Between The Wheels

I'll talk to myself in here then.

Awful what happened to Gino Mäder yesterday. It's a dangerous sport is Cycling to go off down a ravine and end up under water is just awful. Magnus Sheffield goes the same way and it's concussion and contusions.

There's talk of it being a dangerous descent, but any descent is in the right circumstances.

Heard about that on the news - I don't follow the cycling competitions myself and hadn't heard of him, but what a tragedy.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on June 16, 2023, 09:13:11 PMI'll talk to myself in here then.

Awful what happened to Gino Mäder yesterday. It's a dangerous sport is Cycling to go off down a ravine and end up under water is just awful. Magnus Sheffield goes the same way and it's concussion and contusions.

There's talk of it being a dangerous descent, but any descent is in the right circumstances.

The problem here was that they could have finished up top but they (the organization) decided not to and add to the excitement by a downhill finish where the riders clock up to 100kph to reach the bottom.
A tragedy for sure and while the riders could be more 'careful' these circumstnces are bound to cause accidents. With the adrenalin pumping no one feels the danger.

Quote from: Thenop on June 17, 2023, 08:33:08 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on June 16, 2023, 09:13:11 PMI'll talk to myself in here then.

Awful what happened to Gino Mäder yesterday. It's a dangerous sport is Cycling to go off down a ravine and end up under water is just awful. Magnus Sheffield goes the same way and it's concussion and contusions.

There's talk of it being a dangerous descent, but any descent is in the right circumstances.

The problem here was that they could have finished up top but they (the organization) decided not to and add to the excitement by a downhill finish where the riders clock up to 100kph to reach the bottom.
A tragedy for sure and while the riders could be more 'careful' these circumstnces are bound to cause accidents. With the adrenalin pumping no one feels the danger.

They could have finished at the top, but the local municipal authorities put up the money to have stages finish in their towns, so that's where they sometimes finish. Today's Tour of Slovenia stage was after a descent from a Cat 1 climb.

I'm surprised there aren't more fatalities with all the racing I watch, just little random things can cause a major incident.

Well, that's the Tour de France under way (not in France of course) and a good day for a couple of Brits: Adam and Simon Yates came in first and second. Must be the first time identical twins have done that in the Grand Boucle.

Not so good for my "mate" James Shaw in his first tour as he came in 9'53" down, but I think he was down as Richard Carapaz's wing man and stopped with him after the crash involving Carapaz and Enric Mas. Carapaz had two bloodied knees and looked none too comfortable, but at least he continued unlike Mas.

Good to see Pog coming in third. I like Pog, he seems a good egg. Fantastic crowds out in Gernika and Bilbao too. Hope it's not that busy at the Road World's in Glasgae.

As a penance for his coming over I made my brother watch the race. At least he got to see Orla Chennaoui, one of his mates has told him that's she's a babe. A badly dressed trollop according to me.

I think the Tour is taking tips from Bazball, two days in and it's manic. Pog and Vingegaard doing a bit of slugging it out already. Pidock trying to sprint from 3k out, then Cofidis get a first stage win in 15 years through Baby Faced Victor Lafay, who sprinted from 1k out holding off a pissed off WvA. Come now Wout, do you really think Vingegaard will do a lead out for you.

Best of all was seeing Pog doing an impression of a pissed off WvA to Adam Yates :)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnndddddddddddddddddd relax.

A nothing much doing day. Just a two man break so Neilson Powless could keep the Polka Dot Jersey. The last 30k were a bit frantic though, like the last 5k of a regular sprint stage. Cav came in 5th, maybe he can get to 35 stage wins.

The last three days have been a fantastic advert for the Euskadi tourist board, tempted to get a flight to Bilbao, maybe even one back. Spanish Basque Country > French Basque country.

What channel's it on? Maybe I'm missing out.

Quote from: Slim on July 04, 2023, 09:34:13 AMWhat channel's it on? Maybe I'm missing out.

Shown live on ITV4, highlights on ITV4 @ 7pm

You have to have a liking for scenery and hope there's a few crashed to liven it up :)

Very true, The Spanish Basque country is much bigger than its French equivalent both in terms of geographical size and population.  Same is true with Catalonia

I love the slow tv that it is. They are now at 7k for the bunch sprint. I do hope Cab gets 1 win, but it will not be today.

So MvdP as locomotiv and Philipsen as the puncher. Nice combo, 2 days in a row. Some nasty crashes near the end as well.
First HC climb tomorrow, let's see who shows up

Quote from: Thenop on July 04, 2023, 07:17:58 PMSo MvdP as locomotiv and Philipsen as the puncher. Nice combo, 2 days in a row. Some nasty crashes near the end as well.
First HC climb tomorrow, let's see who shows up

Yes, surprised at the amount of crashes at the end. If only Cav hadn't chosen to follow Pedersen and had managed to get on the MvdP express, he might have got a 3rd! He's doing better than I thought.

I think they'll let the break take the HC, then UAE go for the bonus seconds on the Marie Blanque. With the Pyrenees coming so early things may be a bit cagey, but then again they might let rip from the off, what do I know?

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 04, 2023, 09:47:22 PM

Quote from: Thenop on July 04, 2023, 07:17:58 PMSo MvdP as locomotiv and Philipsen as the puncher. Nice combo, 2 days in a row. Some nasty crashes near the end as well.
First HC climb tomorrow, let's see who shows up

Yes, surprised at the amount of crashes at the end. If only Cav hadn't chosen to follow Pedersen and had managed to get on the MvdP express, he might have got a 3rd! He's doing better than I thought.

I think they'll let the break take the HC, then UAE go for the bonus seconds on the Marie Blanque. With the Pyrenees coming so early things may be a bit cagey, but then again they might let rip from the off, what do I know?

Guess with the amount of climbs this tour they'll ease into it. Still don't get why Jumbo did not bring Roglic like last year to lure Pog out.
I get that he wants to do Giro Vuelta, but surely Le Tour trumps both of them?

Quote from: Thenop on July 05, 2023, 05:28:29 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 04, 2023, 09:47:22 PM

Quote from: Thenop on July 04, 2023, 07:17:58 PMSo MvdP as locomotiv and Philipsen as the puncher. Nice combo, 2 days in a row. Some nasty crashes near the end as well.
First HC climb tomorrow, let's see who shows up

Yes, surprised at the amount of crashes at the end. If only Cav hadn't chosen to follow Pedersen and had managed to get on the MvdP express, he might have got a 3rd! He's doing better than I thought.

I think they'll let the break take the HC, then UAE go for the bonus seconds on the Marie Blanque. With the Pyrenees coming so early things may be a bit cagey, but then again they might let rip from the off, what do I know?

Guess with the amount of climbs this tour they'll ease into it. Still don't get why Jumbo did not bring Roglic like last year to lure Pog out.
I get that he wants to do Giro Vuelta, but surely Le Tour trumps both of them?

Roglic tends to have bad luck in the Tour

Yes and no, he was the one that made Vingegaard win the tour last year. If the team, collectively, want to win, they should put forward the best riders to increase their chance of winning.

Quote from: Thenop on July 05, 2023, 11:01:40 AMYes and no, he was the one that made Vingegaard win the tour last year. If the team, collectively, want to win, they should put forward the best riders to increase their chance of winning.

But you don't want too many bosses and not enough workers. I think the Vuelta is Roglic's race.

Well, today certainly didn't go how people thought! Don't like seeing Australians winning things at the moment, but it's tipping towards Vingegaard now. Pogacar is definitely undercooked after his injury break, maybe he'll gain form over the race but it'll be too late.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 05, 2023, 05:05:59 PM

Quote from: Thenop on July 05, 2023, 11:01:40 AMYes and no, he was the one that made Vingegaard win the tour last year. If the team, collectively, want to win, they should put forward the best riders to increase their chance of winning.

But you don't want too many bosses and not enough workers. I think the Vuelta is Roglic's race.

Well, today certainly didn't go how people thought! Don't like seeing Australians winning things at the moment, but it's tipping towards Vingegaard now. Pogacar is definitely undercooked after his injury break, maybe he'll gain form over the race but it'll be too late.

Vingegaard looks really strong and super focused.
Hindley won't win this, Bora does not have the team to carry this for 3 weeks.

As interesting as this was, I am a bit afraid the fireworks have come & gone. Hindley will have a bad day, Vingegaard will gain the time and defend. Unless Pogacar really stands up it'll be boring from now on.
I hope not, but I think it will be.

Hindley has won a Giro. He also came second to Tao Geoghegan Hart the year before and with the best will in the world Tao would never win the tour. It's not yet over, but it's getting there.

So long as we get sun in the mountains things will pick up, tomorrow's finish is where Mrs S learned to ski so she wants to get a good view.

Well it's Pogacar again then. Hindley not strong enough.
Vingegaard has the best team.
Might just turn out to be an interesting 2,5 weeks to come.

Rip up your predictions and flush 'em away. Game back on!
Once again I didn't see that one coming. JV have the grand plans, but Pog just makes them up as he goes along. I'll have to watch the last 10k again after Mrs S gets home.

Big shout out for James Shaw too, nice to see a local lad doing well. Don't like seeing him when he flies by me on his training runs - first in Ribble Weldtite colours, now EF Pro Cycling - but he was up there with the big boys for a long while.

ARSE!!! I really thought Cav had got that one. Can't believe he got so close from where he was 1k out, seems as if his gears weren't changing properly and he had had a wheel change about 40k out so maybe the indexing was a bit out. It made Mrs S run when she heard me shouting "COME ON CAV!" so check your local seismometers for action at about 16:15!

I would have liked Cav for this one as well. The sad news is, Philipsen is on course for Green, which means he'll try and outlive the Alps to bring that jersey home.
Still rooting for Cav to get at least 1 stage so he beats the record. It's about time.

Oh no Cav! Does not look good  :(

Quote from: Thenop on July 08, 2023, 02:41:58 PMOh no Cav! Does not look good  :(

Yep, he's out. Rough luck

A real pity, really thought he was going to do it

From the near highs of yesterday to the lows of today. It's a tough sport is cycle racing. Pity the appeals against Philipsen weren't upheld yesterday. Robbie McEwen said that if Girmay had ended up crashing Philipsen would have been relegated, but no crash no relegation.

Steff Cras who was 13th on GC has had to quit following a crash near the finish which cost Simon Yates two places.

