Professional Cycling For the Fans - Stage 17 Bourg d'Oisans - Le Grand Bornand

July 22 204.5 km

.....

Virenque has had to work hard for his record breaking 7th Maillot Pois this year and it will be no different today. Armstrong is within 30-odd points of the jersey, so Virenque will have to stay near the front.

Armstrong may not contest the mountain sprints to appease the French though. Could be interesting.

This one looks hard to me. Not that the other stages are easy.

I am showing my ignorance again, but are there any real climbers that can challenge Lance at this point? Doesn't make sense to me to go for the points in the King of the Hill if not. Seems to me he will just stay surrounded by USPS in the Peloton unless there is a break away rider that is a challenger to him.

I am showing my ignorance again, but are there any real climbers that can challenge Lance at this point? Doesn't make sense to me to go for the points in the King of the Hill if not. Seems to me he will just stay surrounded by USPS in the Peloton unless there is a break away rider that is a challenger to him.

Actually there is a very high likelyhood that this may happen.

This should be good. This stage profile is among the hardest I've ever seen in a race, and its the last chance for anyone to crack Armstrong. Expect CSC and T-Mobile to 'throw out all of their cards'.

When the route was first announced, I saw this stage as the one chance of Armstrong winning a mountain stage on a non-mountaintop finish. I doubt it will happen though.

Geez Ricky is gonna have a tough time with this one,
no cat3 or cat4 climbs. . . :D

You know, If Basso rides hard and attacks early (Or T-mobile for that matter)
I could see Lance having to really defend on this. If that were to happen I
could see Virenque's malliot Pois being in jeopardy.

Marty

Let's not forget that, everybody will have some kind of tireness by tomorrow's stage, even Lance, he's still human after all.
Question is (for Lance): Is it really important and necessary for him to win this stage ?
or just hang in there and get to the finish line among the first 3.
Armstrong has proven not only a formidable bike and racer but also very tactical, he won't spend himself more than needed to.
Corsaire

I can see an attack on the second to last Cat. 1 climb. If a CSC and T Mobile rider (Jan and Basso or Kloden and Basso) can get a jump on Lance, then it will be entirely up to USPS to pull them back. If CSC or T Mobile happen to have a teammate up the road from an early break, they could have tremendous help on the way in. Postal will have to be very attentive tomorrow.

You know, If Basso rides hard and attacks early (Or T-mobile for that matter)
I could see Lance having to really defend on this. If that were to happen I
could see Virenque's malliot Pois being in jeopardy. Marty

This is the scenario that could cause Virenque trouble. If he has an off day, and has to ride with Lance in an all out pursuit, he could get dropped and Lance could get the Polka Dot Jersey.

Unfortunately, I think CSC is in more trouble than Virenque. T-Mobile is coming on strong at the end of this TDF. I certainly did not expect Kloden and Guerini to be riding at this level. I think T-Mobile may well be the play makers tomorrow with CSC trying to hang on. I'll go out on a limb and say look for action from Ullrich and Guerini tomorrow with Kloden sitting in the wheels again.

I see a possible scenario of Riis losing a spot on the podium and losing the teams competition. That would be a real blow to CSC and to Riis' reputation. If Godefroot gets two riders on the podium and the teams competition, this will have been a very successful TDF for him for sure.

I don't know what to expect from Levi tomorrow. He did not have a good day today.

I can't believe Heras dropped out. I haven't read the whole story, but that's just too bad.

This isn't what I expected. Looks like everyone is happy with their current placing on GC.

Did you see Kloden finally shove that German fan when he was running alongside them? I guess he was like "Enough dude" :D

This isn't how I thought the stage would unfold at all. Pretty exciting finish, though. Too bad Landis couldn't get the win.

What a F....G race !!!!

Lance is just the Commander IN CHIEF!

...can't wait to see the replays of those last 25 meters!

Corsaire

Lance is amazing! 4 Stage wins now! (I didn't see it, I'm just checking the live updates)

it´s just disgusting.

Armstrong has rode near perfect this year. Talk about class, in going for a record.

it´s just disgusting.

You can throw darts at his picture! :D

He is having his best tour ever.

it´s just disgusting.

Sprechen Sie über die deutschen Fanatiker von gestern?

Ullrich won't say anything but I'd imagine he's a bit unhappy with his teammate. When Kloden first went he stayed back and then when LA caught Kloden it was too late. Other than getting a few more seconds in the team competition over CSC T-Mobile must be disappointed in this stage.

