Initially, there will be plenty of hoopla around the yellow jersey: whether it’s Cavendish or Kittel, we should expect the race to unfold in exactly the same way, and the same goes if Sagan has it. That’s because this second stage is a real rollercoaster ride: the Col de la Serra and Col de Vizzavona, followed, at the end, by the Côte du Salario. If you ask me, this parcours is going to cause some real damage! The sprinters will bail out one after another. I even think a team leader who is not in the best of condition ? I’m thinking of how Evans was last year ? could see all of their hopes dashed on this stage, before sinking altogether on the stage that follows, on a course where it will be even harder to hide away…
Well yesterday was a mess… Crashes, buses, flying boats… Standard tour stuff really.
Hopefully we will have less crashing today, although I wouldn’t bet on it. Sagan and Cav are my standard favourites (as always).
Photos from Stage 1[/url]
There was several crashes near the finish. This one was caused by Andre Greipel trying to squeeze through a small gap which derailed the Omega Pharma Quick Step team including Tony Martin (bloody, but calm in the middle) and Mark Cavendish. Tony Martin abandoned the race – not confirmed.
A few useful links
Live Cycling News Text Updates[/url]
Steephill[/url]
Official Tour Live Feed App[/url]
Classifications
Withdrawals
Fantasy League Standings
Loser League Standings
StefMcDef goes to the head of the field in the Fantasy league, with 4 people in joint first place in the loser league. Interestingly enough, Hoppy’s loser team has more points than StefMcDef’s winning team. Early days though..
http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/pro-bike-peter-sagans-cannondale-supersix-evo-1
http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/robert-millar/robert-millar-silence-wont-stop-the-doping-stories
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cavendish-blames-finish-line-changes-for-crash
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-crash-and-injury-update-after-stage-1