Author Topic: Pro Cycling 2023 (Read 1471466 times)

kidwhiskey · « **Reply #280 on:** July 5, 2011, 11:01:47 am »

Would be very surprised if Thor doens't lose the yellow jersey today. I think the last climb is just a little to steep for him. Gilbert the favourite. I'm also wondering whether Cadel will be looking for the yellow or not. If he doesn't think he'll be able to win the Tour, he'll probably try to get the yellow, and then keep it for a while.
Someone else who could be in contention is Boasson Hagen, he did one hell of a job in Tour de Suisse. He's lost a few pounds, so his climbing has really improved. Not sure if he's in top shape tough, got sick during the Norwegian Championships a couple of weeks ago.

kaz1983 · « **Reply #281 on:** July 5, 2011, 11:06:54 am »

Quote from: The_Cutter on July 5, 2011, 10:36:44 am

The Lampshades are on the up. Hopefully GC guys will take it easy today. Vino will have a go, 'cause he's a bad motherfucker.
Y'all should thank me for pimping Rojas. In fact the guy can climb, even better than Thor! Could be the surprise winner today if people mark Gilbert tightly. It's Gilbos to lose though.

Nah I knew about Rojas from previous Tours, suprised he was so cheap to be honest and I agree about Vino having a go.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #282 on:** July 5, 2011, 11:10:08 am »

Good god, if the pussy commissars applied yesterdays standards retrospectively then Abdoujaparov would have been disqualified from every race. Surely sprinting is a mans game and a little jostling for position is to be expected?

Crosby Nick · « **Reply #283 on:** July 5, 2011, 11:16:48 am »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on July 5, 2011, 11:10:08 am

Good god, if the pussy commissars applied yesterdays standards retrospectively then Abdoujaparov would have been disqualified from every race. Surely sprinting is a mans game and a little jostling for position is to be expected?

I'm no expert but why punish them both? It was clearly part and parcel of the sprint as you say and neither of them seemed to have particularly bad feelings about it, they just got on with competing for the points. Pretty strange decision really.

[brown nose mode on]
I have to say I love threads like this though. I like watching the Tour, and have done every year for as long as I can remember but am pretty fair weather really. I never fail to be impressed by the number of knowledgable posters on here who know so much about all the riders, the stage layouts etc. It's a really enjoyable read.
[/brown nose mode off]

babraham · « **Reply #284 on:** July 5, 2011, 12:21:55 pm »

Can't see Thor keeping yellow. He can climb well for a sprinter if the pace isn't too hot but I think it will be given that there's half a week to recover before the mountains start.

I'm not sure if it's steep and long enough though for Contador or Schleck to just ride off the front? Maybe more suited to an all round type like Gilbert? Interested to see how Evans treats this stage.

INABITSKI · « **Reply #285 on:** July 5, 2011, 01:43:29 pm »

Quote from: BMW on July 5, 2011, 01:40:18 pm

OK dunno why I'm posting this but I am, was looking around on a bike forum just then and came arcoss a thread about the best looking female cyclists. Then I scrolled down and came across this, she has as a brillant set on her and I sure she is a talented cyclist as well. Liz Hatch.

Google images

You posted so perverts like myself could enjoy.

kaz1983 · « **Reply #286 on:** July 5, 2011, 01:46:04 pm »

Quote from: INABITSKI on July 5, 2011, 01:43:29 pm

You posted so perverts like myself could enjoy.

I just deleted my post cos' I didn't want to be the only pervert in this thread... what was I thinking..

INABITSKI · « **Reply #287 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:18:27 pm »

Contador making a break....

INABITSKI · « **Reply #288 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:21:06 pm »

Evans from Contador at the line, great finish that.

