SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
I'm watching the final time trial in this year's Tour de France and the podium is set. It's going to be three men - of course - but the order isn't decided yet.
It will be Cadel Evans, Andy Schleck and Frank Schleck up on the podium tomorrow in Paris. But the three are jammed so close together it's too tough to tell who will pull on yellow tomorrow.
With 20KM to go, the computers say Cadel Evans is pulling back all the time he's lost over the past few days. He started down 57 seconds to Andy Schleck and now the timers say that he's only down nine seconds.
If this happens, Cadel will be the first ever Australian winner of the Tour de France. And for the second year in a row, Andy Schleck will have finished second by seconds. Last year he lost by 39 seconds to Alberto Contador.
I am shaking right now with excitement. How about you?
Showing posts with label time trial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label time trial. Show all posts
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Stage 18 - The Day the 2011 Tour de France was Decided
Well, that headline might be a bit over the top, but so are the world's top cyclists. And the way they finished - except for the exceptional Thomas Voekler - might be the way they end up on Sunday.
Today, we saw Andy Schleck for the first time in the race. He shattered (more like tickled at) the field and ended up about 90 seconds ahead of the field.
We saw Cadel Evans lose a little time to both Andy and Frank Schleck. But not nearly insurmountable. What will depend on how Evans finishes is how the stage tomorrow shakes out. If Frank Schleck attacks and wins on Alpe d'Huez, then the top three in Paris might well go....
Frank, Cadel and Andy - in that order.
But I still think it's Evans race to lose. He can make up time on both those guys in the Time Trial on Saturday. And he just needs to hang on tomorrow and either take back a little time or not lose any.
Oh, Alberto Contador might be DONE for this year unless he wins tomorrow by three minutes or more.
What do you say?
Today, we saw Andy Schleck for the first time in the race. He shattered (more like tickled at) the field and ended up about 90 seconds ahead of the field.
We saw Cadel Evans lose a little time to both Andy and Frank Schleck. But not nearly insurmountable. What will depend on how Evans finishes is how the stage tomorrow shakes out. If Frank Schleck attacks and wins on Alpe d'Huez, then the top three in Paris might well go....
Frank, Cadel and Andy - in that order.
But I still think it's Evans race to lose. He can make up time on both those guys in the Time Trial on Saturday. And he just needs to hang on tomorrow and either take back a little time or not lose any.
Oh, Alberto Contador might be DONE for this year unless he wins tomorrow by three minutes or more.
What do you say?
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Team Time Trial - Stage 2 - 2011 Tour de France
Let me catch my breath before giving you the lowdown on today's results.
Contrary to my predictions, the ride of the day was turned in by Team BMC with Cadel Evans and George Hincapie. They finished a mere four seconds behind Garmin-Cervelo in the stage (which puts Thor Hushovd in Yellow tonight).
The gaps - if you can believe it - are about 1:40 to Contador from the other contenders. Cadel is just one second behind Thor and Andy Schleck is lingering just a bit behind him.
Here is the overall classification...with the top ten and Alberto Contador's spot...
HUSHOVD Thor
Contrary to my predictions, the ride of the day was turned in by Team BMC with Cadel Evans and George Hincapie. They finished a mere four seconds behind Garmin-Cervelo in the stage (which puts Thor Hushovd in Yellow tonight).
The gaps - if you can believe it - are about 1:40 to Contador from the other contenders. Cadel is just one second behind Thor and Andy Schleck is lingering just a bit behind him.
Here is the overall classification...with the top ten and Alberto Contador's spot...
HUSHOVD Thor
MILLAR David
EVANS Cadel + 00' 01"
THOMAS Geraint + 00' 04"
GERDEMANN Linus + 00' 04"
SCHLECK Frank + 00' 04"
CANCELLARA Fabian + 00' 04"
HAGEN Edvald Boasson + 00' 04"
QUINZIATO Manuel + 00' 04"
SCHLECK Andy + 00' 04"
and in 75th place...
CONTADOR Alberto + 01' 42"
Watching the Tour de France 2011
I've got Versus on my flatscreen and I'm watching the recap of yesterday's race. Holy crap was the crash at 9KM a vision of carnage!
Now I understand how stage 1 ended up the way it did. As reported yesterday - because I was following along via an iPhone app and not video - I THOUGHT Andy Schleck and Contador went down in the crash at 9KM to go. They did not. It seems that Contador was kept back by the crash, but didn't go down.
And when Andy Schleck did go down in the crash with 2KM to go, he ended up with the same finish as the field.
According to the commentators at Versus, the 1:14 deficit Contador has lost to Schleck could be the margin of victory this year. In fact, last year, Contador won by a mere :39 over Schleck. So, there's lots to think about for 2011.
Now, I'm going to watch today's Team Time Trial. Back shortly!
Now I understand how stage 1 ended up the way it did. As reported yesterday - because I was following along via an iPhone app and not video - I THOUGHT Andy Schleck and Contador went down in the crash at 9KM to go. They did not. It seems that Contador was kept back by the crash, but didn't go down.
And when Andy Schleck did go down in the crash with 2KM to go, he ended up with the same finish as the field.
According to the commentators at Versus, the 1:14 deficit Contador has lost to Schleck could be the margin of victory this year. In fact, last year, Contador won by a mere :39 over Schleck. So, there's lots to think about for 2011.
Now, I'm going to watch today's Team Time Trial. Back shortly!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Stage 1 - Nice Little Shake-up in the Field - SPOILER ALERT
I don't have all the details yet, but the stage today has already created implications for the podium in Paris. During most of the 192KM stage there wasn't much to see, but then about 10KM from the end there was a crash....
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT
It has been reported that Contador and Andy Schleck were both caught in that crash and lost about 1:40 to the eventual stage winner and now Yellow Jersey wearer Gilbert of the Omega Pharma-Lotto squad. In his career, Philippe Gilbert has worn the Yellow Jersey nine times (not counting today) and has never had a green or polka dot on his back.
Before tomorrow's Team Time Trial, I'll get you another update on today's stage 1.
Did your favorite rider finish in good stead after today's event?
SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT
It has been reported that Contador and Andy Schleck were both caught in that crash and lost about 1:40 to the eventual stage winner and now Yellow Jersey wearer Gilbert of the Omega Pharma-Lotto squad. In his career, Philippe Gilbert has worn the Yellow Jersey nine times (not counting today) and has never had a green or polka dot on his back.
Before tomorrow's Team Time Trial, I'll get you another update on today's stage 1.
Did your favorite rider finish in good stead after today's event?
