Not much time to blog at the moment with moving house, busy concert time in dance wear shop and I'm doing a writing challenge at the moment!
But I did want to link with some news of exciting changes to the Road National Championships course coming up in January in Ballarat/Bunninyong.
We've been attending the Nationals since being held at Ballarat and it's always a great race, but with the men's road race there has always been the comments of it being too swayed towards the climbers. However, it seems someone somewhere is listening with some great amendments to the course.
You can read all about the changes over here at Cycling Central.
What do you think? Do you like the sound of the changes?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Orica-Green Edge moves forward
As the fallout from the Lance Armstrong doping scandal continues to scathe cycling, Australia's pro-cycling team Orica-Green Edge has taken the lead in the fight for a clean future.
Team general manager Shayne Bannan today announced the final dismissal of sports director Matt White after he was implicated and subsequently confessed to doping during his time at US Postal.
The team will now undergo a "a full external expert review of its policies and procedures and a pro-active review of all riders and team members in light of recent disclosures regarding past practices in the sport" .
This can only be a good thing and something that hopefully other pro-cycling teams undertake for the reputation of the sport.
The next decision now is who to replace the disgraced Matt White.
I must say I have never been a fan of White. His arrogance and disrespect of many Australian cyclist in previous years has left me cold, and really he was far from the best talent Australia had to offer during his day. My opinion only of course.
Who would I love to see step up into the role? None other than Robbie McEwen.
The recently retired Australian sprinting legend is perfectly poised to offer his expertise and hands on experience at the elite level of the sport. Robbie is undoubedtly our greatest cyclist, having competed at the top level for over 16 years including 12 stage wins at the Tour de France. To say he is highly regarded in Australian cycling is an understatement. Robbie has the respect of not only Australia but world cycling and would be the one to take Orica-Green Edge to the next level. He is determined, gutsy, fair and would take an absolute approach to the position.
It will be interesting to see not only the outcome of the independent review but to also see who will be appointed Director Sportif.
Who is your money on?
Team general manager Shayne Bannan today announced the final dismissal of sports director Matt White after he was implicated and subsequently confessed to doping during his time at US Postal.
The team will now undergo a "a full external expert review of its policies and procedures and a pro-active review of all riders and team members in light of recent disclosures regarding past practices in the sport" .
This can only be a good thing and something that hopefully other pro-cycling teams undertake for the reputation of the sport.
The next decision now is who to replace the disgraced Matt White.
I must say I have never been a fan of White. His arrogance and disrespect of many Australian cyclist in previous years has left me cold, and really he was far from the best talent Australia had to offer during his day. My opinion only of course.
Who would I love to see step up into the role? None other than Robbie McEwen.
The recently retired Australian sprinting legend is perfectly poised to offer his expertise and hands on experience at the elite level of the sport. Robbie is undoubedtly our greatest cyclist, having competed at the top level for over 16 years including 12 stage wins at the Tour de France. To say he is highly regarded in Australian cycling is an understatement. Robbie has the respect of not only Australia but world cycling and would be the one to take Orica-Green Edge to the next level. He is determined, gutsy, fair and would take an absolute approach to the position.
It will be interesting to see not only the outcome of the independent review but to also see who will be appointed Director Sportif.
Who is your money on?
Monday, October 22, 2012
UCI ratifies USADA's verdict on Lance Armstrong
The decision has been made. Tonight the UCI handed down it's decision not to appeal the USADA's findings on Lance Armstrong to strip him of his seven tour de France titles and impose a life time ban from the sport.
You can read the developing story here.
To say we have had some bad days in the world of cycling recently would be an understatement, but this at least, will go down as one of the better ones. Which may sound funny coming from a former Lance supporter, but he has brought the sport into disrepute with his lies and deception.
So now what?
There has to be a clean out, a total clean out starting at the highest point. Although in his statement tonight UCI presendent Pat McQuaid states: "When I took over [as president] in 2005 I made the fight against doping my priority. I acknowledged cycling had culture of doping. Cycling has come a long way. I have no intention as resigning as president of the UCI." so that isn't looking likely.
Cycling as a sport has long been seen as a farce by many on lookers due to its shady underworld, and it is no doubt that these cynics have been proven right - to an extent. So if there was a long way to go twelve months ago, the sport has just regressed decades.
The fight will be hard and long. There are many points to prove from within cycling at the highest level, down to the management, cyclists and up and coming juniors. The way forward is with support for a clean and respected sport. For the pure enjoyment of this magical sport that so many of us love.
I'm fighting the fight. Will you?
You can read the developing story here.
To say we have had some bad days in the world of cycling recently would be an understatement, but this at least, will go down as one of the better ones. Which may sound funny coming from a former Lance supporter, but he has brought the sport into disrepute with his lies and deception.
So now what?
There has to be a clean out, a total clean out starting at the highest point. Although in his statement tonight UCI presendent Pat McQuaid states: "When I took over [as president] in 2005 I made the fight against doping my priority. I acknowledged cycling had culture of doping. Cycling has come a long way. I have no intention as resigning as president of the UCI." so that isn't looking likely.
Cycling as a sport has long been seen as a farce by many on lookers due to its shady underworld, and it is no doubt that these cynics have been proven right - to an extent. So if there was a long way to go twelve months ago, the sport has just regressed decades.
The fight will be hard and long. There are many points to prove from within cycling at the highest level, down to the management, cyclists and up and coming juniors. The way forward is with support for a clean and respected sport. For the pure enjoyment of this magical sport that so many of us love.
I'm fighting the fight. Will you?
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Lance, It's time
This should be titled 'The post I never wanted to write', because it is.
Today there is a sickness in my gut and an anger that I can't explain. To a point where I almost feel ashamed to be a cycling fan.
Yes, I am a Lance Armstrong supporter, a long time supporter of his cycling and of his Livestrong Foundation. I still am. But yes, I'm gutted and yes, I think it's time Lance fessed up.
And although Lance supporters want to keep defending him I think the time has come for him to openly and honestly come clean.
With George Hincape being the lastest to offer a statement admitting to doping including when he was part of U.S. Postal, the evidence is really too much to continue to deny.
As much as Lance has vehemently denied his involvement, it is too far from the truth to believe that he was the only clean member of U.S Postal, or in fact the peloton, during this black period of professional cycling.
As I blogged previously I think deep down we all knew that 90% of the peloton during this time were doping and that of course, Lance was too. But I also think that the way the situation was handled was disgusting, and sadly played out in the media.
Do I still think Lance is a legend? Yes I do.
As wrong as it is, the fact is the cyclists were competing on a level playing field, albeit a dirty and illegal one, but even none-the-less. Was there a cyclist who could have come close to beating Lance? Some will say we will never know. But we do know the answer - No. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.
So what now?
Lance needs to come forward. A tell all documentary is the only way he can save whatever face he has left. If not for himself, for his fans who have long supported him and will continue to do so, and for cycling. Let's get this period done and dusted. Let's move forward for the good of the sport.
It's the only way.
Today there is a sickness in my gut and an anger that I can't explain. To a point where I almost feel ashamed to be a cycling fan.
Yes, I am a Lance Armstrong supporter, a long time supporter of his cycling and of his Livestrong Foundation. I still am. But yes, I'm gutted and yes, I think it's time Lance fessed up.
And although Lance supporters want to keep defending him I think the time has come for him to openly and honestly come clean.
With George Hincape being the lastest to offer a statement admitting to doping including when he was part of U.S. Postal, the evidence is really too much to continue to deny.
As much as Lance has vehemently denied his involvement, it is too far from the truth to believe that he was the only clean member of U.S Postal, or in fact the peloton, during this black period of professional cycling.
As I blogged previously I think deep down we all knew that 90% of the peloton during this time were doping and that of course, Lance was too. But I also think that the way the situation was handled was disgusting, and sadly played out in the media.
Do I still think Lance is a legend? Yes I do.
As wrong as it is, the fact is the cyclists were competing on a level playing field, albeit a dirty and illegal one, but even none-the-less. Was there a cyclist who could have come close to beating Lance? Some will say we will never know. But we do know the answer - No. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.
So what now?
Lance needs to come forward. A tell all documentary is the only way he can save whatever face he has left. If not for himself, for his fans who have long supported him and will continue to do so, and for cycling. Let's get this period done and dusted. Let's move forward for the good of the sport.
It's the only way.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Gilbert crowned UCI world cycling champ
The world cycling championships held in the Netherlands came to an exciting conclusion yesterday with Belgium's Philippe Gilbert taking out the men's elite road race.
The race didn't disappoint with plenty of action but the final few kilometers proved to be the most exciting as Gilbert attacked.
No one was able to match Gilbert's pure strength and determination and he crossed the line with plenty of time to celebrate the rainbow jersey. Gilbert rode a tactically sound race with his Belgian team mates solid in their support.
Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen took silver followed by Spain's Alejandro Valverde.
Unfortunately the race didn't pan out in the Aussie's favour with Allan Davis our best placed rider in a respectable 6th position.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Women's Road Race: UCI World Championships
There was little doubt that Maryanne Vos would take out the Women's Elite Road Race at the UCI World Championships in the Netherlands.
The golden girl of Women's Road Cycling didn't disappoint, but it was Australia's Rachel Neylan who excitedly took the silver medal ahead of Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini.
Congratulations Rachel! Awesome job. Another Aussie to be proud of!
"At no stage was I told I was going to be a great cyclist or that I was talented but that is the best recipe as it just keeps you trying for more and wanting to prove to people that you can do it." - Rachel Neylan
The golden girl of Women's Road Cycling didn't disappoint, but it was Australia's Rachel Neylan who excitedly took the silver medal ahead of Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini.
Congratulations Rachel! Awesome job. Another Aussie to be proud of!
"At no stage was I told I was going to be a great cyclist or that I was talented but that is the best recipe as it just keeps you trying for more and wanting to prove to people that you can do it." - Rachel Neylan
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Aussies left disappointment in time trial: Worlds
It was a tough day for Aussie time trialists Luke Durbridge and Cameron Meyer at the UCI World Cycling Road Championships in The Netherlands yesterday.
Both Cameron and Luke were left disappointed after finishing in 16th and 21st respectively, well behind Germany's Tony Martin who claimed back to back titles.
The tough, undulating 45.7km course took its toll on the riders with many expecting that they would have fared better.
We now look ahead to the Men's Elite Road Race which promises to be a cracker with so many contenders.
For the Aussies we have a well rounded team for the 261km race on Sunday with Simon Clarke, Allan Davis, Simon Gerrans, Adam Hansen, Heinrich Haussler, Michael Matthews, Richie Porte, David Tanner as well as Wesley Sulzberger who replaces Mick Rogers who unfortunately had to withdraw from the race due to tonsillitis.
Go Aussies!
Who's your pick?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Aussie squads : UCI World Cycling Championships
Not long now until the 2012 UCI Road World Cycling Championships and the Aussie's have announced their squads.
Elite Men
Simon Clarke
Allan Davis
Luke Durbridge
Simon Gerrans
Adam Hansen
Heinrich Haussler
Michael Matthews
Cameron Meyer
Richie Porte
Michael Rogers
David Tanner
Most notable of course is Simon Gerrans who is having a fantastic season, peaking at the right time. Gerrans along with Simon Clarke, coming off winning the Vuelta KOM jersey, strong man Adam Hansen and Richie Porte having a great year supporting team leaders at Sky including Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, makes for a strong showing. Throw in a couple of sprinters including our best chance in a bunch sprint in Allan Davis and it is a pretty well rounded squad.
Cameron Meyer and Luke Durbridge will contest the time trial with Durbo out to prove he can beat the best (which I think he can!).
Notable exclusions would again be Mark Renshaw, (no surprise there, but is also without form), and Rory Sutherland who withdrew himself from selection.
It think the selectors have done a pretty good job this year, and I am particularly pleased to see Haussler given the nod. My pick is Gerro for the course, he is in with a fantastic chance, so GO Aussies, GO!
(full list of Aussie's squads can be found here)
Do you think the selectors have got it right this year?
Monday, September 10, 2012
It's a wrap! Vuelta 2012
They saved the best for last. Grand tours that is. After a great start to the year with the Giro we went into Le Tour with great expectations only to be left feeling a little lackluster. Thankfully the Vuelta saved the day with some of the best racing we have seen all season.
I have mentioned before my excitement to see Alberto Contador back in the action so it is no surprise that I am thrilled that he took home the red jersey.
But mostly it was the excitement of the racing that made this the tour of the year.
Perhaps the Tour de France powers that be can learn something from this years vuelta? With shorter stages, greater and tougher climbs and perfect time trial placement the Vuelta had a good recipe for success. Throw in a couple of extra flat stages early on to whet the sprinters appetites and of course a full contingent of fit and healthy riders we have a fantastic scenario for a Grand Tour.
Caps off to Contador, Rodriguez, and Valverde for providing such great racing and ending the year on a high.
Long live the Vuelta ;)
Sunday, September 9, 2012
This week in cycling. Aussies, Spaniards & Belgians.
It has been a pretty exciting week in cycling! (Positives only thank you).
Firstly at the Vuelta e Espana we will see Alberto Contador ride into Madrid wearing the red leaders jersey and then stand atop the podium, proud and accomplished. It has been a brilliant Vuelta for Contador and his team, and for spectators and cycling enthusiasts alike. Exciting racing, amazing attacks and twists and turns along the way. I for one am certainly happy to see Contador back in winning form.
