. Can Froome replicate Wiggo's success from last year? I'd like to think he can but the field looks a bit stronger this year with Contador, Andy Schleck, and Rodriguez all participating. Rodriguez and Contador both dominated Froome in the mountains in last year's Vuelta but Froome was coming from having ridden superbly for Wiggo in the Tour and so was not in as good fettle as he is supposed to be in this year. Rodriguez for me is the danger man to Froome's chances as his ability to dramatically up the tempo in the mountains might be difficult for Froome to match, but Contador showed in the Vuelta that he get closer than Froome. The combination of climbing L'Alpe d'Huez twice in the same stage and Mont Ventoux in this year's race indicate that this year's event is more for the true climbers than last year's but time will tell. Also can Cav win his first Yellow Jersey today? Plus the Green Jersey in Paris? Yes and No for me, again I think Sagan is the man to beat for the Green Jersey and the race profile probably gives him the advantage with the added mountains and finishes that suit a more of a puncheur style sprinter than Cav's flat out speed style. Phillipe Gilbert is probably in contention too. Although this year Cav has a much better team working for him than Team Sky last year so he has that advantage. Anyone else... Think you have summed it up pretty well there, the overall is between Contador and Froome for me, with Froome having the stronger team he should just edge it. I am glad Stannard is riding for Sky the man can really drill it on the flat for long periods which could help if the stages get hit by crosswinds. Cav could win a lot of stages and who would bet against him on the Champs-Elysees, but Sagan could be too good in the points race. Would be nice if Keenaugh could pick up the white jersey as he is a quality rider. Lets get rolling 3 weeks of heaven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 Well, that was a strange first day. It's said that Tony Martin was unconscious on the team coach and had to be carried off. Johny Hoogerland despite his national champion win seems to have cornered the strangest crashes in the Tour ever. I expected a crash today, but not under those circumstances, anyway. Was it Greipel tring to get through a gap that wasn't there? As for the coach, the chaos was unbelievable with the moving of the finishing line after a narrow bend. It reminded me of the Giro a few weeks ago when a couple of kilometres from the finishing line, a blow-up gantry blew down onto the road on a mountain descent as the riders were approaching. And who was fourth today? Old David Millar. Contador lives to fight another day, I expect him to really give it a go in the mountains, he seems to be finally coming to form after a very slow build-up after his suspension (and it's alleged that the steak excuse didn't come from him or Saxo Bank, it was suggested by the UCI). Contador will probably give a few attacks when it goes uphill, but Quintada is also a very good puncheur who likes to attack. Sky have said that they won't give Quintada a chance to move, as they see him as a threat. At least he's got the correct size of bike, now. Froome may give it a go, but despite Sky's reliance on the Sky juggernaut he might this time have the team to back him up, with Ritchie Porte who'll be riding for him along with 2 other good climbers, Siutsou and Vasil Kiryienka. Good grief, Sky in full-flow like last year are boring and methodical. I know they won, but in the most boring manner ever. At least Froome had a dig. Then again, Contador might have another go like when he attacked in the Vuelta and grabbed the win from Purito. I don't think that this is Purito's type of race, the Tour is too closely marked, and there's some very good climbers there. Shleck might have a few digs if he completes the race, with his form coming he might pack in again, or limp through to the end. I think the fact that his brother's suspended will make a real difference to what he does, they've always relied on each other. Wiggins showed last year that he can't attack in the mountains, he can't even get out of the saddle to give it a go, just relying on his power meter. As for Froome, he's had a really good season so far, almost emulating what Wiggins did last year. The only thing is that after the Giro he went to yet another training camp in Mallorca, and was complaining how tired he was, and desperately needed a lie-in and a day off. If he fails, there's always Ritchie Porte. I'd say Sagan for the maillot verte, he can gain points where Cavendish can't, and as he did with Cancellara he's got the strength to follow good riders such as him and win stages. He's also got good back-up with Moreno Moser, another promising rider. As usual Cavendish will bag a few wins, but Greipel's Lotto lead-out train are very well-drilled, and he'll probably do well. One to watch is the Brummie Dan Martin, he's absolutely flying, and he thoroughly deserved to win Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Volta a Catalunya this year. If he decides to go off on a break, there'll be chaos trying to catch him. Cuddles (Cadel Evans) will probably be in the top 7, he'll probably do his usual and sit on wheels and then take a few seconds advantage, much to Garderen's frustration. Still no form for Gilbert, but at least they don't have the one-day wonder "Mr Potential" Taylor Phinney lasting a week. So, first day over, and I wouldn't like to have been on that coach when Cavendish got on there, his dummy would have taken someone's eye out as he spat it out. Corsica looked absolutely stunning today, and we'll see more