INABITSKI · « **Reply #289 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:25:37 pm »

1    Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team    4:11:39
2    Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard
3    Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz) Pro Team Astana
4    Rigoberto Uran Uran (Col) Sky Procycling
5    Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
6    Thor Hushovd (Nor) Team Garmin-Cervelo
7    Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
8    Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
9    Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto
10    Andreas Klöden (Ger) Team RadioShack

GC

1.    HUSHOVD Thor    51    TEAM GARMIN - CERVELO    13h 58' 25"
2.    EVANS Cadel    141    BMC RACING TEAM    13h 58' 26"    + 00' 01"
3.    SCHLECK Frank    18    TEAM LEOPARD-TREK    13h 58' 29"    + 00' 04"
4.    MILLAR David    56    TEAM GARMIN - CERVELO    13h 58' 33"    + 00' 08"
5.    KLÖDEN Andréas    74    TEAM RADIOSHACK    13h 58' 35"    + 00' 10"
6.    WIGGINS Bradley    111    SKY PROCYCLING    13h 58' 35"    + 00' 10"
7.    THOMAS Geraint    117    SKY PROCYCLING    13h 58' 37"    + 00' 12"
8.    HAGEN Edvald Boasson    114    SKY PROCYCLING    13h 58' 37"    + 00' 12"
9.    SCHLECK Andy    11    TEAM LEOPARD-TREK    13h 58' 37"    + 00' 12"
10.    FUGLSANG Jakob    13    TEAM LEOPARD-TREK    13h 58' 37"    + 00' 12"

MadErik · « **Reply #290 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:26:52 pm »

Surprised that Andy Schleck didn't/couldn't go with Contador.

High_Cotton · « **Reply #291 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:28:21 pm »

Good ride by Thor.

kaz1983 · « **Reply #292 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:36:41 pm »

This is so far a great Tour and a route to match.

kcbworth · « **Reply #293 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:36:45 pm »

Who is this riding in Cadel Evans' body? Positive, attacking, good team player... wow. Who knows what he can do hey

kaz1983 · « **Reply #294 on:** July 5, 2011, 04:46:12 pm »

Quote from: MadErik on July 5, 2011, 04:26:52 pm

Surprised that Andy Schleck didn't/couldn't go with Contador.

Not saying it is the reason but I remember him saying he isn't suited to short, punchy type climbs but prefers longer, stop start type climbs -were he can slowly wear his opponents down... so it doesn't surprise he wasn't able to go with Contador on today's climb.

babraham · « **Reply #295 on:** July 5, 2011, 05:46:39 pm »

Really impressive ride from Thor! Deserves another half week in yellow for that effort!

Surprised Andy wasn't able to keep up. Climb possibly too short and explosive? What was the gradient like the last 500m? Did it flatten out a bit perhaps?

The_Cutter · « **Reply #296 on:** July 5, 2011, 07:36:06 pm »

Grrr, missed this, but hopefully I catch/stream a re-run of the finish somewhere. Gilbert didn't win?

And I expected Samu higher.

Thor you beauty! His yellow 'till stage 8.

gramck24 · « **Reply #297 on:** July 5, 2011, 08:34:33 pm »

Quote from: BMW on July 5, 2011, 04:36:41 pm

This is so far a great Tour and a route to match.

Agree with that.

Seems today's final run in during the last 2km was a lot more difficult than the riders anticipated. Even the usual poker faced Contador was doing some proper grimacing.

Good finish to stage by Cadel and Thor.

humph77 · « **Reply #298 on:** July 5, 2011, 08:55:14 pm »

Not big Thor fan but one hell of a performance to keep that company at the end - deserves few more days in yellow.

Thought Berty would give a performance today and didn't let us down, also made up for Evans who's looked strong all year and carrying that form into the Tour and could maybe challenge for overall win depending on Contadors and Schlecks big mountain form.

Oh and yes - got 4 out of top 5 today in my bonus stage

Mal · « **Reply #299 on:** July 5, 2011, 10:00:55 pm »

Quote from: humph77 on July 5, 2011, 08:55:14 pm

Not big Thor fan but one hell of a performance to keep that company at the end - deserves few more days in yellow.

Thought Berty would give a performance today and didn't let us down, also made up for Evans who's looked strong all year and carrying that form into the Tour and could maybe challenge for overall win depending on Contadors and Schlecks big mountain form.

Oh and yes - got 4 out of top 5 today in my bonus stage

Where as I have I have made a series of strategic errors & am failing miserably

Now then, where's my ~~ball~~ bike

Musketeer Gripweed · « **Reply #300 on:** July 5, 2011, 10:01:05 pm »

Frank looking stronger than Andy, again. They really need to go their own way and get different teams at some point, so they can both have a fair chance.

Well, when I say fair, whoever gets first dibs on Cancellara would probably win between them two.

Contador looked like he was blowing out his arse there today on that climb. Not long for him to find his true form, or even a dodgy steak, before the first real climbs.