Still at the Vuelta Australia's Simon Clarke will take to the podium wearing the King of Mountain's jersey for the best climber of the race. This is a fantastic result for Clarke, stage four winner, who rode a smart and tactical race and is proving he has come of age. Clarke, is the second Australian to take a KOM jersey in a Grand Tour with Matt Lloyd winning honours at the 2010 Giro d'Italia. It also marks new Australian team Orica-GreenEdge's first jersey win.
It was also great to see Aussie Richie Porte a gallant second in the tough Queen Stage. Heading over no less than three category one climbs, a category two and the final uncategorised climb to finish second behind Menchov is a fantastic result for Porte.
Also exciting this week was the one day Paris-Brussels. One of the oldest races on the European Tour, Paris-Brussels is a prestigious race and one that riders love to win. Omega-Pharma QuickStep's Tom Boonen crossed the line to take the honours ahead of Australia's Mark Renshaw. Boonen has hit top form heading into the upcoming UCI World Championships. Perfect timing.
Renshaw too, is finally showing some form after a frustrating season, however he yet again, Renshaw misses out on Australian selection for World Champs. This year though form may have had something to do with it, not only the questionable selectors.
Speaking of the World Championships with Belgian Philippe Gilbert's win on stage 19 of the Vuelta it would appear he too, is hitting form at the right end of the season which bodes well for an exciting race coming next weekend.
Finally, another Australian to finish off, Simon Gerrans is showing form also with a win at the GP Québec in Canada. It is great to see Gerro fnishing off the season well, and yes, another contender for World Champ honours.
What's been your favourite cycling story this week?
Firstly at the Vuelta e Espana we will see Alberto Contador ride into Madrid wearing the red leaders jersey and then stand atop the podium, proud and accomplished. It has been a brilliant Vuelta for Contador and his team, and for spectators and cycling enthusiasts alike. Exciting racing, amazing attacks and twists and turns along the way. I for one am certainly happy to see Contador back in winning form.
Still at the Vuelta Australia's Simon Clarke will take to the podium wearing the King of Mountain's jersey for the best climber of the race. This is a fantastic result for Clarke, stage four winner, who rode a smart and tactical race and is proving he has come of age. Clarke, is the second Australian to take a KOM jersey in a Grand Tour with Matt Lloyd winning honours at the 2010 Giro d'Italia. It also marks new Australian team Orica-GreenEdge's first jersey win.
It was also great to see Aussie Richie Porte a gallant second in the tough Queen Stage. Heading over no less than three category one climbs, a category two and the final uncategorised climb to finish second behind Menchov is a fantastic result for Porte.
Also exciting this week was the one day Paris-Brussels. One of the oldest races on the European Tour, Paris-Brussels is a prestigious race and one that riders love to win. Omega-Pharma QuickStep's Tom Boonen crossed the line to take the honours ahead of Australia's Mark Renshaw. Boonen has hit top form heading into the upcoming UCI World Championships. Perfect timing.
Renshaw too, is finally showing some form after a frustrating season, however he yet again, Renshaw misses out on Australian selection for World Champs. This year though form may have had something to do with it, not only the questionable selectors.
Speaking of the World Championships with Belgian Philippe Gilbert's win on stage 19 of the Vuelta it would appear he too, is hitting form at the right end of the season which bodes well for an exciting race coming next weekend.
Finally, another Australian to finish off, Simon Gerrans is showing form also with a win at the GP Québec in Canada. It is great to see Gerro fnishing off the season well, and yes, another contender for World Champ honours.
What's been your favourite cycling story this week?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Contador The Great. Vuelta 2012
I haven't been blogging as much as I would like for this year's Vuelta. Lots of reasons, mainly as I've been a bit ill and very tired, so I have been catching up with TiVo!
It's funny though, as I was going to blog Tuesday about Rodriguez being Mr. Cool Calm and Collected, almost James Bond like, unable to put a foot wrong and withstand any attacks that came his way. If I had have written that post, I would have been eating humble pie right now.
Contador is The Great. 'El Pistolero'. He armed himself, loaded, aimed and fired. And the bullet was spot on. Game over. .... Almost.
Contador wore down his opponents with sheer determination, multiple attacks on every climb over the past few weeks in the end wore them down. Christopher Froome was the first casualty, perhaps a lot earlier than expected. Valverde was next to go, although is certainly far from down and out. And it looked like Rodriguez was holding up the best to Contador's barrage, until now.
Stage 17 saw team Saxo-Bank tactically outmaneuver Rodriguez and allow Contador to make a decisive attack that would leave Rodriguez exposed, it was clear that the past couple of weeks had finally, albeit unfortunately taken their toll.
Contador ended up crossing the line, taking the stage with an outpouring of emotion, no doubt a combination of frustration and relief after the playing out of recent events.
Love him or hate him, Contador had his day. And it will be almost impossible for anyone to dislodge the Spaniard of the red jersey.
Do you feel a little for Rodriguez? What did you think of Contador and Saxo-Bank's tactics?
Sunday, September 2, 2012
And then there were two... Vuelta 2012
Stage 14 of this year's Vuelta was another exciting one with Rodriguez proving that he is one of the punchiest climbers in the business. It was also the stage where four contenders would be reduced to just two.
Rodriguez and Contodor.
It was the last couple of kilometers that provided the action with Contodor displaying his trademark attacking style and placing what looked like could be a winning distance between him and his rivals on the final ascent.
Froome, Valverde, and Rodriguez at first had no answers but in the end it would be Rodriguez's boldness and determination that would see him overtake Contador and cross the line taking yet another stage and more time bonuses.
So is it now a two horse race? It would appear so. But really it will take some amazing racing from Contador to be able to brush Rodriguez aside.
Rodriguez has now proven himself to be a smart, tactical rider who is both composed and full of surprises. And possibly a Vuelta e Espana winner?
Of course it is not over until it is over and there are plenty of mountains to come which means plenty more exciting racing.
Another fantastic result out of Stage 14 was Aussie Simon Clarke taking the lead in the King of the Mountains classification. He has a 11 point lead and a good fight in his spirit. Lets hope he can carry it all the way to Madrid.
Rodriguez and Contodor.
It was the last couple of kilometers that provided the action with Contodor displaying his trademark attacking style and placing what looked like could be a winning distance between him and his rivals on the final ascent.
Froome, Valverde, and Rodriguez at first had no answers but in the end it would be Rodriguez's boldness and determination that would see him overtake Contador and cross the line taking yet another stage and more time bonuses.
So is it now a two horse race? It would appear so. But really it will take some amazing racing from Contador to be able to brush Rodriguez aside.
Rodriguez has now proven himself to be a smart, tactical rider who is both composed and full of surprises. And possibly a Vuelta e Espana winner?
Of course it is not over until it is over and there are plenty of mountains to come which means plenty more exciting racing.
Another fantastic result out of Stage 14 was Aussie Simon Clarke taking the lead in the King of the Mountains classification. He has a 11 point lead and a good fight in his spirit. Lets hope he can carry it all the way to Madrid.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Time trial sets up more excitement - Vuelta
The much anticipated time trial at the Vuelta didn't really pan out as expected.
I myself, expected to be blogging about how much time Rodriguez lost and how his chances for overall classification honors were dashed, but no so. Rodriguez has arguably raced the best time trial of his life to actually hold onto the red jersey, albeit by the narrowest of margins, one second over Contador.
The unexpected and perhaps underestimated ITT winner was Astana's Frederik Kessiakoff who rode a near perfect race against the clock to take the win for the day.
As for the general classification the 'big 4' are still all in contention setting up no doubt what will be an exciting few days to come.
Contador is poised in second place, with Froome, who probably under performed in the time trial in third, while Valverde also put in a stellar performance to stay in touch in fourth place.
I myself, expected to be blogging about how much time Rodriguez lost and how his chances for overall classification honors were dashed, but no so. Rodriguez has arguably raced the best time trial of his life to actually hold onto the red jersey, albeit by the narrowest of margins, one second over Contador.
The unexpected and perhaps underestimated ITT winner was Astana's Frederik Kessiakoff who rode a near perfect race against the clock to take the win for the day.
As for the general classification the 'big 4' are still all in contention setting up no doubt what will be an exciting few days to come.
Contador is poised in second place, with Froome, who probably under performed in the time trial in third, while Valverde also put in a stellar performance to stay in touch in fourth place.
| Joaquim Rodriguez | 40:26:15 | ||||||||||
| Alberto Contador | 0:00:01 | ||||||||||
| Christopher Froome | 0:00:16 | ||||||||||
| Alejandro Valverde | 0:00:59 |
Saturday, August 25, 2012
A tale of four climbers - Vuelta Stage 8
Valverde, Rodriguez, Froome and Contador. They are the four riders who have stamped their authority on this year's vuelta and it is just a matter of time before one of them is crowned the champion. But which one?
Stage 8 saw the Vuelta again live up to it's expectations with an explosive finish to an all round exciting day.
Australia's Cameron Meyer was aggressive as part of the lead group proving himself as an up and coming GC contender. His never say die attitude saw him pound away at the pedals even when faced with the great climbers surging behind him. Even when caught he hung on only dropping back within the last kilometer after his legs had declared enough for the day.
In what was a fast and furious race it really was the last kilometer of racing that brought the goods, what all loyal cycling fans had been waiting for - riders on the attack.
Perhaps it is the Vuelta's shorter stages and time bonuses inciting more aggressive riding, or perhaps the return of Contador, the eagerness of Valverde and the unleashing of the 'Froomedog' from his master Wiggins, no doubt it is the combination of all of these factors, and as a cycling fan it is just magic.
Froome was first to attack as they rounded one of the tight bends of the final climb towards the finish but it was to no avail, he was easily reigned in before Contador turned on his legs in a beautiful change of speed and attacked in his familiar style.
He quickly distanced himself from the chasing three and with 150m to go, taking a quick glance over his shoulder, looking like he had the race all but won.
But fellow Spaniards Valverde and race leader Rodriguez would have none of that. Within the next 50m they began to round him up and it would seem out of nowhere they were in Contador's shadow, fast approaching.
Contador tried in vein to hold them off but they would be too strong with Valverde again showing why he is one of the best at this scenario taking the win ahead of Rodriguez and a somewhat bewildered Contador.
Froome was left to skulk over the line 15 seconds behind in 4th place.
Rodriguez still holds onto a narrow lead in the general classification 33 seconds ahead of Froome and Contador closes the gap edging within 7 seconds of Froome. Valverde is in fourth place.
There is little doubt that one of these riders will be this year's winner. Many have laid bets on Chris Froome taking into account his brilliant time trialling ability. Valverde and Rodriguez will have to be concerned heading towards the Stage 11 time trial and Contador, a strong time trialist in his own right will no doubt need to be at his best on the day.
I still feel it will come down to the Contador vs Froome battle, but with explosive and exciting racing as we have seen so far I don't really mind who wins, I am simply relishing it as it all unfolds.
 | |
| Valverde taking Stage 8 |
Stage 8 saw the Vuelta again live up to it's expectations with an explosive finish to an all round exciting day.
Australia's Cameron Meyer was aggressive as part of the lead group proving himself as an up and coming GC contender. His never say die attitude saw him pound away at the pedals even when faced with the great climbers surging behind him. Even when caught he hung on only dropping back within the last kilometer after his legs had declared enough for the day.
In what was a fast and furious race it really was the last kilometer of racing that brought the goods, what all loyal cycling fans had been waiting for - riders on the attack.
Perhaps it is the Vuelta's shorter stages and time bonuses inciting more aggressive riding, or perhaps the return of Contador, the eagerness of Valverde and the unleashing of the 'Froomedog' from his master Wiggins, no doubt it is the combination of all of these factors, and as a cycling fan it is just magic.
Froome was first to attack as they rounded one of the tight bends of the final climb towards the finish but it was to no avail, he was easily reigned in before Contador turned on his legs in a beautiful change of speed and attacked in his familiar style.
He quickly distanced himself from the chasing three and with 150m to go, taking a quick glance over his shoulder, looking like he had the race all but won.
But fellow Spaniards Valverde and race leader Rodriguez would have none of that. Within the next 50m they began to round him up and it would seem out of nowhere they were in Contador's shadow, fast approaching.
Contador tried in vein to hold them off but they would be too strong with Valverde again showing why he is one of the best at this scenario taking the win ahead of Rodriguez and a somewhat bewildered Contador.
Froome was left to skulk over the line 15 seconds behind in 4th place.
Rodriguez still holds onto a narrow lead in the general classification 33 seconds ahead of Froome and Contador closes the gap edging within 7 seconds of Froome. Valverde is in fourth place.
There is little doubt that one of these riders will be this year's winner. Many have laid bets on Chris Froome taking into account his brilliant time trialling ability. Valverde and Rodriguez will have to be concerned heading towards the Stage 11 time trial and Contador, a strong time trialist in his own right will no doubt need to be at his best on the day.
I still feel it will come down to the Contador vs Froome battle, but with explosive and exciting racing as we have seen so far I don't really mind who wins, I am simply relishing it as it all unfolds.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
A sad day for cycling
Firstly I apologise for the quality of this post. I have decided to not edit as it is written from the heart. So if it doesn't flow or read coherently please bear that in mind x
Having just logged onto twitter for the day I was greeted with my cycling tweet stream full of Lance Armstrong and it didn't take long to find out why.
