Sports Tour de France Discussion

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benjo0101

TMMAC Addict
Jun 13, 2016
6,452
7,106
I may be the only one but I fucking love cycling. The sport has had its demons but in it's purest form on the road it is so watchable. Well the highlights packages are.

Haters gonna hate, but if you a cycling fan check in here for the tour.

Who you picking?

I got Richie Porte to win with Chris Froome a close second/third with Aru/Fulsang/Dan Martin taking a stage or two and really animating the race. Valverde is gonna be on a mission, that man seems in incredible shape and holding something back. Contador wont feature, I feel his time has passed and he is dreaming, I hope not as his climbing style is just incredible.

Watch out for Tibot Pinault and Pierre Roland for Bastille day.

Sprint wise I dont know, I think Peter Sagan is gonna be a nearly man again, that boy can ride a damn bike but he cant win many sprints. Not sure if Kittel is racing the tour but his former lead out man has been in form, Degenkolb. Arnauld Demare looked strong at the Dauphine but I dont think he has the legs to compete with the likes of Griepel, Kittel etc.

Thoughts on a postcard...
 

Grateful Dude

TMMAC Addict
May 30, 2016
8,925
14,261
I'll be watching the TDF.
I keep up with the mountain biking events much more than road cycling, but I always follow the TDF.

The course doesn't favor Froome as much this year, but I imagine he will still be somewhere near the front again this year. Agree with you about Contador - he will likely have a few good moments, but won't hold up through the duration.
 

benjo0101

TMMAC Addict
Jun 13, 2016
6,452
7,106
I'll be watching the TDF.
I keep up with the mountain biking events much more than road cycling, but I always follow the TDF.

The course doesn't favor Froome as much this year, but I imagine he will still be somewhere near the front again this year. Agree with you about Contador - he will likely have a few good moments, but won't hold up through the duration.
Put some small dollars on Porte. The guy is in incredible form. Best GC climber and tting very very well. His team is a tiny bit suspect, Frome has a way way stronger team.
 

kaladin stormblessed

Nala fanboy
Apr 24, 2017
17,627
20,132
I may be the only one but I fucking love cycling. The sport has had its demons but in it's purest form on the road it is so watchable. Well the highlights packages are.

Haters gonna hate, but if you a cycling fan check in here for the tour.

Who you picking?

I got Richie Porte to win with Chris Froome a close second/third with Aru/Fulsang/Dan Martin taking a stage or two and really animating the race. Valverde is gonna be on a mission, that man seems in incredible shape and holding something back. Contador wont feature, I feel his time has passed and he is dreaming, I hope not as his climbing style is just incredible.

Watch out for Tibot Pinault and Pierre Roland for Bastille day.

Sprint wise I dont know, I think Peter Sagan is gonna be a nearly man again, that boy can ride a damn bike but he cant win many sprints. Not sure if Kittel is racing the tour but his former lead out man has been in form, Degenkolb. Arnauld Demare looked strong at the Dauphine but I dont think he has the legs to compete with the likes of Griepel, Kittel etc.

Thoughts on a postcard...
when does it start? ive only watched it in full once, but i loved it that time...id like to follow it this time
 

Yossarian

TMMAC Addict
Oct 25, 2015
13,489
19,127
Isn't he still fighting Lance for money? That is also an interesting battle


I read a great book about that man. So so sad. My heart broke a little
Great battles between him and Armstrong, that was right before the sport imploded. Exceptional climber also. What a sad ending. Could not handle the public shame, and especially in Italy. One of my favorites.
 

benjo0101

TMMAC Addict
Jun 13, 2016
6,452
7,106
Great battles between him and Armstrong, that was right before the sport imploded. Exceptional climber also. What a sad ending. Could not handle the public shame, and especially in Italy. One of my favorites.
He was a poster boy that just wanted to ride a bike as fast as he could. A prime example of a man who needed a manager who didn't want to squeeze him for pennies. Such a talent, epo or not.

Matt rendell is a great Bible of info on that man. He's done some great work describing his struggles.

I've been reading loads of cycling books. The struggle is real in the pro peloton, how more people don't quit or commit suicide I have no idea. Especially from the pre festina/cofidis affair era. That shit was the wild West.
 

benjo0101

TMMAC Addict
Jun 13, 2016
6,452
7,106
Fucking legend... rip


I'll give you back your thread now lol.
Nah you good. Amazed anyone replied with anything resembling normality. I was expecting a beat down.

Plus to bring up such a cultural icon in a time of interesting cycling is a great idea. Bradley Wiggins scandal has animated cycling culture to a new fever pitch. Pantani is a great comparison
 

Yossarian

TMMAC Addict
Oct 25, 2015
13,489
19,127
I recorded it but haven't watched yet. Two great riders out.
So I didn't spoil it for you? I waited, it was all over the media though. Yeah, too reckless, they made the right call. Others fell as well.
 

Limpy

Banned
Oct 20, 2015
14,842
27,929
So I didn't spoil it for you? I waited, it was all over the media though. Yeah, too reckless, they made the right call. Others fell as well.
Not at all. I was watching this afternoon but decided to go riding myself. It would be my fault going in a TDF thread not expecting spoilers.
 

Lord Vutulaki

Banned
Jan 16, 2015
16,651
5,956
Can someone explain what the deal is with watching a bunch of dudes in lycra pedal around fucknig France? Also men's swimming, why do people watch that repetitive crap?

Im guessing with the tour de France there's some kind of team strategy at play im missing?
 

Yossarian

TMMAC Addict
Oct 25, 2015
13,489
19,127
Can someone explain what the deal is with watching a bunch of dudes in lycra pedal around fucknig France? Also men's swimming, why do people watch that repetitive crap?

Im guessing with the tour de France there's some kind of team strategy at play im missing?
Yes.