It TdF time again! (Tour de France)

Velo News ^ | June 27, 2011 | Jason Sumner

[Baynative]

The American Long Shot

Chris Horner (USA) RadioShack: 50-to-1

Why he can win: After winning the critical Sierra Road stage at the Tour of California, the always-effusive Horner declared to the world, “Nobody can drop me except Contador.” Certainly that was the case in the Golden State, as Horner put on a tour de force, easily dispatching the likes of Schleck and everyone of Team Garmin-Cervélo. On top of that, Horner is a solid time trialist (sixth on California’s tough Solvang circuit this year) and he’s one of the sport’s most cerebral riders. Think coach on the field and you’re on the right track. He’s said a podium finish is the goal, and it’s actually not a totally outrageous proposition.

What could trip him up: For starter’s Horner, 39, is not even the leader of his team. Instead, he’s one among four potential captains in a group that also includes former Tour podium finisher — and recent Tour of Switzerland winner — Levi Leipheimer, former Tour podium finisher Andreas Kloden, and Slovenian climbing sensation Jani Brajkovic. All four will get a chance to show their stuff when the climbing begins. Have a bad day on the wrong day, and you’ll be fetching bottles the rest of the race.

[Baynative]

"I have to say that I am not excited about the race at all this year."

Let not your heart be troubled. Like all great traditions, le Tour never fails to surprise us.

This could just turn out to be something that we will all be talking about next year.

[LibWhacker]

Rare photo, Tour de France, 1941

[drew]

Thanks for doing this! Despite all the drug scandals, the Tour is still a great event.

[Baynative]

What a pic - just at the moment of attack! I wonder if he got away...

[21stCenturion]

It is not possible to be any less interested in observing or following this year’s TDF or any future occurrence of this ‘event’.

After watching the spectacle of everyone and his brother, including former team-mates, dumping upon LA to portray him as a doper / PED consumer / ‘cheat’ and worse, I have lost any taste, pleasure or interest in the TDF.

Liars !!! Cannibals ! Ingrates ! Poseurs ! Backstabbing headline hounds ! Bastards ALL !

Please take me off any TDF ‘ping’ list( s ).

21stCenturion

[Baynative]

Are you ready for the prologue TT?

Well, FUGGETABOUTIT!

This year the tour is throwing in a little twist. This from the Director:

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS : A change of custom
“It has been a kind of tradition since 1967 that the Tour starts with a prologue. But, as in 2008, we will start with a road stage. We wanted to shake up the teams’ plans a little bit and change the way they operate. Only 10 riders can realistically contend for victory in a prologue. But each one of the 198 riders could win this stage and pull on the yellow jersey. Three years ago, the race started in Brittany, and this time we’re starting in the Vendée. The route will follow the coast before turning inland towards Les Herbiers and the Mont des Alouettes. This is not an ‘hors catégorie’ test, but even so it’s a finish for the strong men. The pure sprinters will struggle. It will suit someone like Thor Hushovd or a puncheur like Thomas Voeckler.”

Well whattdya know a 198km curveball to start the game...
LET THE FUN BEGIN!

[golux]

Watching now on Eurosport. (Am I looking at one of those new DuraAce wireless gruppos?) Vive le Tour, vive Ready, Bay, et Nutmeg!

[Baynative]

The thing I like most about July is waking up to Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin. I don't think there are any color commentators in any sport who can compare with them for talent, knowledge and pure viewer enjoyment. Liggett calling a pack sprint is a delight.

...and speaking of pack sprints -
The first significant sprint of the tour goes to our local boy Tyler Farrar who snuck up on Cavendish, Bonen and Pataki while they were watching each other! GO YANKS!