I am in shock, and actually close to tears.
This is a very sad day for cycling no matter which way you look at it or which side you believe.
If you are a Lance Armstrong supporter as I unashamedly am, it is sad for three reasons. Firstly that this amazingly talented rider who has done so much for the sport and the community in general has been stripped of his tour wins. No ones the Tour de France on their own.
Secondly, the truth has not come out. It has not been proven if Lance did in fact dope, it is still and forever will be one mans word against another.
Thirdly, the fact that Lance is giving up the fight must indeed plant some seed of doubt in the minds of his supporters and those on the fence. These claims he so vehemently denied lay uncontested and forever in question.
If you are a cycling supporter and against doping, which no doubt we all are, and even though you may feel vindicated that 'where there is smoke there is fire' you should now wipe that smirk off your face. This does nothing for the good of the sport. It only drags up all the rotten, soiled stain from yesteryear that has surrounded cycling for so long. When we thought the image and profile of cycling was on the improve we are again back at square one fighting for the ethics and existence of this great sport.
Every sport has it's cheats, everywhere in life there are cheats. Were there many clean cyclists in the 80's/90's, probably not, does it make it okay? Of course not. But do we now go after every cycling who ever won a race during that dark period? Well, if this case is setting a precedence we should.
Don't get me wrong, I believe all drug cheats in all sports should be dealt with once proven. But that is the thing, once proven. Not through hearsay or witch hunts.
I don't know if Lance doped or not, my heart doesn't want to believe it, my head does wonder sometimes, yet how can you really be proven guilty on negative samples? However, what I do know is that doped or not he is still one of the greatest athletes of our time and an amazing and inspirational ambassador for the fight against Cancer.
The benefits the USADA claim this case against Armstrong will bring is the proof and vindication that they are doing their job, cleaning up sport yet they are no hero's.
This story has no hero's.
You can read Lance Armstrong's full statement here
Having just logged onto twitter for the day I was greeted with my cycling tweet stream full of Lance Armstrong and it didn't take long to find out why.
I am in shock, and actually close to tears.
This is a very sad day for cycling no matter which way you look at it or which side you believe.
If you are a Lance Armstrong supporter as I unashamedly am, it is sad for three reasons. Firstly that this amazingly talented rider who has done so much for the sport and the community in general has been stripped of his tour wins. No ones the Tour de France on their own.
Secondly, the truth has not come out. It has not been proven if Lance did in fact dope, it is still and forever will be one mans word against another.
Thirdly, the fact that Lance is giving up the fight must indeed plant some seed of doubt in the minds of his supporters and those on the fence. These claims he so vehemently denied lay uncontested and forever in question.
If you are a cycling supporter and against doping, which no doubt we all are, and even though you may feel vindicated that 'where there is smoke there is fire' you should now wipe that smirk off your face. This does nothing for the good of the sport. It only drags up all the rotten, soiled stain from yesteryear that has surrounded cycling for so long. When we thought the image and profile of cycling was on the improve we are again back at square one fighting for the ethics and existence of this great sport.
Every sport has it's cheats, everywhere in life there are cheats. Were there many clean cyclists in the 80's/90's, probably not, does it make it okay? Of course not. But do we now go after every cycling who ever won a race during that dark period? Well, if this case is setting a precedence we should.
Don't get me wrong, I believe all drug cheats in all sports should be dealt with once proven. But that is the thing, once proven. Not through hearsay or witch hunts.
I don't know if Lance doped or not, my heart doesn't want to believe it, my head does wonder sometimes, yet how can you really be proven guilty on negative samples? However, what I do know is that doped or not he is still one of the greatest athletes of our time and an amazing and inspirational ambassador for the fight against Cancer.
The benefits the USADA claim this case against Armstrong will bring is the proof and vindication that they are doing their job, cleaning up sport yet they are no hero's.
This story has no hero's.
You can read Lance Armstrong's full statement here
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Thank you Contador - Vuelta 2012
Finally! Yes, finally it happened. Explosive racing, attacks, excitement, anticipation all thanks to the man pro-cycling has been missing - Alberto Contador.
Whether you are a fan or not, you certainly can't deny what took place on Stage 3 of the Vuelta e Espana.
After a couple of warm up stages the Vuelta took to the first mountain top finish for the race last night and it didn't disappoint.
The break away was caught at the foot of the final climb as the fireworks were about to start.
All the contenders were there; Valverde, Rodriguez, Van Den Broek, De Gendt, Gesink, Uran, Roach and of course Froome and Contador.
It wasn't long before the attacks came. Valverde was first to show his cards launching a minor attack which was easily reeled in and then Contador made his first move. His unmistakable prancing of pedals and lightening acceleration quickly had the others on their toes. It would initially appear that Froome was going to be a casualty however he gained his momentum and was never really in trouble.
There would be no less than five more attacks from Contador, each one displaying his sheer brilliance and excitement that tour racing has been missing in his absence.
Apart from dropping Van Den Broek and De Gendt, Contador's attacks were of no real consequence. But he certainly did make clear his intentions and show his challengers that he is the one to beat.
In a terribly close finish Valverde went on to steal the stage win from Rodriguez who thought he had it in the bag and will no doubt be kicking himself.
Froome too showed his strength by putting four seconds into Contador by taking third place time bonuses in front of the Spaniard.
Stage three was a mere taste to whet our appetites for what is to come over the next couple of weeks of racing, and with another tough hill top finish tonight we won't have to wait long for more!
What did you make of Contador's attacks? Was he just playing with them?
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Vuelta Preview
Tonight, which is today on the other side of the globe the final grand tour for 2012 is beginning. The Tour of Spain, or Vuelta e Espana is probably the least popular of the grand tours yet is growing in respect and this year will be a fabulous spectacular.
Highlights to look forward to:
- Climbs, climbs and more climbs. This Vuelta will be one of the toughest to be conquered, with no less than 10 summit finishes and 36 categorized climbs this is definitely one for the uphill specialists.
- Contador v's Froome. Much has been made of this battle, here's my thoughts on it, and let's hope we are not disappointed.
- Alejandro Valverde, Joaquim Rodriguez, Igor Anton, Juan Jose Cobo, Thomas De Gendt and Robert Gesink will want to ensure it isn't just a two horse race.
- Shorter stages will ensure some explosive racing.
All of this is going to equate to a fascinating and intriguing three weeks of racing and all I can say is Bring It On!
What are you looking forward to at this year's Vuelta?
Monday, August 13, 2012
Froome V's Contador: Let the battle begin
This year's Tour de France was much talked about as one of the least exciting on record, however there are a few things to get excited about one of them being Christopher Froome.
Froome takes to the road this weekend for Team Sky in the upcoming Vuelta a espana (Tour of Spain) and this time he will be let loose as team leader. No longer will he be overshadowed by Brad Wiggins, no he will be free to bask in the limelight as he chases GC decoration.
But, wait there's more....
The return of Alberto Contador to grand tour racing.
Contador has warmed up his legs in this weeks Eneco Tour biding his time and preparing for his assault on his home tour. He is ready.
Both Contador and Froome have so much to prove and what a battle it is going to be.
Froome has a big season under his belt, whereas Contador, although he hasn't stopped training my well be underdone. Nothing compares to 'match fitness'.
Contador will be out to regrain his crown at the top of world cycling, tarnished or not, whilst Froome needs to prove what we all think he is capable of.
However the events of the Vuelta play out there is no doubt this is a climbers race and these are two of the best in the business.
So let the battle begin!
Froome takes to the road this weekend for Team Sky in the upcoming Vuelta a espana (Tour of Spain) and this time he will be let loose as team leader. No longer will he be overshadowed by Brad Wiggins, no he will be free to bask in the limelight as he chases GC decoration.
But, wait there's more....
The return of Alberto Contador to grand tour racing.
Contador has warmed up his legs in this weeks Eneco Tour biding his time and preparing for his assault on his home tour. He is ready.
Both Contador and Froome have so much to prove and what a battle it is going to be.
Froome has a big season under his belt, whereas Contador, although he hasn't stopped training my well be underdone. Nothing compares to 'match fitness'.
Contador will be out to regrain his crown at the top of world cycling, tarnished or not, whilst Froome needs to prove what we all think he is capable of.
However the events of the Vuelta play out there is no doubt this is a climbers race and these are two of the best in the business.
So let the battle begin!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Did you enjoy the track cycling? London 2012
Photo from http://london2012.olympics.com.au/ and courtesy of Phil Walter/Getty Images
The world has stopped. Or so it seems. It is Olympic time if you didn't realise. For those of you into all things sports it is a time of salivation, for those of you who aren't it can be a torturous two weeks.
For me I am not hugely into the Olympics, there are a few sports that I like to watch; the swimming, rowing, some of the athletics, and of course the cycling - road and track.
The road events were over pretty quickly being placed in the first few days of the Olympics and last night the track cycling wrapped up with Aussie Anna Meares taking a Gold medal in the Sprint and Annette Edmonson Bronze in the Omnium.
The Aussies have had a less than successful Olympics which the Australian media has had a field day with, and the track cycling has been no different. We have certainly been outclassed in a lot of the events with the Brit's thoroughly taking advantage of their home town crowd (and enormous budget, and talent pool yes,) to ride brilliantly.
I must admit although I love the track cycling, I haven't been able to stay awake to watch it in the early hours of the morning. Who's idea was it to have the Olympics in the Northern Hemisphere??? So I have been following the action on Twitter and the Australian Olympic site to catch up each morning.
I did make it up this morning to see Sally Pearson take Gold for Australia in the 100m women's hurdles. Did you see that? Now that was a close one. Well done Sally!
And it was great to wake up to the news that Anna Meares had taken the Gold in the Sprints on the velodrome against none other than Brit Victoria Pendleton. Vicky is amazing but our Anna, even more so. If you don't know the Anna Meares story you must read it now.
So well done to Anna, Annette, and all our other cyclists on the track - you have done us proud. You have competed at the Olympics and medal or no medal that is something that the majority of us will never, ever experience.
Did you enjoy the track cycling?
Monday, August 6, 2012
The Return of Contador
Alberto Contador officially begins his Vuelta preparations tonight in the Tour of Eneco across Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Spaniard is returning from a two year ban for a positive result of Clenbuterol in his system at the 2010 Tour de France.A case which sparked much controversy and one of the longest doping case decisions in history in cycling.
Critics say he should have suffered the most severe reprimand for his actions, supporters believe in his innocence and the 'contaminated meat' defense.
I am all for clean cycling and the first to call for total bans for those found guilty of doping in not only this sport, but any sport. However, in this instance I believe in Contador's innocence. The minute traces that were found in his system to me indicate an alternative reason than doping and his defense is more than viable.
It would certainly have been a shame for the sport of cycling to lose a rider of the likes of Alberto Contador. He is exciting, focused and is there anyone who looks better on a bike - like he belongs there?
Contador's return is one of the biggest stories this month and for the build up to the upcoming Tour of Spain where he will again front up aiming for another Grand Tour win.
Whether you like him or not you certainly cannot deny Contador's ability and talent and the excitement that he will again bring to tour racing. His ban will have spurred him on and he will be more than determined to perform at his best.
Are you looking forward to Contador's return?
The Spaniard is returning from a two year ban for a positive result of Clenbuterol in his system at the 2010 Tour de France.A case which sparked much controversy and one of the longest doping case decisions in history in cycling.
Critics say he should have suffered the most severe reprimand for his actions, supporters believe in his innocence and the 'contaminated meat' defense.
I am all for clean cycling and the first to call for total bans for those found guilty of doping in not only this sport, but any sport. However, in this instance I believe in Contador's innocence. The minute traces that were found in his system to me indicate an alternative reason than doping and his defense is more than viable.
It would certainly have been a shame for the sport of cycling to lose a rider of the likes of Alberto Contador. He is exciting, focused and is there anyone who looks better on a bike - like he belongs there?
Contador's return is one of the biggest stories this month and for the build up to the upcoming Tour of Spain where he will again front up aiming for another Grand Tour win.
Whether you like him or not you certainly cannot deny Contador's ability and talent and the excitement that he will again bring to tour racing. His ban will have spurred him on and he will be more than determined to perform at his best.
Are you looking forward to Contador's return?
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wiggins, Sanchez & Cancellara. Olympic Time Trial Wrap.
As much as it pains me to say it, Wiggins is the best time trialist in the world right now. You know, I don't even know why it pains me to say it. I loved watching him ride the track but when he crossed over to road, for some reason he became unlikeable. Must be the sideburns.
But credit must be given where it is due and it is certainly due. Wiggins finished 42 seconds ahead of Tony Martin and 1.08 ahead of Bronze medalist and Sky team mate Christopher Froome. Wiggins was focused and no doubt spurred on by his home crowd. I don't think anyone could have stopped him.
Perhaps the podium may have been different had Fabian Cancellara not been injured due to his unfortunately crash in the road race. The thing I love about Fabian is his humility. He could have pulled out knowing he really wasn't in contention but he didn't. Instead he rode injured and he rode the best race he could - and he is content with that.