That was a bit of a climb... It is such an unfair sort, you see the American out for 50-60 km and then Woods comes and takes over on the last 600 meters.

Ah well, resting day tomorrow and then we'll see what damage the Alps will do!

You have to admire Woods though. His attack was timed superbly.

I'm sure they'll all enjoy thd rest day

Quote from: dom on July 09, 2023, 05:52:32 PMYou have to admire Woods though. His attack was timed superbly.

Yes and he's the right sort of American - a Canuck not a Seppo :) It's not over until you cross the finish line.

Nice to see Tom Pidcock up there near the end, I thought he'd been a bit off on the climbing so far. He's certainly doing better than his CX buddies WvA and MvdP, but then he doesn't have to empty himself like WvA

Tom Pidcock's afternoon ride:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9419603994/

Matteo Jorgenson set a KOM on the Puy de Dome climb on a recce run @ 40", Pidcock took 33'50" today. Pog and Vingegaard will have been quicker...

Cycle racing ought to be quite simple. Today was a Dude WTF day! I missed all the fun at the start as well. Would have been nice if they'd kept the Peloton split to force Bardet and Gaudu out of the top 10.
Hopefully the Yates brothers and Pidcock can reclaim the positions they lost.

And just what were WvA and MvdP up to?

Kept forgetting to mention last week about the Giro Donne going on, won by Annemiek van Vleuten, a young whippersnapper of 40!

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 09, 2023, 11:46:13 PMTom Pidcock's afternoon ride:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9419603994/

I find that astonishing. Averaging 25mph over 118 miles. Can't even imagine it.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 11, 2023, 04:58:13 PMCycle racing ought to be quite simple. Today was a Dude WTF day! I missed all the fun at the start as well. Would have been nice if they'd kept the Peloton split to force Bardet and Gaudu out of the top 10.
Hopefully the Yates brothers and Pidcock can reclaim the positions they lost.

And just what were WvA and MvdP up to?

Kept forgetting to mention last week about the Giro Donne going on, won by Annemiek van Vleuten, a young whippersnapper of 40!

WVA was just stupid. MvdP just had to try, he has nothing to defend, WVA has!
In the end Bilbao winning was beautiful in honour of his lost teammate.

Quote from: Slim on July 11, 2023, 05:14:19 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 09, 2023, 11:46:13 PMTom Pidcock's afternoon ride:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9419603994/

I find that astonishing. Averaging 25mph over 118 miles. Can't even imagine it.

Quote from: Slim on July 11, 2023, 05:14:19 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 09, 2023, 11:46:13 PMTom Pidcock's afternoon ride:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9419603994/

I find that astonishing. Averaging 25mph over 118 miles. Can't even imagine it.

That's why he's a pro rider and we're not :)

I'd hope - vainly - for a 14.5 mph average on a ride like that. Don't know if I could do the last 4km @ 11% though...

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 11, 2023, 04:58:13 PMCycle racing ought to be quite simple. Today was a Dude WTF day! I missed all the fun at the start as well. Would have been nice if they'd kept the Peloton split to force Bardet and Gaudu out of the top 10.
Hopefully the Yates brothers and Pidcock can reclaim the positions they lost.

And just what were WvA and MvdP up to?

Kept forgetting to mention last week about the Giro Donne going on, won by Annemiek van Vleuten, a young whippersnapper of 40!

Bardet and Gaudu are 2 fine cyclists.  Why did you want them to drop out of the top 10?

Quote from: dom on July 12, 2023, 01:20:00 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 11, 2023, 04:58:13 PMCycle racing ought to be quite simple. Today was a Dude WTF day! I missed all the fun at the start as well. Would have been nice if they'd kept the Peloton split to force Bardet and Gaudu out of the top 10.
Hopefully the Yates brothers and Pidcock can reclaim the positions they lost.

And just what were WvA and MvdP up to?

Kept forgetting to mention last week about the Giro Donne going on, won by Annemiek van Vleuten, a young whippersnapper of 40!

Bardet and Gaudu are 2 fine cyclists.  Why did you want them to drop out of the top 10?

They're French, can't have French cyclists doing well in the Grande Boucle ;D

Oh, and Gaudu wears specs and neither of them like Goats.

About time we had a proper resurgence in French Cycling.  Too many Brits and American types thinking they can cycle, just won't do!

Philipsen again, by far the fastest in the game at the moment.

Quote from: dom on July 12, 2023, 02:43:41 PMAbout time we had a proper resurgence in French Cycling.  Too many Brits and American types thinking they can cycle, just won't do!

Don't forget the Brits who think they are Irish - although none are at the TdF.

Never thought Philipsen would be so dominant in the sprints as I thought the big sprint names seemed fairly evenly matched. But hey, what do I know...

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 12, 2023, 05:04:06 PM

Quote from: dom on July 12, 2023, 02:43:41 PMAbout time we had a proper resurgence in French Cycling.  Too many Brits and American types thinking they can cycle, just won't do!

Don't forget the Brits who think they are Irish - although none are at the TdF.

Never thought Philipsen would be so dominant in the sprints as I thought the big sprint names seemed fairly evenly matched. But hey, what do I know...

It's the Tour de France, normal rules do not apply.

Bonkers again today. If you'd only seen the second half of the race you'd think it had just been a regular TdF stage, but it was attack after attack after attack with no thought as to why it was being done. Wonderful.

And Cofidis wait 15 years for a stage win and two turn up at once. Well done Ion Izagirre.

Well deserved. MvdP not yet strong enough but had me on the edge of my seat for a while.

Roll on tomorrow: Le Grand Colombier!

Well done Kwiatkowski  8) but the rest was a big letdown to be honest. Pogacar waiting till the last 500 metred and pinching a few seconds. Meh. I feel Vingegaard might be stronger than him. Less explosive but more stamina. We will see the coming days which are more for him.

I enjoyed it, Pog just chip, chip, chipping away, the next couple of days will be a bigger test though.

Nice to see 4 Brits in the top 10 and all from the North too (Midlands counts as North) but gutted for James Shaw, couldn't quite hang on for a podium finish.

Crikey! I was so overjoyed by the surfeit of Brits in the top 10 today, I failed to mention the lack of Frenchies :) Tom Pidcock did suggest that after his victory on Alpe d'huez last year that la fête nationale should be renamed la fête d'INEOS.

Some injured in an early big crash, but it is hot and JumboVisma is pushing like crazy. Let's see if they can crack Pogacar.

Don't normally post during a stage, but gutted for James Shaw - and other abandons - as I won't be able to say I get passed on the roads by a TdF finisher. Looking interesting so far.

At least 1 moteur should have it's licensed pulled immediately.
Powerplay from 2 teams today, already looking forward to tomorrow!
Vingegaard won 1 second today...
Well done Rodriguez, where 2 fight...

That was bonkers.
Thought Pog was going to put it bed when he attacked up the Joux Plane. Vingegaard fights back, Pog's bonus second sprint was blocked by motorbikes then he messes up attempt two.

Ten seconds between first and second, one between third and fourth.

Hopefully blow for blow again tomorrow.

And Pidcock isn't a GC rider, certainly not at Grand Tour level.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 15, 2023, 02:53:29 PMDon't normally post during a stage, but gutted for James Shaw - and other abandons - as I won't be able to say I get passed on the roads by a TdF finisher. Looking interesting so far.

Ditto for Bardet. He's not at his best level but it's a real shame injury ended the tour for him

Quote from: Thenop on July 15, 2023, 05:00:45 PMAt least 1 moteur should have it's licensed pulled immediately.
Powerplay from 2 teams today, already looking forward to tomorrow!
Vingegaard won 1 second today...
Well done Rodriguez, where 2 fight...

I think the moteurs were stuck between a rock and a hard place. Impossible to accelerate because of the huge mad crowd in front and Pogacar like a rocket behind.

Quote from: dom on July 15, 2023, 09:23:51 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 15, 2023, 02:53:29 PMDon't normally post during a stage, but gutted for James Shaw - and other abandons - as I won't be able to say I get passed on the roads by a TdF finisher. Looking interesting so far.

Ditto for Bardet. He's not at his best level but it's a real shame injury ended the tour for him

Serves him right. He doesn't like Goats...

I think Sky were thinking of signing Bardet at one time, David Brailsford had the desire to make a French TdF champion.

Wout Poels! What a win! Fantastic, third week Wout, Froome's helper in years gone.

Pogacar and Vingegaard fascinating how nothing happened. All that tension and then.. Nothing.

Roll on the 3rd week.

Now watching Poels for Dutch TV, very emotional.

Mrs S is very pleased for Wout Poels.

But what was Pog doing? Does he want to make sure the drama lasts longer?

Shame about the spectator caused crash near the start.

I don't normally care for Time Trials, but Tuesday should be interesting.

Spectator found himself more important than the riders. Idiot.

Pogacar, don't know, maybe he wasn't good enough today. My guess is he wants to do the TT full on bur we know Vingegaard can do that as well....

Holy sh!t.
What a difference  :o

What more is there to say?
Pogacar stupidly changing bikes, but he was already lost.

Wow.

Can't believe that. Thoughts of "Special Vitamins" are creeping into my head. I thought there might be about 5-10 seconds between them at the end. But Pog being 1'15" ahead of WvA then Vingegaard 1'30" ahead of Pog. Pog's bike change was stupid, but in the end didn't cost him that much.

Maybe UAE have a cunning plan for tomorrow, Who knows.

Adam Yates now in a podium position, the Yates twins have upped their TT skills.

So, it's done. Pogacar just broke, that's it, Tour over.
Lovely stage win for Gall, saw his post race interview, he was very emotional. Looks like Yates can go for 2nd place if he pushes and gets the green light.

Lizard Lips has got it then - barring an accident and I think he's about the only one in the peleton I haven't seen hit the deck yet.

Surprised that the commentators didn't see the imminent popping of Pogagcar, as soon as I saw his jersey fully unzipped I told Mrs S that he'd done.

And Felix Gall should have said "Who vaz dat?" when Ben O'Connor came to congratulate him on his win.

And finally so glad the sun was out all day, love the Alps, loved the Phone Box up near the Cormet de Roseland.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 19, 2023, 05:03:37 PMLizard Lips has got it then - barring an accident and I think he's about the only one in the peleton I haven't seen hit the deck yet.

