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Other Junk => Ya Want Classless ? => Topic started by: cyclist on October 20, 2010, 05:07:38 PM

Title: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on October 20, 2010, 05:07:38 PM

From the Tour de France web site:

The route of the 2011 Tour has been determined with two objectives in mind: to set the pace from the beginning of the race and maintain suspense right up until the very end.

Last summer’s first week was thrilling, and this year it will offer the riders a difficult route, that will be spectacular and capable of providing various scenarios…

From Vendée to Indre, we wanted to provide the riders with a variety of challenges, including final slopes which sometimes have very marked relief to finish the stages, a team time-trial for the specialists in this kind of exercise, a final stretch facing the sea, exposed to the wind, in the magnificent setting of Cap Fréhel, and of course “classic” flat finishes for pure sprinters. The route has been designed so that all kinds of riders will be able to make their presence felt during these first days where the favourites should already be apparent, especially in the Mûr-de-Bretagne, in an atmosphere and with an enthusiasm that we can already imagine.

In the Massif Central, the race route will gain height, before moving on, very soon after, to the Pyrenees. During this second week, the peloton will discover the Tour’s new mountain passes, the promising Perthus, in the heart of Cantal, and the outstanding Hourquette d’Ancizan, on the Luz-Ardiden road: the slightest weakness will be fatal, such as on the slopes of the Aubisque or on the Plateau de Beille.

The third week will be crucial: it will honour the giant, the Galibier, which was climbed for the first time one hundred years earlier, in the appropriate way. Its summit will initially be reached after a long Franco-Italian expedition, (which also includes the ascent of the Agnel and the Izoard), making it the highest finish in the Tour’s history, at an altitude of 2, 645 m. Then it will be crossed for the second time during a very short and exciting stage, punctuated by the twenty one mythical bends of l’Alpe d’Huez, which has never been climbed so late on in the race, two days before the finish in Paris. Nevertheless, the odds for the Yellow Jersey may still be open the next day in Grenoble, in a final time-trial which will hopefully be decisive, as in recent years.

Christian PRUDHOMME
Director of the Tour de France

(http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/img/tourParcoursGlobal.jpg)

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Lynch on October 20, 2010, 08:13:42 PM

So I do not know much about Cycling, but that sounds intense. Cy does this sound like it's going to shape out to be the hardest Tour yet?

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on October 21, 2010, 07:06:20 AM

It is really hard to say.  An 'easier' course may mean higher speeds and thus it becomes harder, due to that.

Some stages, like time trials, can be very 'technical' and thus are harder.  Other stages, can have the 'pave' which is more technical/tactical.  And yet others have very technical descents (after the climbing). 

l'Alpe d'Huez and Luz-Ardiden are famous mountain top finishes.  The l'Alpe d'Huez stage also features the Galibier.

Last year the Col du Tormalet was climbed twice (this is an out of category or Hors Categorie climb).  Two years ago, the Mount Ventoux, another famous Hors Categorie climb, ended a late stage.

Featuring different stages in different years is part of the mystique of the greatest bicycle race in the world.

As Phil Liggett says after almost every Tour, "They said this Tour was too short.   They said this Tour was too easy.     THEY....were wrong!!"

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: KSUftw on October 21, 2010, 07:45:20 AM

 :herewego:  I need to catch up on my cycling lingo.  That went flying over my head.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on October 21, 2010, 07:58:15 AM

Quote from: KSUftw on October 21, 2010, 07:45:20 AM

:herewego:  I need to catch up on my cycling lingo.  That went flying over my head.

Here is a start:

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/tour-de-france-time-trials-mountains-stages-prolog.html (http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/tour-de-france-time-trials-mountains-stages-prolog.html)

(http://www.ksufans.com/forums/Smileys/ksufans/0010.gif)                    (http://www.ksufans.com/forums/Smileys/ksufans/0010.gif)                       (http://www.ksufans.com/forums/Smileys/ksufans/0010.gif)                           (http://www.ksufans.com/forums/Smileys/ksufans/0010.gif)

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on October 26, 2010, 07:09:27 PM

From VeloNews:

The 2011 Tour de France - A review
 Posted by Neil Browne on 10/20/2010 at 7:22PM

The 2011 Tour de France route was unveiled to a packed auditorium of racers and journalists. With it's numerous mountain top finishes and limited time trials this 98th edition is designed for the climbers.

The combined time trial kilometers in 2011 is only 64 - not enough to put a climber out of contention (barring a complete disaster). The team time trial returns after a one-year hiatus. Talking to Garmin-Cervelo's (as the team will be called in 2011) Christian Vande Velde he is looking forward to that day. With such riders as Millar, Zabriskie and himself at the helm they are a five-star favorite. The course is completely flat and only 23 kilometers long, so the time gaps will be insignificant. However the psychological damage to those who lose will be immeasurable. The only other race against the clock is on the penultimate day - a hilly 41 kilometer test in Grenoble. The stage winner will be the rider who is truly one of the strongest in the peloton.

The first week, as usual, is reserved for sprinters. Mark Cavendish is sure to be hunting for the yellow jersey in stage 1 and then snagging green jersey points in stage 3.

On Bastille Day the Tour enters the Pyrénées with stage 12 - a 209 kilometer route to the summit of Luz Ardiden. This second week of the Tour includes three mountain stages and two summit finishes. While this week won't determine the final wearer of the yellow jersey, the list of potential winners will be shorter.

The one-hundred year anniversary of the Alps' inclusion in the Tour de France is stage 16. This is fittingly where the race enters this iconic mountain range. However stage 16, with just a few minor climbs, just whets the appetite of the climbers. This brutal last week includes three mountain stages. Stage 14 has on the adgenda five climbs, which due to their brutal nature, will reduce the list of potential overall winners even more. Stage 18 and 19 are both mountain top finishes. The Queen stage is 18 with three mountain passes and finishes on the Galibier. However it is stage 19 - the Modane to the Alpe d' Huez - where fireworks are promised. The stage is only 109 kilometers long which guarantees serious attacks from the gun. The peloton cannot let a favorite gain time on this stage as the Tour is just days away from finishing. This stage, like the stage previous includes the Galibier. The final week concludes with the time trial Saturday and Sunday the traditional finishing laps on the Champs-Élysées.