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Time and the 2010 Tour de France have been a Trial
Can you say absent? Or abandon? Well, I didn’t quite abandon the 2010 Tour de France but I have taken a long ride in the SAG wagon. You see, the combination of Lance’s diminishing chances for success along with a slew of content-creation projects have had me on the ropes.
Similar to the thousands of miles the peleton has traveled this year, I’m doing the same in the Gulf of Mexico for the next couple weeks. I’m actually watching the 52KM Time Trial from the seatback monitor on JetBlue Flight 401 to New Orleans.
As I type this, both Lance and Levi have finished and all the riders are on the road. Contador sits eight seconds ahead of Schleck after yesterday’s stage and today will tell what happens.
*I have two hours left in my flight, so I suspect I’ll be able to see the end of the stage before I land but this won’t get posted until Saturday afternoon.
What are my thoughts on the 2010 Tour? I’m queasy. I don’t like the fact that Contador is brash and perhaps uncouth when it comes to etiquette. I hate the fact that a cycling hero of mine (and presumably a great many other folks) is going out without a podium visit, looking human. And I wonder if going to Paris every other year will hold the same intrigue for me as it has in the past.
Similar to my baseball addiction of the early 1980s, cycling has been my drug of choice since 1998 or so. But as with our national pastime, I’m starting to not recognize a lot of the player names. George Hincapie might not ride next year. Cadel Evans might retire. Lance is done.
Further, what happens to the cycling opportunities I once chased? Without a lightning rod in the race light Lance, how will Versus maintain its advertising dollars and revenue. People tune in to see US riders. There are some left but few contenders.
Conversely, I would be thrilled to be able to follow the tour on a scooter around all of France. And in doing so not have to fight the crowds that have polluted the last ten years of the race. Ugly Americans being fat on international TV isn’t helping our brand as polite visitors who are there to enjoy a century-old sporting event.
Without competition for hotels and resources, I’ll likely be able to enjoy the Tour as never before. And perhaps bring you readers a more intriguing and fun recount of the race.
Melancholy, they name is the United States’ flirtation with cycling.
Stage 20 is tomorrow. Stage 19 still has about 40 minutes to go. At the end of today we’ll know how the podium looks. I hope Contador’s chain gets stuck for nine seconds and both he and Schleck finish today’s stage with the same stage time.
That would mean tomorrow as they ride into France, Contador would have to decide whether decorum or greed and the spotlight are his driving forces. Wouldn’t it be cool to see Schleck ahead by one second starting tomorrow’s final stage?
My fingers are crossed for a good result.
Thoughts?
Similar to the thousands of miles the peleton has traveled this year, I’m doing the same in the Gulf of Mexico for the next couple weeks. I’m actually watching the 52KM Time Trial from the seatback monitor on JetBlue Flight 401 to New Orleans.
As I type this, both Lance and Levi have finished and all the riders are on the road. Contador sits eight seconds ahead of Schleck after yesterday’s stage and today will tell what happens.
*I have two hours left in my flight, so I suspect I’ll be able to see the end of the stage before I land but this won’t get posted until Saturday afternoon.
What are my thoughts on the 2010 Tour? I’m queasy. I don’t like the fact that Contador is brash and perhaps uncouth when it comes to etiquette. I hate the fact that a cycling hero of mine (and presumably a great many other folks) is going out without a podium visit, looking human. And I wonder if going to Paris every other year will hold the same intrigue for me as it has in the past.
Similar to my baseball addiction of the early 1980s, cycling has been my drug of choice since 1998 or so. But as with our national pastime, I’m starting to not recognize a lot of the player names. George Hincapie might not ride next year. Cadel Evans might retire. Lance is done.
Further, what happens to the cycling opportunities I once chased? Without a lightning rod in the race light Lance, how will Versus maintain its advertising dollars and revenue. People tune in to see US riders. There are some left but few contenders.
Conversely, I would be thrilled to be able to follow the tour on a scooter around all of France. And in doing so not have to fight the crowds that have polluted the last ten years of the race. Ugly Americans being fat on international TV isn’t helping our brand as polite visitors who are there to enjoy a century-old sporting event.
Without competition for hotels and resources, I’ll likely be able to enjoy the Tour as never before. And perhaps bring you readers a more intriguing and fun recount of the race.
Melancholy, they name is the United States’ flirtation with cycling.
Stage 20 is tomorrow. Stage 19 still has about 40 minutes to go. At the end of today we’ll know how the podium looks. I hope Contador’s chain gets stuck for nine seconds and both he and Schleck finish today’s stage with the same stage time.
That would mean tomorrow as they ride into France, Contador would have to decide whether decorum or greed and the spotlight are his driving forces. Wouldn’t it be cool to see Schleck ahead by one second starting tomorrow’s final stage?
My fingers are crossed for a good result.
Thoughts?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Prologue DONE! Lance, Fabian, Martin et al
Fabian Cancellara took today's prologue with a time of 10:00:48 for the short Time Trial.
Next was Tony Martin about ten seconds back.
Then David Millar another ten seconds back.
Then Lance Armstrong another two seconds on top of that.
Alberto Contador was about five seconds behind Lance and stands in seventh.
Next up...Stage 1.
What did you think of today's prologue?
Next was Tony Martin about ten seconds back.
Then David Millar another ten seconds back.
Then Lance Armstrong another two seconds on top of that.
Alberto Contador was about five seconds behind Lance and stands in seventh.
Next up...Stage 1.
What did you think of today's prologue?
Tour de France Stages - 2010
Here's a list of the stages and the map of the 2010 Tour de France. It has three days in the Pyrenees and only one long time trial (52KM). I'll give my thoughts on each stage in daily posts. I welcome your thoughts about the course this year.