Surprised that the commentators didn't see the imminent popping of Pogagcar, as soon as I saw his jersey fully unzipped I told Mrs S that he'd done.

And Felix Gall should have said "Who vaz dat?" when Ben O'Connor came to congratulate him on his win.

And finally so glad the sun was out all day, love the Alps, loved the Phone Box up near the Cormet de Roseland.

Dutch commentators picked it up early on. TJV being a Dutch team was immediately pushed for a response for TV, Merijn Zeeman, team boss, was very respectful when responding to prying questions.
Pogacar is a superb athlete, but he's not recovered enough from his fall in LBL, he couldn't put in enough time before the Tour.

Would have like a bit more of a battle....
On to find out who will take the Polka Dots!

By the way, spectators, motard & TDF hotshots in a car blocking the road on the climb again was disgraceful.

Excellent win for Asgreen today, just staying ahead of the pack. Honourable mention for Dutch no2 Eenhoorn.

Tomorrow again something for the breakaway, hoping MvdP can show himself.

Well done that Breakaway :) Was shouting at the telly at that one. So glad that Jasper Philipsen didn't get another win. I've taken an irrational dislike to him this tour, but I've got reason to now after he blocked Pascal Eenkhoorn from trying to get to the breakaway.

The Alpecin Team car said that MvdP will be going for it tomorrow. I expect Pidcock will too, could be one of the reasons for him dropping back these last few mountain stages.

Surprisingly interesting today. Great winner, lovely man.

Tomorrow the last real stage, serious climbing, looking forward to it!

And Asgreen was so unlucky not to get two stages in a row.

MvdP and Pidcock did make the break, but pulled up no trees.

Tomorrow's stage could be another full on day with people fighting for the minor placings. Bring it on.

All over bar the shouting now. The curmudgeon in me hopes Vingegaard crashes a metre from the 3km limit and then spends 8 minutes getting back on his bike. But that's just me.

Thought today didn't deliver as much as it could, but Gall wanted a stage win and to maintain his GC position over the Polka Dots. Pinot put on a good show and it was good to see Pog back to winning ways and for the Yates brothers to come in third and fourth overall.

Nasty crash for Carlos Rodriquez and Sepp Kuss, Team JV dais it was Rodriguez's tyre exploding that dropped him and Sepp rode over him.

Just a processional stage now, but the Tour de France Femmes starts tomorrow.

But of a letdown today to be honest, Tour is done.
Ciccone polka dots, well done.
One more sprint tomorrow and then on to see if van Vleuten can win 6 large tours in a row.

Glad the men's stages were more exciting than that. Took a long while to kick off. Was hoping to ride rather than watch the final men's stage, but I'm not going out in the wet.

 Nice for Kopecky to take the first yellow but I agree, quite boring.

Feel bad for the Spanish lady who fell. Quite annoyed with the cameras hoovering over her getting all the footage. Clearly she was seriously injured, leave her be vultures  >:(

That was a surprise! Nice though, another Belgian winner in the sprint.

2023 Tour done, Tour de Femmes to be rolled out and then the Vuelta. With...that's right Vingegaard & Roglic in the same team. JV going for the 3 tours this year.

Quote from: Thenop on July 23, 2023, 03:51:18 PMClearly she was seriously injured, leave her be vultures  >:(

Yes, the commentators here were saying leave her be, she's crashed that's all we need to know.

Well done Jordi Meeus today, didn't see that coming and nice to see Pog on the attack, wasn't that keen on him when he appeared on the scene, but I like him more and more.

And yes Vingegaard and Roglic for the Vuelta. Geraint Thomas must have sunk into his chair hearing that.

Good win for Arnaud de Lie today in the Tour de Wallonie.

He had a crash in May resulting in a  fracture to his sternum along with a broken rib, a collapsed lung and a broken left collarbone. I'd still be in bed...

Interesting and hard finish in the TDF Femmes today. Well done beating the yellow jersey by the Austrian.

Some unfortunate crashes due to a slippery road, I hope Eva van Agt is OK, she crashed badly and slipped under the guiderail. Didn't look good.

Quote from: Thenop on July 24, 2023, 04:55:05 PMInteresting and hard finish in the TDF Femmes today. Well done beating the yellow jersey by the Austrian.

Some unfortunate crashes due to a slippery road, I hope Eva van Agt is OK, she crashed badly and slipped under the guiderail. Didn't look good.

Yes, the weather gods smiled on the men's race. The Eva van Agt crash didn't look good at all, don't like descending in the wet, let alone racing in it.

And one small point, Liane Lippert's German, I watch too much cycling...

Yeah just realized that, German, Austrian... It's the language, I saw the post race interview. Should've picked up on the jersey...  ::)

Watching Tour De France Unchained covering last year's race. It's brilliant!

Quote from: dom on July 24, 2023, 10:41:53 PMWatching Tour De France Unchained covering last year's race. It's brilliant!

It is indeed a great watch. There's also one that concentrates on the Movistar team but not got around to that one yet

Poor Julie van de Velde, over the last 20km I thought she'd got it, I thought she'd not; I thought she'd got it, I thought she'd not; I thought she'd got it, I thought she'd not; I thought she'd got it, I thought she'd not; I thought she'd got it, I thought she'd not; Shes' got it! No she hasn't...

Yes that was exciting. And then Wiebes takes with a top speed of 61kph.

Eva van Agt who crashed yesterday has a concussion and a bruised long, never heard that before. She lost consciousness a bit after her fall.

Roll on the mountains, looking forward to the Tourmalet later this week.

Quote from: Thenop on July 25, 2023, 04:40:31 PMEva van Agt who crashed yesterday has a concussion and a bruised long, never heard that before

Me neither  ;)

Quote from: David L on July 25, 2023, 05:14:09 PM

Quote from: Thenop on July 25, 2023, 04:40:31 PMEva van Agt who crashed yesterday has a concussion and a bruised long, never heard that before

Me neither  ;)

Might be my lack of language skills. It's a literal translation.
Correct term is pulmonary contusion.

Quote from: Thenop on July 25, 2023, 05:17:07 PM

Quote from: David L on July 25, 2023, 05:14:09 PM

Quote from: Thenop on July 25, 2023, 04:40:31 PMEva van Agt who crashed yesterday has a concussion and a bruised long, never heard that before

Me neither  ;)

Might be my lack of language skills. It's a literal translation.
Correct term is pulmonary contusion.

I assumed "long" was an unnoticed 'typo'  :D
Don't knock your language skills - you express yourself as well as anyone on this site

Quote from: Thenop on July 25, 2023, 05:17:07 PM

Quote from: David L on July 25, 2023, 05:14:09 PM

Quote from: Thenop on July 25, 2023, 04:40:31 PMEva van Agt who crashed yesterday has a concussion and a bruised long, never heard that before

Me neither  ;)

Might be my lack of language skills. It's a literal translation.
Correct term is pulmonary contusion.

I've learned all sorts of medical terms since I started cycling/watching cycling. I'd spent most of my  life saying "Collapsed Lung" instead of "Pneumothorax"

Well done Yara Kastelijn, a win from the breakaway, although with a 10 minute gap with 60km to go the breakaway should succeed, but she was the only one. I thought that Audrey Cordon Ragout* might put the leaders in a stew, but not to happen. It was a good watch that, I thought Lotte Kopecky might hold on from the peloton, but not to be either.

* Yes, I know...

Very good win with a steep endclimb there.
Kopecky will loose the jersey shortly anyway, and Vollering not fully aware whether she won or not :P

Now watching some post match interviews and Vollering looks mangled. Van Vleuten on the other hand very cheerful, 'we tested each other'.
I can still see her take the overall win...

Chapeau Ricarda Bauernfeind, a cast iron sprint stage? Think not. I bet she didn't dare fail with Magnus Backstedt as her DS...

Surprised British Champ Pfeiffer Gerorgi hasn't been doing better, these Ardennes' style stages are quite similar to the parcours of the British Chamoionship sourse this year, perhaps because she's on Domestique duties - as women should be  :-X

Belated congrats to Filippo Ganna for winning the Tour de Wallonie yesterday. Shame the organisation was such that some riders followed a Moto rider off course resulting in the race being neutralised.

Just heard Vollering has a 20 second Penalty for stayering. Stupid really, her own car brought her too far front.

Another first winner, SDworx clearly not as much in control as they'd like to be..

So sprinting then tomorrow.. Maybe?

Quote from: Thenop on July 27, 2023, 04:50:33 PMJust heard Vollering has a 20 second Penalty for stayering. Stupid really, her own car brought her too far front.

Yes, daft thing to do. Looked like she expected a bike change not a wheel change. Why weren't any team mates sent back for her?

So...Danny Stam, the teamboss for SD Worx has been evicted from Le Tour following his actions with the car and subsequent 'visit' he paid the jury. Seems he was a bit upset and expressed himself like an idiot.
He should know better, jury's don't take too well to that.

That was one hell of a bunch sprint.. Or was it 8)
Well done Norsgard, deserved win this.
Unfortunately the camera vultures found it necessary again to keep rolling when injured riders were being helped..

Now, Tourmalet as decisionmaker. Bring it on!

Yes, another good win from the breakaway and there is too much concentration on the injured, let them got sorted, but there have been an awful lot of cyclists ending up in ditches this tour.

Normally the Col d'Aspin would suffice for a women's stage, but the Tourmalet as well, there could be an awful lot of riders outside the time limit tomorrow.

Quite the battle that.. So it's Vollering this year, not surprising after all. Niewiadoma was  very strong, well deserved for the podium.
Let's see what the TT brings tomorrow, Kopecky can push van Vleuten off of the podium if she does well.

Gutted for Katia Niewiadoma, would have loved to see her win the stage after taking off down the Col d'Aspin whilst Vollering and and AvV faffed around. Kopecky was really given some oomph by the Maillot Jaune. I expect she will get to the podium tomorrow, but that will probably show why I don't bet.

I say this through clenched teeth, but well done Remco Evenepoel for winning the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa - just watched on catch-up.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 29, 2023, 11:36:15 PMI say this through clenched teeth, but well done Remco Evenepoel for winning the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa - just watched on catch-up.

Yes, yes. Let's see if he left something for the world's....
I am liking WvA and MvdP for that one though, with Pidcock being close.

