Le Tour de Pharmaceutical

Except the Lemond/Fignon time trial on the last day.

Big Dog wrote:

Bradman wrote:Can someone explain why the last stage is a bit of a joke. Wasn't the runner-up something like half a minute or so behind the leader at the start of this stage last year but it was still treated like some carnival. Or does the tour technically finish at the penultimate stage.

There is an unwritten rule between the riders that no-one challenges the leader on the ride into Paris so essentially the race is decided on the second last stage.

So a bit of a boat race? If it wasn't for the scenery...........

taipan wrote:Except the Lemond/Fignon time trial on the last day.

What be that?

Bradman wrote:

taipan wrote:Except the Lemond/Fignon time trial on the last day.

What be that?

Linky

In 1989 the last stage was a time trial. Lemond make up an enormous amount of time to win by 8 seconds.

Bradman wrote:

Big Dog wrote:

Bradman wrote:Can someone explain why the last stage is a bit of a joke. Wasn't the runner-up something like half a minute or so behind the leader at the start of this stage last year but it was still treated like some carnival. Or does the tour technically finish at the penultimate stage.

There is an unwritten rule between the riders that no-one challenges the leader on the ride into Paris so essentially the race is decided on the second last stage.

So a bit of a boat race? If it wasn't for the scenery...........

It makes sense really. It eliminates any skulduggery or sabotage by disgruntled losers.

Big Dog wrote:

Bradman wrote:

Big Dog wrote:

Bradman wrote:Can someone explain why the last stage is a bit of a joke. Wasn't the runner-up something like half a minute or so behind the leader at the start of this stage last year but it was still treated like some carnival. Or does the tour technically finish at the penultimate stage.

There is an unwritten rule between the riders that no-one challenges the leader on the ride into Paris so essentially the race is decided on the second last stage.

So a bit of a boat race? If it wasn't for the scenery...........

It makes sense really. It eliminates any skulduggery or sabotage by disgruntled losers.

Well that sort of makes sense. But what's to stop them doing it on the penultimate stage? Other than the gentleman's agreement would go out the window I spose.

I still like the field v Contador.

Bradman wrote:

Big Dog wrote:

Bradman wrote:

Big Dog wrote:

Bradman wrote:Can someone explain why the last stage is a bit of a joke. Wasn't the runner-up something like half a minute or so behind the leader at the start of this stage last year but it was still treated like some carnival. Or does the tour technically finish at the penultimate stage.

There is an unwritten rule between the riders that no-one challenges the leader on the ride into Paris so essentially the race is decided on the second last stage.

So a bit of a boat race? If it wasn't for the scenery...........

It makes sense really. It eliminates any skulduggery or sabotage by disgruntled losers.

Well that sort of makes sense. But what's to stop them doing it on the penultimate stage? Other than the gentleman's agreement would go out the window I spose.

I still like the field v Contador.

Well if that happens...presumably, they will challenge on the last stage as its only a 'gentleman's agreement'

Eventful first stage, with Dirty Bertie losing a minute and a half after being caught up in a crash caused by one of his former team Astana clipping a spectator. Schleck and others escaped penalty for a further crash as it happened in the last 3km and were given the time of the main peloton, despite finishing alongside the "possibly" defending champion...

****** it

**** ****** ****** with a ***** !!!!

Great effort by Cadel.

And the organisers of the tour de drugs once again show they rival the BCCI for inefficiency. At least a spectator getting in the way makes a change from a dog.

Tonights 23km time trial:

Zat wrote:And the organisers of the tour de drugs once again show they rival the BCCI for inefficiency. At least a spectator getting in the way makes a change from a dog.

Surely that's all a part of it, the spectators being so close to the action, dogs running loose etc. It wouldn't be the same if they fenced it all off.

Interesting results in the TT last night. More so because Contador dropped even further behind. Garmin were the big movers in a planned assault. Remains to be seen if they can stay there. BMC finished well with Cadel in third overall but the Schleck boys are looming.

Todays stage:

Hard to see Andy Shlek not winning from here.

JGK wrote:Hard to see Andy Shlek not winning from here.

Bit early to make any predictions but agreed, he is well placed.

Evans is well placed after the third stage & is only 1 sec behind the joint leaders Hushovd & Millar. BMC appear to be looking after Cadel more than his previous team. Matty Goss is showing his class & has moved up to 18th.

Todays stage:

Some mates at work are going to be cycling up Alpe d'Huez next week for "charity" - just before the Tour gets there.

Crazy farkers.

The Tour might overtake them.

It would make a change from the peloton being impeded by a dog or a stray idiot spectator.

Cadel wins the stage by half a mickey hair from Contador. However, Thor Hushovd managed to hang in to finish with the same time & so retains the Yellow Jersey.

WideWally wrote:Cadel wins the stage by half a mickey hair from Contador. However, Thor Hushovd managed to hang in to finish with the same time & so retains the Yellow Jersey.

How do they work out the times?

If a group of riders reach the finish line together & there is no significant gap, then all riders in that group are given the same time.

Ta