Euskatel are now wearing Orbea helmets

was gonna say i didnt think it was a catlike, they are the ‘lots of small holes’ ones

so did contador really swap his bike for a lighter one? could he not just swap for a singlespeed with the best gear for the final climb, or at least with only a single chainring ❓

Got to agree Contador catching the pack up after switching bikes was amazing! What a buzz

Just gone past the hotel where I stay to ski! Wooo! And, behind the crowd, a really cool bike shop as well!

so did contador really swap his bike for a lighter one? could he not just swap for a singlespeed with the best gear for the final climb, or at least with only a single chainring

No, there is a weight limit, which all the bikes are basically at.

no think he changed it for different gearing, Harmon and Kelly just mentioned that they ‘used’ to change bikes for lightness.

huh. so what were ITV4 talking about then?! 😕

fair enough did know they changed sponsor

It’s looking like a stage + yellow for Shreck the younger, unless he blows up on the Galibier.

The latter is of course the crucial question – expect him to at the very least lose time on those behind who’ve kept their powder dry.

Phil & Paul are starting to ramble now . . . not sure they know what to make of it all

Dunno if any of you watched the last series of Psychoville but I think Sorensen is doing an ace impression of the silent singer

How much higher is the final climb compared to the middle one?

CaptJon – Member
How much higher is the final climb compared to the middle one?

Lots. It’s a monster.

300m higher – though the valley at the bottom before they start is also a little lower. See http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/stage-18 for profile.

Thanks. In terms of the affect of altitude, then, it makes sense to attack when AS did. PUtting in big efforts/accelerations on the last part of the final climb is going to hurt a lot.

Dunno if any of you watched the last series of Psychoville but I think Sorensen is doing an ace impression of the silent singer

lol 😀

PUtting in big efforts/accelerations on the last part of the final climb is going to hurt a lot

That would be a good reason to do it there – first rule of racing, attack when you’re hurting as everybody else is too. The reason for attacking earlier is that you’re a lot more likely to be marked on the final climb, and even if they don’t mark you, it’s almost impossible to get the sort of gap he’s aiming for. It’s a big gamble, but one he kind of has to try – may be to his advantage that he’s been forced into this sort of move when previous years he’s been close enough to hope to make gaps just on the final climb.

Can’t wait to see Andy Schleck blow up spectacularly, and Alberto wave at him as he goes by. Hopefully.

Only 10 miles to go. About 22 minutes then. At least that’s what I could do 10 miles in – doubtless these pros are a bit rubbish and will be a bit longer.

Where are Cuddles and Basso in all this? Or are my 2 tips about to disappear out of contention?

Cuddles at the front of the chase group. On his light bike. The one with a motor in the BB.

Where are Cuddles and Basso in all this? Or are my 2 tips about to disappear out of contention?

I thought Basso would have faired better this year. Did you hear David Millar talking about ‘the little prince’ yesterday? Very funny.

Evans having a go now.

The race starts here…

Fair play to Andy, he’s ridden a good stage. We’ll see whether he lasts though.

How far out the back is cavendish?

He’s still in Italy

What happens to Cav if he finishes outside the time? Does he still go on to win the green?

How far out the back is cavendish?

I think he’ll struggle to win today.

What happens to Cav if he finishes outside the time? Does he still go on to win the green?

nope, he would be out of the race.

Sanchez gapped!

Cav is off his bike & is now pushing it up the final climb………..

emac65 – Member
Cav is off his bike & is now pushing it up the final climb………..

Nah, he’s booked an uplift.

The time gap is starting to come down faster now.

…was – only 6s in the last 2km

So whats happening? Did A.Schleck win the tour today?

Cav will be struggling .. i bet he will come in with a minute or 2 to spare before the cut off … just to piss off the Movistar team..

Angry Shrek is doing an awesome job today!!
he was my tip but so far this year has whinged and really not impressed until today!

Not yet – now looking very, very tight. Looks like TV will lose yellow by 10-20s, which if you neutralised tomorrow would make the final TT very, very interesting between AS, TV and CE.

Bertie cracking! Heads of ICU, WADA etc. will be very relieved.