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Post by Whitestar1 on Jun 11, 2013 21:46:44 GMT
From my experience, the actual race is pretty much a side show to the day out; think of it as a carnival for the bike afflicted with a very brief show from the riders and a lot of faff and fuss either side of it - you are more on the pulse watching it on tv but you don't get to immerse yourself in the atmosphere; I suggest getting a good lunch and a bottle of rose on board in order to while the hours away. Speak your best French with the local fans or if your French is pigeon style, just mention well known cyclists in an 'Allo 'Allo accent, play quoting press clichΓ©s and miming caricatures of riders, hands up to side of head in the position of side burns and say things like 'pas un Gentleman Weegeens cette annΓ©e' and see if it triggers a conversation ! I will take your advice rad! I haven't been on a proper holiday for years and this is the best way I can think to enjoy a weekend with cycling, Paris and family all in one.
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Post by Whitestar1 on Jun 11, 2013 21:49:25 GMT
Just watched Tommy Voeckler win stage 7 of the daupine. What a finish the man is made of nails! Where does he get the strength to come back after a nasty accident and win in just a crafty and strong style? Such a wacky character he is.
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Post by Radchenister on Jun 14, 2013 11:41:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2013 16:25:32 GMT
Tour de Suisse today had an amazing final 9km. Very fast (50+ mph), technical downhill run to the finish straight off 20km of HC climb. Leg breaking. Thought there was going to be major problems when one of the big inflatable banners was blocking the descent but the crew were able to hold it up enough to let the riders through.
1.Costa 2. Mollema 3. Van Garderen
Frank just held on to Yellow.
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Post by Radchenister on Jun 19, 2013 10:51:05 GMT
10 days.
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Post by zoltansocrates on Jun 19, 2013 11:17:23 GMT
ive been deliberately avoiding it, but ten days to go #officially excited like it is christmas time!
only downside is that this means its turbo turbo turbo for me as i dont want to miss a drop
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Post by Radchenister on Jun 19, 2013 11:25:39 GMT
Evening rides!
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Post by Phil on Jun 19, 2013 12:33:40 GMT
Can't wait! There's been a distinct lack of cycling on my TV the last couple of weeks, this needs correcting!
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Post by Radchenister on Jun 19, 2013 12:58:29 GMT
It's always that way, TdeF is the summer festival of cycling, the sound of it on my PC / TV is the sound of summer IMO.
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Post by Whitestar1 on Jun 19, 2013 13:12:39 GMT
Loved the videos mate - thanks a lot.
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Post by Whitestar1 on Jun 19, 2013 13:21:12 GMT
Can't wait! There's been a distinct lack of cycling on my TV the last couple of weeks, this needs correcting! Agreed. I can only watch at home - don't have the chance at work. It's Sky+ recording for me and candle light.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2013 13:21:34 GMT
In some ways the best thing about the TdF is live free to air coverage on ITV4. It was the race that first got me interested in Pro Cycle Racing so I'll always watch.
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Post by phred1812 on Jun 19, 2013 14:37:54 GMT
I agree although, like Rad, I stream Eurosport onto a laptop in my office so that I can work and have the tdf as a background. I prefer the commentary on Eurosport. Its a bit like Test Match Special - you don't necessarily have to be dedicated to the sport to enjoy the repartee and watch the French countryside glide past. It dates me somewhat but I have followed Le Tour (not literally) since the 60's. It used to be so hard to get any TV pictures - maybe 10 minutes in black and white on Saturday afternoon's "Grandstand". Channel 4 picked it up about 15 years ago but it was just edited highlights in the early evenings. The modern coverage is great but it would be nice to see a whole stage sometimnes rather than just the last 80kms or so. I expect its down to the French provider and the cost of keeping two helicopters in the air for so long.
Ironically I will probably see less this year because we are in France from the 4th July. We will go and watch one of the Pyrenean stages but I don't think the other half will tolerate sitting indoors all day watching the telly. We'll be back in time to see Cav take his 5th win on the Champs and win the Maillot Vert.
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Post by Phil on Jun 20, 2013 13:33:50 GMT
Interested on your guys thoughts on the just announced Team Sky squad. Slightly surprised there's no Colombians, but I guess having done the Giro they may be looking to do the Vuelta with a (possibly?) fit Wiggins.
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Post by phred1812 on Jun 20, 2013 14:05:37 GMT
I understand that Wiggins is unlikely to do the Vuelta either. Apparently he is concentrating on the Worlds later in the year. I expext Uran and Henao will be given the lead in the Vuelta and are being rested after their efforts in the Giro. Froomey certainly has a strong and mature squad to back him this time. Its possibly stronger than last year in terms of the GC because there's no Cav to worry about.
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