Quote from: Thenop on July 30, 2023, 06:00:51 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 29, 2023, 11:36:15 PMI say this through clenched teeth, but well done Remco Evenepoel for winning the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa - just watched on catch-up.

Yes, yes. Let's see if he left something for the world's....
I am liking WvA and MvdP for that one though, with Pidcock being close.

I'm off to watch it in Glasgow next week, with it being a circuit race at the end I'll get to see them 10 times :)

I think it's between WVA, MvdP and Remco. Pidcock's not doing the road race, think he's just doing the Mountain Biking. Fred Wright's the best bet for GB and he's not at the level he was at last year. The Belgian road squad is stacked with talent.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 30, 2023, 11:09:48 AM

Quote from: Thenop on July 30, 2023, 06:00:51 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 29, 2023, 11:36:15 PMI say this through clenched teeth, but well done Remco Evenepoel for winning the Donostia San Sebastian Klasikoa - just watched on catch-up.

Yes, yes. Let's see if he left something for the world's....
I am liking WvA and MvdP for that one though, with Pidcock being close.

I'm off to watch it in Glasgow next week, with it being a circuit race at the end I'll get to see them 10 times :)

I think it's between WVA, MvdP and Remco. Pidcock's not doing the road race, think he's just doing the Mountain Biking. Fred Wright's the best bet for GB and he's not at the level he was at last year. The Belgian road squad is stacked with talent.

Oh great, enjoy that!
Did not check the starting lineup for the road, seems like Pidcock will be no1 fav for the MB then.

Looking at the lineup for the road, the Belgians have a very strong team. So do the Danes and the Aussies. I think we are OK as well.
I could see Pedersen get far, maybe if he does it right, Ben Healy. Well impressive the the Giro.
Would be surprised is Alaphillippe amounts to something, he has been out of it quite a bit.

Quote from: Thenop on July 30, 2023, 12:46:39 PMLooking at the lineup for the road, the Belgians have a very strong team. So do the Danes and the Aussies. I think we are OK as well.
I could see Pedersen get far, maybe if he does it right, Ben Healy. Well impressive the the Giro.
Would be surprised is Alaphillippe amounts to something, he has been out of it quite a bit.

Yes, could be a good one for Pedersen and Healy, with the world championships being a one off you can get a surprise winner.

Gutted for Niewiadoma again today, just being pipped for second place, but good that the three big jerseys were shared out.

Yes, not so exciting of an ending. Good lesson for the organization, never end a tour on a TT.
Mens tour ended on a TT a couple of times. The one I remember best was Fignon vs Lemondin Paris, that was exciting though.

But clearly van Vleuten passed on the torch to Vollering.

Quote from: Thenop on July 30, 2023, 05:04:10 PMYes, not so exciting of an ending. Good lesson for the organization, never end a tour on a TT.
Mens tour ended on a TT a couple of times. The one I remember best was Fignon vs Lemondin Paris, that was exciting though.

Next year's men's tour ends on a TT in Nice, thinking of going, not a big TT fan, but at least you get to see everybody.

QuoteBut clearly van Vleuten passed on the torch to Vollering.

Yes.

Ah yes, that's right. The Olympics are in France next year. I wonder how many of the cycling community will stay on to do the Olympics.

Picking at scraps today with stage one of the Tour de l'Ain.

Highlights were two of the three man breakaway crashing together on a speed bump and an English man winning the stage for a French team - wouldn't have happened a couple of years back!

All action on the final descent today, someone, can't recall who came off into a barbed wire fence; Hugh "Pob" Carthy came off on a corner, then Michael Storer crashed after hitting Jefferson Cepeda on the finish line, his own stupid fault.

Well done Will Tidball for winning Gold in the Scratch Race at the Track World Championships.

Can't say I'm a fan of disabled sport, but watching a bloke with one leg cycling puts me to shame, as did the Spanish bloke with two arm stumps and a prosthetic leg - built in cleat on the end, nice!

Watched the Junior Downhill Mountain biking this afternoon. The women's race was a 1-2-3 for the Kiwis, I'll accept that, they were a part of Empire.

Thankfully a Kraut and a Canuck prevented a Froggo 1-2-3 in the men's. That would have stuck in the craw, they all belong in the FFL

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 04, 2023, 05:17:00 PMWatched the Junior Downhill Mountain biking this afternoon. The women's race was a 1-2-3 for the Kiwis, I'll accept that, they were a part of Empire.

Thankfully a Kraut and a Canuck prevented a Froggo 1-2-3 in the men's. That would have stuck in the craw, they all belong in the FFL

FFL?

Quote from: dom on August 05, 2023, 12:09:22 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 04, 2023, 05:17:00 PMWatched the Junior Downhill Mountain biking this afternoon. The women's race was a 1-2-3 for the Kiwis, I'll accept that, they were a part of Empire.

Thankfully a Kraut and a Canuck prevented a Froggo 1-2-3 in the men's. That would have stuck in the craw, they all belong in the FFL

FFL?

French Federation of Lose

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 05, 2023, 08:38:34 AM

Quote from: dom on August 05, 2023, 12:09:22 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 04, 2023, 05:17:00 PMWatched the Junior Downhill Mountain biking this afternoon. The women's race was a 1-2-3 for the Kiwis, I'll accept that, they were a part of Empire.

Thankfully a Kraut and a Canuck prevented a Froggo 1-2-3 in the men's. That would have stuck in the craw, they all belong in the FFL

FFL?

French Federation of Lose

>:(

Caught the Junior Men's road race today, 16 year old Albert Philipsen stormed it.
Crowds were great for it, might struggle to find a viewing spot tomorrow.

Race starts in 30, enjoy!

What an unbelievable end of a fantastic race, and what a deserved winner. MvdP, a true champion.
Proud he is Dutch, it's been 38 years since the last one, Zoetemelk.

And fuck those protestors: no one will remember who you are because no one saw you on TV.

Yes,well done MvdP. Couldn't believe his margin of victory.
Maybe more to follow tomorrow.

What a great day! :)

After seeing the finish of the Men's junior race on Saturday - and once we'd been fed and watered - we did a course recce to see where a good viewing point would be. We decided that Montrose Street would be good and maybe wander down to the finish area later.

We got to Montrose Street about 10:20 and both sides were already full. There was a Belgian base camp at the summit and further down a good couple of longships worth of Danes, who had set up a full on Euro Techno Disco. I was prepared to put up with it for the sake of learning foreign cycle fans customs, but Mrs S was dead set against it. So, we set up over the brow of the hill before a corner so the riders wouldn't be going too quickly, we could also see them going by the feed zone before the course got round to Montrose Street.

Whilst were waiting we were entertained by people who'd just ridden up Montrose Street: People on Bromptons; kids on mountain bikes; tandems; hire bikes, the full panoply of ridden things and ages of people. Various National team riders were doing course recces for later races. When they started to clear people off as the race was coming Shirin van Anrooij and Lorena Wiebes stopped about 10 yards from us.

Of course we didn't know what was going on in the race even though there was a big screen in front of us, but it was facing the other way, but we did hear the commentary go off because of the protesting pillocks.

The wait didn't dampen the party atmosphere, I think the locals were well outnumbered by incomers and the roar which greeted the breakaway riders was something to behold (behear?) Mrs S thought the Pleton when it came through was too far down already. I told her she was stupid. Of course the break was soon reeled in.

It's hard to pick people out when they come by, but I spotted Victor Campanaerts pulling the Peleton along, he then dropped further and further back each lap, but he always got a hearty "COME ON VICTOR" from me. He gave me a resigned look on his last pass through.

It was always good seeing those near the back of the race not far ahead of the broom wagon and wondering if you'd see them again, I think Jasper Philipsen managed a couple of laps before being swept up.

Matteo Trentin got off near us. I pointed out to Mrs S a lone Alaphilippe going by, she didn't believe  me, but did when he got off at the feed zone the next lap.

Not knowing fully what was going on meant it was a surprise when a lone Bettiol came by, of course he didn't last and soon it was down to Pog, WvA, MvdP and Pedersen. We heard that MvdP attacked and then heard the chorus of dismay when he came off, followed by a cheer after his remount from those watching the big screen, we thought that would be it, but couldn't believe the increased lead he had coming by again before his victory.

A good result, who could complain about that 1-2-3 just about the cream of the cycling crop. We stayed on the hill until the last of the finishers came by, each of them got just as big a cheer as the front guys, a cycling crowd is a fair crowd. Very partisan - a Belgian couple near us knew each of their riders - but fair.

Fantastic day again, and I even enjoyed seeing the mechanics wheel away the bikes of the non-finishers. Complete and utter bike porn  ;D

Before we left today we saw some U14 and U16 races for boys and girls on a short section of the city circuit, that must have been a great experience for them with the proper finish line and a commentator announcing their progress. They got a decent crowd too.

Yes, so good I'm thinking about going back for the women's race, but wallet doesn't like the look of train ticket prices.

Sounds like a grand day, glad you enjoyed it!
And yes MvdP's lead was unreal, and then to think he fell in the first to last round, my heart sank, I was in front of the telly, hands covering my face in disbelief. But I should have known, the way he accelerated when he finally got free of the others was otherwordly. 

Quote from: Thenop on August 08, 2023, 11:31:08 AMSounds like a grand day, glad you enjoyed it!
And yes MvdP's lead was unreal, and then to think he fell in the first to last round, my heart sank, I was in front of the telly, hands covering my face in disbelief. But I should have known, the way he accelerated when he finally got free of the others was otherwordly. 

Thanks.

We enjoyed it so much that we've booked to go back up to Glasgow for the Women's race on Sunday. The Dutch team, is rather good! But so was the Belgian men's team and it was a Netherland's victory. So Lotte Kopecky will win on Sunday...

Only six laps of the circuit for the women, but I lost track after seven laps for the men, so six will be about right. We should also catch the end of the men's U23 race on Saturday - trains permitting.

Watched a good chunk of the men's race now on catch-up and have spotted myself and the good wife in the crowd a couple of times :)

Enjoyed the short course XC mountain biking today. Pity Puck Pieterse didn't win, but she's still young. Good couple of Bronze medals for GB, Pidcock did well from starting 30th, must be a bit funny coming off a three week road race to do a 20 minute MTB race!

Remco's lost one set of rainbow stripes and gained another! That was some TT, youngest ever winner at 23 yet GB's Josh Tarling got Bronze aged just 19 after winning the Junior's last year, missed out the U23 level!

