What will the state of affairs be like in Gérardmer? It takes a smart person to answer this question. We will be past Yorkshire’s rolling landscapes, the cobblestones, La Mauselaine and, why not, splits near Verdun… Quite a few riders, including some big names, may have lost ground by now. Will they join forces with the breakaway specialists, who will no doubt be out in force? We have drawn a typical Vosges stage for them, with long rather than steep climbs. With the next day’s fierce battle looming on the horizon, this stage should give us an interesting insight into where each man stands.

Well yesterday was quite exciting, and has struck a big thought into my head. Contador is desperate to crack Nibali. If he does, Nibali will lose a lot of time. But if Porte keeps Contador in sight and puts in a good TT, Porte could win. Of course, anyone can have a bad day. While I think the 3 big favourites at the moment are Contador, Nibali, and Porte, a clever move from Valverde, Bardet, Mollema, Kwiatkowski, or even Pinot could change everything. I think it’s all downhill for TJ, Talansky and Van Den Broeck though. What a great day for France, and a brilliant win for Kadri.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=982WD5eGUf4[/video]

Don’t ever try to make me choose between Sagan and Porte.

Photos from stage 8.

Today… It’s worth noting that this it the first of a pair of very hilly stages, with a rest day right after. Could today be the day Contador just tries to crack everyone? There’s no need to take seconds out today if you can just destroy them so bad you can take minutes out tomorrow… But don’t rule out Nibali – he doesn’t have to do anything, but that doesn’t mean he won’t. He’s often described as a rider who races with his heart, I would love to see him attack Contador (on the descent?). Porte to just sit behind and watch… For now.

A few useful links

Live Cycling News Text Updates
Steephill
Official Tour Live Feed App
Classifications
Withdrawals
Fantasy League Standings
Loser League Standings

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tour-de-france-tech-inside-bmcs-team-bus – £250,000 bus.. it’s pretty cool

http://inrng.com/2014/07/denis-menchovs-silent-prosecution/ – the commentators are probably going to mention this at some point, so you might as well clue yourself in now

You guys love data right?

http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,30906_9380068,00.html

http://home.trainingpeaks.com/athlete/workout/RKPFO3LLU522TINFC5QZ26BGBQ

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvv9Te9SUH8[/video]

Kadri’s interview was very humble and very flattering of Yates. Been following the whole Menchove fiasco on Twitter, another UCI PR own-goal with apparently a new policy saying they wont automatically issue press releases on doping bans? seriously?!

should be a manic chase off the last climb to the finish 😀

It’s going to be interesting to see at what point Contador goes on the attack. He surely has too today! That last climb looks like his kind of territory. I’ve only really been watching the highlights this week. I reckon this one is going to be worth watching from the off

Don’t think this is a day for the GC men – 40k from the last climb is too much.
Hopefully a break will go and stay away.

Interesting to see what Saxo-Tinkoff have left in the tank after putting in a job of work yesterday. I reckon Nibali might have more support today, feel strong on the last climb and try to make a statement over the top and on the descent… But that might just be wishful thinking

job of work

You are Paul Sherwin and I claim my £5

I edited specifically. 🙂

How on earth did Contador lose so much time over those cobbles? IsNibali a ‘Former Mountain Biker™’? Is tht why he was so much quicker?

Bit disappointed with Valverde yesterday. But impressed with Porte. He could well sneak in there. Should be a good shake up over the next two days.

30% chance of rain for the descent, should make things interesting !

Vockler for a breakaway going further into the pain cave than last time he gurned his way over a mountain

An interesting comment by journalist David Walsh last night is that he believes Bertie is racing clean
Wonder what Kimmage makes of that;-)
Looks like a tough day out.

Talking of sherwenisms, why can’t he mention a time of year without saying “in the month of …”? It really fascinates and appals me in equal measure how often the two of them use the same,mangled arcane and irritating phrases…I think they run a sweep with each other.

Don’t think this is a day for the GC men – 40k from the last climb is too much.

this, any GC attack has an hour to get reeled in. And tomorrow is a bigger day with more potential for some meaningful reward from burning you and your team.

How on earth did Contador lose so much time over those cobbles

he blamed his gears and not being able to access smaller sprockets. His team said was due to grass clogging, which might be true or might be diplomatic whilst Sram are still a supplier/sponsor. Team owner and all round loon Oleg Tinkov spends his own money on shimano kit…

https://inrng.tumblr.com/post/89187811888/oleg-tinkov-rides-ahead-of-the-tour-de-suisse

Talking of sherwenism

theyve had decades to built a store of meaningless bilge to spew out on autopilot to fill the hours, so anything that can pad out the airtime that doesnt require insight, intellect or wit is gold dust to them.

Why not turn it into a drinking game?

Simon Yates’ mother was thrilled to hear yesterday that one of her twins is 2 years older than the other, and I’m sure Nico Roche is beyond bored of being called Stephen.

That’s quite an interesting group up the road..

And Martin will be suffering up climbs.. I love Martin suffering.

Nice article over at inrng a while ago about what makes for a good breakaway. This one has potential.

And Martin will be suffering up climbs.. I love Martin suffering.

Hoping for some dribble 🙂 He must fancy that long run in to the finish.

Gallopin’ Tony – If he was a horse , you’d have an outside fiver on him, shirley?

Only just realised – the tour site classifications do virtual GC during the stages (link in OP).

Yep, gallopin is a great name. Is he a sprinter?

Wasn’t gallopin told to eff off out of the break as he is too high in GC to be allowed to get away, hence having a “mechanical”.

Come on Martin! 60k ITT now 🙂

Thinking this might be a damp fizzle out for the GC riders as I sit up watching tonight…

LOOK AT THAT DRIBBLE.

Yep was a good stringy dribble, powerhouse of a ride though 😀

Yep all go up front and all limp in the peloton, looks like they have decided that Gallopin will not hold out tomorrow. So all on for the mountains tomorrow and chuck in Bastille day and it will be all fireworks.

Tony Martin, no not that one, played a blinder.

Top marks to Gallopin… For his girlfriend. Nice.

Well look at that top ten. It’s all worked out perfecly.

Quite an odd stage to have a Martin – Cancellara 1 – 2.. Great display of riding.

Lets hope Gallopin does a Thomas Voeckler and fights like a superhero to keep that jersey.

Although let’s hope he doesn’t in any way ride or act like Voeckler, as Voeckler is pretty much the worst rider in the peloton and a complete nob..

Cancellara working for former room-mate Gallopin towards the end there. Love Martin’s interview, in the last few kms “I was making 400, 500 watts easy as I couldnt feel the pain”.

Its a good day to be a Tony.

Although let’s hope he doesn’t in any way ride or act like Voeckler, as Voeckler is pretty much the worst rider in the peloton and a complete nob..

come off the fence 🙂 Isnt he nicknamed Hollywood within the peloton due to all his showboating?