Road Bike Racing - Can't wait for Stage 8!!

It's just a couple days a way. The moment of truth. Im anxious to see how hard LA attacks. What are your favorite stages of The Tour?

I'm curious to see what Jan uncorks. Judging from appearances, he is on form to put in his best climbing ever on this tour. Hopefully, he's got his head on straight. I expect Lance to sandbag for now, simply protect what he has, and watch to find out what the others have. What kind of climber is Beloki? That's the immediate threat. Simoni's only hope is to attack and win in the mountains, and hope that he can do it again and again, especially since he is no particular threat in the TT.

Stage 15 What a monster. Aspin, Tormalet and Luz Ardiden!

This route seems a bit easier than usual.

I've been so excited for stage 8 since I first saw the profile for it months ago :D

I wouldn't be suprised if Simoni attacks on stage 7. I'm just guessing, judging by the profile at the end. Who knows... something may happen there. That 1st Cat climb is really tough, I think (judging by the gradient/length... also Simoni commented on it being hard after riding it weeks ago.). I can't imagine Lance attacking on anything without a mountaintop finish, but I can see Simoni going for it.

I wonder how Jan will climb. Oh boy.
And Heras...
and beloki, especially since he says he is stronger than last year.

This weekend will be great.

Stage 15 as well. Quite late in the race... who knows how that will go, since some riders seem to have it all for the last week, while some are worn out.

Stage 8 is the monment of truth everything and everyone will come out of the shadows. i think the person who wins that stage will win the tour overall.

Out of all stages.... stage 8 will not be shown live on OLN.

Originally posted by brent_dube
Out of all stages.... stage 8 will not be shown live on OLN.

I'm so pissed about this! The biggest stage of the tour and it's not live????????????????

ABC has some kind of crap filled bicyle racing hour in the afternoon. Is that why OLN's not showing it live???

I, too, wonder why it's not live. You would think ratings would be MUCH higher on the weekend, anyway! What are they thinking?!?! :mad:

Originally posted by BikerDawg
I, too, wonder why it's not live. You would think ratings would be MUCH higher on the weekend, anyway!

Yup - for taped versions of "American Shooter" and "Shotgun Journal". The Giro also wasn't live on Sunday OR SATURDAY. Until more people are interested in cycling (read: they ride), we will always be playing second fiddle to every other sport on the earth. :mad:

As someone else mentioned, the reason why OLN isn't showing it live is because of CBS' long time agreement to show the tour on Sundays.

It has nothing to do with their pre-existing programming.

Sorry guys this is like the only stage live we get in New Zealand count your selves lucky you get every other stage live.

Originally posted by Rossgo
Stage 8 is the monment of truth everything and everyone will come out of the shadows. i think the person who wins that stage will win the tour overall.

i take that comment back

Originally posted by Rossgo
i take that comment back

Hey it might be worth an outside bet :)