There have been a few changes to the points system for the jerseys.

Points awarded toward the climber's jersey will be doubled on the four summit finishes with lesser points awarded on the other climbs. The reason for this change is to award a true climber the polka dot jersey. In previous years the rider who managed to get into a long break away during these mountainous stages scooped up points. It was not uncommon to see a king of the mountain jersey wearer dropped on climbs the following day, which leads people to wonder why they are wearing that jersey in the first place.

Similarly in an effort to simplify the sprinter's jersey point system there will be one mid-stage sprint for points. The winner will receive 20 points (top 15 riders get points). The stage winner of the flat stages will receive 45 points. Like the king of the mountain, the point system awards the stage winners rather than the opportunistic break away.

Like this year's Tour there will be no finish line time bonus.

Race director Christian Prudhomme is predicting that the second week will thin the herd of potential favorites. In the third week Prudhomme hopes that the final winner will not quite be revealed, "The idea is to maintain suspense until the end."

There is still over nine months before the 2011 Tour de France rolls out of Passage du Gois La Barre-de-Monts in stage 1, but it's never too early to pick favorites. Due to the mountainous nature of the course Andy Schleck is a heavy favorite. Contador, if he is racing next year, is also a candidate for the top step of the podium. Russian Denis Menchov also needs to be included. Dark horse favorites include Christian Vande Velde and Geox rider Carlos Sastre.

Here's to hoping that the 2011 edition will produce a clear winner that doesn't need an asterisk next to their name.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Albatross on October 26, 2010, 08:29:24 PM

What is the Tour De France doing this year as opposed to other years to keep it "clean?"

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Felis Silvestris on October 27, 2010, 11:16:06 AM

More PEDs... makes it much more interesting to Felis

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on January 09, 2011, 04:56:59 PM

From the Tour de France 2011 web page:

The Galibier 1911-2011

In 2011, the Tour will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the first crossing of the galibier by the peloton, the mountain pass which has been visited the most by the race. The finishing line of the 18th stage will be marked out there at an altitude of 2, 645 metres!

The Tour’s peloton had hardly recovered from the shock of discovering the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet, on its trip to the Pyrenees during the 1910 Tour. And now there was talk of a new summit to be climbed, another whim resulting from the imagination of Henri Desgrange and Alphonse Steinès, the adventure enthusiasts. In 1911, the Tour de France’s peloton began its assault on the Galibier which was even higher, even harder and even colder than anything that any of the cyclists had ever experienced.

After expressing anger and hostility, the riders, who were perched between heaven and earth, were in fact fascinated by the setting and were conscious of the feat to be achieved. “It knocks you for six”, uttered proudly to spectators, émile Georget, the first rider to climb up to the summit of the Col du Galibier, at an altitude of 2, 556 metres, on 10 July 1911. The pioneer of pioneers, who did not get off his bicycle once during the entire ascent, had just completed the 34-kilometre climb, from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, via the Col du Télégraphe. As he was very impressed by the spectacular encounter of these heroes and was amazed by the historic day that had just been experienced by the Tour, Henri Desgrange wrote a hymn of worship for the riders in L’Auto (the daily sports paper):

“Haven’t they got wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles don’t fly? … Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not fail in my duty to proclaim to the world that you are like an insignificant and common beer compared to the Galibier: all one can do before this giant is doff one’s hat and bow.”

Out of respect for the prophecy of the Tour’s founder, cyclists have appeared before this giant for one hundred years with the same humility. Some of them have overcome it, and have even succeeded in using its steepests lopes to create a name for themselves. Gino Bartali, for example, succeeded in getting rid of the threat of Louison Bobet by dominating the Galibier, in 1948. However four years later, he suffered from the advent of the younger generation, due to the performance achieved by Fausto Coppi: “He’s like a cable-car on a steel wire rope”, said Jacques Goddet, with great enthusiasm, at the time.

Subsequently, Bahamontes, Gaul, Merckx, Zoetemelk, Ocana and Pantani have all gone over the summit first, which has moreover increased by one hundred or so metres since the tunnel was closed and the new road was built. And in 2011, a new name will become legendary, with the first finish judged at the summit of the Col du Galibier. At an altitude of 2, 645 metres, it will be the highest finish in the Tour’s history.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Albatross on January 10, 2011, 12:19:37 PM

Cyclist, would you ever considering riding your bike in this weather??  Because we have someone who works here that did this morning....

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on January 10, 2011, 01:33:33 PM

Alba,

I've ridden in rain and in upper 30's, lower 40's cold, but not in snow.  The narrow tires I have wouldn't work too well. 

And actually, I don't ride anymore anyway.  Kinda of hung up the bike and put on weight.   :palm:

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on February 27, 2011, 05:08:37 PM

The organisers of the Tour de France have completed selection of the 22 teams who will set off from the Vendée on Saturday 2nd July.

The following 18 teams have been selected in compliance with International Cycling Union rules:

OMEGA PHARMA-LOTTO (BEL)
QUICKSTEP CYCLING TEAM (BEL)
SAXO BANK SUNGARD (DEN)
EUSKALTEL-EUSKADI (ESP)
MOVISTAR TEAM (ESP)
AG2R LA MONDIALE (FRA)
SKY PROCYCLING (GBR)
LAMPRE - ISD (ITA)
LIQUIGAS-CANNONDALE (ITA)
PRO TEAM ASTANA (KAZ)
TEAM LEOPARD - TREK (LUX)
RABOBANK CYCLING TEAM (HOL)
VACANSOLEIL-DCM PRO CYCLING TEAM (HOL)
KATUSHA TEAM (RUS)
BMC RACING TEAM (USA)
HTC-HIGHROAD (USA)
TEAM GARMIN-CERVELO (USA)
TEAM RADIOSHACK (USA)

4 other teams, invited by the organisers, will make up the field for the 98th edition of Le Tour:

COFIDIS, LE CREDIT EN LIGNE (FRA)
FDJ (FRA)
SAUR - SOJASUN (FRA)
TEAM EUROPCAR (FRA)

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 15, 2011, 03:12:14 PM

Andy Schleck predicts seven-way battle for 2011 Tour de France victory

 

By Justin Davis, AFP
Published Jun 15th 2011 11:37 AM UTC

 

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/schleck-group-Scheidegg-325x228.jpg)
Schleck leads an escape on stage 3 at the Tour of Switzerland. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

But one thing the Leopard-Trek team climbing specialist wants to avoid is a third consecutive runner-up place.
 