And young Ben Wiggins got Silver in the men's junior TT

Yes, Tarling is one to watch for sure, enjoyed that. Still, as much as I like the battle with the clock, it's never as exciting as normal race, is it?

Quote from: Thenop on August 11, 2023, 06:18:57 PMStill, as much as I like the battle with the clock, it's never as exciting as normal race, is it?

No  :)

Mrs S likes Time Trials though, I think if she cycled she'd be a heads down thrash it round sort of rider.

Got to Glasgow in time for the last 3 laps of the men's U23 Road Race. Good win for Axel Laurence and nice to see a British man in fourth.

Then to the hotel where we caught the last three laps of the XCO mountain biking. Well done Tom Pidcock, would have loved it if he'd crashed though with Yorkshire flag round his face 😀

Well done Pidcock indeed, but was gutted seeing MvdP fall. He was mainly mad at himself, blaming himself for making a mistake. In the end it was just too much, which is understandble.

Outstanding performance for Puck again, bronze in her first WC. Well done and we'll be hearing from her...

Missed out on Puck coming third. I like Puck, followed her battles with Fem van Emple in the Cyclo Cross season, she can bunny hop better than the men!

Another great afternoon in Glasgow, who'd have thought it?

Well done Lotte :)

Yes it was an exciting race. Lotte was clearly the strongest and most clever today.
Demi Vollering looked extremely powerful getting back time and time again. Getting over the line 2nd must have felt like winning :)
Van Vleuten very unlucky, material breakdown twice! Right in the finale at 14 before the end.

Another great weekend of cycling in Glasgow, glad we made the decision to return, couldn't quite hit the heights of the previous week, but wouldn't have missed it anyway.

Got to Montrose Street this week and there was barely anybody there. We could have had our choice of where to stand, but chose a place just after the crest of the climb on the opposite side of the road to last week - we knew it would keep the sun longer.

Last week the top of the hill was overwhelmed by Belgians and Danes. This week there was a Gazebo full of Dutch Men. A very entertaining Gazebo full of Dutchmen. The Wijbosche Wielervrienden who also had an exceedingly large banner spread out at one side of the road. A loud hailer too, through which they could play Police siren noises and shout "GO, GO, GO!" at passing cyclists.

(https://images0.persgroep.net/rcs/L15NGyTCf9L2_y2UCiN2RROs3AM/diocontent/227907751/_fitwidth/694/?appId=21791a8992982cd8da851550a453bd7f&quality=0.8&desiredformat=webp)

We also met an American lady from New York who'd come over to watch, it's nice to chat to people who know the names of cyclists and spend all their time watching GCN+

The race was a very similar pattern to the men's - except with a Belgian victory - and Lotte Kopecky looks much slighter than she does on the telly. Most of the female riders also look about 12 years old, maybe it's just my age.

I was very happy to see Paris-Roubaix winner Ali "Action" Jackson going by, I like Ali, she's nuts (check out her "I WON A ROCK" video if you can find it. She also showed that the riders can hear you shouting at them as she turned to look at me when I shouted "COME ON ALI!" at her, I think she looked because it was obvious her main fan-club was further down the road. On one lap they gave her a box with doughnuts in and she rode off eating them!

(https://scontent.fbhx4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/366942046_10159794642430544_6879663089368638466_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s1080x2048&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=7f8c78&_nc_ohc=urebH_031QYAX_iiGEt&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-2.fna&oh=00_AfB0CTHVpboyWBX8LEa85IB_KtPy83TQerqfxr3vt3dHhg&oe=64DFE48D)

Over too soon though, we had a walk down to the finish area and lots of riders were on their way back to team buses, including Ali Jackson, so I told her "Well Done". There was also a tiny young kiwi lass who looked about ten.

Still, well done Lotte:

(https://scontent.fbhx4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/367448422_10159794142880544_402180596308533331_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s600x600&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=7f8c78&_nc_ohc=RZFQRmRV0A0AX_sunnr&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-1.fna&oh=00_AfAi8WpC2ClQsJigWJJt1eZQbLfleiGcQTEgDbXeApBdYg&oe=64DFBBC5)

Next years Road Worlds are in Zurich, I know we can be there in a day by train, think I'll wait for route details first and I'm also thinking of doing the final TdF stage in Nice. Decisions, decisions...

Team TT to kick off the Vuelta tonight. Curious to see what Roglic can do. Can he win it or will Evenepoel be able to take it?
Thomas usually peaks only once a year and did so in the Giro.
Don't see Vingegaard win it after the Tour but we'll see what happens.

Ayuso, Mas and Carthy are outsiders for me.

It was a bit wet! Remco was unhappy - diddums - and Vingegaard punctured. Such fun. Shame one of DSM's young Brits couldn't have claimed the Maillot Rojo, bu maybe tomorrow.

I think Roglic is the man to beat, so long as he doesn't crash. I'd be happy to see Geraint come top 5. Sounds like tomorrow will be wet too.

I've still got to catch up on the Tour de l'Avenir. Renewi Tour, Deutschland Tour and women's Tour of Scandinavia.

You and me both, the catching up bit. Actually watching the WC athletics in Budapest where out miracle runner Hassan won a silver medal again.

Vuelta typical Spanish unorganized, almost Giro like. No one thought of the fact it would be darker as the evening progresses  ;D  of course Evenepoel was grumpy, mind you, he is at his best when antagonized. Agree on Roglic, he just about won everything he competed in this year.

Just seen that Laurens de Plus didn't finish, that's a big mountain domestique lost for Ineos. But Geraint won't win anyway.

Almost forgot the Athletics...

Rain. Everywhere.
My team won 6-1 but the game was suspended for an hour due to rain and lightning. Max Verstappen won the GP in Holland, but the race was suspended due to rain.
The riders in the Vuelta just got on with it, but it was a bit of a mess.

Bit of a damp squib really. Not as wet as predicted. Pity young Oscar Onley is out with a broken collarbone.

Well done Remco, but what a mess at the finish.
The big 3, well maybe 4 with Ayuso taking the first 4 places. Quite the undertaking for a 3rd stage. Happy to see Kelderman in the first group. Hopefully he'll get a chance this Vuelta to show himself.
Bad day for G. Hope he gets his game together, I like his style.

Poor old Remco. Yes the finish was congested, but he was too intent on celebrating.

Having said that G would do well with a top 5, a top 10 might be good for him. He didn't seem to up to speed in the Tour of Poland a couple of weeks back, he was more up for it in the Tour of the Alps before the Giro although there he was holding back. Still, there's a long way to go and I'm sure the organisers will find many more ways to feck things up...

Milano thinking he would make that... Groves had probably prepared a bit better  ;D
Nice win, but what a shame about the crash 5k before the finish. And vd Berg crashing in the last 500 meters, had hoped to see him try winning the sprint.

Yes, an exciting sprint today, didn't think Groves would get there. Sounds as if Bryan Coquard has broken his collarbone and I can't believe Buitrago came in 2'22" down, he was rolling on the floor longer than that!

Rinse and repeat tomorrow.

Again Groves... Cannot shake the feeling the top sprinters stayed home... Oh well, nice to see some other names.

Yes, a repeat of yesterday, crash and a Groves win. Thought Ganna had got it from the front on shot, he'd be a great lead out man! You don't tend to get the sprinting elite at the Vuelta, too many crazy summit finishes.

I feel a part of the top-level racing scene now, when they were interviewing one of the Alpecin team after the finish a photographer appeared who I'd been talking to at the women's World Road race.

Back to the important stuff, proper stage tomorrow with a summit finish :)

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 30, 2023, 05:20:26 PMYes, a repeat of yesterday, crash and a Groves win. Thought Ganna had got it from the front on shot, he'd be a great lead out man! You don't tend to get the sprinting elite at the Vuelta, too many crazy summit finishes.

I feel a part of the top-level racing scene now, when they were interviewing one of the Alpecin team after the finish a photographer appeared who I'd been talking to at the women's World Road race.

Back to the important stuff, proper stage tomorrow with a summit finish :)

Less than six degrees of separation this.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 30, 2023, 05:20:26 PMBack to the important stuff, proper stage tomorrow with a summit finish :)

Forgotten I'm off for a couple of days now, probably miss this :(

Ouch...today is really something

Got a Hotel with Eurosport  :D

Remco wanted to lose red today. Don't think he envisaged that!

Nope, Remco had a baaaad day. Sepp Kuss for president, what a guy. TJV ruled this stage 100% and they got everything they wanted.

Nice for a 20 year old to wear the red, he did very well.
But what a climb, a monster that is!

Yes delighted for the young French lad to be wearing the red jersey. Seemed appropriate that he virtually came over the finishing line with Bardet. Hopefully Martinez will prove to be a worthy successor to that great climber

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 08:07:39 PMYes delighted for the young French lad to be wearing the red jersey. Seemed appropriate that he virtually came over the finishing line with Bardet. Hopefully Martinez will prove to be a worthy successor to that great climber

Gah, he's juiced up, he kept fading on climbs in the Coupe de France earlier this year.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 31, 2023, 09:40:27 PM

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 08:07:39 PMYes delighted for the young French lad to be wearing the red jersey. Seemed appropriate that he virtually came over the finishing line with Bardet. Hopefully Martinez will prove to be a worthy successor to that great climber

Gah, he's juiced up, he kept fading on climbs in the Coupe de France earlier this year.

He's 20 ! Learning his trade! And French teams don't cheat! Unlike those Sky/Ineos feckers!

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 09:58:19 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 31, 2023, 09:40:27 PM

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 08:07:39 PMYes delighted for the young French lad to be wearing the red jersey. Seemed appropriate that he virtually came over the finishing line with Bardet. Hopefully Martinez will prove to be a worthy successor to that great climber

Gah, he's juiced up, he kept fading on climbs in the Coupe de France earlier this year.

He's 20 ! Learning his trade! And French teams don't cheat! Unlike those Sky/Ineos feckers!

Festina...'98..they didn't call it Tour de Dopage for nothing..

Quote from: Thenop on September 01, 2023, 06:19:34 AM

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 09:58:19 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 31, 2023, 09:40:27 PM

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 08:07:39 PMYes delighted for the young French lad to be wearing the red jersey. Seemed appropriate that he virtually came over the finishing line with Bardet. Hopefully Martinez will prove to be a worthy successor to that great climber

Gah, he's juiced up, he kept fading on climbs in the Coupe de France earlier this year.

