Another Notch to McEwen ... Wegmann represents
McEwen again. So they're even. McEwen 2. Boonen 2.
This has also been the time for American Fred Rodriguez to shine. Robbie has mentioned -- on both winning occasions -- that Freddie's final surge to put him into position for the sprint has been appreciated. Once we are into some hillier stages look for Fred to try and slip into a breakaway and take his own chances.
Wegmann flew the flag for Germany. He was rewarded for his efforts at the end of the day with the polka dots of best climber. Nice timing on his part to make a move. It for sure wasn't easy.
Speaking from experience, it is a lot easier to ride the Tour de France on your couch. The last days I have commented on breaks finally going to the finish -- looking for a change of ryhthm in the race. Some excitement, right?!
Well it has been exciting and plenty hard for the peloton. When I reflect about the early stages of the Tour my stomach still gets upset. They usually go from the start and don't let up until a few riders establish a break and the group settles down.
This is only after attacks from every team under the orders of their directors to put a rider in every move. If a dangerous rider for the overall classification gets up the road, then buckle up when a team like Discovery, CSC, or T-Mobile decides to reel it back. In 2001 when I was with Telekom, there was a transitional stage between the Alps and Pyrenees. The stage was up and down all day and attacks were non-stop. A couple dangerous riders kept slipping into groups of 10-plus riders trying to get up the road. The team went to the front joined by the US Postal Service team. Let's just say the attempts failed and stopped.
Today's stage went as planned for Lance and the Discovery team. Fabian Wegmann's break calmed the field and the sprinters' teams helped keep the group rolling and not let Wegmann get too far. Lance's team is ready for the first big day. It will be interesting to see how they match up with T-Mobile, CSC, and the other climbers.
I was always happy to get out of the flatlands and into the mountains. All week you fight and fight for position and are stressed about crashing. There's nothing like good climbing legs. It's then your turn to ride up to the front of the group and assume your reserved seat. If you have some grudges to settle, then keep behind a rider that has ticked you off all week. And as he's getting dropped, have a glance at him as if to say what's wrong with you today?
A funny note on the crash with Galvez and Furlan. As they were getting up you could see Furlan waiving his arms and lecturing Galvez. Don't get me wrong -- the Italians are great and bring a lot of emotion -- but often in the group they're the first to yell and correct riders for poor riding etiquette. Maybe they sort of wrote the book on bike racing -- but come on Furlan -- that credit goes to the guys of 100 years ago. Plus upon further review, Allan Davis was relegated and apologetic for changing his line and causing the tumble.
Stage 8: It is like the first day of the Tour. A little for the riders too. They are wondering if the climbing form is there and so are we!
This has also been the time for American Fred Rodriguez to shine. Robbie has mentioned -- on both winning occasions -- that Freddie's final surge to put him into position for the sprint has been appreciated. Once we are into some hillier stages look for Fred to try and slip into a breakaway and take his own chances.
Wegmann flew the flag for Germany. He was rewarded for his efforts at the end of the day with the polka dots of best climber. Nice timing on his part to make a move. It for sure wasn't easy.
Speaking from experience, it is a lot easier to ride the Tour de France on your couch. The last days I have commented on breaks finally going to the finish -- looking for a change of ryhthm in the race. Some excitement, right?!
Well it has been exciting and plenty hard for the peloton. When I reflect about the early stages of the Tour my stomach still gets upset. They usually go from the start and don't let up until a few riders establish a break and the group settles down.
This is only after attacks from every team under the orders of their directors to put a rider in every move. If a dangerous rider for the overall classification gets up the road, then buckle up when a team like Discovery, CSC, or T-Mobile decides to reel it back. In 2001 when I was with Telekom, there was a transitional stage between the Alps and Pyrenees. The stage was up and down all day and attacks were non-stop. A couple dangerous riders kept slipping into groups of 10-plus riders trying to get up the road. The team went to the front joined by the US Postal Service team. Let's just say the attempts failed and stopped.
Today's stage went as planned for Lance and the Discovery team. Fabian Wegmann's break calmed the field and the sprinters' teams helped keep the group rolling and not let Wegmann get too far. Lance's team is ready for the first big day. It will be interesting to see how they match up with T-Mobile, CSC, and the other climbers.
I was always happy to get out of the flatlands and into the mountains. All week you fight and fight for position and are stressed about crashing. There's nothing like good climbing legs. It's then your turn to ride up to the front of the group and assume your reserved seat. If you have some grudges to settle, then keep behind a rider that has ticked you off all week. And as he's getting dropped, have a glance at him as if to say what's wrong with you today?
A funny note on the crash with Galvez and Furlan. As they were getting up you could see Furlan waiving his arms and lecturing Galvez. Don't get me wrong -- the Italians are great and bring a lot of emotion -- but often in the group they're the first to yell and correct riders for poor riding etiquette. Maybe they sort of wrote the book on bike racing -- but come on Furlan -- that credit goes to the guys of 100 years ago. Plus upon further review, Allan Davis was relegated and apologetic for changing his line and causing the tumble.
Stage 8: It is like the first day of the Tour. A little for the riders too. They are wondering if the climbing form is there and so are we!
5 Comments:
Kevin: it is great to read your blogs on the Tour. Miss having you in the peloton. Keep up the good work.
Kevin: I'm also enjoying your Tour blog. My husband and I discuss at length what we think is going on during the stages, then I look up your blog to see if we're accurate.
What great insight you bring. Thanks much.
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Kevin - I appreciate your insight. The Discovery team is often at the head of the peloton when attackers are way out front. And it seems the attackers' lead increases until another team comes to the front to reel them in. Why does Discovery do that? Thanks.
Thanks for reading and glad you are enjoying.
Bill with regards to Discovery riding and the break gaining time until other teams take over: They are setting a tempo to keep the break in check. If they didn't take responsibility to set some sort of pace then a break could quickly get 20mins. They're hoping that if they keep the time gap reasonable then the sprinters' teams will keep interested and help bring it back towards the latter part of the race.
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