Mal · « **Reply #301 on:** July 5, 2011, 10:02:37 pm »

Oh and fair play to Hushovd. Unlikable bastard that he is.

It doesn't help his 'currying favour with Mal' course that he's not in my team

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #302 on:** July 5, 2011, 10:36:14 pm »

Quote from: humph77 on July 5, 2011, 08:55:14 pm

Not big Thor fan but one hell of a performance to keep that company at the end - deserves few more days in yellow.

Thought Berty would give a performance today and didn't let us down, also made up for Evans who's looked strong all year and carrying that form into the Tour and could maybe challenge for overall win depending on Contadors and Schlecks big mountain form.

Oh and yes - got 4 out of top 5 today in my bonus stage

Totally agree on Thor. He's really gone up in my estimation after last nights reaction to the farcical sprint decision and then his really gutsy ride today.

Good work on the fantasy front too Humph. Impressive.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #303 on:** July 5, 2011, 10:42:29 pm »

Blimey Humph, 18th overall now that is impressive.

A nifty 119 from the Dynamos sees me back in the top 100 too. Chance to nudge RAWK back up the table a bit.

humph77 · « **Reply #304 on:** July 5, 2011, 11:00:00 pm »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on July 5, 2011, 10:42:29 pm

Blimey Humph, 18th overall now that is impressive.

A nifty 119 from the Dynamos sees me back in the top 100 too. Chance to nudge RAWK back up the table a bit.

All for our league team of course (not thinking Trek Madone 5.2 for myself at all

), still staying focused tho on transfer timing.

Oh and that Mal fellah might consider withdrawing to boost our average score too

After the s**t luck I had at first visit in years to races at weekend I was due some luck, needless to say I know a lot more about cycling than nags!!

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #305 on:** July 5, 2011, 11:03:32 pm »

Quote from: humph77 on July 5, 2011, 11:00:00 pm

All for our league team of course (not thinking Trek Madone 5.2 for myself at all ), still staying focused tho on transfer timing.

Oh and that Mal fellah might consider withdrawing to boost our average score too

After the s**t luck I had at first visit in years to races at weekend I was due some luck, needless to say I know a lot more about cycling than nags!!

Yeah, I'm also harbouring an outside hope that all my bike purchasing questions in the cycling thread may be made redundant by events in the next few weeks

High_Cotton · « **Reply #306 on:** July 6, 2011, 12:28:08 am »

Why do people dislike Thor?

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #307 on:** July 6, 2011, 12:57:24 am »

Quote from: High_Cotton on July 6, 2011, 12:28:08 am

Why do people dislike Thor?

Partly a Cav thing I guess

kaz1983 · « **Reply #308 on:** July 6, 2011, 04:34:30 am »

Video post: Power outputs and the magic number in the Tour de France

Below is a short video (9:42) where I talk you through the power outputs that are required of the world's best cyclists when the roads turn upwards in the Pyrenees and Alps. That happens next Thursday, of course, and that's where the analysis we do will get really interesting.

However, the question is: What does a Tour contender need to be able to sustain for 10 minutes, 20 minutes and almost an hour in order to remain competitive and to challenge for yellow?

Some of you may have read in Armstrong's book that he and Ferrari had a target of 6.7 W/kg as a 'threshold power output' that would be needed to win mountain top finishes on climbs that can, in some cases, last close to an hour.

The video below explores what the real "magic number" for a Tour winner might be;

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/f_QCCZ6J4UM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/f_QCCZ6J4UM</a>

Of course, in an ideal world, we won't have to extrapolate to the race and stage winners. I've said before that SRM data for all should be tracked. However, I'm satisfied that the combination of other methods and extrapolating using the likes of Horner and Sorensen's data gives us a great indication of what is happening at the front of the peloton. And the magic number, in terms of what the best riders are producing on climbs 30 minutes or longer is around 6 W/kg.

The Tour analysis continues

As the race unfolds, we'll see where the roads of France and the racing take us. I'm sure that there will be some great data (there always is) and we'll do what we can to bring you some insights (if Contador or Schleck blast up a climb at 7W/kg, we'll explain what it means!)