Here is part of what Cancellara had to say after the race (courtesy of Cycling News)
"I just took a step back, said I'm just an athlete. I gave so much for this, I have so much support from my family from the team, and the supporters all around the world. You don't have a chance to represent your country every day at the Olympics so I just said to myself that I had nothing to lose. I lost everything on Saturday when it was almost on a golden plate with the situation we had with the Swiss team, but that's how sport and life go. Even a seventh place is not that bad."
Brilliant.
The worst news of the day was for Luis Leon Sanchez who broke his chain as he launched off the start line. If you watch the vision he actually snaps it even before he crosses the start line at the top of the ramp. Now, the rules are the rules but surely this unfortunate event warranted a restart! I could feel his pain as he threw his hands in the air as he waited for the new bike. I would have picked up that bike and thrown it straight into the damn crowd! And it definitely wasn't Sanchez's day as not far down the road once he got going - he punctured! Bad, bad luck or sabotage?
And of course special mention must go to Australia's Michael Rogers. Mick, a three-time world champion time trialist, finished a credible sixth. Not a bad effort all Mick and we are undoubtedly proud.
What were your thoughts on the time trial?
Monday, July 30, 2012
Time Trial Not An Easy Pick - London 2012
Wednesday sees the time trial specialists head out on the road to race against the clock.And it is going to be a good one.
Unfortunately for the Aussie's we will only be represented by Michael Rogers due to Cadel Evans' withdrawal due to fatigue.
Many have said Luke Durbridge should be given a chance and I totally agree. I actually think he should have been selected in the squad. He is young, talented and capable, however many a selection in recent years has left me scratching my head.
The problem is that Olympic rules state that participants in the Time Trial must also be included in the Road Race squad, therefore leaving Durbridge, this time ineligible. With Goss, O'Grady and Gerrans certainly not time trialists unfortunately the fate of Australia's Gold medal hopes lies with Rogers.
The other topic of conversation is Fabian Cancellara. After crashing out of the road race with a suspected broken collarbone, Fabian has since been in doubt. Thankfully, it was not broken as poor Fabian tweeted:
"Looks like a hard night with a lots of pain.happy is not broken but the pain will be on!For the timetrial nothing is shure yet 50/50change"
As Spartacus is one of my favourite riders I surely hope that he is right to ride.
Along with Cancellara, the other top contenders each bring their own 'baggage' to the time trial. Tony Martin hasn't had the best preparation after a few untimely crashes and Bradley Wiggins comes off a tough Tour de France and also Sunday's Road Race.
I think that there are a few riders who can well and truly challenge the major favourites. Names like Taylor Phinney, Christopher Froome, Silvain Chavanel and Luis Leon Sanchez all come to mind.
All in all the 44km circuit will prove challenging and offer some great racing. I'm looking forward to it.
Who do you think will take the Gold?
Unfortunately for the Aussie's we will only be represented by Michael Rogers due to Cadel Evans' withdrawal due to fatigue.
Many have said Luke Durbridge should be given a chance and I totally agree. I actually think he should have been selected in the squad. He is young, talented and capable, however many a selection in recent years has left me scratching my head.
The problem is that Olympic rules state that participants in the Time Trial must also be included in the Road Race squad, therefore leaving Durbridge, this time ineligible. With Goss, O'Grady and Gerrans certainly not time trialists unfortunately the fate of Australia's Gold medal hopes lies with Rogers.
The other topic of conversation is Fabian Cancellara. After crashing out of the road race with a suspected broken collarbone, Fabian has since been in doubt. Thankfully, it was not broken as poor Fabian tweeted:
"Looks like a hard night with a lots of pain.happy is not broken but the pain will be on!For the timetrial nothing is shure yet 50/50change"
As Spartacus is one of my favourite riders I surely hope that he is right to ride.
Along with Cancellara, the other top contenders each bring their own 'baggage' to the time trial. Tony Martin hasn't had the best preparation after a few untimely crashes and Bradley Wiggins comes off a tough Tour de France and also Sunday's Road Race.
I think that there are a few riders who can well and truly challenge the major favourites. Names like Taylor Phinney, Christopher Froome, Silvain Chavanel and Luis Leon Sanchez all come to mind.
All in all the 44km circuit will prove challenging and offer some great racing. I'm looking forward to it.
Who do you think will take the Gold?
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Is Cav right? - Men's Olympic Road Race 2012
Alexandre Vinokourov, Gold Medalist.
If you didn't stay up to watch Channel 9's so called 'coverage' of the Men's Olympic Road Race last night it would have been a little surprising to wake up to this news.
For those of who did stay up, we were lucky enough to see one exciting race. There were attacks galore, a couple of crashes, and a standoff that lead to the break surviving. Then Colombian Rigoberto Uran attacked with Vinokourov following close behind, but in the end the Kazakh's experience won out and he took the gold.
It was an interesting race indeed. The group of 11 riders who established a break early on, which included Australian Stuart O'Grady, were in the box seat, whilst Team Great Britain were left to fend for themselves on the front of the Peloton. Noone was willing to help pull the break back, when they knew that if it ended in the bunch sprint Mark Cavendish was almost assured to be victorious.
After the race Cavendish had a few words to say including: 'We did everything we could. The crowd was tremendous the whole way around, but the Aussies just raced negatively.'
The fact is, (ducking for cover), Mark is quite right. And believe me, it is not very often I agree with Cav!
It is true noone wanted to help out, the peloton were riding defensively all that is, apart from Great Britain. There was a little help from Germany, but it was mainly left to Great Britain to do all the work.
Yes, Mark was probably going to win in a bunch sprint, but isn't that a defeatist attitude.? 'Oh well, we can't win if we bring Cav to the line, so stuff that' Last I knew there were three medals up for grabs at Olympic events. Isn't Silver and Bronze better than nothing? I'm sure Uran and Kristoff think so.
For the Aussies, yes Stuart O'Grady was in the break, but seriously he was never going to win. Perhaps the Stuey of ten years ago may have had a chance, but against the likes of the break which included Vino, Cancellara, Gilbert and LL Sanchez it would have been a tough, tough ask for O'Grady.
Again I question the tactics of Matt White. The question has to be asked. Why didn't the Aussies join in the chase? Why didn't the Germans do more?
The truth comes too little too late, and of course hindsight is a wonderful thing. But there are also other factors to consider that contributed to the outcome of the race, such as the smaller team sizes (5 riders) and of course no race radios.
But, as much as I'm not really a Vino fan (remember he stole the win on the Champs Elysees from Robbie in '05 when I was there to see my Robbie win!!!), he deserves the Gold. He rode smart, he took his chance and now has the Glory.
Do you agree with Cav? Do you think the Aussies should have harder raced for a medal?
Friday, July 27, 2012
What's the problem with Phil Liggett?
Phil 'The Voice of Cycling' Liggett has been in the news, and not for his commentary skills, but rather is opinions. He made comment yesterday that he didn't believe BMX or Mountain Biking belonged in the Olympics.
Firstly I share with Phil his annoyance that some amazing track events have been abolished such as the madison, individual pursuits and the points races.
It is an absolutely atrocity that these events have been dropped. They are exciting events, especially for spectators and it is a huge shame that the eligible competitors no longer have a chance to win gold in these events. Some of my best memories of the Olympics are from the track cycling. My Mother loved the track races, and growing up, apart from the swimming, it was really the only parts of the Olympics that we watched.
But... I don't really agree with Phil that BMX and Mountain Biking shouldn't be Olympic events. Why not? Why shouldn't the best in their fields be able to aim for Olympic gold? Surely there are more less deserving sports included in the Olympics such as badminton, table tennis, kyaking. And then there are sports that have been included previously and discontinuted such as tug of war (yes true), croquet and golf (which apparently is making a comeback in 2016).
It all comes down to personal preference and I'm sure there are many out there who couldn't give a flying hoot what cycling events have been dropped, but for me it is sad.
So Phil, I feel your pain, for the most part.
And just on Phil, for the record I think he is great and have been surprised to find out that many don't love Phil and his commentating, actually shocked....
So tell me, what is the problem with Phil? Is it just that he is too opinionated or have I missed something? I really couldn't imagine cycling without him.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Olympic Road Race Preview
This weekend London will become the sporting mecca of the world as it hosts the 2012 Olympic Games. One of the first events will be the Men's Road Race.
The 250km course set down for the race has been a topic of much discussion (you can see the course here). Many are divided on who this type of course will suit best, but even so, Mark Cavendish seems to be the undeniable favourite to win on his 'home' soil.
I am not so sure that it will be such a clear cut sprinting course. There is the much talked about 'Box Hill' to be navigated nine times, and the circuit is narrow and bumpy. There is serious doubt that it will end in a bunch sprint and if it does Cavendish will still have to contend with the likes of Sagan who may fair better at the end of the long lumpy race.
There is the other opinion that perhaps a break will survive with Aussie Simon Gerran's well suited to that scenario.
I believe though it won't be a small break that survives or a bunch sprint. I think there will be a split in the peloton and will come down to who is the strongest rider to survive the course and still take the sprint at the end. Or who has the guts and the legs to steal a break and 'go for gold'.
Aussie's are heading into the race with a good five man squad (did Matt White actually get something right? That's a post for another day), with Stuart O'Grady, Mick Rogers, Simon Gerrans, Cadel Evans and Matt Goss. The rider in for the best chance in my opinion is Simon Gerrans, providing he has pulled up okay after the TDF where he didn't have the best of times. He will need full strength in his legs and his cycling brain in tip top shape and with some good team work from the likes of Stuey, Mick and Evans, could well be in the hunt.
Unfortunatley, if it does end in a sprint finish I don't think Goss will have the legs to overcome the likes of Cavendish, Sagan or Greipel. But I don't mind being wrong either!
All in all I can't say who will win. It is too hard to call with too many factors in play. Even after narrowing it down to the likes of Cavendish, Gerrans, Sagan, Freire, Cancellara, Boonen, Hesjedal, there would still be another ten or so riders that are capable, in form and hungry enough to win.
Who's your pick for the race? And which Aussie do you think is our best chance?
The 250km course set down for the race has been a topic of much discussion (you can see the course here). Many are divided on who this type of course will suit best, but even so, Mark Cavendish seems to be the undeniable favourite to win on his 'home' soil.
I am not so sure that it will be such a clear cut sprinting course. There is the much talked about 'Box Hill' to be navigated nine times, and the circuit is narrow and bumpy. There is serious doubt that it will end in a bunch sprint and if it does Cavendish will still have to contend with the likes of Sagan who may fair better at the end of the long lumpy race.
There is the other opinion that perhaps a break will survive with Aussie Simon Gerran's well suited to that scenario.
I believe though it won't be a small break that survives or a bunch sprint. I think there will be a split in the peloton and will come down to who is the strongest rider to survive the course and still take the sprint at the end. Or who has the guts and the legs to steal a break and 'go for gold'.
Aussie's are heading into the race with a good five man squad (did Matt White actually get something right? That's a post for another day), with Stuart O'Grady, Mick Rogers, Simon Gerrans, Cadel Evans and Matt Goss. The rider in for the best chance in my opinion is Simon Gerrans, providing he has pulled up okay after the TDF where he didn't have the best of times. He will need full strength in his legs and his cycling brain in tip top shape and with some good team work from the likes of Stuey, Mick and Evans, could well be in the hunt.
Unfortunatley, if it does end in a sprint finish I don't think Goss will have the legs to overcome the likes of Cavendish, Sagan or Greipel. But I don't mind being wrong either!
All in all I can't say who will win. It is too hard to call with too many factors in play. Even after narrowing it down to the likes of Cavendish, Gerrans, Sagan, Freire, Cancellara, Boonen, Hesjedal, there would still be another ten or so riders that are capable, in form and hungry enough to win.
Who's your pick for the race? And which Aussie do you think is our best chance?
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Reflections of the 2012 Tour de France. Why I feel flat.
Well after a full nights sleep last night, the first in about three weeks I thought I would be refreshed and full of life today. But no, it seems the sleep account balance is still very much in debt.
But perhaps I am just a bit flat, much like Cadel in the Pyrenees. Usually at the end of the great race I am buzzing for days. I still get the 'tour blues' but that stems from coming down from such a high.
There were some great performances at this years tour Peter Sagan smashing the green jersey and with some pretty cool victory salutes, Thomas Voeckler's theatrics and determination to win the king of the mountains, the coming of age of riders such as Van Garderen, Pinot and Rollands, the anticipation of wanting to see Chris Froome break free, and of course the amazing sprint finishes of Mark Cavendish.
But I can't shake this feeling that this years tour was..... a disappointment. I missed the attacks in the mountains. I don't care who it is that is doing the attacking, the more the merrier, but for me that is what the tour is about. These guys pushing themselves to the limit, then pushing themselves even further over the edge. The guys cracking and falling off the back of the peolton with the explosive attacks. The grimaces, the pain, the triumph. It was missing. I sigh. I missed it.
Well, there's always next year isn't there? And an exciting few months of racing coming up with the Olympics road and track, the Vuelta and the Worlds. There is sure to be some excitiement amoungst all of that!
What did the tour lack for you this year? Or was it up to your usual expectations, just in a different way?
But perhaps I am just a bit flat, much like Cadel in the Pyrenees. Usually at the end of the great race I am buzzing for days. I still get the 'tour blues' but that stems from coming down from such a high.