. Prologue Saturday, July 3 2010
Rotterdam 8.9 km
. Stage 1 Sunday, July 4 2010
Rotterdam - Brussels 223.5 km
. Stage 2 Monday, July 5 2010
Brussels - Spa 201 km
. Stage 3 Tuesday, July 6 2010
Wanze - Arenberg Porte du Hainaut 213 km
. Stage 4 Wednesday, July 7 2010
Cambrai - Reims 153.5 km
. Stage 5 Thursday, July 8 2010
Epernay - Montargis 187.5 km
. Stage 6 Friday, July 9 2010
Montargis - Gueugnon 227.5 km
. Stage 7 Saturday, July 10 2010
Tournus - Station des Rousses 165.5 km
. Stage 8 Sunday, July 11 2010
Station des Rousses - Morzine-Avoriaz 189 km
. Rest day one Monday, July 12 2010
Morzine-Avoriaz
. Stage 9 Tuesday, July 13 2010
Morzine-Avoriaz - Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne 204.5 km
. Stage 10 Wednesday, July 14 2010
Chambery - Gap 179 km
. Stage 11 Thursday, July 15 2010
Sisteron - Bourg-les-Valence 184.5 km
. Stage 12 Friday, July 16 2010
Bourg-de-Peage - Mende 210.5 km
. Stage 13 Saturday, July 17 2010
Rodez - Revel 196 km
. Stage 14 Sunday, July 18 2010
Revel - Ax-3 Domaines 184.5 km
. Stage 15 Monday, July 19 2010
Pamiers - Bagneres-de-Luchon 187.5 km
. Stage 16 Tuesday, July 20 2010
Bagneres-de-Luchon - Pau 199.5 km
. Rest day two Wednesday, July 21 2010
Pau
. Stage 17 Thursday, July 22 2010
Pau - Col du Tourmalet 174 km
. Stage 18 Friday, July 23 2010
Salies-de-Bearn - Bordeaux 198 km
. Stage 19 Saturday, July 24 2010
Bordeaux - Pauillac 52 km
. Stage 20 Sunday, July 25 2010
Longjumeau - Paris 102.5 km
Friday, July 2, 2010
Predictions for the 2010 Tour de France
You realize that since 1998 I have been making predictions about this race. I spent the 1998 Tour de France in Ireland and have seen subsequent Tours de France in person in 2004, 2005 and 2007. In 2009, I went through Paris, but at the wrong season - so my plan is to get back over there next year for the 2011 Tour and then again for the 100th Tour in 2013 (if that's right...I think it is).
But what about 2010? What about the riders? What about Contador and Lance and Levi and Cadel and Andy and others? Let me tell you my top five riders in the Tour and then I'll pick the podium. Feel free to share your picks as well.
Top Five Tour de France riders for 2010
Alberto Contador - Team Astana
He's no longer sharing the spotlight and his new team is focused on Alberto as a leader. He is in great form and is still hungry and young.
Andy Schleck - Team Saxo Bank
Podium last year. He should be there again this year. There are questions about his team's strength, but he's gotten better in the time trial and now is poised to give Alberto - or anyone - a run for their money.
Lance Armstrong - Team Radio Shack
He's focused on the cancer message more than ever. He's created a team around him with an American brand. He's raced a lot this year and has skyrocketed in the standings at each successive race. He's peaking at the right time and all the controversy will serve to light a monstrous fire inside his 38-year-old body. Everyone says it might not be enough to be angry and tactical and focused. They wonder if his body - 11 years older than Alberto's - will hold up. I think it will and that's why he's on this list.
Cadel Evans - Team BMC Racing
I like this guy. He's a mountain biker turned pro roadie. He's good. Really good. AND he has my favorite rider on his team. No longer is big George Hincapie working with Lance, but with Cadel I think George could prove to be the wild card in the race. Cadel is talented and skilled. George is brilliant and driven. This could be the year that George delivers another teammate to a yellow jersey on the Champs-Elysees.
Ivan Basso - Team Liquigas
He last rode in the Tour two years ago when he finished 2nd. If he's stayed on form, he could win it all. All the sporting minds say he may be peaking at just the right time and has the confidence borne of a Giro win under his belt. I'm not certain, but if I were riding the race I would definitely watch for him in every stage.
OK - there's a group of guys. Here's my podium...
3rd - Cadel Evans
2nd - Andy Schleck
1st - Lance Armstrong
But what about 2010? What about the riders? What about Contador and Lance and Levi and Cadel and Andy and others? Let me tell you my top five riders in the Tour and then I'll pick the podium. Feel free to share your picks as well.
Top Five Tour de France riders for 2010
Alberto Contador - Team Astana
He's no longer sharing the spotlight and his new team is focused on Alberto as a leader. He is in great form and is still hungry and young.
Andy Schleck - Team Saxo Bank
Podium last year. He should be there again this year. There are questions about his team's strength, but he's gotten better in the time trial and now is poised to give Alberto - or anyone - a run for their money.
Lance Armstrong - Team Radio Shack
He's focused on the cancer message more than ever. He's created a team around him with an American brand. He's raced a lot this year and has skyrocketed in the standings at each successive race. He's peaking at the right time and all the controversy will serve to light a monstrous fire inside his 38-year-old body. Everyone says it might not be enough to be angry and tactical and focused. They wonder if his body - 11 years older than Alberto's - will hold up. I think it will and that's why he's on this list.
Cadel Evans - Team BMC Racing
I like this guy. He's a mountain biker turned pro roadie. He's good. Really good. AND he has my favorite rider on his team. No longer is big George Hincapie working with Lance, but with Cadel I think George could prove to be the wild card in the race. Cadel is talented and skilled. George is brilliant and driven. This could be the year that George delivers another teammate to a yellow jersey on the Champs-Elysees.
Ivan Basso - Team Liquigas
He last rode in the Tour two years ago when he finished 2nd. If he's stayed on form, he could win it all. All the sporting minds say he may be peaking at just the right time and has the confidence borne of a Giro win under his belt. I'm not certain, but if I were riding the race I would definitely watch for him in every stage.
OK - there's a group of guys. Here's my podium...
3rd - Cadel Evans
2nd - Andy Schleck
1st - Lance Armstrong
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Snuggie and The Final GC -SPOILERS
What an amazing stage. I probably only needed to watch the time Trials and Stage 20 to get the real feel for how this year's Tour would turn out.
According to Phil Liggett, "We've had a great Tour de France." But he said that about five minutes ago after commentating at the end of Stage 20.
Well, the Tour de France has 21 stages and doesn't officially go into the books until after tomorrow. But he was right. The Tour is essentially over. Contador, Schleck and Armstrong are expected to be 1, 2, and 3 on the Podium in Paris.
Why is that? Well, the unwritten rules of the Tour de France dictate that nobody attack the Yellow Jersey or the top riders on the final stage of the race.
So as we go into Paris tomorrow, the GC shapes up as follows - current as of 10:53AM EST in the United States... (and the reason I put Snuggie in the title is because VERSUS is running Snuggie ads - in JULY!)
Sometime after tomorrow I'll give a wrap-up post. Thanks for reading.
According to Phil Liggett, "We've had a great Tour de France." But he said that about five minutes ago after commentating at the end of Stage 20.
Well, the Tour de France has 21 stages and doesn't officially go into the books until after tomorrow. But he was right. The Tour is essentially over. Contador, Schleck and Armstrong are expected to be 1, 2, and 3 on the Podium in Paris.
Why is that? Well, the unwritten rules of the Tour de France dictate that nobody attack the Yellow Jersey or the top riders on the final stage of the race.