“I’m going there to win the Tour. I’ve been second twice so this time I want the top step of the podium,” Schleck said at the Tour of Switzerland, where he is topping up his condition for the July 2-25 event.
 
Contador, the three-time and defending yellow jersey champion, confirmed his participation earlier this week, meaning he could be on for a rare Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double.
 
Despite a spat with the Spaniard on last year’s race after Contador attacked the Luxemburger when he suffered a mechanical problem, Schleck says he has nothing to avenge.
 
“There’s no revenge, I’m just really motivated to win this Tour,” said Schleck, who finished only 39 seconds behind the Spaniard last year.
 
“All of my season is based on the Tour. So far I’ve avoided problems up till now, and I hope it stays that way. I’m ready.”
 
And he believes a handful of other riders, all of whom competed at the Criterium du Dauphine in France last week, could put any duel with Contador into the shade.
 
Schleck believes Dutchman Robert Gesink, Australian Cadel Evans and Italian Ivan Basso — both of whom have finished runner-up in the Tour — will be strong come July.
 
He also mentioned Belgian Jurgen van den Broeck, and his older brother Frank.
 
“I’m not going to the Tour just to fight Contador,” said Schleck.
 
“There’s a lot of young riders coming up, young talents, so it’s not just Contador I have to beat, although he’ll be among the favorites.
 
“I definitely think Gesink will be really good. Cadel will be strong and I believe Ivan (Basso) will come to the Tour in good shape. Van den Broeck also showed good shape in the Dauphine.
 
“There will be five or six, seven including my brother, who can win the Tour.”
 
He added: “Frank is in good shape but he’s not in top form yet.
 
“The Tour starts in three weeks, but the race really starts in four weeks on the climbs. That’s when you’ve got to be 100 percent.”
 
Although only 157.7 km long, the Tour of Switzerland sixth stage Thursday finishes on the summit of Triesenberg/Malbun in Liechtenstein.
 
With only one mountain stage remaining on Saturday, Schleck — who is now over six minutes behind Lampre’s race leader Damiano Cunego — is eyeing the stage win that could give him extra confidence for July.
 
“My goal is not to win (the race),” he added. “But I’m happy where my form is at the moment. If I could win a stage, I wouldn’t say no.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 16, 2011, 01:54:34 PM

From VeloNews:

Marie on Contador: ‘Riis knows Schleck’s ‘tell’

 

ByAndrew Hood
Published Jun 16th 2011 6:58 AM UTC

 

Lionel Marie, sport director at Garmin-Cervélo, says Alberto Contador will have an ace up his sleeve this July in his showdown against Andy Schleck. Why? Because Marie says that Bjarne Riis knows his former pupil, Andy Schleck, better than anyone, and the Dane will be able to pick up the tell-tale signs when the younger of the Schleck brothers is pushing into the red.
 
Schleck was part of a high-profile move from Riis’s camp to form the new Leopard-Trek unit. Now Riis and Schleck will be adversaries, something Marie said will play into Contador’s hands.
 
“Riis knows Andy Schleck better than anyone. When Andy has a bad moment, Riis will notice it faster than anyone,” Marie told VeloNews. “Everyone has a ‘tell sign,’ something small that only the sport directors from the teams know. Some riders are very good at covering it up, but whether it’s a small thing, how they sit on the bike or how they’re holding the handle bars or a look on their face. Riis will know when Andy is not going well.”
 
That insider information could prove decisive as the Schleck-Contador showdown looks to be one of the top stories in next month’s Tour. Marie said sport directors build an intimate relationship with their riders over long hours, months and years of working together. So if Schleck is just slightly off his best, Marie insists that Riis will probably be able to pick it up.
 
“Having Riis in his corner will help Contador at the Tour,” Marie continued. “Riis is very experienced and he knows how to handle the race.”
 
Contador is slated to race the Tour despite his unresolved clenbuterol case. Schleck has publicly stated that he prefers Contador to be at the start line so he can “beat him.” Schleck has finished runner-up to Contador the past two editions of the Tour and will be supported by a strong Leopard-Trek team, many of whom raced with Riis last year at Saxo Bank-Sungard. That dynamic should be one of the most compelling stories during the 2011 Tour.
 
Marie, meanwhile, says he believe Contador could well pull off the Giro-Tour double. Marie said despite the toughness of this year’s Giro route, Contador was never put under serious pressure from his rivals.

“Contador is the best stage-racer in the world right now. I think he can win the Tour,” Marie said. “No one attacked him during the Giro. This Giro was difficult, but I wonder how much energy he spent. The Giro course was so hard that everyone was trying to save something and the race was blocked. People were afraid to attack because they didn’t want to blow up and lose everything. That helped Contador control the race.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 21, 2011, 05:08:28 PM

From VeloNews:

Contador concedes Giro-Tour de France double will be difficult

 

By VeloNews.com
Published Jun 21st 2011 1:00 PM UTC

 

Alberto Contador concedes that pulling off the Giro-Tour de France double in 2011 will not be easy.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/000-Par6330004-325x213.jpg)
Contador and teammates prepare for the training ride in the Alps earlier this month. AFP PHOTO JEAN-PIERRE CLATOT
 
“The Tour is a race that’s always super difficult to win, even when you are completely focused on preparing just for that one race,” Contador said. “The best preparation for the Tour was not the Giro d’Italia, especially considering that this year’s Giro was one of the hardest in history.”
 
