Rio

[AtiaoftheJulii]

Don't really have anything to say about it yet, but just wanted to share this photo!

Those cobbles didn't look comfy

Gracie hit the front. Then went back for something to eat! Typical.

and she's back with Pooley. This is an other tough race isn't it.

Boo Hiss at the gals who wouldn't help Pooley.

ps: DH keeps making jokes about Pooley disappearing behind blades of grass, harhar.

Gracie would have been slaughtered IF she went anywhere with Pooley that goes in the up direction. Wise woman to hang back and drag Pooley into the pack....

I would like the road races to turn into team events, say the winner = lowest average time for first 3 riders (men) or first 2 riders (women). There is a 2-person team event on track, but I can't think of another event where the team gets medals in cycling, much less on road. There's no team time trial. And it would make the Olympic event unique in the national calendar, not a rival to the Rainbow jersey.

I think the Dutch team are the ones to watch.

I think that too.

Need to go out, so last 53 km on record. Hope all stay safe and there's no rain. Same goes for the riders too.

I really can't predict a winner. Any one of the favourites could get it from here.

I see Gracie is in the breakaway. Obviously taking Pan's advice from afar.

OMG poor Van Vleuten.

Van Vleuten's crash was sickening. Hope she's ok.

That was a horrific crash. Just awful. We can only hope she's OK.

The crash was horrendous, I can't get it out of my head, I hope all is ok but it looked dreadful

It did. I've seen many cycling crashes over the years, but that has to rank as one of the worst. I don't want to see it again.

According to Dutch news, Van Vleuten is conscious but in shock.

Thank God, it looked horrific.

Sounds like cautiously good news. Thanks Grouchy.

I cannot believe people are sharing that crash on Twitter.

Horrendous crash, I'm so upset for Van Vleuten and her family. Dutch media reporting that she is conscious and that the Dutch doctor is with her.

God that looked awful. I was fearing all sorts 'til I just logged on now.

Just what further degree of difficulty could have been introduced? Oh, a bit of wet road.

twitter can be such a stupid place. I'd never want to see it again.

yes Gracie did well. I just knew she'd fade on the first climb. She's too big and meaty. Equivalent to Stannard trying to keep pace with Froomedog.

Van Vlueten has three cracks in her spine and in ICU. Shit.

nos.nl/rio2016/artikel/2123843-van-vleuten-bij-bewustzijn-praat-en-is-helder.html
And via IM translator
Annemiek van Vleuten, who had a big crash at 10 km from the finish in the Olympic road race, has a severe concussion and three small fractures gently on her lumbar spine. She must remain 24 hours in intensive care.

Chef de Mission Maurits Hendriks, together with the doctors Cees-Rein van den Hoogenband and Robert Kempers her. She is conscious, talking and looks bright.