So as we go into Paris tomorrow, the GC shapes up as follows - current as of 10:53AM EST in the United States... (and the reason I put Snuggie in the title is because VERSUS is running Snuggie ads - in JULY!)
1. CONTADOR Alberto 21 ASTANA 81h 46' 17"
2. SCHLECK Andy 31 TEAM SAXO BANK 81h 50' 28" + 04' 11"
3. ARMSTRONG Lance 22 ASTANA 81h 51' 41" + 05' 24"
4. WIGGINS Bradley 58 GARMIN - SLIPSTREAM 81h 52' 18" + 06' 01"
5. SCHLECK Frank 36 TEAM SAXO BANK 81h 52' 21" + 06' 04"
6. KLÖDEN Andréas 23 ASTANA 81h 52' 59" + 06' 42"
7. NIBALI Vincenzo 95 LIQUIGAS 81h 53' 52" + 07' 35"
8. VANDE VELDE Christian 51 GARMIN - SLIPSTREAM 81h 58' 21" + 12' 04"
9. KREUZIGER Roman 93 LIQUIGAS 82h 00' 33" + 14' 16"
10. LE MEVEL Christophe 106 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 82h 00' 42" + 14' 25"
11. ASTARLOZA Mikel 61 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 82h 01' 01" + 14' 44"
12. CASAR Sandy 101 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 82h 03' 36" + 17' 19"
13. KARPETS Vladimir 161 TEAM KATUSHA 82h 04' 51" + 18' 34"
14. NOCENTINI Rinaldo 87 AG2R LA MONDIALE 82h 07' 02" + 20' 45"
15. VAN DEN BROECK Jurgen 17 SILENCE - LOTTO 82h 07' 07" + 20' 50"
16. GOUBERT Stephane 85 AG2R LA MONDIALE 82h 08' 46" + 22' 29"
17. SASTRE Carlos 1 CERVELO TEST TEAM 82h 12' 38" + 26' 21"
18. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 162 TEAM KATUSHA 82h 15' 50" + 29' 33"
19. HINCAPIE George 74 TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC 82h 19' 44" + 33' 27"
20. CHAVANEL Sylvain 151 QUICK STEP 82h 20' 26" + 34' 09"
21. KNEES Christian 185 TEAM MILRAM 82h 21' 05" + 34' 48"
22. ROLLAND Pierre 148 BBOX BOUYGUES TELECOM 82h 24' 01" + 37' 44"
23. ROCHE Nicolas 89 AG2R LA MONDIALE 82h 24' 37" + 38' 20"
24. GERDEMANN Linus 181 TEAM MILRAM 82h 24' 52" + 38' 35"
25. FEILLU Brice 174 AGRITUBEL 82h 27' 31" + 41' 14"
26. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 118 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 82h 27' 44" + 41' 27"
27. MONFORT Maxime 77 TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC 82h 29' 37" + 43' 20"
28. ZUBELDIA Haimar 29 ASTANA 82h 29' 51" + 43' 34"
29. MOREAU Christophe 171 AGRITUBEL 82h 30' 50" + 44' 33"
30. EVANS Cadel 11 SILENCE - LOTTO 82h 31' 41" + 45' 24"
31. SORENSEN Nicki 38 TEAM SAXO BANK 82h 32' 51" + 46' 34"
32. VELITS Peter 187 TEAM MILRAM 82h 32' 52" + 46' 35"
33. DUPONT Hubert 84 AG2R LA MONDIALE 82h 36' 00" + 49' 43"
34. SORENSEN Chris 37 TEAM SAXO BANK 82h 36' 04" + 49' 47"
35. PAULINHO Sergio 26 ASTANA 82h 40' 17" + 54' 00"
36. MARTIN Tony 76 TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC 82h 41' 21" + 55' 04"
37. PELLIZOTTI Franco 91 LIQUIGAS 82h 41' 50" + 55' 33"
38. MINARD Sébastien 127 COFIDIS LE CREDIT EN LIGNE 82h 43' 54" + 57' 37"
39. PASAMONTES Luis 116 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 82h 44' 04" + 57' 47"
Sometime after tomorrow I'll give a wrap-up post. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A delay in posting
Didn't put anything up for a day because I was astonished at the team-focused approach from Lance Armstrong and the rest of Astanà.
Looks like barring any major failures on the road for Contador, the 2009 Tour de France is his. Even with the Schleck brothers shaking up the top of the GC, there isn't anyone within a few minutes of Alberto.
Now this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who has watched Contador ride this year, but it still took me a little by surprise. Especially when I saw today's result and realized that Lance is now pretty much out of the running even if he puts two minutes into Alberto in the Time Trial.
So what's the plan? The buzz at the race has all shifted to next year's race. Really. Among Americans, they're all talking about how Lance is starting his own team and will be battling Contador next year.
Even I'm a little interested in how that plays out. So much so that I didn't watch the last two stages - I just got the results online and on my iPhone.
So what still has you enthralled? There is still a bunch of great riding to come. But are you fading at the same rate as Lance's chances? Gimme a shout. Let me know.
Looks like barring any major failures on the road for Contador, the 2009 Tour de France is his. Even with the Schleck brothers shaking up the top of the GC, there isn't anyone within a few minutes of Alberto.
Now this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who has watched Contador ride this year, but it still took me a little by surprise. Especially when I saw today's result and realized that Lance is now pretty much out of the running even if he puts two minutes into Alberto in the Time Trial.
So what's the plan? The buzz at the race has all shifted to next year's race. Really. Among Americans, they're all talking about how Lance is starting his own team and will be battling Contador next year.
Even I'm a little interested in how that plays out. So much so that I didn't watch the last two stages - I just got the results online and on my iPhone.
So what still has you enthralled? There is still a bunch of great riding to come. But are you fading at the same rate as Lance's chances? Gimme a shout. Let me know.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Rest Day, Overview, Look Ahead
Here it is 5:50AM near Boston, MA on the east coast of the United States. The 2009 Tour de France has a much-needed rest day and the overall standings have been shaken up with a Stage 14 that showed the world who can really ride a bike.
1 - Alberto Contador looks strong. Really strong. As in, if he wanted to this guy could have been in Yellow from day two of the race.
2 - Lance Armstrong looks strong. Really strong. As in, if he wanted to stay with Contador on the attack yesterday he probably could have.
What does that mean to the rest of the racers and about the final stages of the Tour?
It means either Lance or Contador will win the race
It means if Contador puts another minute into Lance, the race is probably sealed up.
It means if the lead stays at around a minute, the race will come down to the final mountain stage before Paris - that's Stage 20. And there's an Hors Category climb to finish the race that day.