Contador said he sees winning the Tour for the fourth time in five years “difficult.”
 
Contador said he’s not distracted by his ongoing clenbuterol case. An appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which was delayed until early August, opened the door for his participation in this year’s Tour.
 
“I am optimistic,” Contador said about the case. “It’s not something that I lose even one minute of my time.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 21, 2011, 05:13:06 PM

Also from VeloNews:

Inside Cycling with John Wilcockson: It’s gonna be a great opening week at the Tour!

 

ByJohn Wilcockson
Published Jun 21st 2011 12:26 PM UTC

 

Recent wins by Gilbert, Cancellara, Farrar and Hushovd boost the expectations
 
Editor’s note: Every week through the 2011 road season, VeloNews Editor-at-Large John Wilcockson is writing about key features of the week’s racing. This is the 19th installment.
 
There was a time not too long ago when the opening week of the Tour de France was a yawner. Long, flat stages and dominant sprint-team trains saw multiple mass finishes that favored fast men like Mario Cipollini (four consecutive stage wins in 1999), Alessandro Petacchi (four straight in 2003) or Robbie McEwen (three of six in 2006). Their successor Mark Cavendish of HTC-Highroad isn’t going to repeat those feats this year when the 98th Tour loops its first week around the rolling roads of the Vendée, Brittany and Normandy early next month.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/CAV-325x251.jpg)
Cavendish during the Swiss tour. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com
 
The main reasons for this prognosis are threefold:
 (1) race director Christian Prudhomme has responded to the wishes of French television to make the first week more exciting by inserting three hilltop finishes in the first seven days;
 (2) an increasing number of teams are riding the Tour with the one goal of winning a stage (and having the riders capable of doing it); and
 (3) Omega Pharma-Lotto’s Philippe Gilbert, Leopard-Trek’s Fabian Cancellara and Garmin-Cervélo’s Tyler Farrar and Thor Hushovd, all potential stage winners in the Tour’s first week, are all on rising form.
 
Not that Cavendish is going to go down without a fight. Much has been made of the HTC sprinter’s failure to win any stages of the Tour of Switzerland this past week. But by simply finishing the nine-day Swiss race, which featured more than 50,000 feet (16,000 meters) of actual climbing, the British sprinter showed that he’s ready to tackle (and finish) another Tour.

Tour’s opening week
 
There’s no prologue at this year’s Tour, but expect Cancellara to power his Leopard-Trek team to a high placing in the stage 2 team time trial at Les Essarts. If the world and Olympic time trial champ is to win a road stage, his best chance could come on stage 5 along the coast of northern Brittany to Cap Fréhel: The final hour is constantly turning, climbing and dipping through small towns and villages with probable side and tail winds.
 
Even that stage’s “flatter” finish is not suited to sprinters’ teams closing gaps or setting a high tempo. More likely, the peloton will split in the winds over the bumpy terrain to favor a late solo attack by a Cancellara. If not, the more resilient sprint finishers like Goss, Hushovd and Omega-Lotto’s Andrei Greipel may get their chance.
 
Obviously, the fastest sprinters are planning a different outcome to the early stages — that’s why Cavendish, his lead-out men Mark Renshaw, Bernie Eisel and Goss, and their likely Tour teammates went to reconnoiter the Tour’s opening stages (including the team time trial) earlier this month. Just as the GC contenders scout the major climbs, so today’s sprinters like to see what’s in store for them on the flat stages.
 
New this year is each day’s single intermediate sprint, where the top 15 riders will score sprint points, rather than the previous years’ three riders. This will give teams a greater incentive to close down early breakaways and give their sprinters a chance of scoring major points, especially when the actual stage finishes don’t suit them.
 
These intermediate sprints will be of special importance to green-jersey contenders Cavendish, Petacchi and Farrar (who took a stage of last week’s Ster ZLM Toer, his first win since his close friend Wouter Weylandt died at the Giro d’Italia on May 9). Studying the locations of these midway sprints on stages 1, 3 and 4 was another justification for the early-June scouting trip by Cavendish and his HTC colleagues.
 
Bearing in mind all the potential strategies and course difficulties of the opening week, expect to see pure sprinters Cavendish, Farrar, Petacchi (Lampre-ISD) and Tom Boonen (Quick Step) battle for stage wins at Redon (stage 3) and Châteauroux (stage 7); all-terrain sprinters Goss, Hushovd, Greipel and Edvald Boasson Hagen (Team Sky) to contend at Mont des Alouettes (stage 1) and Cap Fréhel (stage 5); and the best hilltop finishers Gilbert and Damiano Cunego (Lampre) — and perhaps GC contenders Cadel Evans (BMC Racing), Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-SunGard) and Chris Horner (Team RadioShack) — to shoot for a win at Mûr-de-Bretagne (stage 4) or Lisieux (stage 6).
 
What is certain is that the opening week of the upcoming Tour — now just over a week away — will not be yawner. The racing should have you on the edge of your seats.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 22, 2011, 04:40:51 PM

From VeloNews:

RadioShack all in for GC with Tour squad

 

ByBrian Holcombe
Published Jun 21st 2011 7:15 PM UTC — Updated Jun 21st 2011 7:30 PM UTC

 

Team RadioShack has trimmed down and announced the squad’s nine starters for next month’s Tour de France. Johan Bruyneel said Tuesday the team would enter le Grand Boucle with a four-headed GC attack.
 
“With (Jani) Brajkovic, (Chris) Horner, (Andreas) Klöden and (Levi) Leipheimer we will start with four guys who will be able to contend for the general classification,” said Bruyneel.
 
Bruyneel, who directed all seven of Lance Armstrong’s Tour wins, and Alberto Contador’s first two, said he dealt with the problem of too many strong choices in cutting down his final roster.

“It was hard to make the selection of these nine riders,” he said. “After the injury of Sébastien Rosseler, we still had a pre-selection of 14 riders. In the end we can say that the complete 2011 Tour roster has been chosen based on the strongest team from both a sportive and experience criteria.”
 
