2010 Tour De France

[pparks1]

So, anybody here a cycling fan or paying attention to the race this year? It's been an interesting couple of stages thus far and the cobblestone racing was pretty wild...of course it did take a few big players out of the race which was a bummer.

 

[whs]

I follow the tour religiously since the 60's. The cobbles sure took their toll this year. But today was a day of recovery - for most. But as in every year, the tour will only really start once they hit the mountains.

 

[pparks1]

Yeah, I saw a dumb story on MSN today titled "Lance hangs tough in stage 4". I'm like, for Pete's sake...he had a flat tire yesterday and lost about 2 minutes total. Today was a group ride with everybody finishing together and getting the same time.

I'm just unsure why this would have been news? I would have only been surprised if he retired from the race... 2 minutes in the mountains can be a piece of cake. I'm more concerned with the more than 50 seconds between him and Contador and Schleck.

 

[Kirsch]

Whoa... didn't even know the Tour de France was going on LOL

 

[smarteyeball]

I'm just unsure why this would have been news?

Because Lance is the only name the vast majority of people know.

By and large, outside of Europe - nobody knows, or even cares about cycling.


I'm far from an avid follower, but are the spectators getting even more intrusive on the course ?

 

[whs]

By and large, outside of Europe - nobody knows, or even cares about cycling.

Not sure, think of all the excellent bikers from down under or from e.g. Columbia. And even in the US it starts to take on - just think of the tour of California or Georgia. The US is always 25 years behind the times - so it is normal that it starts late.

 

[pparks1]

By and large, outside of Europe - nobody knows, or even cares about cycling.

I understand why they would talk about Lance...and you are right...it is the only person many people know.

But the story was about as dramatic and newsworthy as, "Lance rides stage 4" or "Lance using 2 tires on his bicycle in the Tour De France".

 

[Bootz]

Yeah, I saw a dumb story on MSN today titled "Lance hangs tough in stage 4". I'm like, for Pete's sake...he had a flat tire yesterday and lost about 2 minutes total. Today was a group ride with everybody finishing together and getting the same time.

I'm just unsure why this would have been news? I would have only been surprised if he retired from the race... 2 minutes in the mountains can be a piece of cake. I'm more concerned with the more than 50 seconds between him and Contador and Schleck.

Its MSN are you really surprised....

I watch the race somewhat, same with soccer, but everytime i bring either up to my friends they ignore it and bring up Football or Basketball which in my opinion arnt even sports anymore, who the eff wants to watch lakers and celtics play in the finals for the 14 time like really wtf lol.

 

[smarteyeball]

Not sure, think of all the excellent bikers from down under or from e.g. Columbia. And even in the US it starts to take on - just think of the tour of California or Georgia.

True, but percentage wise - currently a lot of Americans would still be blissfully unaware that 'any tour' that involves cyclists exists. Or if they it did, they'd have no idea when or where these events take place.

However Lances' 'fame' has helped raised cycling's profile in America and bringing belated awareness to a much larger percentage of 'non-enthusiasts' than any previous rider has.

The US is always 25 years behind the times - so it is normal that it starts late.

And given enough success in a field and gaining a large enough fan following, they end up being the ones who invented the game

I understand why they would talk about Lance...and you are right...it is the only person many people know.

But the story was about as dramatic and newsworthy as, "Lance rides stage 4" or "Lance using 2 tires on his bicycle in the Tour De France".

Because mundane news is still 'news'

 

[sergiogarcia9]

Yes i knew it was going on atm and no i don't watch it. I have better things to do than sitting and watching men in tight shorts cycle 200 kilometers a day lol

 

[whs]

Yes i knew it was going on atm and no i don't watch it. I have better things to do than sitting and watching men in tight shorts cycle 200 kilometers a day lol

The bikers is one thing - but I also watch it because of the beautiful landscapes that are being shown along the way. It is like going on a vacation.

 

[MattRainier]

I thought it was the "Tour de Lance"...

 

[pparks1]

Argghhh...so today was disappointing at the tour. I'm really cheering for Schleck at this point and Contador is a tool for taking advantage of the situation the way that he did.

 

[whs]

Tough luck for Schleck. Loosing the chain in a critical moment is really not something anybody wants. Too bad the others were not so fair to wait for him. But they already waited in Spa. So I guess they figured that this time there is no justification for waiting.

 

[pparks1]

Tough luck for Schleck. Loosing the chain in a critical moment is really not something anybody wants. Too bad the others were not so fair to wait for him. But they already waited in Spa. So I guess they figured that this time there is no justification for waiting.

That's not the unwritten rule at the Tour though. When the Yellow jersey has to take a bio break or has a mechanical issue...the rest of the field slows and waits. In this case, Contador took advantage and established a lead during this time. I really think it stinks. Years ago when Lance won the race, he didn't do it through shady tactics and taking advantage of bad situations.

I still think Schleck can take him...and I think this is just going to fuel Schleck in later stages.

 

[whs]

Yeah, maybe. But Contador is much better against the clock which I believe will happen on Sat. in Bordeaux.

 

[pparks1]

Agreed and that was why I was happy that Schleck had the 40 second lead. Oh well, there is still a lot of racing to go.

 

[hawkin90]

I'm really enjoying the Tour as I do every year.
Routing for Hushovd! He got the green jersey back!
Cycling ftw <3

 

[chev65]

This tour is great in HD. I've been watching it everyday. Good racing for sure, too bad about all the crashes. The uphill finish on thursday should be good. I ride myself but I stick to my mountain bike.

 

[A Guy]

So, anybody here a cycling fan or paying attention to the race this year? It's been an interesting couple of stages thus far and the cobblestone racing was pretty wild...of course it did take a few big players out of the race which was a bummer.

The race is ok, but the scenery...incredible. The country villas, castle like. The rolling countryside. It like a travelogue show, and oh yeah, those bicycles racing through. A Guy