Because with a lead of one minute, Alberto Contador could end up behind Lance Armstrong after the individual time trial on Stage 18 on July 23. That's a 40KM TT that would allow Lance to put up to two or three minutes into Contador.
What do you think is going to happen? My predictions from earlier have been shot slightly out of the water. I had believed Contador would have crashed out - but that happened to Levi Leipheimer instead.
If you remember - here is my post from early on. I didn't have Contador or Schleck in there at all. I had Hincapie in fourth and Denis Menchov was there too. I was wrong to a degree, but we still have a week of racing to see how it all shakes out.
Enjoy your rest day, see you tomorrow.
1 - Alberto Contador looks strong. Really strong. As in, if he wanted to this guy could have been in Yellow from day two of the race.
2 - Lance Armstrong looks strong. Really strong. As in, if he wanted to stay with Contador on the attack yesterday he probably could have.
What does that mean to the rest of the racers and about the final stages of the Tour?
It means either Lance or Contador will win the race
It means if Contador puts another minute into Lance, the race is probably sealed up.
It means if the lead stays at around a minute, the race will come down to the final mountain stage before Paris - that's Stage 20. And there's an Hors Category climb to finish the race that day.
Because with a lead of one minute, Alberto Contador could end up behind Lance Armstrong after the individual time trial on Stage 18 on July 23. That's a 40KM TT that would allow Lance to put up to two or three minutes into Contador.
What do you think is going to happen? My predictions from earlier have been shot slightly out of the water. I had believed Contador would have crashed out - but that happened to Levi Leipheimer instead.
If you remember - here is my post from early on. I didn't have Contador or Schleck in there at all. I had Hincapie in fourth and Denis Menchov was there too. I was wrong to a degree, but we still have a week of racing to see how it all shakes out.
Enjoy your rest day, see you tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
What did I say?
Have you been reading this blog from the start of the Tour?
If so, you might remember my predictions four days ago.
If not, go back there and look.
THEN come back here and read my take on stage 4 - the Team Time Trial.
SPOILERS BELOW - SPOILERS BELOW
OK. As expected, Team Astanà rode a fantastic time trial and took chunks of time out of other teams and cemented their place as the team to beat this year.
Remember, we're only on stage 4 and tomorrow is my prediction for Contador's abandonment of the 2009 Tour de France. So, without Alberto things might be a little more difficult. But that leaves the path paved for one Mr. Armstrong.
Oh, did you look at the standings after today's stage? If not, I think you might notice that Lance is SECOND in the overall standings.
What controversy?
Sites are reporting that there's already some infighting and that Lance is acting as if it's now his team. Even though Contador is only a handful of seconds behind in the GC.
What's your take?
Controversy?
Should the team wait a week before deciding?
I say wait a day or two more, but Team Astanà better move forward with ONE RIDER when they hit the mountains. That way they'll be poised to win with a different rider if the leader has an issue in stage 11 or so.
Please share your thoughts now that seven-time winner Lance Armstrong is now in a position to win his eighth.
I say wow. And I also say I'm a genius.
If so, you might remember my predictions four days ago.
If not, go back there and look.
THEN come back here and read my take on stage 4 - the Team Time Trial.
SPOILERS BELOW - SPOILERS BELOW
OK. As expected, Team Astanà rode a fantastic time trial and took chunks of time out of other teams and cemented their place as the team to beat this year.
Remember, we're only on stage 4 and tomorrow is my prediction for Contador's abandonment of the 2009 Tour de France. So, without Alberto things might be a little more difficult. But that leaves the path paved for one Mr. Armstrong.
Oh, did you look at the standings after today's stage? If not, I think you might notice that Lance is SECOND in the overall standings.
What controversy?
Sites are reporting that there's already some infighting and that Lance is acting as if it's now his team. Even though Contador is only a handful of seconds behind in the GC.
What's your take?
Controversy?
Should the team wait a week before deciding?
I say wait a day or two more, but Team Astanà better move forward with ONE RIDER when they hit the mountains. That way they'll be poised to win with a different rider if the leader has an issue in stage 11 or so.
Please share your thoughts now that seven-time winner Lance Armstrong is now in a position to win his eighth.
I say wow. And I also say I'm a genius.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Stage 3 - Comments and more
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS
Stage 3 could be - and this comes after seeing multiple Tour stages in person - one of the coolest moments in a Tour de France race.
Want the spoiler? Here it is.
Lance went from 10th to 3rd in a single stage and leapt past a number of his teammates in the GC.
That's the general classification if you're not up on the lingo.
What's that mean? Who knows!
To me it means that Team Astanà is going to be in some disarray tomorrow and over the next few days.
It also means that this could be the most contentious tour since Hinault/Lemond.
What happens when the team time trial happens?
Are you happy Lance made this move today? Versus viewers are currently running 96% FOR Lance's move and 3% or so against. Hmmm, fan favorite?
I'm loving this Tour and may even watch the stage again.
Oh, Cavendish won his second stage today. Almost forgot to mention that. :-)
The standings for the top 15 are as follows now...
Stage 3 could be - and this comes after seeing multiple Tour stages in person - one of the coolest moments in a Tour de France race.
Want the spoiler? Here it is.
Lance went from 10th to 3rd in a single stage and leapt past a number of his teammates in the GC.
That's the general classification if you're not up on the lingo.
What's that mean? Who knows!
To me it means that Team Astanà is going to be in some disarray tomorrow and over the next few days.
It also means that this could be the most contentious tour since Hinault/Lemond.
What happens when the team time trial happens?
Are you happy Lance made this move today? Versus viewers are currently running 96% FOR Lance's move and 3% or so against. Hmmm, fan favorite?
I'm loving this Tour and may even watch the stage again.
Oh, Cavendish won his second stage today. Almost forgot to mention that. :-)
The standings for the top 15 are as follows now...