He's 20 ! Learning his trade! And French teams don't cheat! Unlike those Sky/Ineos feckers!

Festina...'98..they didn't call it Tour de Dopage for nothing..

Interesting read, they were all at it back then!

Quote from: dom on September 01, 2023, 06:51:14 AM

Quote from: Thenop on September 01, 2023, 06:19:34 AM

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 09:58:19 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 31, 2023, 09:40:27 PM

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 08:07:39 PMYes delighted for the young French lad to be wearing the red jersey. Seemed appropriate that he virtually came over the finishing line with Bardet. Hopefully Martinez will prove to be a worthy successor to that great climber

Gah, he's juiced up, he kept fading on climbs in the Coupe de France earlier this year.

He's 20 ! Learning his trade! And French teams don't cheat! Unlike those Sky/Ineos feckers!

Festina...'98..they didn't call it Tour de Dopage for nothing..

Interesting read, they were all at it back then!

The hypocritical part is that when the French are caught - Virenque-they are cordially invited to subsequent Tours after they retire, year after year being a hero, but if a foreigner does it they are frowned upon and persona non grata, not welcome in any way, shape or form.

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 09:58:19 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 31, 2023, 09:40:27 PM

Quote from: dom on August 31, 2023, 08:07:39 PMYes delighted for the young French lad to be wearing the red jersey. Seemed appropriate that he virtually came over the finishing line with Bardet. Hopefully Martinez will prove to be a worthy successor to that great climber

Gah, he's juiced up, he kept fading on climbs in the Coupe de France earlier this year.

He's 20 ! Learning his trade! And French teams don't cheat! Unlike those Sky/Ineos feckers!

Look at Ineos in the Vuelta looks like the drugs don't work!

Now Jumbo Visma on the other hand... ;) They do have a rider currently suspended.

Amateur day at Eurosport, I think I just about saw the bunch sprint finish.. But I am not sure.
Vultures again insisting on showing Arensman while he was at his most vulnerable.
Not the most memorable day.

No,not a great day and more crashes.
Souper day for beardless...

Fantastic last climb! Super impressed by TJV, which team can beat that?
Remco a bit grumpy after losing, it is becoming his demeanor, doesn't suit him. He's a great rider,Tuesday he'll get his chance in the TT.
And an American in red! That's been a while I suppose... If ever.
Edit: of course Chris Horner won the Vuelta 10 years ago. Thank you Sepp Kuss.

Yes, great last climb, one that I'd avoid! Got back from my Gourmet Break in time to see it. Thought Hugh Carthy was going to come good today at one point, but he's still way off the HC who once got a second in the Vuelta.

I seem to be the only person who doesn't like Sepp Kuss, I see him and can see him dressed as a young SS Officer. Mrs S thinks I have an overactive imagination.

According to Remco he didn't realise the break had been caught and so didn't bother sprinting too hard. Yes Remco, we understand...

Switched to the Tour of Britain today. Drove home along a lot of the roads used today yesterday and they went by my brother's old house!

JV pulverised it in the end. WvA led out Olav Kooij, easy as you like.

Not seen that, seen the Vuelta which had a bit of a strange ending. Finish was brought back to 2K before the actual finish due to weather conditions. Which actually meant they forgot somehow the last 500 mtrs was actually a dirt road. Anyway, Kamna took the victory and no real changes in the GC.
TT on Tuesday should be interesting.

Rest day tomorrow then? Richly deserved ! They'll probably spend it on their bikes 😂

Quote from: dom on September 03, 2023, 08:27:06 PMRest day tomorrow then? Richly deserved ! They'll probably spend it on their bikes 😂

They WILL spend it on their bikes. A gentle recovery ride out to a coffee shop or local beauty spot. Can't let the legs seize up.

Caught the last 7km of the Vuelta after the ToB, so the organisers have gone from throwing caution to the wind to being ultra cautious. Better late than never I suppose.

After a surfeit of cycling yesterday, just the Tour of Britain today. A short stage from Wrecsam to Wrexham, 110km in 2 hours 20 minutes. Easy life.

Another Olav Kooij victory, led out again by WvA.

TJV seems to grab up everything right now. Not healthy, there's quite some grumpy riders in other teams that feel the dominance is too much.
Anyone remember Team Sky...?

Happy to see Olav Kooij develop this fast though.

And Olav Kooij gets three from three in the tour of Britain. The last 30km made for exciting racing with teams trying to break JV, but they've just got too much firepower. I should be riding out to see it tomorrow as it passes within 20 miles of my house, but if it's this warm again it might be Telly Time.

TT was surprising. Kuss did so well he remains in Red. No big changes in the GC. Was an OK view, under 30 mins, so I expect some fireworks still this week.

GO, GO, GANNA! Avenged his defeat in the World Championships.

Kuss still in red, can he take it all the way?

So, Olav Kooij wins again. Didn't get back home in time to watch it, could have ridden to the finish, but I wouldn't have made it back in this heat. Not enough onboard water capacity. Bit of a pathetic KoM they chose, the peloton just rode up as if it wasn't there. I tried making an effort, but what I thought was the finish was 500m to go. I blew up. Fastest Pro time today was 1'48" mine was 2'26", if only I'd paced myself better.


Got back in time to see the end of the Vuelta. Could Ganna be a future GC contender? Answer: No. He put in a good pull though today, pity G didn't have it in his legs. Stalemate for the GC riders.

Ganna is waaaay too heavy to get over the mountains properly. He sort of reminds me of Dumoulin when he was 'just' a TT specialtst. Next thing he lost weight and won the Giro, so who knows?
Interesting last climb today, nice for the breakaway to finally make it.
Tomorrow is just a bridge day for Friday: Tourmalet day!

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on September 06, 2023, 04:52:39 PMSo, Olav Kooij wins again. Didn't get back home in time to watch it, could have ridden to the finish, but I wouldn't have made it back in this heat. Not enough onboard water capacity. Bit of a pathetic KoM they chose, the peloton just rode up as if it wasn't there. I tried making an effort, but what I thought was the finish was 500m to go. I blew up. Fastest Pro time today was 1'48" mine was 2'26", if only I'd paced myself better.

Got back in time to see the end of the Vuelta. Could Ganna be a future GC contender? Answer: No. He put in a good pull though today, pity G didn't have it in his legs. Stalemate for the GC riders.

You should be delighted. A retired leisure cyclist only 30 seconds behind people in peak physical condition dedicating their lives to cycling. Chapeau and kudos!

Not 5 out of 5 for Olav Kooij. WvA decided he wasn't going to be the leadout man and just took off like a rocket. Gained three seconds on everybody else, which should be a tour winning margin for a race without time bonuses.

And Juan Sebastian Molano beat Kaden Groves in the Vuelta. Groves said he suffered a dropped chain on the run in. Despite banging his bars he didn't sound too disappointed.

Bring on the Mountains tomorrow :)

Yes, todays' stage seemed to never end. Roll on the Aubisque and Tourmalet tomrrow.

Bit dull today really...

What happened to Remco? His team say he's not ill, is he just being stroppy for some reason?

Then a JV 1-2-3 stage win to give 1-2-3 in the GC. Must not start thinking US Postal.

Lovely scenery though.

Remco is, well, just not happy. It rubs off on his performance clearly.
TJV is impressive. Honestly, the only real competition was ever Remco. The only real surprise is Kuss.
More climbing tomorrow!

Remco: The Return! What went off yesterday? What's happened today?

Remco's Revanche
No idea what was odd yesterday I suppose there will be some digging there... TJV was OK today, they more or less relaxed looks like.
Bardet impressive and impressed by Evenepoel judging by the post match interview ;D

I think Remco concluded that a three pronged JV attack would be too much for him, so he spent yesterday gently dropping his toys out of the pram instead of throwing them all out at once like in his younger days.

WvA takes the ToB. Who needs bonus seconds? Only GC race he's ever won.

A fun stage in the Vuelta today, lots of action up front,Remco trying for 2 in a row. In the end good old slick Rui Costa sneaks in the win. He probably was not the best, but he was the smartest.
Too bad Kamna fell just a few km before the finish or he would have taken it for sure.

Bad day for G again with a bad fall.

Only saw the last 8 km today, almost pure comedy gold at the end :)

Didn't know G had fallen again, if he didn't have bad luck he'd have no luck at all.

Last trek of Annemiek van Vleuten in the Ladies Tour over here today.

Great champion,I am convinced she brought the level up significantly.

I will take a bow!

Yes, she had a very successful career. Just looked like she was showing signs of age over the last couple of months.
Be interesting to see if upcoming youngsters like Shirin van Anroiij and Fem van Empel last as long.

JV again with Vingegaard. Doing it for Nathan van Hooydonck.

Took a long time for the break to go and not long to bring it back.

Bring on the Angrilu [sic] tomorrow :)

Let's see what happens indeed. So sad what happened to Nathan, hope he will be OK.
Kuss seemed a bit knackered, his first run at a GC...
Vingegaard very strong again indeed.

Another JV 1-2-3

GCN+ think Vingegaard and Roglic are disrepecting Kuss' Red Jersey and being rather unfair towards him. Their interview answers point that way. Cycling's a team sport and with the position Kuss is in, his teammates should pay him back for all the work he's done for them.

Pogacar wants UAE bosses to open their chequebook and sign Kuss!

Well, they all have their reasons to win. I suppose TJV would like to either Roglic or Vingegaard win it, they are already among the highest earners so they should deliver.

I think that if Kuss wants to win, he needs to be better than those two. And I doubt he is. Simple as that. In fact, if they would let him win he'd feel disrespected. I know I would..

It's all about respecting the jersey. JV have let others win who probably wouldn't have, WvA gifted Gent-Wevelgem this year. In an (W)out and out sprint WvA would flatten Laporte.

Maybe it's a British thing, fair play and supporting the underdog .

Fair play is universal I think, but it depends on the stakes. Being able to win a Vuelta, Giro or Tour it takes a special kind of person. I am not sure Kuss is that.
But I'll probably eat my words sooner than later when he actually wins it.

If Tao Geoghegan Hart can win a Grand Tour then I'd let Kuss have one and I'd say Kuss would be a more worthy winner than Chris Horner.