There were some great performances at this years tour Peter Sagan smashing the green jersey and with some pretty cool victory salutes, Thomas Voeckler's theatrics and determination to win the king of the mountains, the coming of age of riders such as Van Garderen, Pinot and Rollands, the anticipation of wanting to see Chris Froome break free, and of course the amazing sprint finishes of Mark Cavendish.
But I can't shake this feeling that this years tour was..... a disappointment. I missed the attacks in the mountains. I don't care who it is that is doing the attacking, the more the merrier, but for me that is what the tour is about. These guys pushing themselves to the limit, then pushing themselves even further over the edge. The guys cracking and falling off the back of the peolton with the explosive attacks. The grimaces, the pain, the triumph. It was missing. I sigh. I missed it.
Well, there's always next year isn't there? And an exciting few months of racing coming up with the Olympics road and track, the Vuelta and the Worlds. There is sure to be some excitiement amoungst all of that!
What did the tour lack for you this year? Or was it up to your usual expectations, just in a different way?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Tour Blues - TDF 2012
Well the 2012 Tour de France is done and dusted for another year. The final stage along the Champs Elysees didn't disappoint with the fastest man on the planet Mark Cavendish (Team Sky) taking the stage win, his fourth on the famous Avenue.
TDF 12 will definitely be remembered as the year that Team Sky dominated, not only the General Classification with Bradley Wiggins taking yellow but also with Mark Cavendish finishing it off beautifully.
There has been highs and lows in this years tour, and that is a post for another day, right now I am trying ward off the 'Tour Blues'. Once the sleep bank is again in credit (remember I am here Australia and three weeks of 1am or later bedtimes), the tour blues will no doubt set in.
But not for long, with the London Olympics and the road and time trials only days away that will surely offset the withdrawals. And then it won't be long until the Veulta a Espana is ready to take off - and won't that be an awesome race!
For now though I am looking forward to an early night and processing the memories of this years edition.
Do you get the tour blues?
TDF 12 will definitely be remembered as the year that Team Sky dominated, not only the General Classification with Bradley Wiggins taking yellow but also with Mark Cavendish finishing it off beautifully.
There has been highs and lows in this years tour, and that is a post for another day, right now I am trying ward off the 'Tour Blues'. Once the sleep bank is again in credit (remember I am here Australia and three weeks of 1am or later bedtimes), the tour blues will no doubt set in.
But not for long, with the London Olympics and the road and time trials only days away that will surely offset the withdrawals. And then it won't be long until the Veulta a Espana is ready to take off - and won't that be an awesome race!
For now though I am looking forward to an early night and processing the memories of this years edition.
Do you get the tour blues?
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Final Glory in Paris - Tour de France 2012 finale
Today is a mix of excitement and sadness. The end of another Tour de France.
I remember the 2005 Tour de France finale on the Champs Elysees well. I was five months pregnant and sat for hours on the cold stone of Rue de Rivoli. The atmosphere was amazing. It didn't matter that I had to walk five miles to the closest toilet, or that we were over1km from the finish line- I was there. It was amazing. The first time the peloton went around was an electric feeling, almost surreal and nothing like I had ever experienced.
I had come to see Robbie (McEwen) take the stage win, but even though that didn't eventuate with Alexandre Vinokourov escaping and stealing the stage, you still couldn't wipe the smile off my face. (At least an Aussie came second in Brad McGee).
And today here in 2012, I wish I was sitting on that fence yet again.
But I'm not. I'm here at home in Australia sitting with anticipation for an exciting finish to a fairly uneventful tour.
This stage will be anything but uneventful I hope. All the sprinters teams will be working to position their chosen ones in the best spot to deliver them over the line to glory on this hallowed ground.
Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish, Matthew Goss, Andre Greipel will all by vying for that triumphant feeling.
I don't know who is going to win. My head says it will be a Cavendish / Greipel showdown but it is the Champs Elysees and anything can happen and I hope it does!
Who's your pick for final glory?
I remember the 2005 Tour de France finale on the Champs Elysees well. I was five months pregnant and sat for hours on the cold stone of Rue de Rivoli. The atmosphere was amazing. It didn't matter that I had to walk five miles to the closest toilet, or that we were over1km from the finish line- I was there. It was amazing. The first time the peloton went around was an electric feeling, almost surreal and nothing like I had ever experienced.
I had come to see Robbie (McEwen) take the stage win, but even though that didn't eventuate with Alexandre Vinokourov escaping and stealing the stage, you still couldn't wipe the smile off my face. (At least an Aussie came second in Brad McGee).
And today here in 2012, I wish I was sitting on that fence yet again.
But I'm not. I'm here at home in Australia sitting with anticipation for an exciting finish to a fairly uneventful tour.
This stage will be anything but uneventful I hope. All the sprinters teams will be working to position their chosen ones in the best spot to deliver them over the line to glory on this hallowed ground.
Peter Sagan, Mark Cavendish, Matthew Goss, Andre Greipel will all by vying for that triumphant feeling.
I don't know who is going to win. My head says it will be a Cavendish / Greipel showdown but it is the Champs Elysees and anything can happen and I hope it does!
Who's your pick for final glory?
The Race of Truth becomes a non-event...or is it?
The Tour de France is about to reach it's climax for 2012. Today's stage, a 53.5km time trial, is the last before the grand race makes it way into Paris and the finale on the famous Champs Elysees.
There has been much criticism of Tour director Christian Prudhomme and his choice of route for this year's tour. In particular his placement of the first time trial prior to the mountain stages suggesting that there would have been more action in the Alps to gain time going into a time trial.
Everyone knows that Wiggins has an unbelievable talent for the time trial. And with positioning the first time trial before the climbs no doubt played into his hands more than any other this year.
But, the thing is each team has an opportunity to bring with them their game plan into the tour, knowing full well the race routes, layouts and opposition strengths and weaknesses. They prepare their teams accordingly to their own strengths and have detailed strategic plans on what their aims and goals will be.
Yes, possibly repositioning the first time trial may have resulted in a different race with teams attacking to gain a time advantage over the likes of Wiggins and Evans knowing what they are capable of in the time trial, but...
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and this year's tour has played out and cannot be changed. What is known though, is that the last time trial on the penultimate day of racing is most likely going to be a non-event.
Evans is out of contention. Nibali unfortunatley doesn't race well against the clock. Van den Broeck is too far down to make have an impact. Even the master time triallists are no longer in the race (Cancellara and Martin) to make for a decent showing.
The only thing would be interesting, provided he was let off the leash, would be the potential performance of Christoper Froome.
Froome showed in the first time trial that he quite capable of an amazing performance. Surely Sky will tell him to give it all he has got? He is just over two minutes behind Wiggins, so is no threat to taking the jersey, but I'm sure many would love to see Froome ''beat" Wiggins, but would team Sky?
I for one would love to see Froome given the opportunity at least, otherwise yes indeed this race of truth will be a non-event.
Would you love to see Froome take on Wiggins tonight?
There has been much criticism of Tour director Christian Prudhomme and his choice of route for this year's tour. In particular his placement of the first time trial prior to the mountain stages suggesting that there would have been more action in the Alps to gain time going into a time trial.
Everyone knows that Wiggins has an unbelievable talent for the time trial. And with positioning the first time trial before the climbs no doubt played into his hands more than any other this year.
But, the thing is each team has an opportunity to bring with them their game plan into the tour, knowing full well the race routes, layouts and opposition strengths and weaknesses. They prepare their teams accordingly to their own strengths and have detailed strategic plans on what their aims and goals will be.
Yes, possibly repositioning the first time trial may have resulted in a different race with teams attacking to gain a time advantage over the likes of Wiggins and Evans knowing what they are capable of in the time trial, but...
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and this year's tour has played out and cannot be changed. What is known though, is that the last time trial on the penultimate day of racing is most likely going to be a non-event.
Evans is out of contention. Nibali unfortunatley doesn't race well against the clock. Van den Broeck is too far down to make have an impact. Even the master time triallists are no longer in the race (Cancellara and Martin) to make for a decent showing.
The only thing would be interesting, provided he was let off the leash, would be the potential performance of Christoper Froome.
Froome showed in the first time trial that he quite capable of an amazing performance. Surely Sky will tell him to give it all he has got? He is just over two minutes behind Wiggins, so is no threat to taking the jersey, but I'm sure many would love to see Froome ''beat" Wiggins, but would team Sky?
I for one would love to see Froome given the opportunity at least, otherwise yes indeed this race of truth will be a non-event.
Would you love to see Froome take on Wiggins tonight?
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Team Work, Loyalty & Sacrifice TDF 2012
Last night's final high mountain stage of the 2012 Tour de France has all but sealed the victory of the general classification yellow jersey for Bradley Wiggins and team Sky.
Alejandro Valverde of Movistar redeemed himself after a disappointing tour, leaving his breakaway comrades behind and taking the stage win in the Pyrenees.
With Cadel out of contention it was left to Vincenzo Nibali to attack the Sky team and try and make up some ground on the podium. Nibali's team Liquigas-Cannondale set the pace for quite a bit of the stage however it was evident that Nibali didn't have the gas to successfully attack Sky who again rode brilliantly to protect their team leader.
Sky's dominance in the peloton, and indeed Wiggins' impending victory has been quite the topic of this years tour.
Like him or not, Wiggins must be respected for his win.
Yes, he may well have been 'towed' across France, yes, his style of riding may be boring, yes, he has no idea on how to handle the media and yes, those sideburns..... but all that aside he is going to be a winner of the greatest bike race on the planet - and that is no mean feat.
It may be obvious that Wiggins certainly isn't the strongest rider in the peloton or his team for that matter, but he is the selected team leader. Congratulations and much respect must go to Christopher Froome for sacrificing himself and offering 100% loyalty to the team and Wiggins'.
We know, as does he, that he could have won the tour himself. And he certainly could have won the stage last night which is something that I don't' understand. With no doubt that the yellow jersey was secure why didn't team management let Froome go to chase down Valverde for the stage win? Is Wiggins that fragile? I cannot understand why Team Sky wouldn't want a stage win when the yellow jersey was safe. But that's another story, for another day...
When all is said and done, Team Sky came to the tour with the best team. Australians Mick Rogers and Richie Porte worked tirelessly, day after day for Wiggins. True workhorses and two of the finest domestiques on the road. Then of course there is Froome, Boasson Hagen, Eisel, and Knees. They have all done their job and deserve the yellow jersey as much as Bradley Wiggins. It has been a text book team victory.
Would things have been different if Cadel was on form? If Andy Shleck hadn't have been injured? If Contodor was available? Maybe. But 'What ifs' aren't acknowledged in the record books.
Alejandro Valverde of Movistar redeemed himself after a disappointing tour, leaving his breakaway comrades behind and taking the stage win in the Pyrenees.
With Cadel out of contention it was left to Vincenzo Nibali to attack the Sky team and try and make up some ground on the podium. Nibali's team Liquigas-Cannondale set the pace for quite a bit of the stage however it was evident that Nibali didn't have the gas to successfully attack Sky who again rode brilliantly to protect their team leader.
Sky's dominance in the peloton, and indeed Wiggins' impending victory has been quite the topic of this years tour.
Like him or not, Wiggins must be respected for his win.
Yes, he may well have been 'towed' across France, yes, his style of riding may be boring, yes, he has no idea on how to handle the media and yes, those sideburns..... but all that aside he is going to be a winner of the greatest bike race on the planet - and that is no mean feat.
It may be obvious that Wiggins certainly isn't the strongest rider in the peloton or his team for that matter, but he is the selected team leader. Congratulations and much respect must go to Christopher Froome for sacrificing himself and offering 100% loyalty to the team and Wiggins'.
We know, as does he, that he could have won the tour himself. And he certainly could have won the stage last night which is something that I don't' understand. With no doubt that the yellow jersey was secure why didn't team management let Froome go to chase down Valverde for the stage win? Is Wiggins that fragile? I cannot understand why Team Sky wouldn't want a stage win when the yellow jersey was safe. But that's another story, for another day...
When all is said and done, Team Sky came to the tour with the best team. Australians Mick Rogers and Richie Porte worked tirelessly, day after day for Wiggins. True workhorses and two of the finest domestiques on the road. Then of course there is Froome, Boasson Hagen, Eisel, and Knees. They have all done their job and deserve the yellow jersey as much as Bradley Wiggins. It has been a text book team victory.
Would things have been different if Cadel was on form? If Andy Shleck hadn't have been injured? If Contodor was available? Maybe. But 'What ifs' aren't acknowledged in the record books.
Are you a 'Wiggins' Fan? What do you think of Team Sky's dominance?
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Dream Tour Result - Tour de France 2012
I had a few topics running around in my head to blog about tonight. There's the Frank Schleck shame, Team Sky's dominance, and of course the anticipation of the next two stages but....
Let's forget all that 'stuff' I want to blog about my dream 2012 Tour de France result. Something fantasy, something written from the heart and something to add a bit of excitement to the tour.
Here are where things stand today at the beginning of Stage 16. We have good old Bradley 'one pace' Wiggins in first, Christopher 'biding my time' Froome in second and Vincenzo 'waiting to the last minute' Nibali in third and of course Cadel 'Aussie Fighter' Evans in fourth.
From here how would my dream tour evolve?
