Professional Cycling For the Fans - TdF Stage 15 - Sunday July 19 - 207 km - Pontarlier → Verbier (Switzerland)

http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2009/1500/CARTE.gif

http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2009/1500/PROFIL.gif

one of the more underwhelming alpine mountain-top finishes i've seen.
perhaps the fast pace up to verbier will force a selection...

By itself, underwhelming - but check the following three days. :eek:

mais oui...

I think Menchov can do well here, and possibly attack if the gradient isn't too high at the end.

The last 8 kilometers are all hard climbing. Significantly harder than Arcalis. Enough gradient to create gaps and all... though too easy of a stage with too short a climb for large time gaps. But if a GC contender has a bad day, or a really really good day, it could be a very significant stage. (or if the weather is bad)

http://www.climbbybike.com/profile/Verbier_profile.jpg

http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Col=Verbier&qryMountainID=8971

Looking at the profile, it seems like the Cat3 climb at 18.5km isn't much of a climb following the first Cat3 at 8km.

I think Menchov can do well here, and possibly attack if the gradient isn't too high at the end.

If he does, he'll draw a crowd. He could definitely liven up the stage.

By itself, underwhelming - but check the following three days. :eek:


Very Brutal, there will be much pain and suffering.

The last 8 kilometers are all hard climbing. Significantly harder than Arcalis. Enough gradient to create gaps and all... though too easy of a stage with too short a climb for large time gaps. But if a GC contender has a bad day, or a really really good day, it could be a very significant stage. (or if the weather is bad)

http://www.climbbybike.com/profile/Verbier_profile.jpg

http://www.climbbybike.com/climb.asp?Col=Verbier&qryMountainID=8971


This is where the GC contender attacks will happen if the pace hasn't already shredded them. I look for Astana to be strong up front then launch Lance and/or Alberto and gain the yellow jersey.

Hoping for some fireworks, keep my expectations low, but hopeful nonetheless!

Looking at the profile, it seems like the Cat3 climb at 18.5km isn't much of a climb following the first Cat3 at 8km.

I'm wondering if they drew the line in 25 km too early.

Andy Schleck for the win!! :)

I think AC will take this stage. I think the winner of GC will be AC or LA, and this is their best chance for a stage win. Doubt if either wants to win the tour without a stage win. I know the TTT.

Richard

I think reef is probably right on. My guess is that AC will show that he is the strongest in the mountains but I'm really curious to see how LA's fitness really stands. He hasn't been tested yet so it's a real wildcard. Wouldn't be surprised to see AC, LA, and AS ride away from everyone else on this stage.

I think reef is probably right on. My guess is that AC will show that he is the strongest in the mountains but I'm really curious to see how LA's fitness really stands. He hasn't been tested yet so it's a real wildcard. Wouldn't be surprised to see AC, LA, and AS ride away from everyone else on this stage.

This is where Sastre will try and make up time. He's the best bet for the stage-he can throw caution to the wind. AC still needs play a little safe.

Well It's going to be fun to watch. I have hope Menchov can get some time back. I know he will move up at least to the top 15 I think after this one.

I think everyone here has it pegged though...it's going to be a battle between AC, Andy Schleck, and Sastre. I'd look for Sastre to really try to gain some time on the top 4 here.

Looking forward to seeing if and how Evans and Sastre might cooperate.

Oh yah, it will be the moment of truth for Evans, and we will finally see if old age has caught up with Lance.

I'm of the belief Lance wants everyone else to attack. Gives him his best shot of taking on AC head-to-head if others are off the front.

The other day he said the tour was down to him and AC - nothing gained from saying that to the press unless you are trying to incite your opponents. Little texan bring it on I suppose...

Tom Boonen's out, eh? That's too bad... He wasn't having a great Tour.

Hey! the Lone Canuck counter attacked with a few guys and caught the breakaway! Go Ryder!

okay, so who puts in the first huge attack from the contenders and where...and which attack sticks?
from the collective contending gc wheelsuckers i'll say one of the schlecks goes first (likely frank) for
the other brother 5 km's out.
methinks contador will put a (small) nail in the coffin of most other contenders
3 km's out, gaining 10-20 seconds on nearly everyone who matters.
any advantage gained will be mostly psychological, much like the finish to arcalis.
that said, i'll take sastre for the win by a handful of seconds
since the others won't give him too much room to run.

What's Fabian doing in the breakaway today?? A little Hincapie inspiration?

that early breakaway of 12 has got some serious climbers in it...maybe they can just ride
the cancellara express to the lower slopes of verbier? :)

The Lone Canuck, all by himself for a bit, wisely chilled to join the breakaway...

Astana's doing 100% of the peloton work, just like in the pyrenees...

Seriously.... I want a Popovich.

Forgot we are in Switzerland when thinking of FC in the breakaway. Ah.... National pride, fun stuff!

Is versus on line live stage video not working for anyone else?

almost time to go up, up, up!

http://blackforestmusings.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/up-movie.jpg

Is versus on line live stage video not working for anyone else?

I'm on it, working fine, maybe refresh?

Is versus on line live stage video not working for anyone else?

It wasn't working for me.

Is versus on line live stage video not working for anyone else?


Link please?

TIA

MM

http://www.versus.com/tourdefrancelive

Tried refresh and restart and no love from versus today. Even tried on two seperate computers and the screen shot I keep seeing is frozen on both computers as the same pics. I don't get it because all the other vs. videos work. Oh well, I guess I gotta watch on Eurosport.

I think vs tv is commercial free right now, I switched to it.

they are on the final climb....... ready for a fun attack, successful or not.

http://www.versus.com/tourdefrancelive

Thanks, that's where I am but no live vid. Oh well.

Gotta love the mountain stages. There's gonna be a jersey change today.

AC looks like he's strolling up the mountain! jeez.

Dang - Contador just flew off the front up Verbier

Kloden and Armstrong pacing the pack behind

Boom!

What is happening? VS. is showing Contador with an hour lead over break 2!

Looks like Andy Schleck hit the wall trying to follow

Holy Sastre! He came back out of nowhere...

And how about Wiggins? Impressive....

AC's got about 30 seconds on Andy, who's a little in front of Lance's group.

I think Lance is showing his age.

Agreed. Lance could not follow.

AC's a machine!