The Official 100th Tour de France thread, 2013.

[Indurain's Lungs]

I agree with the above. Froome's win is a much greater achievement (sporting rather than historical!). Brad got quite lucky with his only competition being Nibali. Looking at Froome this year, I think he might have run brad pretty close last year, given the chance.

Much better racing this year with attacking and interest right to the end.

 

[1066familyman]

Until last year a British TdF winner felt just as likely as us winning the footie World Cup. We could hope but realistically it was asking a lot and in completely uncharted waters. It helped the TdF planning a route to suit Wiggo's strengths and Sky's clinical approach.

Ironically we now have two TdF wins in a row but the chances of world cup footie win is even further away than ever. It's a funny old game.

What chance 3 TdF wins for us Brits in a row? This years TdF route was less Wiggo friendly but has nicely played to Froome's strengths, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with once it gets to France next year. Meanwhile Cav will be a good bet for the Cambridge to London stage.

To be honest, my 4 year old has just started riding her first proper bike. I hold out more hope of her winning a future women's Tour de France (which we're currently petitioning to see return) than I do of an England football team winning the World Cup (men or women's)

 

[Seagull over Canaryland]

Shame Wiggo won't be there to draw the raffle......can't see Froome being so whimsical on the podium.

Even so it will be a very special moment and would love to be there.

 

[1066familyman]

It'll certainly be interesting to see how Sky handle Quintana, next year.
He's the only man, assuming Henao and t'other fella (name escapes me), aren't up to leadership roles in their new teams.


Sky certainly won't get it all their own way, but it'll be nice to see the old guard slipping away.

My mouth is watering just at the thought of all this. Exciting times and the Sky train is going to have to be a bit more flexible I think than it has been. Can't wait to see where Henao & Uran end up as well.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

My mouth is watering just at the thought of all this. Exciting times and the Sky train is going to have to be a bit more flexible I think than it has been. Can't wait to see where Henao & Uran end up as well.

Are Henau and Uran leaving Sky? As you say, with these two heading up teams, Froome, Purito...next year should be superb. If Nibali gets a good team around him and goes for the Tour, even more so.

 

[Stat Brother]

Are Henau and Uran leaving Sky? As you say, with these two heading up teams, Froome, Purito...next year should be superb. If Nibali gets a good team around him and goes for the Tour, even more so.

One, Uran I think, is going to OPQS, who seem to be putting together a Super Team.

I can't remember where Heano is off too, but they are certainly both on there way.
Which is hardly surprising as Le Tour is off the cards with Sky for 3 or 4 more years.

 

[Stat Brother]

July 21, Stage 21: Versailles - Paris - Champs-Elysées 133.5km

 

[Motogull]

Froome's win is a much greater achievement (sporting rather than historical!).

Yup.

Froome's pulling the pin on the 'Givors → Mont-Ventoux' was my highlight.

Come on Cav!

 

[Hamilton]

The bus is here. The crowds are here. I have a Sky top on and have had my hand shaken by several random passers by. This is so fabulous.

 

[Hamilton]

And I had a coffee sat next to Zlatan Inrahimovic!

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

And I had a coffee sat next to Zlatan Inrahimovic!

I'm loving your excitement! Keep it up.

 

[banjo]

The bus is here. The crowds are here. I have a Sky top on and have had my hand shaken by several random passers by. This is so fabulous.View attachment 45007

Keep the pictures coming Hamilton. Thanks.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

And I had a coffee sat next to Zlatan Inrahimovic!

Where are you? By the Champs Elysees already? Where are you going to watch it from? Is Lizzie enjoying herself?

I'm highly jealous.

 

[Stat Brother]

And I had a coffee sat next to Zlatan Inrahimovic!

I take it you got a quick remortgage?

 

[Hamilton]

A yellow bike for a yellow jersey! So cool.

 

[Hamilton]

Where are you? By the Champs Elysees already? Where are you going to watch it from? Is Lizzie enjoying herself?

I'm highly jealous.

We are just leaving Versailles now and heading to the Tuileries Gardens to grab beers and positions. Mrs Hamilton is loving it. She is as much of a sports fanatic as me.

May try Champs Élysées, but have been given a local tip on a bar on the route.

 

[Hamilton]

What Cavendish needs to be passing first in 4 hours time.

 

[Motogull]

I want this year's version of this:



No pressure mate.

 

[Hamilton]

I want this year's version of this:

View attachment 45010

No pressure mate.

Gulp.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

How good did that look, around the Arc de Triomphe?