tomorrow. Bring it on. Makes my 125 miles ridden so far this week look a bit sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disjointed Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 Sunday, and a few mountains today, think all the big guns are going to keep their powder dry, could be a day for Sagan or who knows maybe a breakaway could stick with a cat 3 not too far from the finish. Looking forward to my day a game of bowls this morning followed by a couple of shandys, then sit down for the last couple of hours of the stage, perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 And down he goes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxfdlm4owss&feature=youtu.be Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudemedic Posted July 4, 2013 Author Share Posted July 4, 2013 And down he goes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxfdlm4owss&feature=youtu.be Love it, especially Reza's reaction, it's a classic headshake idiot. The tour is shaping up quite nicely, no major GC contenders are more than a minute down yet, which would normally be the case as some get caught behind a crash or lose time in a time trial. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ritchie Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 http://letour.yorkshire.com/the-route I quite fancy doing a bit of this route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 I really fancy a dig at the Calderdale cobbled ride, that looks a beauty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudemedic Posted July 4, 2013 Author Share Posted July 4, 2013 There's a few bits where it will be relatively easy to watch the riders for one bit and then drive elsewhere and watch them for another section on both stages. Would not want to be trying to get a peleton through the road from Grassington to Aysgarth via Kettlewell on the first stage though, it is quite narrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 We've decided to spend a couple of days in London for the third stage. We'll book the hotel in the next couple of weeks, then sort the train out as soon as we can. Then it's a question of getting a place to watch. We had a place right on the finishing line in Teignmouth for the Tour of Britain the other year, we waited long enough for that, who knows how long we'd have to wait when the Tour comes. Today's stage had sprint written all over it, and the pace was so high that any ideas of a breakaway was impossible. Very well done to Greipel and Lotto Belisol, they deserved it after setting such a high pace on the approach As Brian Holm said: "they kicked us in the balls. We got our lesson today." And it looks like Sagan's finally got his sprinting legs on, as well. No suprise at Impey taking yellow from Gerrans, either. Talking of non-surprises, I see that Frank Shleck won't have his contract renewed. It'll be interesting to see if it affects Andy Shleck from now on, and how he reacts. Tomorrow is a difficult one to call, it's lumpy and could mean a breakaway or due to it not being too high a category of climbs the bunch may stay together for the downhill finish for the sprinters. It looks like a good finish for Sagan to attack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Ritchie Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 You could get from Leeds for the start to Harrogate for the finish and have a nice day out in between. That might be a decent option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_ragg1984 Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 http://letour.yorkshire.com/the-route I quite fancy doing a bit of this route. I almost died going over Col du Holme Moss a few weeks back. I might go up there for the stage next year to see just how fast they whizz over it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 I sometimes ride up to and past Dartmoor prison and down Pork Hill into Tavistock. I once decided to ride up Pork Hill to give it a go, it was bloody hard work. Then I saw the riders on the Tour of Britain do it. It was faster than me on the flat. Johnny Locke who rides for Sky once overtook me on the hill from Burrator onto the moor heading towards Princetown, he rode it at an incredible speed. It was a joy to watch. And it's just cost me £130 for a new cassette for my road bike, as well as fifty quid for a new chain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_ragg1984 Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Stinger. I recently changed the cassette and chain on the bike I ride to work, that was only about £35 in total! What bike do you have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Cervelo R3SL with Dura Ace Di2. Bloody expensive kit, but brilliant to ride. And I bought the cassette in the sale at Wiggle. Thankfully the chainrings are okay. The chain was KMC, The last one was a Dura Ace one, but it's not as good as the KMC one despite them manufacturing for Shimano. As for today, Cannondale played it brilliantly. I've seen sprinters outpaced before now, but not by a single team that wanted to splinter the pack to get their sprinter to the finish. The pace was brutal. What a rider Sagan is, he reminds me of Sean Kelly, he could do mountains. sprints and especially classics. It should be fun to watch tomorrow, will the Sky juggernaut begin, will Contador have a dig with Evans and Froome hanging on or will a breakaway manage to form? Should be good. Bring it on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disjointed Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Cervelo R3SL with Dura Ace Di2. Bloody expensive kit, but brilliant to ride. And I bought the cassette in the sale at