:beer:

Ullrich won't say anything but I'd imagine he's a bit unhappy with his teammate. When Kloden first went he stayed back and then when LA caught Kloden it was too late. Other than getting a few more seconds in the team competition over CSC T-Mobile must be disappointed in this stage.

:beer:

With Kloden and Ullrich at the back at that point I thought they'd devise a plan to attack, but Kloden just went. Really too early at that point.

Piratello,

My condolences. Seriously.

All I can say is "I'm exhausted" and all I did was listen to it
over computer. . .
I really wanted Floyd to get the stage.

2nd and 3rd will come down to final TT. I'm not sure that
Jan can make up 4 minutes on Basso unless Basso has
a really bad day.
I'm guessing final podium to be Lance, Kloden, Basso

Marty

He is having his best tour ever.

He is having a great tour, but I would argue for previous tours. Just my opinion. This arguement/discussion though is better off over a couple of cocktails.

I was standing up in our office here listening to it live as it wound down to the end. My coworkers just shook their heads. They obviously aren't as much of a fan as I am :p . Great finish though. I was rooting for Landis. He deserved it out of all of them. But that's racing.

Sprechen Sie über die deutschen Fanatiker von gestern?

Nein, ich meine den ekelhaften Stricher aus Texas, dem das EPO aus der Nase tropft.

Thanks Marty,

can´t believe this $hit...

Cheers
Marcus

C'est la vie Piratello, Auf Videsen

Corsaire

Nein, ich meine den ekelhaften Stricher aus Texas, dem das EPO aus der Nase tropft.


Ha ha! How sad. I like Jan and enjoy seeing him do well, but sour grapes are so...well...sour. (Don't think his statement needs a translation).

Thanks moderator dude.

Nein, ich meine den ekelhaften Stricher aus Texas, dem das EPO aus der Nase tropft.

Now THAT is disgusting.

Now THAT is disgusting.

jetz heul nich ...

Sounds like it's time for you to cry

I guess East Germans have NEVER had any doping scandals.

Er war wertvoll er ist jetzt ein Troll

Systran translated it. You'll probably get the point.

I guess East Germans have NEVER had any doping scandals.

Perhaps we should discuss the East German program from where Jan Ullrich originated?

I think it's so funny that the Europeans regularly refer to Americans as being arrogant, but refuse to accept that Lance can beat them at their own game without doping. Pot meet Kettle. My Father in law is German, should be an interesting conversation this weekend.

Armstrong really wanted Landis to win, but when he let him go on the last down hill, unfortunately he didn't live up to the task, though he tried, then it was when LA had to take charge to snatch it from Kloden a meter to go. Only if Landis would've succeeded in his push to the finish line , LA would've gladly sit back, what a gentleman!
Corsaire

I wonder what LeMond will be saying after all this, more dope or better dope? I think if Lance kept using dope to win three stages in a row, he would be dead by now.

I wonder what LeMond will be saying after all this, more dope or better dope? I think if Lance kept using dope to win three stages in a raw, he would be dead by now.

LeMond will start talking about how he not only would have won in 85, 87, and 88... but that he would have won in 91 and 92 if it wasn't for EPO :D
LeMond - Virtual 8 time TDF winner! Just second behind Merckx, who hold the Virtual Record of 15 TDF wins (according to Hinault)
hehe!

Was that blow up thing thrown into LA's path or just got away. I could'nt tell from the replay and nobody said anything. I dont think he's doping but even if he was,man o man,LA is a fricken stud on the mountains and he's got a hell of a team. Did anybody see espn poll of LA,Bonds,few others.Who's the top and LA got it buy over 70%. I was suprised. Maybe others are starting to pay attention to cycling or maybe its just the TDF and all will be forgotten after Sunday.

Was that blow up thing thrown into LA's path or just got away. I could'nt tell from the replay and nobody said anything. I dont think he's doping but even if he was,man o man,LA is a fricken stud on the mountains and he's got a hell of a team. Did anybody see espn poll of LA,Bonds,few others.Who's the top and LA got it buy over 70%. I was suprised. Maybe others are starting to pay attention to cycling or maybe its just the TDF and all will be forgotten after Sunday.


