Anyone who knows anything about the Tour de France recognises that this climb is one that ignites the passions of the fans perhaps more than any other. It is the site of the first mountain top finish of the race and it is destined to have a significant impact on the race.
As early as the Grand Départ in Corsica riders were talking about trying to ensure that they had energy to spare for stage 18. The contest begins early with another trip up the col de Manse (as used at the end of stage 16) before the journey to Isère were riders will be either climbing or descending. We’ve seen enough of Alberto Contador’s antics already to know that he has not yet conceded defeat to Chris Froome and now that the Spaniard is up to second overall, with his team-mate Roman Kreuziger in third, he’s going to be more inspired than ever.
Froome is such a boss right now.
Interesting to see Evans just cruise round – did he lose time on purpose to perhaps go for a stage win, or did I miss something?
Today will be amazing. Rain forecasted, and the descent down the back of Alpe d’Huez was pretty hairy last time I did it, I’m really hoping they’ve resurfaced – there were ditches.
Froome, Quintana, Contador? All seem to have a chance to win it, up until the final few k when Froome puts it in the bag.. But maybe a break will get away.
This is the big one today; after the Pyrenees ‘morning after the day before’ Sky performance it will be interesting to see how much Froome’s support team took it easy yesterday and how much he is attacked by other GC contenders’ teams today.
The descent is only too dangerous if you’re going too fast! Bring on the excitement!!
It’ll be pretty much all over by tonight… 8)
Interesting to see Evans just cruise round – did he lose time on purpose to perhaps go for a stage win, or did I miss something?
Well he is certainly managing to avoid any kind of performance enhancing supplement questions. My guess is he won’t be back next year, certainly not with BMC – which may mean they won’t sell any more bikes down here in Oz. There is a chance porte may overtake him the way he is going.
Far too busy at work today to take any time off. This is the stage of the tour. Highlights only for me which absolutely will not do it justice. Froome is showing no sign of weekness but Berties is also strong and will attack like mad of course.
Don’t no what Evans was doing yesterday. He seemed to be putting in very little effort. Can’t see him winning today but maybe hoping everyone will wear themselves out so he can go for it tomorrow.
With criket and the golf also on, there’s no chance of getting the TdF up on the screens over looking the dealing room here…. Not necessarily bad thing… city w***ers
And I’m out to lunch so I don’t care … city w****r 😆
ChunkyMTB – Member
I’m at work, but ready for this afternoons fun
My officemate thinks i’m working on some really complex stuff as i’ve plugged a second screen into my computer. Little does she know it is dedicated to Tour de France and Ashes coverage.
Hopefully it’ll coincide with lunch/tea at the cricket so I may flick over for a few minutes (depends if there’s anyone worth watching on course at that time at the Open)
Breakaway to head up the road and gain a fairly big gap only to be caught 1/2 up the 2nd ascent of Alpe D’Huez as the favourites start attacking. Contador to launch many attacks up get dropped after a Froome counter. Froome to gift the win to Quintanna who will get dropped then claw his way back to Froomes wheel.
If they’re not, check out the live coverage section on steephill.tv. Loads of links to coverage including Eurosport and a load of French and Dutch stuff.
Day off, wife away, the one child that I would have had to pick up at 3 is ill, bike build in the living room, its hot and I’m in my shorts only. Thursdays don’t get much better(not wishing illness on my daughter, but she has done well to choose today to have a massive sore throat). Quintana FTW with Froome right behind and contador dropped please.