Rounding out the RadioShack Tour squad are Markel Irizar, Dmitriy Muravyev, Sergio Paulinho, Yaroslav Popovych and Haimar Zubeldia. Missing from the squad are sprinters Robbie Hunter and Robbie McEwen.
 
“The hardest part has been to disappoint some non-selected riders,” said Bruyneel. “It is obvious that we will tackle this 2011 Tour de France with podium contenders. We are aware we won’t win mass sprints this Tour but we decided that a good GC will be worth it and we make it our main goal in this Tour.
 
“As we do every year, the directors and I carefully evaluate all the riders in contention. It’s never an easy decision for us to make, but in the end, we feel confident that the chosen riders will help us achieve our goals for the 2011 Tour de France.”
 
After 2009 when the recently returned Armstrong battle for team leadership with eventual winner Alberto Contador, Bruyneel knows well that too many GC men could lead to problems. In fact, he said, RadioShack’s numbers would help them turn the tables on overall favorites Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) and Andy Schleck (Leopard-Trek).
 
“Jani Brajkovic beat Alberto Contador in last year’s Critérium du Dauphiné. At age 39 Chris Horner dominated the Tour of California and proves to get better with the years. Andreas Klöden has had a healthy and strong season so far, winning the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and finishing as runner-up in Paris-Nice. And then Levi … he was so impressive in Switzerland; he is ready,” said Bruyneel.

“Too many leaders is not an ideal situation, but we are confident we can turn this into an advantage. Together we are strong to fight against Contador and the Schlecks. Moreover, after the first decisive stages you already have a very good idea on the tactics to follow. We proved in the past that Team RadioShack is a real team. All riders sacrifice themselves with pleasure for the common goal. Team RadioShack is not a mixture of individuals.”
 
RadioShack for the Tour de France: Jani Brajkovic, Chris Horner, Markel Irizar, Andreas Klöden, Levi Leipheimer, Dmitriy Muravyev, Sérgio Paulinho, Yaroslav Popovych, Haimar Zubeldia

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 22, 2011, 04:44:13 PM

More from VeloNews:

Levi Leipheimer: ‘Legs will decide’ who leads RadioShack at Tour de France

 

ByAndrew Hood
Published Jun 22nd 2011 8:06 AM UTC — Updated Jun 22nd 2011 11:32 AM UTC

 

Levi Leipheimer insists there will be no leadership battles within RadioShack during the upcoming Tour de France despite the team having as many as four riders capable of riding for GC.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/05/LeviHornerATOC7_511-057-325x265.jpg)
Leipheimer and Horner are both headed to the Tour. Who will support whom? Photo: Casey B. Gibson
 
RadioShack revealed its Tour Nine on Tuesday, with Leipheimer sharing the spotlight as one of the “four musketeers” to lead the U.S.-registered squad into the Tour. Along with Leipheimer, RadioShack brings Chris Horner, Andreas Klöden and Janez Brajkovic, all riders with podium potential.
 
“We got four guys who can all be high on GC. The legs will decide (who’s the GC captain),” Leipheimer told VeloNews. “That’s the strength of our team. Tactically, we can keep that in mind. We don’t have the big favorite, so the other teams, Saxo Bank and Leopard-Trek, will have to control the race. We can use that to our advantage.”
 
RadioShack will certainly have the deepest Tour squad, both in terms of strength and experience. Klöden is a two-time runner-up and has been on good form all spring, with victories at the Basque Country tour and three other stages and second overall at Paris-Nice. Leipheimer, too, is a former Tour stage winner and podium man. Brajkovic beat back Alberto Contador last year to win the Dauphiné while Horner is enjoying his best season ever, with second at the Basque tour and victory at the Tour of California.
 
Whether they can rally around one or two captains during the race remains to be seen, but all four will start the Tour with the potential to the reach the final podium.
 
“Andy (Schleck) and Alberto are the big favorites. They’re going to have to control the race. HTC will be working on the flats for Cavendish. We’re going to have to race smart and play off those teams,” Leipheimer said. “We have to stay out of trouble, conserve our energy and stay as fresh as possible. And pounce when the opportunity is there.”
 
Confidence boost with Swiss win
 
Leipheimer says his confidence is buoyed following his nail-biting, four-second victory over Damiano Cunego at last week’s Tour de Suisse. Leipheimer erased a nearly two-minute deficit to the 2004 Giro d’Italia champ in the final-day, 32km time trial to win what he described as his most important stage-race victory of his career.
 
“I came into Swiss really strong, but I really wasn’t expecting to win. I just wanted to be totally relaxed. The team came to me and said, ‘we’re going to ride for you here.’ I said, ‘OK, but I want to take it day-by-day.’ I didn’t want to stress the team out, just let me feel my way through it. I started feeling better and better every day,” he said. “I played it perfectly. I didn’t waste any energy during the whole week. I wasn’t on edge until the last day for the time trial. Of course, I am very happy about how it worked out.”
 
Leipheimer says he hopes to carry that same winning form and attitude into the Tour. This year will be his ninth career start in the French tour, and after crashing out with a broken wrist in 2009 and riding to 13th overall last year, Leipheimer is keen to get back to his best in the season’s most important event. He said the years of experience have helped him take on the challenge and pressure of the Tour with a different mindset.
 
“I don’t sit here and feel anxious about the Tour, not like I did in my first Tour. I know what to expect and the biggest thing is to stay relaxed,” he said. “I have my mind shut off right now. I just came off a big win, so right now it’s all about recovering and a lot of that is mental. I am still doing everything right, training well, sleeping well, eating the right food. It’s kind of a weird state of mind. It’s hard to convey that mentality.
 
“We train ourselves on the bike, and over the years, mentally the things you’ve trained for become automatic. More and more of your skills become automatic. That’s what I call experience. You do things without thinking, just like when you’re driving a car. The more experienced you are at your job, the easier some things become. When more of those little details become automatic, that can make a big difference in the Tour.”
 
Overcoming a rough spring
 
Leipheimer’s spring was marked by health problems, including a three-week bout with the flu right in the heart of the spring season and a flare-up an old injury dating back to when he was just three years old and kicked in the stomach by a horse.
 