1. CANCELLARA Fabian 33 TEAM SAXO BANK 9h 50' 58"
2. MARTIN Tony 76 TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC 9h 51' 31" + 00' 33"
3. ARMSTRONG Lance 22 ASTANA 9h 51' 38" + 00' 40"
4. CONTADOR Alberto 21 ASTANA 9h 51' 57" + 00' 59"
5. WIGGINS Bradley 58 GARMIN - SLIPSTREAM 9h 51' 58" + 01' 00"
6. KLÖDEN Andréas 23 ASTANA 9h 52' 01" + 01' 03"
7. GERDEMANN Linus 181 TEAM MILRAM 9h 52' 01" + 01' 03"
8. EVANS Cadel 11 SILENCE - LOTTO 9h 52' 02" + 01' 04"
9. MONFORT Maxime 77 TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC 9h 52' 08" + 01' 10"
10. LEIPHEIMER Levi 24 ASTANA 9h 52' 09" + 01' 11"
11. ROGERS Michael 79 TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC 9h 52' 11" + 01' 13"
12. KREUZIGER Roman 93 LIQUIGAS 9h 52' 11" + 01' 13"
13. HINCAPIE George 74 TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC 9h 52' 15" + 01' 17"
14. NIBALI Vincenzo 95 LIQUIGAS 9h 52' 16" + 01' 18"
15. LARSSON Gustav 34 TEAM SAXO BANK 9h 52' 20" + 01' 22"
Saturday, July 4, 2009
That was slightly unexpected - Stage 1 Comments
SPOILERS IN THIS POST. SPOILERS ABOUT STAGE 1 OF THE 2009 TOUR DE FRANCE.
I tried to avoid Twitter all day today and realized I'm staring down the barrel of a social-media tool that could provide me with spoilers for the next 22 days.
You see, everyone who's got an ounce of interest in the 96th edition of the Tour de France was tweeting regularly during today's time trial. These fans were revealing info about Lance's position and the time split at the top of the ascent in Monaco.
That just won't do. Unless I'm more diligent. My plan for now on is to watch or follow the tour before I start delving into Twitter each day. There will be a delay, and I'll likely not get my #followfriday notes out before 1PM, but this will help me remain sane.
It will also keep the results pristine. Speaking of results, here's what I thought of today's fiasco.
That's right...fiasco. Who in their right mind thought Contador would finish second, Cancellara would win and Lance would be mired in 10th spot 40 seconds back after a 15KM time trial?
Not me. This makes my concerns for Lance's leadership of Astanà (HEY Roll and Hummer, pronounce it correctly or get off the camera. You're embarrassing yourselves and the United States) very real.
Will I be adjusting my top 5 in the Tour? Not a chance. But with so many good names up in the running, it's going to be a race like no other. I'm so excited for the mountains that come around day 7.
How did today's results make you feel?
I tried to avoid Twitter all day today and realized I'm staring down the barrel of a social-media tool that could provide me with spoilers for the next 22 days.
You see, everyone who's got an ounce of interest in the 96th edition of the Tour de France was tweeting regularly during today's time trial. These fans were revealing info about Lance's position and the time split at the top of the ascent in Monaco.
That just won't do. Unless I'm more diligent. My plan for now on is to watch or follow the tour before I start delving into Twitter each day. There will be a delay, and I'll likely not get my #followfriday notes out before 1PM, but this will help me remain sane.
It will also keep the results pristine. Speaking of results, here's what I thought of today's fiasco.
That's right...fiasco. Who in their right mind thought Contador would finish second, Cancellara would win and Lance would be mired in 10th spot 40 seconds back after a 15KM time trial?
Not me. This makes my concerns for Lance's leadership of Astanà (HEY Roll and Hummer, pronounce it correctly or get off the camera. You're embarrassing yourselves and the United States) very real.
Will I be adjusting my top 5 in the Tour? Not a chance. But with so many good names up in the running, it's going to be a race like no other. I'm so excited for the mountains that come around day 7.
How did today's results make you feel?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Tour in a nutshell
According to Le Tour, here is the breakdown of the 2009 Tour de France...
The route
Running from Saturday July 4th to Sunday July 26th 2009, the 96th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,500 kilometres.
These 21 stages have the following profiles:
* 10 flat stages,
* 7 mountain stages,
* 1 medium mountain stage,
* 2 individual time-trial stages,
* 1 team time-trial stage.
Distinctive aspects of the race
* 3 mountain finishes,
* 2 rest days,
* 55 kilometres of individual time-trials,
* 20 Category 1, Category 2 and highest level passes will be climbed.
8 new stop-over towns
Brignoles, Gérone (Espagne), Issoudun, Martigny (Suisse), Saint-Fargeau, Tonnerre, vatan, Verbier (Suisse).
Sunday, June 28, 2009
2009 Tour de France begins July 4
I was puttering around Boston recently and for some reason I thought the Tour was beginning on July 7 this year. Not wanting to leave readers in the lurch, I decided to take a closer look and realized the race begins a week from yesterday.
The first stage is an individual Time Trial of 15KM. According to Bicycling.com, here's the stage description...
That whole prologue thing is interesting to me, but aside from meaning the Tour has one fewer stage this year (meaning a real 21 instead of 21 and a prologue) there are still thousands of KMs to ride for the 189 riders in the tour.
Next post we'll examine some of the teams and favorites. Share your predictions for the race right here in the comments.
The first stage is an individual Time Trial of 15KM. According to Bicycling.com, here's the stage description...
The Tour hasn't visited Monaco in 45 years--partly because the principality is so small that wrapping 15km of racing into its 2 square kilometers is a trick. But what Monaco lacks in size it makes up for in star power--something the race also possesses for its 96th edition. Three former Tour winners will line up at the start. Look for the GC favorites to come out hard; Armstrong in particular has to send a message about his form. With no time bonuses on offer again this year, breakaway artists like Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) will be motivated to turn in good times to position themselves for an early yellow jersey via a breakaway in the coming stages. *Only stages 8km or shorter are considered prologues, which is why this year's race begins with Stage 1.
That whole prologue thing is interesting to me, but aside from meaning the Tour has one fewer stage this year (meaning a real 21 instead of 21 and a prologue) there are still thousands of KMs to ride for the 189 riders in the tour.
Next post we'll examine some of the teams and favorites. Share your predictions for the race right here in the comments.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
SPOILER - Time Trial Winner - Stage 20
HOLY MOSES!
Evans gained only marginally on Sastre in the Stage 20 Time Trial and Carlos Sastre will go on to win the Tour de France. His decisive win in the Alpe d'Huez stage set him up to take the Yellow Jersey in Paris.
While Sastre lost 2:34 to Schumacher - the stage winner - he held off the rest of the guys around him and will likely win the Tour by 1:05 tomorrow.
Cadel Evans is going to - barring any disasters tomorrow - be on the podium in second place for the second year in a row.
Here are the standings of the Stage 20 time trial...
The finishing times are REALLY tight. Only a gap of 11:00 between first and last. Wow.
1. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 1h 03' 50"
2. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 04' 11" + 00' 21"
3. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 04' 51" + 01' 01"
4. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 04' 55" + 01' 05"
5. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 05' 27" + 01' 37"
6. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 1h 05' 45" + 01' 55"
7. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 05' 55" + 02' 05"
8. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 1h 06' 09" + 02' 19"
9. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 1h 06' 11" + 02' 21"
10. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 18" + 02' 28"
11. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 19" + 02' 29"
12. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 06' 24" + 02' 34"
13. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 06' 26" + 02' 36"
14. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 06' 44" + 02' 54"
15. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 06' 48" + 02' 58"
16. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 1h 06' 50" + 03' 00"
17. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 06' 54" + 03' 04"
18. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 57" + 03' 07"
19. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 07' 00" + 03' 10"
20. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 1h 07' 03" + 03' 13"
21. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 07' 04" + 03' 14"
22. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 1h 07' 09" + 03' 19"
23. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 1h 07' 11" + 03' 21"
24. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 07' 17" + 03' 27"
25. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 1h 07' 21" + 03' 31"
26. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 07' 24" + 03' 34"
27. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 07' 26" + 03' 36"
28. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 07' 40" + 03' 50"
29. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 07' 48" + 03' 58"
30. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 07' 52" + 04' 02"
31. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 1h 07' 55" + 04' 05"
32. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 1h 08' 00" + 04' 10"
33. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 08' 02" + 04' 12"
34. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 08' 02" + 04' 12"
35. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 08' 03" + 04' 13"
36. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 08' 15" + 04' 25"
37. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 08' 17" + 04' 27"
38. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 08' 22" + 04' 32"
39. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 25" + 04' 35"
40. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 27" + 04' 37"
41. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 1h 08' 35" + 04' 45"
42. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 08' 39" + 04' 49"
43. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 39" + 04' 49"
44. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 1h 08' 44" + 04' 54"
45. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 1h 08' 48" + 04' 58"
46. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 1h 08' 51" + 05' 01"
47. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 1h 08' 52" + 05' 02"
48. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 09' 06" + 05' 16"
49. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 1h 09' 12" + 05' 22"
50. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 1h 09' 18" + 05' 28"
51. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 09' 22" + 05' 32"
52. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 23" + 05' 33"
53. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 09' 26" + 05' 36"
54. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 09' 28" + 05' 38"
55. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 29" + 05' 39"
56. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 31" + 05' 41"
57. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 33" + 05' 43"
58. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 09' 37" + 05' 47"
59. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 09' 41" + 05' 51"
60. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 09' 42" + 05' 52"
61. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 09' 42" + 05' 52"
62. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 1h 09' 47" + 05' 57"
63. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 09' 51" + 06' 01"
64. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 09' 53" + 06' 03"
65. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 1h 09' 56" + 06' 06"
66. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 1h 09' 56" + 06' 06"
67. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 57" + 06' 07"
68. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 59" + 06' 09"
69. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 10' 09" + 06' 19"
70. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 1h 10' 17" + 06' 27"
71. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 1h 10' 19" + 06' 29"
72. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 21" + 06' 31"
73. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 10' 22" + 06' 32"
74. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 10' 22" + 06' 32"
75. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 23" + 06' 33"
76. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 1h 10' 26" + 06' 36"
77. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 10' 32" + 06' 42"
78. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 10' 33" + 06' 43"
79. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 10' 33" + 06' 43"
80. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 10' 37" + 06' 47"
81. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 10' 43" + 06' 53"
82. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 43" + 06' 53"
83. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 10' 51" + 07' 01"
84. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 59" + 07' 09"
85. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 03" + 07' 13"
86. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 04" + 07' 14"
87. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 11' 07" + 07' 17"
88. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 11" + 07' 21"
89. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 11' 11" + 07' 21"
90. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 14" + 07' 24"
91. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 11' 15" + 07' 25"
92. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 1h 11' 18" + 07' 28"
93. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 11' 19" + 07' 29"
94. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 19" + 07' 29"
95. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 1h 11' 24" + 07' 34"
96. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 1h 11' 27" + 07' 37"
97. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 1h 11' 28" + 07' 38"
98. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 11' 28" + 07' 38"
99. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 1h 11' 34" + 07' 44"
100. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 11' 36" + 07' 46"
101. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 11' 37" + 07' 47"
102. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 1h 11' 39" + 07' 49"
103. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 1h 11' 41" + 07' 51"
104. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 11' 44" + 07' 54"
105. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 50" + 08' 00"
106. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 11' 52" + 08' 02"
107. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 1h 11' 53" + 08' 03"
108. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 1h 11' 55" + 08' 05"
109. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 1h 11' 58" + 08' 08"
110. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 11' 58" + 08' 08"
111. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 12' 00" + 08' 10"
112. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 1h 12' 02" + 08' 12"
113. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 12' 05" + 08' 15"
114. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 1h 12' 09" + 08' 19"
115. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 1h 12' 10" + 08' 20"
116. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 1h 12' 16" + 08' 26"
117. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 1h 12' 16" + 08' 26"
118. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 12' 21" + 08' 31"
119. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 12' 26" + 08' 36"
120. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 12' 27" + 08' 37"
121. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 1h 12' 28" + 08' 38"
122. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 12' 48" + 08' 58"
123. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 12' 56" + 09' 06"
124. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 1h 13' 02" + 09' 12"
125. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 04" + 09' 14"
126. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 1h 13' 07" + 09' 17"
127. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 13' 11" + 09' 21"
128. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 13' 11" + 09' 21"
129. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 13" + 09' 23"
130. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 13' 15" + 09' 25"
131. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 13' 20" + 09' 30"
132. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 20" + 09' 30"
133. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 13' 24" + 09' 34"
134. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 1h 13' 28" + 09' 38"
135. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 13' 48" + 09' 58"
136. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 13' 48" + 09' 58"
137. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 1h 13' 54" + 10' 04"
138. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 1h 14' 10" + 10' 20"
139. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 1h 14' 29" + 10' 39"
140. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 14' 42" + 10' 52"
141. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 1h 14' 44" + 10' 54"
142. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 14' 46" + 10' 56"
143. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 14' 54" + 11' 04"
144. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 15' 02" + 11' 12"
145. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 15' 09" + 11' 19"
Evans gained only marginally on Sastre in the Stage 20 Time Trial and Carlos Sastre will go on to win the Tour de France. His decisive win in the Alpe d'Huez stage set him up to take the Yellow Jersey in Paris.
While Sastre lost 2:34 to Schumacher - the stage winner - he held off the rest of the guys around him and will likely win the Tour by 1:05 tomorrow.
Cadel Evans is going to - barring any disasters tomorrow - be on the podium in second place for the second year in a row.
Here are the standings of the Stage 20 time trial...
The finishing times are REALLY tight. Only a gap of 11:00 between first and last. Wow.
1. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 1h 03' 50"
2. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 04' 11" + 00' 21"
3. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 04' 51" + 01' 01"
4. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 04' 55" + 01' 05"
5. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 05' 27" + 01' 37"
6. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 1h 05' 45" + 01' 55"
7. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 05' 55" + 02' 05"
8. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 1h 06' 09" + 02' 19"
9. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 1h 06' 11" + 02' 21"
10. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 18" + 02' 28"
11. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 19" + 02' 29"
12. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 06' 24" + 02' 34"
13. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 06' 26" + 02' 36"
14. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 06' 44" + 02' 54"
15. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 06' 48" + 02' 58"
16. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 1h 06' 50" + 03' 00"
17. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 06' 54" + 03' 04"
18. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 57" + 03' 07"
19. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 07' 00" + 03' 10"
20. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 1h 07' 03" + 03' 13"
21. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 07' 04" + 03' 14"
22. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 1h 07' 09" + 03' 19"
23. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 1h 07' 11" + 03' 21"
24. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 07' 17" + 03' 27"
25. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 1h 07' 21" + 03' 31"
26. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 07' 24" + 03' 34"
27. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 07' 26" + 03' 36"
28. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 07' 40" + 03' 50"
29. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 07' 48" + 03' 58"
30. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 07' 52" + 04' 02"
31. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 1h 07' 55" + 04' 05"
32. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 1h 08' 00" + 04' 10"
33. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 08' 02" + 04' 12"
34. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 08' 02" + 04' 12"
35. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 08' 03" + 04' 13"
36. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 08' 15" + 04' 25"
37. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 08' 17" + 04' 27"
38. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 08' 22" + 04' 32"
39. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 25" + 04' 35"
40. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 27" + 04' 37"
41. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 1h 08' 35" + 04' 45"
42. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 08' 39" + 04' 49"
43. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 39" + 04' 49"
44. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 1h 08' 44" + 04' 54"
45. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 1h 08' 48" + 04' 58"
46. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 1h 08' 51" + 05' 01"
47. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 1h 08' 52" + 05' 02"
48. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 09' 06" + 05' 16"
49. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 1h 09' 12" + 05' 22"
50. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 1h 09' 18" + 05' 28"
51. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 09' 22" + 05' 32"
52. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 23" + 05' 33"
53. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 09' 26" + 05' 36"
54. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 09' 28" + 05' 38"
55. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 29" + 05' 39"
56. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 31" + 05' 41"
57. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 33" + 05' 43"
58. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 09' 37" + 05' 47"
59. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 09' 41" + 05' 51"
60. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 09' 42" + 05' 52"
61. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 09' 42" + 05' 52"
62. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 1h 09' 47" + 05' 57"
63. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 09' 51" + 06' 01"
64. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 09' 53" + 06' 03"
65. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 1h 09' 56" + 06' 06"
66. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 1h 09' 56" + 06' 06"
67. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 57" + 06' 07"
68. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 59" + 06' 09"
69. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 10' 09" + 06' 19"
70. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 1h 10' 17" + 06' 27"
71. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 1h 10' 19" + 06' 29"
72. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 21" + 06' 31"
73. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 10' 22" + 06' 32"
74. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 10' 22" + 06' 32"
75. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 23" + 06' 33"
76. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 1h 10' 26" + 06' 36"
77. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 10' 32" + 06' 42"
78. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 10' 33" + 06' 43"
79. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 10' 33" + 06' 43"
80. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 10' 37" + 06' 47"
81. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 10' 43" + 06' 53"
82. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 43" + 06' 53"
83. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 10' 51" + 07' 01"
84. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 59" + 07' 09"
85. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 03" + 07' 13"
86. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 04" + 07' 14"
87. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 11' 07" + 07' 17"
88. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 11" + 07' 21"
89. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 11' 11" + 07' 21"
90. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 14" + 07' 24"
91. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 11' 15" + 07' 25"
92. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 1h 11' 18" + 07' 28"
93. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 11' 19" + 07' 29"
94. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 19" + 07' 29"
95. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 1h 11' 24" + 07' 34"
96. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 1h 11' 27" + 07' 37"
97. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 1h 11' 28" + 07' 38"
98. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 11' 28" + 07' 38"
99. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 1h 11' 34" + 07' 44"
100. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 11' 36" + 07' 46"
101. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 11' 37" + 07' 47"
102. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 1h 11' 39" + 07' 49"
103. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 1h 11' 41" + 07' 51"
104. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 11' 44" + 07' 54"
105. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 50" + 08' 00"
106. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 11' 52" + 08' 02"
107. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 1h 11' 53" + 08' 03"
108. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 1h 11' 55" + 08' 05"
109. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 1h 11' 58" + 08' 08"
110. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 11' 58" + 08' 08"
111. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 12' 00" + 08' 10"
112. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 1h 12' 02" + 08' 12"
113. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 12' 05" + 08' 15"
114. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 1h 12' 09" + 08' 19"
115. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 1h 12' 10" + 08' 20"
116. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 1h 12' 16" + 08' 26"
117. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 1h 12' 16" + 08' 26"
118. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 12' 21" + 08' 31"
119. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 12' 26" + 08' 36"
120. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 12' 27" + 08' 37"
121. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 1h 12' 28" + 08' 38"
122. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 12' 48" + 08' 58"
123. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 12' 56" + 09' 06"
124. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 1h 13' 02" + 09' 12"
125. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 04" + 09' 14"
126. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 1h 13' 07" + 09' 17"
127. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 13' 11" + 09' 21"
128. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 13' 11" + 09' 21"
129. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 13" + 09' 23"
130. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 13' 15" + 09' 25"
131. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 13' 20" + 09' 30"
132. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 20" + 09' 30"
133. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 13' 24" + 09' 34"
134. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 1h 13' 28" + 09' 38"
135. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 13' 48" + 09' 58"
136. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 13' 48" + 09' 58"
137. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 1h 13' 54" + 10' 04"
138. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 1h 14' 10" + 10' 20"
139. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 1h 14' 29" + 10' 39"
140. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 14' 42" + 10' 52"
141. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 1h 14' 44" + 10' 54"
142. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 14' 46" + 10' 56"
143. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 14' 54" + 11' 04"
144. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 15' 02" + 11' 12"
145. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 15' 09" + 11' 19"
See you in a few hours
The race is well underway. Trouble with a time trial is that if I give info here about the results of any one rider, that will affect what you know has to happen with other riders.
I don't want to give spoilers, so that's all for now. Come back at 9PM to get the results.
I don't want to give spoilers, so that's all for now. Come back at 9PM to get the results.
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