Roglic certainly owes Kuss one, Kuss dropped back on the Angliru to help Roglic in 2020 to limit Roglic's losses to Carapaz on the day, Kuss helped him big time in the Giro this year too. Lizard Lips couldn't give a shit.

So Kuss it is, they clearly chose at the TJV office. No more attacks, just defend the jersey.
Good choice.

In hindsight it is unreal: winning all 3 grand tours in one season with three different riders.

Back to the Remco show today and the JV shitshow calmed down.

Well done to young Max Poole, coming in fourth on a stage like that isn't bad for a lad from Scunthorpe.

Sprint stage with a long straight finish and still there's a crash. Alpecin rider looked behind and that's enough to deviate and cause a domino effect.

Would have liked to see Ganna win, but Dainese did well with his lead out train wiped out. Nice to see them still getting up all covered in blood, then celebrating when they heard Dainese had won!

Yeah that was a bit unreal, you'd think at 60 kph you'd look where you go.
Ganna is no sprinter that much is clear, he went off too early. Dainese has the timing and the instinct, that made the difference today.

True, Ganna's no sprinter, but he can go very fast for a long distance. He should start from about 4,000m out!

String bean Wout Poels outsprinted Remco. Who says nice guys don't win. Barring a disaster Kuss has won the Vuelta.

Yessss, Third Week Wout strikes again. Did it in the Tour and now the Vuelta. Well done!

Wow! That was some processional stage!

Evenepoel/Ganna/Groves in the breakaway plus two more stage winners. Who would have thought it.

Great end to a great Vuelta.

Soon be Cyclocross season :)

Didn't get to see it, figured it'd be like all final stages. Oh well.
Euro championship first I believe now, over here in Holland.

Quote from: Thenop on September 17, 2023, 07:34:43 PMEuro championship first I believe now, over here in Holland.

Yes, GBR are sending a team this year. Not enough money last year, allegedly.  And they ascend the VAM berg in the road race, a true "mountain" or former rubbish tip!

And Il Lombardia is still to come.

Well done youngster Tarling!

And terrible news for Nathan van Hooydonck. Career over, very sad.

Yes, the boy done well.

Awful crash for Stefan Kung though, when they cut back to him you could just see what was going to happen. Hope he's OK, I don't like seeing lots of blood.

Well done Marlen Reusser for her third consecutive win and a silver for Anna Henderson.

Zoe Backstedt smashed the women's U23 as well, nearly a minute quicker over 20km.

Quote from: Thenop on September 20, 2023, 04:55:04 PMAnd terrible news for Nathan van Hooydonck. Career over, very sad.

Not Good :(

So, Mischa Bredewold wins the European Championships on her own muck heap. Lotte Kopecky only third, but what when would she wear a European Champions jersey?

Plucky Brit Pfeiffer Georgi was fourth.

Was a good win for Bredewold, a nice push to get away from the group. Strong performance.

Another JV 1-2-3 - and it had to be the Frenchman :(

A good race though, but Ganna was unlucky with falls.

Didn't see it, but I like Laporte, so well done to him.

Cav doing another year, Jumbo merging with Quickstep, Roglic will leave for Bora. Exciting times people. Let's see what else will happen.

And Jasper Philipsen beats Olav Kooij to win the Visit Friesland Elfstedenrace.

Thanks to this, I'm now learning Frysk...

Wy hawwe hûnger

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 04, 2023, 03:44:52 PMAnd Jasper Philipsen beats Olav Kooij to win the Visit Friesland Elfstedenrace.

Thanks to this, I'm now learning Frysk...

Wy hawwe hûnger

Ugh, don't like the Frysian. Elfstedentocht good, people there bad.

Quote from: Thenop on October 04, 2023, 03:52:16 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 04, 2023, 03:44:52 PMAnd Jasper Philipsen beats Olav Kooij to win the Visit Friesland Elfstedenrace.

Thanks to this, I'm now learning Frysk...

Wy hawwe hûnger

Ugh, don't like the Frysian. Elfstedentocht good, people there bad.

Closest language to English though :)
Can't say I've ever met any Frisians - and I'm perfectly happy keeping it that way...

So, no merger between JV and Quickstep it seems. Roglic still leaving for Bora though, doesn't like paying second violin.

Quote from: Thenop on October 07, 2023, 10:55:30 AMSo, no merger between JV and Quickstep it seems. Roglic still leaving for Bora though, doesn't like paying second violin.

Wonder if the Ineos/Quickstep merger rumours will resurface now?

And three Lombardia's in a row for Pog. Was a good race.

Was a good race agreed but that chasing group will feel like idiots they let jim go downhill just because Roglic did not take the lead. I wonder why not..

Watching Il Lombardia did a good job for the Italian tourist board. I see my local airport does flights to Bergamo, I'm sorely tempted to go.

And it's farewell to Thibaut Pinot. He sure has some devoted fans, love the way the painted an arrow on the road for him to follow and one pointing the other way for Team JV ;D

A good weekend for Slovenian cycling, Matej Mohoric is now World Gravel Champion.

Plucky Brit Connor Swift got bronze.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 08, 2023, 03:22:20 PMA good weekend for Slovenian cycling, Matej Mohoric is now World Gravel Champion.

Plucky Brit Connor Swift got bronze.

What on earth is World 'Gravel' Champion. Are you making this up?

Quote from: David L on October 08, 2023, 06:40:06 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 08, 2023, 03:22:20 PMA good weekend for Slovenian cycling, Matej Mohoric is now World Gravel Champion.

Plucky Brit Connor Swift got bronze.

What on earth is World 'Gravel' Champion. Are you making this up?

He's the World Champion of riding on Gravel tracks, even if half of it was tarmac.
Gravel riding is the new thing to sell people bikes they don't need. Think a road bike with knobbly tyres or a 90s Mountain bike with dropped handle bars.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 08, 2023, 09:59:39 PM

Quote from: David L on October 08, 2023, 06:40:06 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 08, 2023, 03:22:20 PMA good weekend for Slovenian cycling, Matej Mohoric is now World Gravel Champion.

Plucky Brit Connor Swift got bronze.

What on earth is World 'Gravel' Champion. Are you making this up?

He's the World Champion of riding on Gravel tracks, even if half of it was tarmac.
Gravel riding is the new thing to sell people bikes they don't need. Think a road bike with knobbly tyres or a 90s Mountain bike with dropped handle bars.

The only thing they've not tried is square wheels

Great ride from 20yo Thibau Nys in the first round of the CX World Cup series. Rode up just about everything. His dad will be proud. Be interesting to see how he goes against MvdP and WvA.

That was some CX race in Overijse today. Eli Iserbyt won it, but Thinau Nys made a great recovery from a crash and fought back from 24th to gain the lead near the end then crashed out again.

Plucky Brit Cameron Mason came in 5th.

Cyclo Cross, much better than the F1 car procession.

Watching van der Poel demolish the rest of the field in Belgium  :o

Bum. I've missed it! Have to watch on catch up on Discovery+, if GCN+ was still going I'd have seen it.

MvdP demolished the rest last Saturday - and Pidcock did on Sunday. Pidcock got a second last Saturday and tried to do his interview in Dutch!

Quote from: Thenop on December 22, 2023, 02:29:37 PMWatching van der Poel demolish the rest of the field in Belgium  :o

And didn't realise WvA was riding it too!

Be more interesting tomorrow when most of the CX regulars will be back. Have to watch on catch up though due to too much Xmas shopping  >:(

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on December 22, 2023, 06:51:28 PM

Quote from: Thenop on December 22, 2023, 02:29:37 PMWatching van der Poel demolish the rest of the field in Belgium  :o

And didn't realise WvA was riding it too!

Be more interesting tomorrow when most of the CX regulars will be back. Have to watch on catch up though due to too much Xmas shopping  >:(

Yep, WvA was gone in no time. MvdP ploughing through that sand like it was fresh tarmac. Unreal.

And MvdP pisses it again today. Didn't think WvA would even get second for most of the race. Much higher class field than yesterday,

4 in a row.
Wow.

MvdP's on another level. At least Puck managde to put an end to Fem's winning streak - was 11 from 11 - today.

The regular CX riders must hate the "Big Three", yes good to see Pidcock work his way up to third.

And MvdP wins again...

If Pidcock could ride through sand it might - might - have been different.

Another day, another CX race, another MvdP win  ;D

Well done to Felipe Orts on his podium finish.

Saw that yes, was a very muddy one. A minute ahead of the pack, again impressive. Orts just taking it in a sprint no less. Nice one.

Another day, another CX race, another MvdP win...

Crashes and mechanicals kept it from being a big three battle, but I don't think the winner would have been different. Kudos to Pidcock for keeping going and moving up to 25th from 99th.

Wonder if MvdP will be fined for his action though.. He spat into the crowd, needs to be said he was constantly berated (even before the race started) and had beer thrown at him the round before by the same 'fans', so I'd probably done the same...

So long as he doesn't end up writing loads of angry music like Roger Waters, I'll forgive him...

Rohan Dennis arrested after riding over his wife with a pick up truck and killing her :o

Jesus this guy really is not well.

Quote from: Thenop on December 31, 2023, 09:22:09 AMRohan Dennis arrested after riding over his wife with a pick up truck and killing her :o

Jesus this guy really is not well.

Woah!

Watching MvdP ripping through this cross, embarrassing the rest. Round 3 he takes 40 seconds on WvA :o
The way he instinctively know which lines to choose, how easy he flies up the steps. Pure cross perfection.

Aye, another year same old result!

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on January 01, 2024, 03:32:12 PMAye, another year same old result!

And again

Coo, er, gosh, MvdP wins again.

Hope Lucinda Brand's nose is OK.

Didn't see it, speed skating on telly this weekend. But yes, I read it MvdP 10 out of 10 now.

2024 Road Racing season now underway with the Women's Tour Gazunda. Not very star studded yet.

So, MvdP isn't superhuman. Almost, but not quite. That was some race today, had everything bar ice, rain, snow and mud. Makes it sound like it didn't have a lot, but it had ACTION! Well done Michael van Tourenhout, coming second after the snow and ice of Zonnebeek yesterday.

Well done to Stevie Williams too for winning the Tour Guzunda.

Title Nr. 6

Yes, well done MvdP.
Well done Fem van Empel and well done Zoe Backstedt.