Leipheimer was poised for a second-place finish in the Volta a Catalunya in March, behind Alberto Contador, when he experienced intense abdominal pain and was forced to abandon the race with just one stage left.
 
“There is some residual scar tissue and it has to do basically with an obstruction, caused by dehydration, the wrong kind of food at the wrong time, with stress on the body from racing,” he explained. “It was sort of a perfect storm at Catalunya. I was in the hospital all night. That was too bad, because I lost a lot of points and second place.”
 
Leipheimer said he’s spoken to experts about his condition and said an off-season procedure can likely put an end to the problem. In March, the stomach complication cleared up quickly, but he was soon zapped by the flu. He decided to race the Tour of the Basque Country in early April to help his teammates, but that decision soon backfired on him as his condition worsened.
 
“I caught a flu bug that was going around. I had that for three weeks. I went to Pays Basque because I wanted to support guys. Andreas and Chris wanted to win, and they’ve helped me win races, so I said I’m going to go there to suffer and help them, but it made it worse,” he said. “I had to take a full week off the bike. Luckily, I was able to pull it together for Cali.”
 
Leipheimer finished second to teammate Horner and won a stage in California. Bouncing back to win the Tour de Suisse was an extra bonus after what Leipheimer described as one of his most challenging starts to a racing season in his career.
 
“It’s been a tough year,” he said. “I’ve kept my head down and do what I always do. I love to race my bike, I love to work hard. I just had to stay focused on racing and I tried to forget about my health problems and just climb the ladder. To pull this off (Swiss) and feel stronger every day during the race is great for the Tour de France.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 22, 2011, 05:04:30 PM

Last one for today from VeloNews:

2011 Tour de France Preview: Top five riders to watch

 

By Jason Sumner
Published Jun 22nd 2011 3:39 PM UTC

 

Remember in 2007 when Unibet.com was an international level cycling team with Tour de France aspirations? Unfortunately for them, the star-crossed outfit never got the chance to chase the yellow jersey, in part because its title sponsor was an on-line gaming outfit, which was a no-no in the eyes of certain powerful French race organizers.
 
But that doesn’t mean Unibet was pushed out of the cycling business all together. Indeed, among the many gaming props currently available on its website are a bevy of Tour de France bets.
 
There are off-the-wall options such as, How many stages will Dutch riders win? (The over-under is 0.5.) And there is the standard bearer, Who will win the race? We’ll use the later set of odds to set the table for who are the top five riders to watch at this years Tour de France, and throw in a long shot for those who really like games of chance.
 
The Favorite
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/contadorsam1.jpg)
If the legal creek don't rise, Contador is as close to a safe bet as you can get for the 2011 Tour win. AFP Photo
 
Alberto Contador (Spain) Saxo Bank-Sungard: 1.65-to-1
 
Why he can win: When on form, Contador, 28, is the best climber in the world. Discussion over. He’s proven that time after time over the last four years, winning six grand tours, including a brutal 2011 Giro d’Italia that had enough climbing to make Sir Edmund Hillary’s knees buckle. On top of that climbing prowess, Contador can time trial with the best in the world, especially in the three-week race format. Put those two skill sets together and it’s a lethal — and heretofore — unbeatable combination.
 
What could trip him up: Some would argue Andy Schleck’s name belongs here, as he’s the only rider to really make Contador sweat these last few years. And pair that with the fact that Contador will be attempting to pull off the rare Giro-Tour double, which even he has admitted will be difficult, and Schleck’s chances improve.
 
But, as has been the case in cycling for a while now, it’s the off-the-bike issues that could be most problematic for Contador. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the Spaniard is the subject of an on-going doping investigation, after he tested positive for the banned clenbuterol during last year’s Tour de France. Contador claimed the failed test was caused by tainted beef, and so far that alibi has stood up. Right now it looks like final resolution won’t come until after the Tour, but this being the soap opera’esque world of professional cycling, another out-of-left-field plot twist would surprise no one. Contador’s name is on the start list … for now.


The Challenger
 
Andy Schleck (Luxembourg) Leopard-Trek: 3.25-to-1
 
Why he can win: In the unlikely case that Contador stumbles or doesn’t start the race at all, Schleck has proven he’s capable of climbing away from the rest of the Tour de France field. The 26-year-old snagged a pair of summit-finish stage wins at last years Tour, and were it not for an ill-timed dropped chain he might have had a third. This year’s race includes four summit finishes.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/000_DV803921-325x216.jpg)
Doh! Andy Schleck, in yellow, goes looking for his chain on stage 15 of the 2010 Tour. Contador, third in this photo, soon zoomed by and took over the yellow jersey. AFP Photo.
 
What could trip him up: Schleck suffers from the same malady that’s plagued many of history’s great climbers, he’s not much of a time trialist. A year ago, he lost 31 seconds to Contador in the final time trial — and that was considered a good day. The good news this year is that the route includes just one individual time trial, and whatever time Schleck loses there, he might be able to make up in the earlier team time trial because of the superior team behind him. Bottom line, he’s got a puncher’s chance to win the race, which is more than anyone else can say.


The Fab 30
 
Ivan Basso (Italy) Liquigas-Cannondale
 


(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/Basso-325x487.jpg)
Mr. Consistency: Ivan Basso is a safe bet for the podium. But the top of the podium is a long shot. Photo: Brad Kaminski © VeloNews
 
Why he can win: Basso is a two-time Giro d’Italia winner, so the Italian knows what it takes to win a grand tour. He’s also a fabulous climber, which will be a huge asset in a race with four critical mountaintop finishes. And like Schleck, Basso benefits from the lack of time trials in this year’s race. Can he win the overall? Not likely. Is he the favorite to finish on the Tour podium for the third time in his career? Absolutely.
 
What could trip him up: Like Schleck, Basso’s time trial skills are limited. He also has a resume blighted by a doping suspension, and some argue that’s why he’s never returned to the form that made him runner-up to Lance Armstrong at the 2005 Tour de France.