Firstly of course I would love to see Nibali, Van Den Broeck and Evans and their teams work in successful collusion to destroy Team Sky. Not that I dislike Bradley Wiggins or Team Sky. In fact I think that they have riden a perfect text book tour to protect Wiggins (apart from Froome's little 'moment'). But I want to see some action!
They would work them over and take back time leaving the top five riders all within a minute of each other by the end of the stage tonight. Then of course Cadel would break loose and attack on tomorrow's hill top finish smashing them all and taking a three minute lead into Stage 18 where he can rest up ready to have the time trial of his life the next day. The rest of the podium can work itself out.
No? Wishful thinking? La la land?
Possibly. Okay, most likely.
Apart from that I would love to see Wiggins faulter and Froome be able to be let loose and really show us what he is capable of.
And the ultimate finish would be a Sagan, Greipel, Goss dead heat on the Champs Elysees!
As I said, dream tour results. More chance of happening in my head than in France right now.
So what would you love to see happen over the last five days of racing? (Be as outlandish or as realistic as you like!)
Let's forget all that 'stuff' I want to blog about my dream 2012 Tour de France result. Something fantasy, something written from the heart and something to add a bit of excitement to the tour.
Here are where things stand today at the beginning of Stage 16. We have good old Bradley 'one pace' Wiggins in first, Christopher 'biding my time' Froome in second and Vincenzo 'waiting to the last minute' Nibali in third and of course Cadel 'Aussie Fighter' Evans in fourth.
From here how would my dream tour evolve?
Firstly of course I would love to see Nibali, Van Den Broeck and Evans and their teams work in successful collusion to destroy Team Sky. Not that I dislike Bradley Wiggins or Team Sky. In fact I think that they have riden a perfect text book tour to protect Wiggins (apart from Froome's little 'moment'). But I want to see some action!
They would work them over and take back time leaving the top five riders all within a minute of each other by the end of the stage tonight. Then of course Cadel would break loose and attack on tomorrow's hill top finish smashing them all and taking a three minute lead into Stage 18 where he can rest up ready to have the time trial of his life the next day. The rest of the podium can work itself out.
No? Wishful thinking? La la land?
Possibly. Okay, most likely.
Apart from that I would love to see Wiggins faulter and Froome be able to be let loose and really show us what he is capable of.
And the ultimate finish would be a Sagan, Greipel, Goss dead heat on the Champs Elysees!
As I said, dream tour results. More chance of happening in my head than in France right now.
So what would you love to see happen over the last five days of racing? (Be as outlandish or as realistic as you like!)
Monday, July 16, 2012
The future shines bright. Tour de France 2012
There has been a lot of talk at this year's tour. Isn't there always? The 'talk' is that it has so far been uneventful and hasn't lived up to the hype and expectations it possibly should have. However, even though cycling fans may be a little disillusioned, there is still much to take away.
Tour de France 2012 has seen what has been described as 'a changing of the guard'. Younger riders have stepped up to the plate, stamping their arrival and enticing us with what we can expect in the years ahead. Names like Thibaut Pinot, Pierre Rolland, Tejay Van Garderen and Peter Sagan all come to mind.
They have been able to provide nuggets of excitement when perhaps there wasn't much to be enthusiastic about.
Pinot's bold attack on stage 8 that lead to taking the stage win showed us that we may have just seen a glimpse of a future yellow jersey winner. And then there was Pierre Rolland taking one of the toughest stages in this years tour, stage 11, even after crashing on the decent (and yes we will forgive his little indiscretion of lack of sportsmanship on stage 14 for now).
Tejay Van Garderen has shown that he is a star of the future with suggestions that he is already stronger than his team leader Cadel Evans with his superb time trial performance and his strength and resolve up the mountains.
And then of course there is Peter Sagan. Sagan has had an outstanding year so far. He dominated the Tour of California with 5 stage wins and walked away with the sprinters jersey. Now he is continuing his brilliant form already notching up three stage wins at Le Tour and dominating out on the road to ensure he will be packing the green jersey in his suitcase in Paris.
Yes, the tour may have been a little lackluster and uneventful in the GC department (so far), but we as cycling fans have a lot to look forward to in the years ahead with these amazing young talents, that is certain.
Who's your favourite up and coming rider?
Tour de France 2012 has seen what has been described as 'a changing of the guard'. Younger riders have stepped up to the plate, stamping their arrival and enticing us with what we can expect in the years ahead. Names like Thibaut Pinot, Pierre Rolland, Tejay Van Garderen and Peter Sagan all come to mind.
They have been able to provide nuggets of excitement when perhaps there wasn't much to be enthusiastic about.
Pinot's bold attack on stage 8 that lead to taking the stage win showed us that we may have just seen a glimpse of a future yellow jersey winner. And then there was Pierre Rolland taking one of the toughest stages in this years tour, stage 11, even after crashing on the decent (and yes we will forgive his little indiscretion of lack of sportsmanship on stage 14 for now).
Tejay Van Garderen has shown that he is a star of the future with suggestions that he is already stronger than his team leader Cadel Evans with his superb time trial performance and his strength and resolve up the mountains.
And then of course there is Peter Sagan. Sagan has had an outstanding year so far. He dominated the Tour of California with 5 stage wins and walked away with the sprinters jersey. Now he is continuing his brilliant form already notching up three stage wins at Le Tour and dominating out on the road to ensure he will be packing the green jersey in his suitcase in Paris.
Yes, the tour may have been a little lackluster and uneventful in the GC department (so far), but we as cycling fans have a lot to look forward to in the years ahead with these amazing young talents, that is certain.
Who's your favourite up and coming rider?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Persistence, Idiots and Sportsmanship
Well I wrote about wanting some action on yesterdays stage of the tour, but I certainly didn't have anything like this in mind.
Yesterday's stage was a tale of persistence, idiots and sportsmanship and here's why.
The stage was won by Spanish Rabobank rider Luis Leon Sanchez, who after surviving in the break made an attack to take the win. LL Sanchez is an exciting rider to watch. So gutsy, and one of my favourites. He has been in three breaks at this years tour so his persistence has finally paid off.
The so called 'action' of the day was one that no cycling fan ever wants to see. At the top of the Mur de Péguère some idiot/s (I can think of a few better terms to describe them) had thrown tacks onto the road. A callous and dangerous attack. The result was maddening. Over 30 riders punctured, some multiple times, including Cadel Evans who in turn lost contact with the descending peloton after having to wait for his team car and then puncturing yet again.
This caused the whole race to be turned on its head.
Team Sky, race leader Bradley Wiggins and the peloton in general must be commended for their sportsmanlike manner as they followed unwritten race etiquette, slowing the pace to allow Evans to get back on after the unfortunate mishap.
It did seem however that there were a few though who had other ideas with Pierre Rolland launching an attack during the 'truce' and then Liquigas and Lotto Belisol heading to the front to pick up the pace again. Of course Rolland denies being aware of what was happening and Liquigas and Belisol claim they were only chasing down Rolland.
Fortunately Evans, through some great pacework from his BMC team was able to make it back to the bunch without losing any time. He lives to fight another day.
As I said, this isn't the kind of action we like to see at the tour and lets hope that these 'idiots' have had their 'fun' and karma repays them threefold.
As for the race, another sprint opportunity beckons tonight. Although not entirely flat, we could well see another Saga/Greipel/Goss show down and let's not forget Cavendish who no doubt would love to have a crack!
Yesterday's stage was a tale of persistence, idiots and sportsmanship and here's why.
The stage was won by Spanish Rabobank rider Luis Leon Sanchez, who after surviving in the break made an attack to take the win. LL Sanchez is an exciting rider to watch. So gutsy, and one of my favourites. He has been in three breaks at this years tour so his persistence has finally paid off.
The so called 'action' of the day was one that no cycling fan ever wants to see. At the top of the Mur de Péguère some idiot/s (I can think of a few better terms to describe them) had thrown tacks onto the road. A callous and dangerous attack. The result was maddening. Over 30 riders punctured, some multiple times, including Cadel Evans who in turn lost contact with the descending peloton after having to wait for his team car and then puncturing yet again.
This caused the whole race to be turned on its head.
Team Sky, race leader Bradley Wiggins and the peloton in general must be commended for their sportsmanlike manner as they followed unwritten race etiquette, slowing the pace to allow Evans to get back on after the unfortunate mishap.
It did seem however that there were a few though who had other ideas with Pierre Rolland launching an attack during the 'truce' and then Liquigas and Lotto Belisol heading to the front to pick up the pace again. Of course Rolland denies being aware of what was happening and Liquigas and Belisol claim they were only chasing down Rolland.
Fortunately Evans, through some great pacework from his BMC team was able to make it back to the bunch without losing any time. He lives to fight another day.
As I said, this isn't the kind of action we like to see at the tour and lets hope that these 'idiots' have had their 'fun' and karma repays them threefold.
As for the race, another sprint opportunity beckons tonight. Although not entirely flat, we could well see another Saga/Greipel/Goss show down and let's not forget Cavendish who no doubt would love to have a crack!
What did you think of Pierre Rolland's attack? An error in judgement or a cheeky move?
Time for some action
After a brilliant, action packed stage yesterday which saw yellow jersey leader Bradley Wiggins turn into a lead out man (anyone else thought he looked like he was back on the track?), today's stage sees the riders head for the first time into the Pyrenees. Although not classed as the Pyrenees proper, with two category one climbs I think we will finally see some action for GC podium contenders.
Team Sky have controlled the peloton and protected the yellow jersey since Stage 7, and although we have had some exciting sprint finishes to excite us, and some gallant attacks from Cadel Evans, really there hasn't been much 'action'.
I for one am hoping for an attack not only from Cadel yet again (and let's hope he has the legs and luck to pull it off), but also Vincenzo Nibali. Perhaps the yellow jersey position is comfortable, almost, but the podium is still to be decided.
Wiggins' team mate Froome who is currently in second position in the GC, will of course sacrifice all to support Wiggins, which really leaves the final two podium spots up for grabs.
Evans, Nibali and perhaps Van den Broeck need to attack Wiggins - repeatedly. This is the stage they need to make him finally work hard for his jersey, in an effort to tire his legs heading into the final stages of this race to have any chance of dislodging him. And then the battle for this years tour will really be on.
So who do you think will attack? And will they succeed?
Team Sky have controlled the peloton and protected the yellow jersey since Stage 7, and although we have had some exciting sprint finishes to excite us, and some gallant attacks from Cadel Evans, really there hasn't been much 'action'.
I for one am hoping for an attack not only from Cadel yet again (and let's hope he has the legs and luck to pull it off), but also Vincenzo Nibali. Perhaps the yellow jersey position is comfortable, almost, but the podium is still to be decided.
Wiggins' team mate Froome who is currently in second position in the GC, will of course sacrifice all to support Wiggins, which really leaves the final two podium spots up for grabs.
Evans, Nibali and perhaps Van den Broeck need to attack Wiggins - repeatedly. This is the stage they need to make him finally work hard for his jersey, in an effort to tire his legs heading into the final stages of this race to have any chance of dislodging him. And then the battle for this years tour will really be on.
So who do you think will attack? And will they succeed?
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Celebrating Bastille Day & Le Tour
You may have read about my upcoming French Themed Dinner Party, well tonight was the night and it was magnifique! (Even if I do say so myself). Good food, good wine and good company. I won't bore you with the details but here are a few pictures... (I forgot to take a few photo's of the all the dishes, obviously having too much fun).
Joyeuse fête de la Bastille
and
Vive Le Tour !
Friday, July 13, 2012
Green Jersey Battle Gets Controversial
Last nights stage of the tour ended with a brilliant ride from Britain's David Miller. Surviving in the break and then out sprinting Jean-Christophe Peraud in a gallant display. But the stage became controversial as the battle for the green sprinters jersey heated up.
Australia's Matthew Goss and Slovakia's Peter Sagan headed to the line to battle for sixth place and more all important green jersey points. With Gossy seeming to have Sagan under control for the intermediate sprints, he wanted to prove once and for all he can outsprint him to the finish line also.
However, as the two tried to out-sprint each other Goss appeared to have deviated from his line within the last 100 meters. A visibly agitated Sagan gestured towards Goss as they crossed the line.
After the commissaries viewed the footage their decision was to relegate Goss to last place and strip him of 30 points, which now almost secures Sagan of carrying the green jersey all the way to Paris.
The decision sent Aussie Twitterers into a flurry, but it seems that Matthew Goss was almost expecting an unfavourable decision although possibly not the loss of points, which would surely hurt.
It is pretty clear that Goss deviated. He impeded Sagan's sprint and although the young Slovak may have been animated in his disproval (isn't he always animated - he's a sprinter!) I think the decision to relegate was the correct one.
Over the years there has been many a controversial decision in regards to sprinters. Remember Mark Renshaw's disqualification for headbutting during the 2010 Tour de France? And Australian sprinting legend Robbie McEwen has been involved in one or two incidences during his career.
Sprinters are a different breed. They are hungry, angry and explosive. Decisions are made in split seconds and whilst under huge pressure as they charge towards the line.
Although I hate decisions that are borderline, such as this one could be interpreted, you also have to think of the safety of the riders. No-one wants to see a crash, no-one wants to get injured and no-one wants a dirty race.
I think the decision made to relegate Goss was correct, but the 30 point penalty... not so sure.
Check out the footage and make your own mind up.