It's called, among other things, a "Thunder Stick". Banging 2 thundersticks together is supposed to create a loud clapping sound, louder than would be possible with only your hands.

have to hand it to the Posties. Perfect strategy, no other GC contenders could match them. Where were all the predicted attacks by Ullrich and Basso? I think they watched USPS the last 2 weeks and said what's the use, every breakaway that's mattered has been reeled in, the tempo has been incredible (even the TV commentators have said the stage is ahead of schedule), who's got the legs for a long, even short, breakaway?

Go Lance and the Blue Train! Well deserved win.

("Armstrong had nothing but praise for Landis, who really put on a show today, and is rumored to be in discussions to leave US Postal and head his own team next season:

No gifts - though perhaps a hint of regret as he dedicated the win to Landis, whom he called "the man of the day."
"I hoped he could ride a fast descent and win the stage. But it did not happen," Armstrong said. "Floyd seems to be getting better and better every day. Today was his best day ever. That's why I really wanted him to win the stage, I think he wanted it and needed it.

"For me he deserved to win, and for that matter I should dedicate this win to him.")


Yeah, If you want Floyd to win, maybe you should do some work next time. Just kidding, sort of.




Lance Armstrong to Floyd Landis, as they crested the day's last climb, with 8 miles to ride:

“How bad do you want to win a stage of the Tour de France?” “Real bad,” came Floyd’s reply. “How fast can you go down a hill?” “Real fast!” “So,” concluded Armstrong, “run like you stole something!”

Gotta give kudos to the "other American", the third team leader from America in this tour, Levi Leipheimer. He rode a strong race today to knock Caucchioli out of 9th. Saturday he should "leip" over Sastre for 8th. If he can maintain his position, this will be his 3rd top ten placing in a Grand Tour, and his 2nd top ten at the TDF.

Considering the health problems he has overcome in the last two years, he deserves high praise.

Nein, ich meine den ekelhaften Stricher aus Texas, dem das EPO aus der Nase tropft.

Essen Sie Scheiße

that finish was crazy.

lance tried to do right by floyd though, which is cool - and today was the first day he could really afford something like that.

that catch at the line man.. whew! six and a half hours and then that! damn.....

Just a question for all you people in TV land: Did Lance give Landis a leadout for the sprint in the final kilo? The way www.cyclingnews.com reported the race, Landis took a flyer from 2k out, which is a pretty classic setup move for another teammate in a break, in this case Lance. It forces the other break members to chase and allows the teammate to sit in, which Lance did on Ullrich's wheel.

I just figured if he wanted Landis to win he would have given him a leadout like Ullrich gave Kloden or like Kloden gave Ullrich the other day.

I know Lance said he wanted Floyd to win, but he also said he gifted a stage to Basso and today he said he hasn't given any gifts to anyone this tour. Is there an emoticon for confused?

Landis pulled up to about 250-300 meters from the line, and Armstrong took it from there. Ullrich was right on Armstrong's wheel as Landis pulled off, but Ullrich couldn't stay with him.

Armstrong had fresher legs, and Landis was also cooked from chasing down Kloden. There was no chance for a leadout, and it would have been a bad idea anyway.

I don't think Kloden led out Ullrich the other day... it was more like Kloden led out Basso and Armstrong.

Armstrong was probably playing a mental game in saying that the stage to Basso was a 'gift'. (some reports I read didn't even publish it with that wording) It was probably a 'gift' in the sense that he didn't try to win the stage for recovery benefit.

I think Landis went too early. Had they been closer to the line, I think it's certainly possible Armstrong would have given Landis a lead out. OTOH, I'm not sure Landis necessarily could have taken it in a semi-sprint anyway. I think Armstrong was hoping Landis would break away while he sat on Ulrich or Kloden's wheel. I don't think a win for Landis was the plan from the start. That was "on road" strategy and I think by the time they came up with it, Landis had been in the "protect Lance" mindset so long that he was spent. Armstrong probably knew this and was hoping Landis could break away earlier. When they came to the bottom of the last climb and the pack was till there, I think Landis' hopes of a win were pretty much over. Perhaps if he had waited to jump closer to the line or they had waited on Kloden to jump then reeled him in and counter-attacked. I think this was new territory for Lance strategically and he wasn't quite sure how to handle it. He *wanted* Landis to win but hadn't been a domestique for so long, he'd forgotten how to do it. Given that Landis was toasted from his effort earlier, a break away on the downhill was probably his only hope...