Robert Gesink (Netherlands) Rabobank: 30-to-1
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/GesinkwinMontrealWC910-002-325x217.jpg)
Gesink scored a dramatic solo win at the 2010 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal. Photo: Casey B. Gibson | www.cbgphoto.com
 
Why he can win: Yet another rider who benefits from this year’s climber-favoring route around France, the wispy Gesink was born to go uphill on a bicycle. The still-maturing rider proved his mettle a year ago, finishing a surprising sixth at the Tour, and has continued that ascension with third-place finish at this year’s testing Tour of the Basque Country. Like Basso, Gesink has a solid shot at the Tour’s final podium.
 
What could trip him up: It remains to be seen whether this Dutchman can develop the multi-dimensional skill set required to win the Tour. He’s had some flashy recent time trial finishes, including a win at the Tour of Oman. But a Middle Eastern tune-up race in February is a long way from France in July. A year ago, Gesink was 109th in the final time trial. That’s to say nothing of the questions surrounding his ability to be a team leader, something the 25-year-old has yet to prove.

Cadel Evans (Australia) BMC: 30-to-1
 


(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/iResizePhoto12-325x215.jpg)
Above average: Evans in the final time trial of the 2010 Tour. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com
 
Why he can win: There was a time when the question wasn’t, If Evans can win the Tour, but when? Twice the Aussie finished on the Tour podium (2007, 2008), and even at 34, he’s still considered one of the sport’s top climbers. He’s also an above-average time trialist.
 
What could trip him up: Over the years, Evans’ No. 1 enemy has been himself. Calm under pressure is never a phrase attributed to the BMC team leader, who’s often seems nervous and edgy, and is frequently chippy with press. On top of that, his BMC team is more suited to the spring classics than to defending the yellow jersey in July.

The American Long Shot
 
Chris Horner (USA) RadioShack: 50-to-1
 


(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/horner-325x261.jpg)
Horner killed 'em on Sierra Road at the Tour of California. Photo: Casey B. Gibson | www.cbgphoto.com
 
Why he can win: After winning the critical Sierra Road stage at the Tour of California, the always-effusive Horner declared to the world, “Nobody can drop me except Contador.” Certainly that was the case in the Golden State, as Horner put on a tour de force, easily dispatching the likes of Schleck and everyone of Team Garmin-Cervélo. On top of that, Horner is a solid time trialist (sixth on California’s tough Solvang circuit this year) and he’s one of the sport’s most cerebral riders. Think coach on the field and you’re on the right track. He’s said a podium finish is the goal, and it’s actually not a totally outrageous proposition.
 
What could trip him up: For starter’s Horner, 39, is not even the leader of his team. Instead, he’s one among four potential captains in a group that also includes former Tour podium finisher — and recent Tour of Switzerland winner — Levi Leipheimer, former Tour podium finisher Andreas Kloden, and Slovenian climbing sensation Jani Brajkovic. All four will get a chance to show their stuff when the climbing begins. Have a bad day on the wrong day, and you’ll be fetching bottles the rest of the race.
 
And the winner is?
 
No way we’re betting against Contador, unless of course something changes with his on-going doping case and he doesn’t start the race — or gets yanked out somewhere along the way to Paris. In that case, we’ll take Schleck. He’s a 1.45-to-1 favorite in Unibet’s secondary odds that don’t include Contador — just in case. Otherwise, slot Schleck second and take the long shot flyer on Horner for third.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 22, 2011, 05:21:58 PM

From Bicycling.com:


(http://nbcsportsmedia2.msnbc.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/110622-tdf.grid-5x2.jpg)
Spencer Platt / Getty Images
A young girl chases the peloton along the route from Montargis to Gueugnon during Stage 6 of the 2010 Tour de France on July 9, 2010 in Gueugnon, France.



updated 1:46 p.m. ET June 22, 2011

Ever heard a word during a Tour broadcast and wondered, "What does THAT mean?" Here's every term that all cycling fans should know:

Aero bars: Special handlebars that allow a cyclist to ride in an aerodynamic tuck like a skier. Greg LeMond used them to dramatic effect in the 1989 Tour, winning by 8 seconds overall, and only on the final stage.

Alpe d'Huez: The most famous climb in the Tour, it's the most prestigious stage (21 switchbacks!) for any climber to win.

Attack: An aggressive, high-speed jump away from other riders.

Blocking: Legally impeding the progress of riders in the pack to allow teammates a better chance of success. (See also soft-pedaling).

Blow up: To suddenly be unable to continue at the required pace due to overexertion.

Bonk: This happens when you don't eat and drink enough; you run out of energy. Cyclists in the Tour take bags of food from their teams in the feed zones.

Bottom bracket: The cylindrical part of a bicycle frame that holds the crank axle, two sets of ball bearings, a fixed cup and an adjustable cup.

Break, breakaway: A rider or group of riders who have escaped the pack.

Bridge, bridge a gap: To catch a rider or group that has opened a lead.

Bunch: The main cluster of riders in a race. Also called the group, pack, field or peloton.

Bunny-hop: To jump over obstacles such as rocks or logs with both wheels off the ground at the same time. Roadies do this on the early stages of the Tour, when the race often goes through lots of towns with roundabouts. Nothing scarier than seeing a concrete barrier appear as the pack parts in front of you at 50 kph.

Cadence: The rate of pedaling, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) of one foot. Lance Armstrong trained at a higher cadence beginning in 2003 and whooped everyone in his next three Tours.

Cassette: The set of gear cogs on the rear hub. Also called a freewheel, cluster or block.

Chain: A series of links pinned together that connects the chainwheel to the cogs on the back wheel and allows one to pedal the bike. (See also derailleur chains).

Chainring: A sprocket attached to the right crankarm to drive the chain.

Chainstays: The two tubes of a bicycle frame that run from the bottom bracket back to the rear dropouts.

Champs-Elysees: The famous street in Paris that the Tour finishes on. At one end is the Arc de Triomphe. Racers do three circuits of about 15 kilometers each. Speeds are incredibly fast (often averaging 35-40mph) as racers try to win this prestigious stage. Massive partying is commonplace, as are crashes.