Australia's Matthew Goss and Slovakia's Peter Sagan headed to the line to battle for sixth place and more all important green jersey points. With Gossy seeming to have Sagan under control for the intermediate sprints, he wanted to prove once and for all he can outsprint him to the finish line also.
However, as the two tried to out-sprint each other Goss appeared to have deviated from his line within the last 100 meters. A visibly agitated Sagan gestured towards Goss as they crossed the line.
After the commissaries viewed the footage their decision was to relegate Goss to last place and strip him of 30 points, which now almost secures Sagan of carrying the green jersey all the way to Paris.
The decision sent Aussie Twitterers into a flurry, but it seems that Matthew Goss was almost expecting an unfavourable decision although possibly not the loss of points, which would surely hurt.
It is pretty clear that Goss deviated. He impeded Sagan's sprint and although the young Slovak may have been animated in his disproval (isn't he always animated - he's a sprinter!) I think the decision to relegate was the correct one.
Over the years there has been many a controversial decision in regards to sprinters. Remember Mark Renshaw's disqualification for headbutting during the 2010 Tour de France? And Australian sprinting legend Robbie McEwen has been involved in one or two incidences during his career.
Sprinters are a different breed. They are hungry, angry and explosive. Decisions are made in split seconds and whilst under huge pressure as they charge towards the line.
Although I hate decisions that are borderline, such as this one could be interpreted, you also have to think of the safety of the riders. No-one wants to see a crash, no-one wants to get injured and no-one wants a dirty race.
I think the decision made to relegate Goss was correct, but the 30 point penalty... not so sure.
Check out the footage and make your own mind up.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
You are only as strong as your team .... leader that is.
An eventful stage in this years Tour de France yesterday has seen the tour take on new shape. And has also raised a few questions.
Bradley Wiggins' competitors attacked and lead to some interesting action on the difficult climbs of the French Alps. Most notably was the performance of Wiggins' Team Sky itself, which I am sure will be a hot topic. Firstly Aussie Mick Rogers has been fantastic staying strong on the front for most of the day protecting his team leader and pouring everything he had into it - he has most definelty earned his pay packet this week, and then some.
Poor Ritchie Porte didn't last too long after Rogers had done his job and then it was up to Chris Froome to work and protect Wiggins.
Vincenzo Nibali (Liquidgas) threw some interesting attacks into the mix and along with Lotto's Jurgen Van Den Broeck made for some exciting climbing. Team Sky however, never looked phased. Never panicking, bit by bit they were able to bring back Nibali and Van Den Broek although by this stage the tempo had made for a surprising casualty in Cadel Evans (BMC).
Cadel, after attacking on the second climb of the day, although not convincingly I might add, was supported well by his fellow team mate in TeJay Van Garderen. TJ was selfless as he worked with Cadel and could have even gone on with it however sacrificed himself to try and draw Cadel back into the race as he faultered under the intenstity on the final climb of the day. As patriotic as I am, I am very much a realist and afraid that Cadel last night, lost the Tour and possibly even a podium finish.
The most interesting part of the race was the power and strength of Christopher Froome of Team Sky. He eventually neutralized the attack of Nibali and Van Den Broek and could have single handedly smashed the race to bits including his own Team Leader in Bradley Wiggins. As he poured on the pace Wiggins faultered for the first time in this years tour and was almost dropped of the back of the group as Froome punched his way up the mountain. If not for Team Sky management no doubt yelling in Froome's ear to remember who his team leader and yellow jersey holder was, Wiggins may have been left isolated and losing time at the hand of his own team mate.
But Froome slowed the pace for Wiggins and became once again the domestique, but we have seen what this guy can do - win the tour de France. I really think he can but obviously not this year. Froome still had plenty left in the tank attacking the final 'sprint' at the line once Wiggins was safe.
So with TJ Van Garderen looking stronger than Evans and Froome undoubtedly over Wiggins, it makes it clear that you are only as strong as your team leader.
Lets hope that Wiggins can repay the efforts and sacrifices of his team mates by holding onto the yellow jersey all the way to Paris. He will owe it to his team, lets hope he appreciates how much.
As for attackers Nibali and Van Den Broek there is no doubt that these guys make for an exciting race. Nibali in particular looks in amazing form and has the ability to attack re-attack and could indeed be a real threat currently sitting in third position only 2:23 down off Wiggins. He will need to continue to attack on the climbs as he will never match Wiggins in the time trial.
Let's also not forget today was a great day for France with a 1, 2 finish with Pierre Rollands (Europcar) taking the stage after a great show of stamina and young rider Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) a courageous second.
Bradley Wiggins' competitors attacked and lead to some interesting action on the difficult climbs of the French Alps. Most notably was the performance of Wiggins' Team Sky itself, which I am sure will be a hot topic. Firstly Aussie Mick Rogers has been fantastic staying strong on the front for most of the day protecting his team leader and pouring everything he had into it - he has most definelty earned his pay packet this week, and then some.
Poor Ritchie Porte didn't last too long after Rogers had done his job and then it was up to Chris Froome to work and protect Wiggins.
Vincenzo Nibali (Liquidgas) threw some interesting attacks into the mix and along with Lotto's Jurgen Van Den Broeck made for some exciting climbing. Team Sky however, never looked phased. Never panicking, bit by bit they were able to bring back Nibali and Van Den Broek although by this stage the tempo had made for a surprising casualty in Cadel Evans (BMC).
Cadel, after attacking on the second climb of the day, although not convincingly I might add, was supported well by his fellow team mate in TeJay Van Garderen. TJ was selfless as he worked with Cadel and could have even gone on with it however sacrificed himself to try and draw Cadel back into the race as he faultered under the intenstity on the final climb of the day. As patriotic as I am, I am very much a realist and afraid that Cadel last night, lost the Tour and possibly even a podium finish.
The most interesting part of the race was the power and strength of Christopher Froome of Team Sky. He eventually neutralized the attack of Nibali and Van Den Broek and could have single handedly smashed the race to bits including his own Team Leader in Bradley Wiggins. As he poured on the pace Wiggins faultered for the first time in this years tour and was almost dropped of the back of the group as Froome punched his way up the mountain. If not for Team Sky management no doubt yelling in Froome's ear to remember who his team leader and yellow jersey holder was, Wiggins may have been left isolated and losing time at the hand of his own team mate.
But Froome slowed the pace for Wiggins and became once again the domestique, but we have seen what this guy can do - win the tour de France. I really think he can but obviously not this year. Froome still had plenty left in the tank attacking the final 'sprint' at the line once Wiggins was safe.
So with TJ Van Garderen looking stronger than Evans and Froome undoubtedly over Wiggins, it makes it clear that you are only as strong as your team leader.
Lets hope that Wiggins can repay the efforts and sacrifices of his team mates by holding onto the yellow jersey all the way to Paris. He will owe it to his team, lets hope he appreciates how much.
As for attackers Nibali and Van Den Broek there is no doubt that these guys make for an exciting race. Nibali in particular looks in amazing form and has the ability to attack re-attack and could indeed be a real threat currently sitting in third position only 2:23 down off Wiggins. He will need to continue to attack on the climbs as he will never match Wiggins in the time trial.
Let's also not forget today was a great day for France with a 1, 2 finish with Pierre Rollands (Europcar) taking the stage after a great show of stamina and young rider Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) a courageous second.
It's not all about the race. My French Themed Le Tour Dinner Party
During last years tour de France I was inspired to purchase Gabriel Gaté's 'Taste Le Tour' cook book which showcases special dishes from the many regions of France. This year I have been inspired to actually cook something out of it.
So much so, that this Saturday night I have invited four of our closest friends over for a French themed dinner party in honour of Le Tour.
I would say that I am a pretty good cook, but I am certainly no master chef and tackling French cooking is going to be a major challenge but I am excited.
The kids and I have made some mini French flags to hang over the table and I have typed up my swish little individual menus.
The plan is for a five course gastronomical exploration of food that the French are famous for. Starting with a cheese plate and finishing with coffee and macaroons. And of course a little wine matching for the main courses.
And what better way to finish of the night than watching Stage 14 of the Tour de France cheering on the Aussies.
So cheers to me, and keep everything crossed it is a success (as it could go horribly wrong!)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Bring on the Alps
Tonight the tour takes on an interesting new phase. After Team Sky's dominance in the time trial with not only Bradley Wiggins smashing the field, but also surprise packet Chris Froome stamping his mark on the race, tonight will see the other contenders put their Plan B's into effect.
Certainly Cadel Evans would not have expected to lose 1:43 in the time trial and now Team BMC's game plan will have to change. They will have to ride more offensively and attack, attack, attack.
One thing in Evans' favour is that he may have some unlikely allies.
Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas), who sits at 2:23 behind Wiggins will also be aiming to do the same. Can they divide and conquer? It remains to be seen but they will indeed try.
One thing is for sure Team Sky has an outstanding team of climbers and his opponents have their work cut out for them.
Bring it on!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Will today's time trial decide the Tour?
Today's 41.5km time trial is tipped to be a crucial moment in this year's Tour de France. Many are saying that the final podium places will all but be decided with Wiggins expected to put time into his rivals, namely Evans.
However, this time trial is quite a technical course and not as straight forward as Wiggins would like and perhaps even favours the abilities of Evans. It will though, be an exciting race against the clock and will be a show of each riders mental toughness and individual strength.
Favourite to take out the time trial is the Swiss master of time trialing Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack) who, with Tony Martin carrying a slight injury, should indeed put in a blistering time. He is definitely my pick.
Although I don't believe this stage will be decisive in who wears yellow in Paris, this time trial, the race of truth as it is often called, is definitely an important one and will separate the men from the boys. I don't think that Wiggins will be able to put the time into Evans that he would really like and the coming mountain stages will indeed decide the tour.
My picks?
Cancellara
Martin
Wiggins
Evans
However, this time trial is quite a technical course and not as straight forward as Wiggins would like and perhaps even favours the abilities of Evans. It will though, be an exciting race against the clock and will be a show of each riders mental toughness and individual strength.
Favourite to take out the time trial is the Swiss master of time trialing Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack) who, with Tony Martin carrying a slight injury, should indeed put in a blistering time. He is definitely my pick.
Although I don't believe this stage will be decisive in who wears yellow in Paris, this time trial, the race of truth as it is often called, is definitely an important one and will separate the men from the boys. I don't think that Wiggins will be able to put the time into Evans that he would really like and the coming mountain stages will indeed decide the tour.
My picks?
Cancellara
Martin
Wiggins
Evans
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Can Wiggins Carry The Yellow Jersey All The Way?
Yesterday saw the first real mountain stage of this year's Tour de France and as expected the day ended with a new yellow jersey holder - Britain's Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky).
The Sky team showed it's superior strength and depth supporting Wiggins up the final climb and into the yellow jersey position. (Helped, I might add by Aussie's Mick Rogers and Richie Porte).
But can Wiggin's carry the yellow jersey all the way to Paris? And does he even want to hold it all the way? I would think defending the jersey for the next two weeks is a heavy cross to bear.
It does however force Wiggins' opponents to change their game. Cadel will have to ride offensively, but I believe he will bide his time making sure he stays with Wiggins until the moment is right and Paris closer. Although you can't choose when you take the yellow jersey in a race like the Tour de France, as Wiggins said himself, you can work to a plan.
Many have already all but written off Cadel after Team Sky's impressive display of team work. They showed they have what it takes to win the tour, whereas Cadel's, BMC racing were perhaps exposed leaving Cadel isolated for the final climb.
I still feel that Cadel is in a perfect position going into the second week of the race. He is in the right mindspace, which we all know has previously been his Achilles heel, he has the form and of course, the experience. It will all depend on his team and whether they can match the climbing power of Team Sky.
And of course we can never write off Vincenzo Nibali who is almost hiding in third place at the moment.
Then again, anything can happen; there are so many unknowns and permutations, after all this is the Tour de France! But there is no doubt it will be an exciting two weeks of racing to come.
The Sky team showed it's superior strength and depth supporting Wiggins up the final climb and into the yellow jersey position. (Helped, I might add by Aussie's Mick Rogers and Richie Porte).
But can Wiggin's carry the yellow jersey all the way to Paris? And does he even want to hold it all the way? I would think defending the jersey for the next two weeks is a heavy cross to bear.
It does however force Wiggins' opponents to change their game. Cadel will have to ride offensively, but I believe he will bide his time making sure he stays with Wiggins until the moment is right and Paris closer. Although you can't choose when you take the yellow jersey in a race like the Tour de France, as Wiggins said himself, you can work to a plan.
Many have already all but written off Cadel after Team Sky's impressive display of team work. They showed they have what it takes to win the tour, whereas Cadel's, BMC racing were perhaps exposed leaving Cadel isolated for the final climb.
I still feel that Cadel is in a perfect position going into the second week of the race. He is in the right mindspace, which we all know has previously been his Achilles heel, he has the form and of course, the experience. It will all depend on his team and whether they can match the climbing power of Team Sky.
And of course we can never write off Vincenzo Nibali who is almost hiding in third place at the moment.
Then again, anything can happen; there are so many unknowns and permutations, after all this is the Tour de France! But there is no doubt it will be an exciting two weeks of racing to come.
Tour de France - First Week Wrap
One week down, two to go. This year's Tour de France is really just beginning. Yesterday saw the first serious mountain stage for the tour and it certainly didn't disappoint, but more of that later.
