Stage 15: Foix - Loudenvielle - Le Louron
 

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Enough already. Are you looking to win the "thread creation" jersey? It's made of burlap, very nice. But do you really think you've got what it takes?

yah, its a blue star. you really wanna go there?

it would be a lot neater if you would just sticky the current stage and maybe the one before and after instead of all of them

That's not very gentlemanly to threaten someone or lord your status over them. I honestly don't think he was out of line. And I hope that you don't think that I am either. Because I understand you probably have the power to axe anyone without recourse. :o

But the suggestion to make the current, previous, and next stages stickied is a good one. With so many sticky threads up there, it's more complicated to sort out non sticky threads. :beer:

yah, we could do that but by the time I found the thread (after it filters down a few pages) it would be
a minor pita. call me lazy.
We've traditionally done it this way for the past 3 or 4 tours, just a bit remiss this year.

marty

I appreciate the thread creations, and even the stickyness. Would be even cooler if they were in order, though.

btw, I wasn't threatening anyone. He asked if I had what it takes (to create stuck threads?) I replied.
Hell I haven't banned anyone in at least a day.

marty

The order will change (in the stuck threads) as they are accessed. the most current will filter to the top
of that list.

Marty

Thank YOU!! Glad someone around here is listening.
:)

Places to watch stage 15
 

Now I know many people are going to hate me for asking this, but I have an opportunity to watch Stage 15 and am hoping to get some advice on a good place to watch as well as logistics. I'll be driving down from Arreau the morning of the stage.

Anybody out there know the route/area well with some advice?

Thanks

Mike

I'd set myself up around km 157 or 158.

...and scream your guts out as every rider goes by. From that day's polka dot jersey winner all the way through to the lanterne rouge (or even people who won't be making the cut) because these guys are going to be pedaling their guts out on that mountain!

Have fun, take lots of pictures, and post them here in this thread even if it's a few days after the stage.

Who knows, you might witness the decisive climb of the tour!

I know this is a very far out idea, but what about Disco working with Rasmussen to crack Evans? Rabobank agrees not to chase Levi when he attacks as long as Contador stays with him. It is then up to Astana and Lotto to chase.

Richard

I don't know about that plan. If I was Disco, I would have Hincapie push the pace hard. Then at the start of the climb, have Popo lead out like he did today (if he can). Then Levi (sorry Levi, you've got to be a super domestique) push harder to put serious pressure on Rassmusen. Then leaving Contador for the final attack. They've got to put some serious hurt on him lower on that final climb to try and break him up up higher. Of course, that's easier said than done.

Disco basically did that today... they were the last ones pacing at the end, and took it fast enough to drop the TT guys. Evans will worry more about Levi. A breakaway by a contender would surprise me a lot on this stage.

I was thinking the same thing. We are much more likely to see a huge (and final) showdown in the mountains on Wednesday.

With a rest day to follow it's possible a GC man might try to gain a little bit of time. That being said it's much more likely someone else will win. I would look for Frank Schleck tomorrow.

I would go to the top of the Peyesourde and watch it from there. You can see a long way down from there and it is the final climb of the day.
Arreau is a great place to be based out of. lots of good rides right out of there.
Have fun tomorrow! I heard the weather might not be so good though.

I think this one's all about the breakaway for the win, with Levi putting in a dig on the final climb.

And Rasmussen just sat on their wheels and marked them. Perhaps Levi will make an earlier attack this time, forcing Rasmussen to choose between chasing him or marking Contador (and hoping Levi fades)?

Or is this naïve of me?

In any event, I wonder how much the Rabobank squad has left in them...

It's not naive of you. Rasmussen has to watch both Levi and Contador.

And as for your last question, I am wondering the same thing. But the only ones that have that answer are the riders and their staff.

And they aren't talking.

Watch it unfold.

All of the top five riders are still in the race. With two of those being Disco riders and the tactical nuke, Popo breaking people's spirits, today will be fascinating to watch.

Maybe someone can explain to me why a group of 25 containing Kirchen and Zubeldia would be allowed to get 6 minutes.

because there is 125km left with multiple hard climbs?

True enough, but it's a very strong group and no Predictor-Lotto in it.