[Other Sport] Cycling geeks

[Stat Brother]

It's great racing, which is certainly shaping up to be the best GT of the year.

 

[1066familyman]

I know I'm down on Soccerballists, and I'm sure not all cycling can do punditry.

But RH has popped up on our screens, at short notice (I don't know if he's worked on TV before), and is easily giving good insight and perspective, without the hint of an er...well you know...the boy done good.

I think it's just that cycling IS chess on wheels so every rider that has competed at the highest level has to have something going on up top and will have lived and breathed race tactics. If RH hasn't done TV work before then his performance here is even more commendable - he's so chilled which just makes all that superb knowledge and insight a real pleasure to listen to.

Good race commentary team too. ITV4 are doing a much better job of this Vuelta than they did last year I reckon.

 

[Stat Brother]

Perhaps they should only apply to cover sporting events, 2 weeks before it starts, less time to over think.

 

[1066familyman]

Nicked from another place. Great pic of tomorrow's finish.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Winners of Armstrong's tours if you exclude everyone associated with or guilty of doping (from l'equipe)

Les vainqueurs "propres" de l'époque Armstrong
1999: Daniele Nardello (7e du Tour).

2000: Daniele Nardello (10e du Tour).

2001: Andreï Kivilev (4e du Tour).

2002: Carlos Sastre (10e du Tour).

2003: Haimar Zubeldia (5e du Tour).

2004: Carlos Sastre (8e du Tour).

2005: Cadel Evans (8e du Tour).

 

[Stat Brother]

Pretty depressing list.

Winners of the last 2 tours, not associated with doping:-

2011 Cadel Evans
2012 Bradley Wiggins.

 

[Stat Brother]

I've just watched yesterdays stage, I was distracted by Die Hard 2, last night.

And yes Hammond did a very good job, of explaining the situation, as well as questioning Lance's decision.

 

[Woodchip]

I still think there is something going to come out about Lance very soon. I've got that sick feeling in my belly that his cancer is back so instead of fighting a court case he's fighting for his life. I do pray I'm wrong though, and he is doing it for the sake of his family.

 

[Stat Brother]

I still think there is something going to come out about Lance very soon. I've got that sick feeling in my belly that his cancer is back so instead of fighting a court case he's fighting for his life. I do pray I'm wrong though, and he is doing it for the sake of his family.

Hmmm I think it's more to do with Grand Jury Indictments.

Lie on those and your going to jail.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Pretty depressing list.

Winners of the last 2 tours, not associated with doping:-

2011 Cadel Evans
2012 Bradley Wiggins.

And prior to that, LeMond in 1990!

Hmmm I think it's more to do with Grand Jury Indictments.

Lie on those and your going to jail.

I reckon so. The balco stuff put the shits up everyone.

 

[Woodchip]

Come on cycling fans, I'm after a favour. I've had a very reasoned debate about Lance on FB with a mate of mine and I'm trying to recommend him some books to read about the doping in cycling (and the reasons for it). I've recommended Millars book and Bad Blood, but I know there are a couple more out there that I can't think of.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Come on cycling fans, I'm after a favour. I've had a very reasoned debate about Lance on FB with a mate of mine and I'm trying to recommend him some books to read about the doping in cycling (and the reasons for it). I've recommended Millars book and Bad Blood, but I know there are a couple more out there that I can't think of.

Kimmage, willy voet.

 

[Woodchip]

Breaking the Chain sounds good so I've recommended that to him. I know I've read another book that goes into a some details but I can't remember what one.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

Breaking the Chain sounds good so I've recommended that to him. I know I've read another book that goes into a some details but I can't remember what one.

Gaumont's book is apparently good (and honest) but I'm not sure if it's in English yet.

 

[1066familyman]

And another classic stage today. GC riders attacking each other and steep sections that almost make you wince just looking at them. I think it's scenes like this that made me fall in love with watching cycling as a kid.

Hats off to Contador for spot on tactics against Froome today. Comedy moment when Froome does a track stop on him right on one of the steepest sections but Contador refuses to budge. Have to confess, watching them go up that final climb today I thought Contador would take the stage, but oh what a finish from Valverde and J Rod Superb racing!

Cracking bit of analysis again from RH pointing out Contador's mistake right at the end that most likely cost him the stage win. What is there not to like about this Vuelta? I'm absolutely loving it!

 

[Stat Brother]

The Paul Kimmage book is the one.

 

[Stat Brother]

Bit naive from Froome Dog there.

The Spaniards certainly did a number on him, today.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

1066 is killing this. It's going to take a serious implosion to blow this one!

I've got no idea about tomorrow. Sprint? Break? God knows.

 

[Stat Brother]

1066 is killing this. It's going to take a serious implosion to blow this one!

I've got no idea about tomorrow. Sprint? Break? God knows.

We'd be having a great competition...





...if it wasn't for HIM!

 

[1066familyman]

I'm flummoxed for tomorrow too. Not sure if it'll go to a bunch sprint or if it's worth a gamble on the likes of Gilbert for this one. Decisions, decisions.