Tour de France 2026 peloton

[ReturnofthePan]

Chains are being greased and oiled as I type. Crush barriers being erected. “Special” sauces are being prepared…. all for the biggest push bike race in the world.

Is the MN peloton pumping some air in our tyres?

I read a bit about the C5 presenters. Becca has two young children. She discovered she had breast cancer while feeding her baby. She has come out of treatment. She writes or wrote for cycling weekly.
The other girl is a former cyclist. I don’t think we see her at her best in the clips we see.

And now I feel bad. Sorry, that was shallow.

I'm watching live on TNT and I am a little disappointed at the coverage as at the end it's always straight back to the studio talking heads after about 10 have crossed the line. With the old coverage I loved that on mountain stages they would stay with the race for 20-30 minutes so we could see if the sprinters managed to struggle over the line within the time limit....

Gutted for Jonas Vingegaard 💔- hope he recovers well from surgery

I wonder if they've asked them to dumb down or put on a TV voice to appeal to a broader audience? The one in the studio genuinely sounded like she knew nothing about cycling and was reading a script for the first 6 and after that I gave up. It would be such a shame if they're actually really knowledgeable but told to be a certain way that just doesn't work. Anyway, France TV for me now.

I do like the TNT Orla & co post-stage analysis though, particularly after a chaotic sprint.
And of course the Orla & Adam fashions.

@JustPlainStanfreyPock oh, I'm all about the Orla and Adam fashions. I swear I tune in just to see what they are wearing. Well, Orla anyway; she always looks amazing. Adam, I'm not so sure - but he's different, I'll give him that.

I like the TNT coverage, been following it for years as that's all I get where I live (Ireland). Sean Kelly's an icon here, and he's a good bloke - DH has cycled with him a few times. I love Robbie's insight, he's great, and who couldn't love Jensie on the back of the motorbike keeping the rubber side down?

I'm a big fan of the YouTube channel Lanterne Rouge. Has really good strategic analysis of what's going on

Back home now so it might be Channel 5. I will look at those other options too on YouTube and podcasts.
My husband has done the L’Étape du Tour which the professionals will do on Saturday.

I did too when I found out.

Poor Florian 😪

Second, third and fourth out from last year's tour, as Oscar Onley didnt even start.

Yes, that was a horrible crash, looked like he banged his head on the kerb. I hope it is 'just' the collarbone poor guy.
Even Pogi had a close shave on one corner too, so he needs to be careful or Remco will be last man standing, or cycling 🚲...

Those kerbs are usually granite.

Today was great for West Wales sports fans at least, seeing Josh go off the front even for a short while was absolutely amazing. Fab seeing his dad on FB as well (who is a lifetime cyclist/fan) just fanboying the whole tour so much with his son in it! Always wonder if his mum is on here (Hi Dawn 👋👋). But that was mad and awesome, seeing someone you've known since primary age right up there AND beating Ganna in an ITT! I always thought you'd have to be a bit of a wanker to get to the pinnacle of your sport but he's always been such a nice boy, whole family are an absolute delight. Super supportive without being mad pushy. Anyway, I think that was my 1 (one) permitted 'I know Josh' moment

Time for a few 'when we were up the Alp d'Huez'....

I’d been waiting LOSTY!
this is also my moment re the end in Gap when me and matey were closed off from the Alpe 2003.
so drove to Gap via Grenoble as I was just not prepared to spend an over night in my sweaty skimpies. In Gap the Hotel du Monde stank of paraffin and I rearranged the bin below our room in prep to jump out of when the fire came…
this was the stage when Lance Armstrong went off road.
that year in France was v hot hot hot

It was indeed hot in 2003. I was in Paris and was overjoyed when there was a little wall by Les Invalides. My feet are in the shade!

I think the Tour started in Paris that year as it might have been the 100th anniversary. I might be talking rubbish though.

It was the Centenary in 2003 but the 90th edition.

Yes it was the centenary, Anne.

This stage looks a bit unusual. Big lump then generally upward. A domsetique’s day probs?

Yep, spot on as ever.

I was at Stage 8 of the Tour this year. What a wonderful experience it was, but very, very hot. I've only been watching the cycling for 2 years but I'm totally hooked.

I see he is in the yellow shorts. I noticed he was in black the other day. Rumours are it is due to tummy troubles in the team.

Tv on. Crisps and lemonade to hand. Shoes off. Official mag on table. And we are offski up the Alpe.

Trying to avoid looking.
Drove over Col d’Ornon in June when the road was shut at Chambon.

Didi spotted! Not jumping quite as high but still looking full of life!