Tour de France 2013

[Panonabike]

Are we having a spin on Le Tour this year? They are half way across Corsica already, and Cav and Froome are settled in. Cav's looking for a stage win.

oh I can diva strop with the best of them! But no, it's a matter of gentle negotiation this time.

6.8kg is a fat cat or a small dog!

A few days ago I did think that Contador might even challenge on Versailles to Paris IF the time gap was close enough. Just wouldn't put it past him. I think the last time there was an authentic challenge on the last stage was in the 1980s. Might be wrong.

There was speculation on Eurosport today that there may be challenges for the minor podium places on Sunday if there are still only a few seconds between the guys challenging for them after tomorrow's stage.

Froome is probably safe from challenges as long as he gets through tomorrow OK. I hope he does, I've got to quite like him & I think he's conducted himself very well throughout the race (well, apart from Gel-Gate maybe, but I can understand why he did that).

Oh, also heard that Argos Shimano & Lotto Belisol have both had riders abandon the race, which means that Kittel & Greipel will both be short of a lead-out man on Sunday and that might help Cav...

That's a thought. If the podium places are up for grabs, would that mean the peleton/av speed rises and that takes out the energy of the sprinters?
oh-er.

I guess we'll find out on Sunday. Can't wait!

Jensie is as mad as a bag of frogs which have been treated with an enhanced maddening serum.

It has been an excellent Tour this year. I have looked at some of the mountain stages and wondered whether the course setters actually like bike riders at all!

Chris Froome is an amazing rider, and actually nicer and more sportsmanlike than Sir Widdly Baggins Bradley Wiggins.

"Jensie is as mad as a bag of frogs which have been treated with an enhanced maddening serum." - I like that, Panonabike!!

De-lurking to say I found this thread late on but have been thrilled there are fellow tour anoraks on MN!
Want to say a BIG thank you to whoever posted the link to Backstage Pass, OG are my new favourite team and they drive subarus. Couldnt see Brailsford chucking inflatable guitars out of the jag window.
Today was not the right result they were all bstrds for attacking and depriving the very wonderful Jensie of his win.
Looking forward to the late night finish tomorrow & fingers crossed for Caaaav.
Will look for you all earlier next year.

I hope Cav thrashes Borat on the last stage.

Awww, they should have let Jens win the stage. Wouldn't have made any difference really.

According to @jensie the reverse of the 'I'm motherfucking Jens Voigt' reads "selfbelief beyond reason".

Off to work on my friend's garden as penance for not going out later. She's French, and doesn't 'do' Le Tour. How does that work?
Bientot!

Jens as superman

Doesn't Paris look absolutely beautuful?

I'm right here, Panonabike, and you are right - Paris is looking gorgeous - though I did grin when the commentator said he wished he had prepared more notes on the history and architecture of Versailles!

And Cav has had a puncture - better now than later on!

I just wish they'd stop the tv adverts getting in the way.

It's about now that I'm wishing I was there to savour the atmosphere. let's hope nothing like

Le sigh...

On TOP of the Arc de Triomphe! How parfait!

It looks wonderful I am a bit at what Froomie must be thinking of his flourescent sparkles he has sewn on. I have had photo's on my FB feed all day from cycling club friends who are out there. I think they waited since this morning to get a good place at the barriers, looks boiling hot out there.

Millar is rocking though. Impossible I know but I'd love it if he just got away and won! Better than Cav being beaten by Kittel on the line anyway. I have this strange fantasy that Sky will ride for Cav as well and he will be borne to the finish line by a double sided lead out .

Had no idea The Froominator was a disco tart.

Oh yes, anyone who is a true tour aficionado knew all about it. Open secret amongst the peloton.

Or!!!The Brits will all ride for Cav to revenge the Olympic men's road race.

Lol @ Froome the Disco Tart!

I spotted the people on the Arc de Triomphe, and my first thought was what a great place to watch from, but actually I would rather be at ground level - it is a far more immediate experience.

We saw one stage in France on year (near Draguignan, where they went this year), and it was an amazing experience. If we won the lottery, I would love to hire a big camper van and follow the Tour all the way. But sadly dh keeps buying faulty lottery tickets.

I don't think this is a wind up - Sparkly!