caloso

https://offthebackistan.tumblr.com/po...-sprint-in-the

LtDan

I was attending stage 1 and stage 2 and I concur with you about the motorcycle cams are essentially useless. There was a troup of them an they just don't work. It's like watching a slide show a poor slide show. Stage 1 nothing of the climbs of Indian Hill or the climb out of the American River Canyon they showed the last bit of nasty flat roads with a 20+ mph off the right shoulder wind. The circuit downtown relied on the motorcycles and a helicopter which couldn't penetrate the trees which is like a virtual canopy on the circuit. Stage 2 had about 1000 feet of climbing in a 12.5 mile and the preview show told how it was relatively flat. Talked to Fredrika N after her finish and I asked how she liked that flat TT and her response was sheeesh. Nothing of the womens circuit race after the start of S1 and nothing of the womens TT. NBC sports sucks!

LtDan

When you see the S1 sprint finish from above you see Cavendish lean and drive the German to the left slightly taking the edge, hmmm

zymphad

That's not illegal. There are plenty of elbow, shoulder pushing in the sprints, even headbutting. Though truly violent intentional headbutting can get you in trouble, like when Cavendish's teammate did it few years ago, he was DQ'd from the TdF. Also Cavendish is known for riding dangerously, he's caused a few big crashes because of his reckless riding.

Jakedatc

It was the trees causing interruption in the signal to the relay plane/chopper whatever. happens in tight city riding like it Giro today too. it happens.

EnsitMike

Yea, todays race was fine. It was hot as hell out here though. I can't even imagine how those guys felt. I went for a 1000ft climb yesterday at around 5:30 after it cooled down and I was still dying.

daihard 

Is that the only reason, though? I sometimes watch rallies on TV. They drive on roads hidden with trees and such, but I rarely see choppy images sent from the onboard cameras.

hueyhoolihan

if live broadcasts, you have a point.

EnsitMike

Can someone tell me how the F**K this domestique rider for sky can ride faster than me? I mean, I understand the whole power to weight ratio thing, but COME ON! Look at his legs! Sad.

zymphad

Have you not seen Wiggins? Or Froume? It's the Sky way. Lose insane weight, but still kill in endurance, sprint, TT and mountains. The best doping cycling has seen yet. Yeah I'm pulling the entire Peloton at over 450 watts on mountain in 90 degree weather after having destroyed the previous ToC winner and other favorites by 43 seconds in the TT and I'm not doping. OK Wiggins, I believe you, right... At least try to pretend you're not doping.

Jakedatc

they same way that a 300lb lineman can run the 40 faster than I can... they are the best of the best in the world for a reason.

Look at Niki Terpstra.. pretty strong TT... did 29avg for the 12mi TT.. 53rd place.

ColnagoC40

One of the early lessons in racing years ago. Never underestimate someone by the look of their legs.

ColnagoC40

We know by now you hate Sky, but really this is getting a little old.

ColnagoC40

Personal opinion, I could be wrong, stage 3.

I don't think Wiggo rode the last 6km very smart, by going to the front and doing all the work, with his biggest competitor riding wheels almost all the way.

THSdrummer

At first, I didn't like the idea of installing cameras on riders. It sounds gimmicky. Watching this video the other day has made me re-think that, at least to some extent. I don't think these videos will be useful 85% of the time, but the sprint/sprint lead out is a good use of them.

bruin11

He didn't have much choice. Either ride the front at a high pace or let guys attack at will. Much more efficient for him than try to chase attacks down alone.

eja_ bottecchia

Stage 8 goes through my backyard...well not literally through it.

I will be there.

ColnagoC40

In the last 6km, based on overall time, only three riders he had to keep an eye on for attacks, Dennis Rohan which is a threat, Machado Tiago not really a threat and Craddock Lawson, also not really a threat.

softreset

Careful... zymphad is really sensitive about being trolled on the forums.

nesdog

I'm just a 15 minute bike ride from my door to Rock Store. Planning on heading up early and picking out a good spot. The early start will probably limit the crowd much more than in 2010.

eja_ bottecchia

Nes, maybe we can get together a few local BFers and go and see the last stage.

nesdog

Who's around? Not sure if CVC is going to bag the Sunday ride and meet up on the hills.

Slackerprince

Bold statement, considering you have no PROOF.
While you're busy speculating, I'll remind you that Wiggo was dropped on Diablo.

S

gaucho777 

I'm stuck in the Bay Area this weekend, but I wish I could join you! I used to race for CVC back in the 80s, and lived not far from the Rock Store climb. Lot of great memories riding in that area.

eja_ bottecchia

There are a couple of local riders here in BF. Not sure if CVC will do anything for this stage.

HunkerDown is in the area and rides with CVC and Serious Cycling.