Wiggle. Thankfully the chainrings are okay. The chain was KMC, The last one was a Dura Ace one, but it's not as good as the KMC one despite them manufacturing for Shimano. As for today, Cannondale played it brilliantly. I've seen sprinters outpaced before now, but not by a single team that wanted to splinter the pack to get their sprinter to the finish. The pace was brutal. What a rider Sagan is, he reminds me of Sean Kelly, he could do mountains. sprints and especially classics. It should be fun to watch tomorrow, will the Sky juggernaut begin, will Contador have a dig with Evans and Froome hanging on or will a breakaway manage to form? Should be good. Bring it on. Just about to replace the chain on my lads bike, he rides Ultegra the last chain I bought was Ultegra, is the KMC that much better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Depends on what you want. If you were happy with the Ultegra, I'd stick with that. I've never ridden Ultegra, so I couldn't say from experience. The KMC X10 and KMC X10SL (Super Light, it has holes in the side of the links and the X10 is 10 speed) for instance are expensive, but they have a pre-stretch built into them. Shimano do stretch, my Dura Ace had stretched by over half a link in a year's use - about 6,000 miles, but everywhere around here there is a hill. If it comes down to cost and there isn't too much use, Ultegra should be fine. Ebay or Wiggle (who currently have a sale on) are usually best. Wiggle are currently selling the Ultegra 6701 10 speed chain for £19.99 with 43% off, saving £15.00, if you're interested. If I was riding Ultegra, I'd buy 2 or three of them and stock up, but that's just me. I originally started using KMC after I used Sram Red before this bike. I had the Sram Red chain, and it was really noisy. I changed to the X10 SL, and it was much quieter and smoother, so I've stuck with them, it's just my choice. Hope that helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_ragg1984 Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 Just about to replace the chain on my lads bike, he rides Ultegra the last chain I bought was Ultegra, is the KMC that much better? What does he use his bike for? Commuting? Racing? Or just training? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_ragg1984 Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 As for today, Cannondale played it brilliantly. I've seen sprinters outpaced before now, but not by a single team that wanted to splinter the pack to get their sprinter to the finish. The pace was brutal. What a rider Sagan is, he reminds me of Sean Kelly, he could do mountains. sprints and especially classics. It should be fun to watch tomorrow, will the Sky juggernaut begin, will Contador have a dig with Evans and Froome hanging on or will a breakaway manage to form? Should be good. Bring it on. Sagan is ace. Was funny on the ITV podcast after Thursdays stage when they asked who was the biggest threat to his Green jersey, and he said "Crash." Tomorrow, I reckon all the GC contenders will finish together. They will put time on the rest of the field, but not each other. The TT next week, and Ventoux next Sunday is where the race will really sort itself out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disjointed Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 What does he use his bike for? Commuting? Racing? Or just training? He raced up to this year, but been doing some serious training with some decent riders from university (he is at Bangor) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_ragg1984 Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 If its serious riding, spend decent money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disjointed Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 If its serious riding, spend decent money. I will stick with the Ultegra then, It has never let him down even when racing, also battered some big hills using this equipment. His favourite hill is the rake, must be mad I struggle to walk up it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_ragg1984 Posted July 6, 2013 Share Posted July 6, 2013 Well, what do I know? That was very impressive, and not like Sky at all, from Froome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TamarBridgeLatics Posted July 6, 2013 Share Posted July 6, 2013 Wow. I expected Sky to keep a metronome rhythm at the front, but for Froome to decimate the race like that was fantastic to watch. Is Contador able to match it and is waiting, or has he been caught out? And Evans looked knackered at the end, but also well done to Quintana for his breakaway. It's a shame that ITV 4 decided to have yet another advert break just as it was forming in the last 7 kilometers. Glad that I keep the commentary on Eurosport and listen to that rather than Hinge and Bracket. It's only the start of the Alps and there's the double ascent of Alpe d'Huez to come. A big mountain stage tomorrow, should be more fun. And I haven't a clue if there'll be a breakaway or the main contenders will stay together for the final ascent, but I can't wait to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudemedic Posted July 6, 2013 Author Share Posted July 6, 2013 Missed Froome's attack because I don't like the Eurosport commentary. Hopefully ITV will show it in their highlights. Valverde looked strong today and it looks as though it will be him and Quintana v Porte and Froome in the mountains. Contador looked very poor and Rodriguez ditto. Was slightly surprised by the good performance of Mollema and Ten Dam too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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