The first week of this year's tour has again been marred with crashes, as was last year's. Too many riders, too much nervous tension and too narrow roads. But that is the tour. Fortunately for Australia's Cadel Evans his team, BMC Racing has done a perfect job of keeping him safe at the front of the field and out of harms way....so far.
So here is a brief (very brief) wrap of the first week and how things have unfolded.
The tour began with the Prologue a 6.4km time trial. This was always going to be an exciting event with the pure time trialists of Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin out to do battle. And then of course Bradley Wiggins and Cadel Evans who are also guns in the time trials. The time trial lived up to expectations with Fabian Cancellara victorious over Wiggins only 7 seconds behind and Silvain Chavanel 3rd. It was a shame to see poor Tony Martin suffer a mechanical issue though ending up 23 seconds behind Cancellara. Australian Cadel Evans wasn't at his best finishing 17 seconds down.
Stage 1: Liege - Seraing 198km
An exciting stage with a slight up hill finish saw Peter Sagan of (Liquigas) victorious over Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack). Cancellara took off with 1.5km to go however he couldn't drop the determined Sagan and then when Cancellara opened up the sprint at the 150m mark, Sagan powered past and over the line for the victory. There was no change in the overall standings.
Stage 2: Vise - Tournai 207km
This stage was the first opportunity for the true sprinters to show there stuff and they did. It was last year's green jersey winner, Mark Cavendish who triumphed over Andre Greipel with Matthew Goss in third place.
Stage 3: Orchies - Boulogne-sur-mer 197km
A rolling stage where again the break away was caught. Ever the opportunist, Silvain Chavanel attacked with 5km to go, and then a dramatic crash within 500m of the line demolished the field leaving Peter Sagan to take his second win of the tour. Again there was no change in the overall leader board with Cancellara happy to continue to wear yellow.
Stage 4: Abervielle - Rouen 214.5km
Another flat stage ripe for the sprinters saw Andre Greipel hold off veteran Alessandro Petacchi. The stage was however marred by crash in final 3km which included Mark Cavendish, but the Lotto-Belisol lead out train took control with Kiwi Greg Henderson delivering Greipel to the line in perfect text book fashion.
Stage5: Rouen - Saint-Quentin 196.5km
It was two in a row for Lotto as they again controlled the peloton setting up the win for Greipel. Matthew Goss held on for second with JJ Haedo and Mark Cavendish third and fourth respectively. Another crash in the last 3 kilometers resulted in carnage and held up Peter Sagan. No change in yellow.
Stage 6: Epernay - Metz 207.5km
Another stage for the sprinters today, but again crashes hampered many of the riders including overall contender Ryder Hesjedal. German sprinter Andre Greipel was also injured and wasn't expected to contest the final sprint, but you can't hold a good sprinter down and he pushed through the pain however falling short with Sagan taking the win. A 'so close, but not close enough' was again for Orica-Green Edges' Matthew Goss having to settle for third after taking off too early in the sprint. .
Stage 7: Tomblaine - La Planche des Belles Filles 199km
The stage saw the first serious hill top finish of the tour with a 5.9km cat 1 climb at the finish and a 20+% gradient with 350 to go.Sky caught the break and then continuted to demolishes peloton on the final climb thanks to Aussies Mick Rogers and Richie Porte. Cadel Evans was isolated never looked in trouble sticking with the Sky riders. Fabian Cancellara was always expected to lose the jersey today but battled on to finish an impressive 1.51 behind leaders but his fate was written. There were a few riders who cracked under the fast pace including Frank Schleck and Sammy Sanchez, Ivan Basso, Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink.
350m to go saw Cadel attack but Wiggins held on and then in the surprise of the day saw Wiggins team mate, Christopher Froome launch his own attack and take the win. Evans was second with Wiggins and then Italian Vinchenzo Nibali, who seemed to be forgotten with the fight between Wiggins and Evans, stayed with the leaders to finish fourth. The other big news today was the unfortunate retirement of Garmin's Ryder Hesjedal.
So after 7 eventful stages the yellow jersey standings look like this:
Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky)......34:21:20
Cadel Evans (BMC) +10 seconds
V Nibali (Liquigas) + 16 seconds
Bring on week 2!
The first week of this year's tour has again been marred with crashes, as was last year's. Too many riders, too much nervous tension and too narrow roads. But that is the tour. Fortunately for Australia's Cadel Evans his team, BMC Racing has done a perfect job of keeping him safe at the front of the field and out of harms way....so far.
So here is a brief (very brief) wrap of the first week and how things have unfolded.
The tour began with the Prologue a 6.4km time trial. This was always going to be an exciting event with the pure time trialists of Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin out to do battle. And then of course Bradley Wiggins and Cadel Evans who are also guns in the time trials. The time trial lived up to expectations with Fabian Cancellara victorious over Wiggins only 7 seconds behind and Silvain Chavanel 3rd. It was a shame to see poor Tony Martin suffer a mechanical issue though ending up 23 seconds behind Cancellara. Australian Cadel Evans wasn't at his best finishing 17 seconds down.
Stage 1: Liege - Seraing 198km
An exciting stage with a slight up hill finish saw Peter Sagan of (Liquigas) victorious over Fabian Cancellara (Radioshack). Cancellara took off with 1.5km to go however he couldn't drop the determined Sagan and then when Cancellara opened up the sprint at the 150m mark, Sagan powered past and over the line for the victory. There was no change in the overall standings.
Stage 2: Vise - Tournai 207km
This stage was the first opportunity for the true sprinters to show there stuff and they did. It was last year's green jersey winner, Mark Cavendish who triumphed over Andre Greipel with Matthew Goss in third place.
Stage 3: Orchies - Boulogne-sur-mer 197km
A rolling stage where again the break away was caught. Ever the opportunist, Silvain Chavanel attacked with 5km to go, and then a dramatic crash within 500m of the line demolished the field leaving Peter Sagan to take his second win of the tour. Again there was no change in the overall leader board with Cancellara happy to continue to wear yellow.
Stage 4: Abervielle - Rouen 214.5km
Another flat stage ripe for the sprinters saw Andre Greipel hold off veteran Alessandro Petacchi. The stage was however marred by crash in final 3km which included Mark Cavendish, but the Lotto-Belisol lead out train took control with Kiwi Greg Henderson delivering Greipel to the line in perfect text book fashion.
Stage5: Rouen - Saint-Quentin 196.5km
It was two in a row for Lotto as they again controlled the peloton setting up the win for Greipel. Matthew Goss held on for second with JJ Haedo and Mark Cavendish third and fourth respectively. Another crash in the last 3 kilometers resulted in carnage and held up Peter Sagan. No change in yellow.
Stage 6: Epernay - Metz 207.5km
Another stage for the sprinters today, but again crashes hampered many of the riders including overall contender Ryder Hesjedal. German sprinter Andre Greipel was also injured and wasn't expected to contest the final sprint, but you can't hold a good sprinter down and he pushed through the pain however falling short with Sagan taking the win. A 'so close, but not close enough' was again for Orica-Green Edges' Matthew Goss having to settle for third after taking off too early in the sprint. .
Stage 7: Tomblaine - La Planche des Belles Filles 199km
The stage saw the first serious hill top finish of the tour with a 5.9km cat 1 climb at the finish and a 20+% gradient with 350 to go.Sky caught the break and then continuted to demolishes peloton on the final climb thanks to Aussies Mick Rogers and Richie Porte. Cadel Evans was isolated never looked in trouble sticking with the Sky riders. Fabian Cancellara was always expected to lose the jersey today but battled on to finish an impressive 1.51 behind leaders but his fate was written. There were a few riders who cracked under the fast pace including Frank Schleck and Sammy Sanchez, Ivan Basso, Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink.
350m to go saw Cadel attack but Wiggins held on and then in the surprise of the day saw Wiggins team mate, Christopher Froome launch his own attack and take the win. Evans was second with Wiggins and then Italian Vinchenzo Nibali, who seemed to be forgotten with the fight between Wiggins and Evans, stayed with the leaders to finish fourth. The other big news today was the unfortunate retirement of Garmin's Ryder Hesjedal.
So after 7 eventful stages the yellow jersey standings look like this:
Bradley Wiggins (Team Sky)......34:21:20
Cadel Evans (BMC) +10 seconds
V Nibali (Liquigas) + 16 seconds
Bring on week 2!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Tour de France 2012 - My belated preview
Well it is that time of year again - one of my favourites. Tour de France time. Three grueling weeks of cycling covering some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in the world. This race is the heartbeat of pro-cycling and the holy grail for all pro-cyclists.
For me, Le Tour is three weeks of excitement, relief from the cold Australian winter and long, late nights resulting in very tired eyes! The tour is a kaleidoscope of colour, a visual splendor and leaves me in awe of what these riders can do. The physical torture and mental challenges are more than what the average person can begin to imagine.
I have been lucky enough to see Le Tour on two occasions in 2005. Firstly a fast finishing stage near St. Etienne and the final stage in Paris on the magnificent Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
This year's tour is of course an exciting one for an Aussie chic like me. Firstly watching fellow Aussie and last year's yellow jersey winner Cadel Evans defend his title and secondly seeing history in motion as Australia's first Pro-Tour Team Orica Green Edge rides their inaugrial Tour de France.
This will also be the first Tour de France since my favourite Aussie sprinter Robbie McEwen, has retired. Trying to pick another favourite sprinter is going to be tough. I have always had a soft spot for Andre Greipel, (Lotto-Belisol), then there is of course Aussie sprinters Matt Goss (Orica Green Edge) and Mark Renshaw (Rabobank) as well as new gun Slovakian sprinter Peter Sagan (Liquigas) and then of course Mark Cavendish (Team Sky), although not a favourite of mine undeniably the fastest man on the planet over the past few years.
The race for the green jersey will be tight and will also be impacted by the big question; whether Mark Cavendish (2011 green jersey winner and current world champion) will choose to finish the race or pull out as the big mountains hit to save himself for the Olympic road race which is only a week after the end of the tour. No doubt we are in for a fantastic contest, no matter what.
As for the 'big one', the yellow jersey for overall honours it appears to be a battle between the two favourites Australia's Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and Brit Bradley Wiggins (Sky Racing). With no Alberto Contodor (SaxoBank) or Andy Schlek (RadioShack) it could very well come down to a showdown between the two.
Other riders to consider though will be 2012 Giro d'Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin), Andy's brother Frank Schlek (RadioShack), Team Liquigas leader Vincenzo Nibali and Robert Gesink (Rabobank).
For what it is worth, (which frankly is nothing but anyhow), here are my predictions:
Green Jersey
Heart says: Greipel
Head says: Sagan (and a little bit of heart - liking this guy more and more each day)
Patriotic hope: Matty Goss
Yellow Jersey
Heart says: Evans
Head says: Evans
Patriotic hope: Evans
Yes, I think Cadel is again in the right headspace and form to win. Let's hope!
Who's your pick?
For me, Le Tour is three weeks of excitement, relief from the cold Australian winter and long, late nights resulting in very tired eyes! The tour is a kaleidoscope of colour, a visual splendor and leaves me in awe of what these riders can do. The physical torture and mental challenges are more than what the average person can begin to imagine.
I have been lucky enough to see Le Tour on two occasions in 2005. Firstly a fast finishing stage near St. Etienne and the final stage in Paris on the magnificent Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
This year's tour is of course an exciting one for an Aussie chic like me. Firstly watching fellow Aussie and last year's yellow jersey winner Cadel Evans defend his title and secondly seeing history in motion as Australia's first Pro-Tour Team Orica Green Edge rides their inaugrial Tour de France.
This will also be the first Tour de France since my favourite Aussie sprinter Robbie McEwen, has retired. Trying to pick another favourite sprinter is going to be tough. I have always had a soft spot for Andre Greipel, (Lotto-Belisol), then there is of course Aussie sprinters Matt Goss (Orica Green Edge) and Mark Renshaw (Rabobank) as well as new gun Slovakian sprinter Peter Sagan (Liquigas) and then of course Mark Cavendish (Team Sky), although not a favourite of mine undeniably the fastest man on the planet over the past few years.
The race for the green jersey will be tight and will also be impacted by the big question; whether Mark Cavendish (2011 green jersey winner and current world champion) will choose to finish the race or pull out as the big mountains hit to save himself for the Olympic road race which is only a week after the end of the tour. No doubt we are in for a fantastic contest, no matter what.
As for the 'big one', the yellow jersey for overall honours it appears to be a battle between the two favourites Australia's Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and Brit Bradley Wiggins (Sky Racing). With no Alberto Contodor (SaxoBank) or Andy Schlek (RadioShack) it could very well come down to a showdown between the two.
Other riders to consider though will be 2012 Giro d'Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin), Andy's brother Frank Schlek (RadioShack), Team Liquigas leader Vincenzo Nibali and Robert Gesink (Rabobank).
For what it is worth, (which frankly is nothing but anyhow), here are my predictions:
Green Jersey
Heart says: Greipel
Head says: Sagan (and a little bit of heart - liking this guy more and more each day)
Patriotic hope: Matty Goss
Yellow Jersey
Heart says: Evans
Head says: Evans
Patriotic hope: Evans
Yes, I think Cadel is again in the right headspace and form to win. Let's hope!
Who's your pick?
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