Best race was probably the women's junior as the top three were all in contention until the last few hundred yards.

Remco's back! He's hit the ground cycling too, 50km solo breakaway to win the Figueira Champions Classic

Yes very nice, let's see how he shapes up this year. He's not doing the Giro (Pog will take that one) so the Tour should be interesting...

WvA's back - as a lead out man for Olav Kooij...

Nasty crash at the end of that race.

Classics season underway now. Visma Leaseabike carrying on like Jumbo Visma, Jan Tratnik and WvA picking up wins.

Pogi running rampage doing an 80k solo in Strade Bianchi.

Also heard the commentators say last years' epic battles between Pogi, MvdP and WvA will be limited to only 3 races this year as they all choose different ones. Which is sad, it makes it again more predictable. 

Quote from: Thenop on March 02, 2024, 04:18:07 PMPogi running rampage doing an 80k solo in Strade Bianchi.

Also heard the commentators say last years' epic battles between Pogi, MvdP and WvA will be limited to only 3 races this year as they all choose different ones. Which is sad, it makes it again more predictable. 

They've all got different aims this year unfortunately.

Good to see Pogi keep his word and attack with 80km to go though and look as if he's enjoying it too!
Not too bad for Pidcock coming in 4th, but I think his aims are different this year and he's still undercooked.

I want to go to Siena.

Both Tirreno and Paris Nice won by Visma - Lease A Bike (VLaB?), impressive show of force this early one.

Not got round to watching Tirreno Adriatico yet, but Lizard Lips Vingegaard is a few steps above the rest already. VLaB mist have kept the JV special sauce. Roglic certainly looks like he's missing it and Matteo Jorgenson is liking it now he's on it.

Watched the women's Ronde van Drenthe after Paris-Nice, Lorena Wiebe's getting her fourth consecutive win. Enjoyed seeing Puck Pieterse come in third. I'm missing Cyclo Cross.

Wow! That was some finish to Milan - San Remo. So many people coiuld have won that, Pidcock came close yet didn't even get a top 10.

A grudging well done to Jasper Philipsen (don't like his face), well done Bling and a first podium for Pogi.

Missed it entirely, was in the rehearsal room, but read it just now. I guess the Alpecin boys will run riot this spring season.

And it came down to a photo-finish after 288km. Alaphilippe in the top 10 too, maybe that'll shut Lefevre up for a minute.

Photo finish win for Lorena Wiebes, great race for her.

MvdP 2nd after Pedersen after winning the E3 last Friday. The new season is on!

And Fred Wright came 20th in the E3 and 21st in Gent-Wevelgem. Consistent riding by the British champ.

Lars Craps improved from 100th in the E3 to 79th today.

I'll presume that Pogi won the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. Nice to see Bernal coming back to some sort of decent form.

Pogi won indeed after 4 day wins :o

Team VLaB back to winning ways in the Dwars door Vlaanderen today with Matteo Jorgenson. Exciting race, but a bad crash which has hospitalised WvA and Jasper Stuyven taken to Hospital.

A 6th place for plucky Brit Josh Tarling. Needs to learn to ride up hill more quickly - and not spend to much time getting across to the lead group on a solo move.

 :-\
Update Wout van Aert

Wout van Aert had a successful operation today.

Examination revealed that he
suffered a broken sternum, broken collarbone and several broken ribs.

It is unclear when Wout will be able to get back on his bike. The next few weeks will be all about his recovery. He will, therefore, miss the spring classics. His participation in the Giro d'Italia is still uncertain. We will make a decision in the coming weeks based on his recovery.
 

Not the least bit surprised MvdP won the RVV. But considering every other team tried to gang up on Alpecin, I do find it quite the accomplishment!

That was quite the final. We'll done to Lidl Trek, breaking the SDWorx reign.
Good top 10 place for Puck Pieterse.

Yes, a good day's racing once I'd managed to catch up on it after throwing the family out of the house...

Watching the women's Ronde de Mouscron today was a bit of a come down. But I'm still too stuffed from yesterday to move from the settee  :P

Lorena Wiebes has now won all four editions of the Scheldeprijs Vrouwen. Not bad going.

Awful crash in the Itzulia Basque country today. Vingegaard, Roglic and Evenepoel all went off the road and are out of the race. Six riders taken to hospital. Several riders ended up in a couple of concrete ditches. Didn't look good at all.

(https://www.stickybottle.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JV-1-1200x638.jpg)

Oh sh!t, did not see any of this. What a terrible news, can only hope the season is not over for them.

Roglic went off in a team car giving a wave to camera. Vingegaard was taken to an ambulance with an oxygen mask on.

Not seen any further updates.

Vingegaard is conscious is the latest update. He is being examined but this does not sound well. Would be a real shame if his Tour would be compromised by this.

Update on Jonas:

It was a nasty crash, but fortunately he is stable and conscious.

Examinations at the hospital have revealed that he has a broken collarbone and several broken ribs. He remains in hospital as a precaution. Thank you for all your messages

Could/Should make it back for the Tour then.

WvA still hasn't ruled out the Giro after breaking Collarbone/Sternum/Ribs.

That was a close finish in Paris-Roubaix Femmes. Lotte Kopecky winning it ahead of Elisa Balsamo and plucky Brit Pfeiffer Georgi - crazy name, crazy gal - pipping Marianne Vos for third.

And twenty years after her dad won it, Zoe Backstedt came in 16th, not too shabby.

Yes, was a nice race. The strongest one won for sure, the cobbles are not for everyone. Lots of Dutch ladies there, most of them were very strong today.

M v d P

That's it, that's the post.

MvdP on another level. Then he had team mates Philipsen and Vermeersch in second and seventh.

Fred Wright best Brit in 13th. Silly Josh Tarling disqualified for a sticky bottle, he wouldn't have won, but I'd have loved to have seen how well he could do, after finishing outside the time limit last year.

Lorena Wiebes chucked that one away, to give it to Vos! Look, love, don't celebrate until you actually have won.

Plucky Brit Pfeiffer Georgi in fourth.

Seen it too often, just plain stupid. Cheer now, cry later.

Well done Pidcock! Great win.

Thankfully he ddin't start his celebrations too early!

Well done Tom. 22nd for plucky MvdP  ;D

Well done plucky Brit Stevie Williams (We'll forget he's Welsh today) for winning La Flèche Wallonne. Luke Rowe called him out as the winner with about 50km to go because the weather was so filthy just like in Wales :)

And well done Kataryzna Niewiadoma for winning the women's Fleche Wallone. A popular winner there.

Best plucky Brit was Flora Perkins in 36th.

Pogi, Pogi, Pogi! Oi! Oi! Oi!

He's good  :)

Can't believe MvdP made the podium and plucky Brit Tom Pidock made 10th. MvdP and Pidders must have used up a lot after being caught uo in a crash and a mechanical respectively.

Pogi yes, but MvdP might even be a more impressive achievement. I think he weighs well over 10kg more than any of them. Climbers are featherweights while he's approaching heavy weight fighting realms.

Quote from: Thenop on April 21, 2024, 04:12:48 PMPogi yes, but MvdP might even be a more impressive achievement. I think he weighs well over 10kg more than any of them. Climbers are featherweights while he's approaching heavy weight fighting realms.

oh MvdP will never win a Grand Tour, but in the Ardennes classics the climbs are shorter and punchier so his power can get him over.

Delighted with how well Bardet performed.  Hopefully he'll have a decent season; could well be his last

Good win for Thibeau Nys in stage 2 of the Tour de Romandie. Only his third road race day of the year after the cyclocross season. And he'd spent all day in the breakaway - completely oblivious to the beautiful surroundings.

My mate Alison Jackson won stage 2 of the Vuelta Espana Feminine today. Nice to see someone enjoying a win :)

Great win by Maxin van Gils in the Eschborn-Frankfurt classic today, he came from out of nowhere to win the sprint.

Plucky Brit Lukas "Son of Richard" Nerurkar came in fourth.

Happy Giro. Let's see what happens, who will be numbers 2 and 3?

Pogi can be beaten! Only got third today!

Well played Jhonatan Narvaez. Plucky Brit Geraint Thomas came in 10th, which is better than I thought he would, always comes in a bit undercooked for a Grand Tour.

My guess is Pogi trained to be the best over 3 weeks, in doing so losing some of his immediate response quality. Day for day maybe 1 person can be better, but he will not be beaten overall. The ease he came from nearly last n the peloton to pass by and ride to the 2nd place, impressive.

Well done Narvaez indeed.
Disappointed in Arensman.

I think Pogi really did want to try and win all 21 stages. But I don't think he'll mind now that he can't so long as he has some fun.

That's it. Pogi in pink. Can he win 20 stages? He even had a crash.

Plucky Brit Geraint Thomas came in 3rd.

And well done Demi Vollering for winning the Vuelta Espana Feminine

Vollering was fantastic, great win.

And Pogi, well.. I don't see anyone coming even close.

Hmmm, that was supposed to be a boring sprint stage. The first half was, then after the first intermediate sprint the sprinters took off together in a break which caused big splits in the chasing peloton.

It all came back together again. Pogi and G picked up bonus seconds in the second intermediate sprint, then when Mikkel Honoré took off with 3k to go, Pogi went off in pursuit and G had to follow. They dropped Honoré and were then caught with about 250m to go and a regular sprint finish happened, bonkers.

Hope tomorrow's boring sprint stage is a dull!

It was a weird one, with a logical conclusion. But still, Pogi is trying t prove himself a bit too much. Last time he did that he lost the TdF.

Not so much stiff competition in the Giro though.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on May 06, 2024, 07:04:39 PMNot so much stiff competition in the Giro though.

We're not in week 3 yet ;)

What's up? Pogi didn't contest that stage!

Good win for Jonathan Milan, was hoping Top Ganna would make it, but he'd not quite got enough.

Shame that Bini Girmay's out after two crashes.

Didn't see anything. Work, it takes up so much of my free time...

Anyway, good news today: Vingegaard is back in training and says he will do everything to make the TdF.

I'm retired, spend too much time watching cycling. Still, it lets me travel the world without leaving the comfort of my settee, somehow Italy seems more tempting than Belgium.

They were discussing Vingegaard on the commentary today and they think it will be a hard battle for him, but he may well be able to hit the ground pedalling and cycle back into form in the Tour.