The above video is a pretty broad overview, an introduction of sorts, and so tomorrow I'll continue the analysis by doing a more in-depth analysis and add to this some descriptions of sprint power, flat stages compared to mountains and heart rate data from the Tour.

http://www.sportsscientists.com/

Umbarto · « **Reply #309 on:** July 6, 2011, 05:38:17 am »

Anybody thinking Cavendish will win the stage today?

Edit***

Let me rephrase... Anybody backing Cavendish to win the stage today?

Johnny Foreigner · « **Reply #310 on:** July 6, 2011, 06:20:19 am »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on July 6, 2011, 12:57:24 am

Partly a Cav thing I guess

I guess that comes down to the how their rivalry is being portrayed. I read/hear quite a bit of thor through our national press and he normally comes forward as a level headed and decent guy.

Cavendish though is being quoted and pretty much always portrayed as a absolute twat..

pewithree3 · « **Reply #311 on:** July 6, 2011, 06:28:29 am »

Cav mightn`t win todays stage as the commisssaires might
disqualify him for farting or picking his nose.

kaz1983 · « **Reply #312 on:** July 6, 2011, 06:55:41 am »

Quote from: Johnny Foreigner on July 6, 2011, 06:20:19 am

I guess that comes down to the how their rivalry is being portrayed. I read/hear quite a bit of thor through our national press and he normally comes forward as a level headed and decent guy.

Cavendish though is being quoted and pretty much always portrayed as a absolute twat..

Not sure about Cavendish myself... he tweeted after stage 1 that he found it hard to motivate himself for that days intermediate spint because it was for 4th place even though with the change to the point scoring system for the green jersy, doing well in those intermediate sprints will probably be the difference between winning the green jersy and coming 2nd/3rd IMO... personally that kind of comment smacks of being a twat but on the other hand maybe he's one of those rare breed of dead honest sportsmen who just tells it how it is and does worry about his PR cred.

gramck24 · « **Reply #313 on:** July 6, 2011, 08:04:10 am »

Stage 4 result:
1. Cadel Evans (Australia/BMC Racing) 4hrs 11mins 39secs
2. Alberto Contador (Spain/Saxo Bank) same time
3. Alexandre Vinokourov (Kazakhstan/Astana) same time
4. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia/Team Sky) same time
5. Philippe Gilbert (Belgium/Omega Pharma - Lotto) same time
6. Thor Hushovd (Norway/Garmin) same time
7. Fraenk Schleck (Luxembourg/Leopard) same time
8. Samuel Sanchez (Spain/Euskaltel) same time
9. Jurgen Van den Broeck (Belgium/Omega Pharma-Lotto) same time
10. Andreas Kloeden (Germany/RadioShack) same time

Overall standings:
1. Thor Hushovd (Norway/Garmin) 13hrs 58mins 25secs
2. Cadel Evans (Australia / BMC Racing) +1"
3. Fraenk Schleck (Luxembourg / Leopard) +4"
4. David Millar (Britain/Garmin) +8"
5. Andreas Kloeden (Germany/RadioShack) +10"
6. Bradley Wiggins (Britain/Team Sky) same time
7. Geraint Thomas (Britain/Team Sky) +12"
8. Edvald Boasson Hagen (Norway/Team Sky) same time
9. Andy Schleck (Luxembourg/Leopard) same time
10. Jakob Fuglsang (Denmark/Leopard) same time

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STAGE 5 - Carhaix Cap Fréhel 164.5 km

gramck24 · « **Reply #314 on:** July 6, 2011, 08:20:59 am »

Bad day at the office in the fantasy yesterday.

Dropped down to 5th. Hope my sprinters can claw me back some points today.

Veinticinco de Mayo · « **Reply #315 on:** July 6, 2011, 08:35:33 am »

Quote from: Johnny Foreigner on July 6, 2011, 06:20:19 am

I guess that comes down to the how their rivalry is being portrayed. I read/hear quite a bit of thor through our national press and he normally comes forward as a level headed and decent guy.

Cavendish though is being quoted and pretty much always portrayed as a absolute twat..

Probably true. I don't think our press demonise Thor (they would if it was footy but our press aren't interested enough in cycling) the antagonism is due to the rivalry in the last couple of tours and Thor "stealing" the Green when Cav was quite clearly the better sprinter. It is mainly fuelled by the clear issue the commissars have with Cavendish though, with Thor often being the (innocent) beneficiary of those decisions. As he was the other day in a way.

As for Cavendish, I think he is cocky to the point of arrogance, which is not necessarily a bad thing given what he does. I also think as mentioned above he is refreshingly honest and it is clear that what motivates him is the thrill of winning stages. The adrenaline of the big bunch sprints. Maybe does not appeal to purists who think he should take the race for Green more seriously but you are what you are.

kcbworth · « **Reply #316 on:** July 6, 2011, 11:00:20 am »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on July 6, 2011, 12:57:24 am

Partly a Cav thing I guess

Funny - I dislike Cav (and don't mind Thor). Disclaimer - I'm not from the UK so looking at Cav without the rose tinted glasses, just something seems a bit off... I dunno, seems to have that same sense of entitlement that Contador, circa 2011 Vettel, the Mancs, younger Schumacher, pre retirement Lance Armstrong, fake Ronaldo, and quite possibly Nadal, and others that have had it handed to them on a platter but still act as if the world is against them and have no sense of humility whatsoever. Curiously I don't seem to think Lewis Hamilton fits this category.

The_Cutter · « **Reply #317 on:** July 6, 2011, 11:10:10 am »

Hushovd has always seemed a decent lad whenever I've seen an interview with him, don't know what's your problem lads. He knows he's not the fastest sprinter (probably not even top 5) and he has adjusted to that. Well done to him.

Quote from: kcbworth on July 6, 2011, 11:00:20 am

Funny - I dislike Cav (and don't mind Thor). Disclaimer - I'm not from the UK so looking at Cav without the rose tinted glasses, just something seems a bit off... I dunno, seems to have that same sense of entitlement that Contador, circa 2011 Vettel, the Mancs, younger Schumacher, pre retirement Lance Armstrong, fake Ronaldo, and quite possibly Nadal, and others that have had it handed to them on a platter but still act as if the world is against them and have no sense of humility whatsoever.

I disagree with at least half of that list. Fuck the mancs, none of the people listed had it "handed to them on a platter". Not even Armstrong, and I think he's the worst thing that happened to cycling during my lifetime.

High_Cotton · « **Reply #318 on:** July 6, 2011, 11:30:59 am »

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on July 6, 2011, 12:57:24 am

Partly a Cav thing I guess

That's what I thought, and it is unfortunate, as Thor is about as nice a guy as they come in the peloton.

Quote from: Veinticinco de Mayo on July 6, 2011, 08:35:33 am

Thor "stealing" the Green when Cav was quite clearly the better sprinter.

It's the points jersey, not the who's the 'better sprinter' jersey. Hell, Cadel Evans won the points jersey in the 2010 Giro d'Italia. In the end, Cavendish just didn't want it as much as Thor, and, given what he's said this tour about going for intermediate sprints, he'll be extremely lucky to win the green jersey this year.

Mal · « **Reply #319 on:** July 6, 2011, 11:57:15 am »

On Cav vs. Hushovd... It's definitely because of the rivalry & the stuff Hushovd either gets away with or incriminates others into, allow me to explain...

Hushovd is undoubtedly a nice bloke away from his bike - says the right things to the media etc.. etc... but when he's on the bike he's as devilish as they come, take the incident on Monday that they both got penalised for, it's clear if you look at the over-head that Hushovd started the whole event by moving into Cav's line; that's plain as day. This is why he tried to laugh it off in interviews saying that Cav needed some help with his sun cream. It's also why he let it be known (after the commissaires had taken their FINAL decision) that he'd happily take all the punishment on his own, knowing full well that the decision would stick. The man speaks with forked tongue, says one thing, means another. Can't stand that to be honest.

Cav on the other hand is all heart on sleeve, says what he wants & means it. He has the brutal honesty when it comes to himself and he applies this mindset to others & sometimes they don't like it when the truth slaps them in the face; it's why he's so great to follow on twitter. Basically he has no disconnect between brain & gob; it gets him into trouble but I do admire him for that brutal honesty (as well as his undoubted talent as the best finisher in the game).

The fact that Cav has 15 stage wins in the last 3 TdF's and doesn't have a Green Jersey to show for it tells me everything I need to know about how the 'sprinters jersey' has changed over the years. It used to be about stage wins, now too much of it is about intermediate sprint bonus's & that's not right: The race commissaires agree with that point which is why the green jersey point system has been changed this year.