Circuit: A road course that's ridden two or more times to compose the race.

Clincher Tire: A tire whose edges hook under the curved-in edge of a rim. Also known as "wired-on" tire.

Clipless Pedals: Pedals that use a releasable mechanism like that of a ski binding to lock onto cleated shoes and do not use toe clips or straps.

Cleat: A metal or plastic fitting on the sole of a cycling shoe that engages the pedal.

Clinchers: Conventional tires with a separate inner tube. (See also clincher tire).

Cog: A sprocket attached directly to the rear hub on a single-speed bike and mounted on a cassette on a multi-speed bike.

Crankarm: A part, one end of which is attached to the bottom bracket axle and the other holds a pedal,whose forward rotation provides the leverage needed to power the bicycle.

Criterium: A mass-start race covering numerous laps of a course about one mile or less in length. There are no criteriums as stages of the Tour, but many Tour riders do criteriums after the Tour for appearance money. August is crit season in Europe.

Derailleur: A lever-activated mechanism that pushes the chain off of one sprocket and onto another, thus changing the gear ratio.

Directeur Sportif: A French term essentially meaning head coach. The DS is responsible for planning team strategy for each stage and the overall race. He's usually the one directly answerable to sponsors too, so he operates as PR director, chief corporate liaison, head cook and bottle washer.

Doping: Originally meant in regards to blood doping, or withdrawing blood to re-inject it later on to boost red blood cell count and oxygen uptake. Now meant to include any performance enhancing substances, most of which are banned from competitive use and only some of which are testable.

Down Tube: The frame tube running from the headset to the bottom bracket, one part of the main triangle on a bicycle frame.

Drafting: Tucking in closely behind another rider so he/she'll break the wind, therefore saving you energy.

Drivetrain: The derailleurs, chain, freewheel, and crankset of a bike.

Dropped: To be left behind by the rest of the field. Also known as off the back or out the back.

Drops: The lower, straight portion of a turned-down-type handlebar.

Echelon: A form of paceline in which following riders angle away from the leader to get maximum draft in a crosswind.

Endo: To crash by going over the handlebar. Short for end-over-end.

Feed Zones: A designated point on a stage where team personnel called soigneurs can pass musettes of food and water bottles to riders. The food is often little pastries or finger sandwiches that the riders ask for; solid food is crucial during a multi-day race. There's always a huge group of kids waiting after the feed zones because riders toss away empty bottles and the musettes once they've gotten all the chow out of them.

Field Sprint: The dash for the finish line by the main group of riders. Also known as a bunch sprint or pack finish.

Full Tuck: An extremely crouched aero position used for maximum speed on descents.

General Classification (GC): The overall standings in a stage race.

Glycogen: A sequence of glucose molecules that forms the principal carbohydrate storage material in the body.

Green Jersey: The jersey given to the leader of the sprint points competition. Sprint points are gathered at pre-designated spots midway through certain stages, and at the end of select stages such as the finish on the Champs-Elysees. It was originally supposed to be for consistency of finishes, but is now widely termed "the sprinter's jersey."

Hammer: To jam, to go fast, usually uphill.

Hanging In: Barely maintaining contact at the back of the pack.

Headset: The parts at the top and bottom of the frame's head tube, into which the handlebar stem and fork are fitted.

Hors Categorie: French for "beyond category," a rating reserved for the stiffest climbs, such as the L'Alpe d'Huez and the Col du Galibier. Typical of the French, there's a guideline to how climbs are rated, but it's not set in stone. Rating relies on gradient, length, and position in a stage. Certain climbs, like the Alpe, are always beyond category. Other ratings, in decreasing order of difficulty are 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Intervals: A structured method of training that alternates relatively short, hard efforts with recovery periods of much easier riding.

Jam: A period of hard, fast riding.

Jump: A sudden acceleration.

King of the Mountains (KoM): A competition for the best climber, which runs on a points system like the green jersey. The leader wears the polka-dot jersey.

Lactic Acid: A by-product of anaerobic exercise that accumulates in the muscles, causing pain and fatigue.

Lanterne Rouge: The last rider in the field on general classification. The term, which means "red lantern," originated in the early days of the Tour, when a car bearing a red lantern would follow the last rider, signifying the back end of the race.

Leadout: A race tactic in which a rider accelerates to maximum speed for the benefit of a teammate in tow. The second rider then leaves the draft and sprints past at even greater speed to win the race or prime.

Le Tour: Any time a cyclist says, "le Tour," it's plain he or she is speaking of the Tour de France. No other race gets this treatment.

L'Equipe: The French sports daily. Used to be called l'Auto and was the chief sponsor of the Tour. Long ago gave rise to the yellow jersey idea. See Maillot Jaune.

Lieutenant: The team leader's right-hand man. The lieutenant helps keep the team organized during the stage and plans and executes strategy like chasing down breakaways or setting up the final sprint.

Liggett, Phil: A British chap and the best English-language television commentator on cycling. He's done commentary on the Tour for decades, and it's only through Phil's brilliance that we've lasted.

Maillot Jaune (yellow jersey): The race leader's jersey.

Mass Start: The criterion for events such as road races, in which all contestants leave the starting line at the same time.

Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO2 max): The maximum amount of oxygen a person can consume in one minute. It is basically determined by heredity and a person's potential in endurance sports.

McQuaid, Pat: Current president of UCI.

Off-Camber Turn: The surface slopes sway from the curve, making it difficult and dangerous to go through with speed. If you thought these were only found in mountain biking, ride a Pyreneean pass sometime.

Off The Back (OTB): When one or more riders loses contact with the back end of the main pack.

Oxygen Debt: The amount of oxygen that needs to be consumed to pay back the deficit incurred by anaerobic work.

Paceline: A group formation in which each rider takes a turn breaking the wind at the front before pulling off, dropping to the rear position, and riding the others' draft until at the front once again.

Peak: A relatively short period during which maximum performance is achieved.

Peloton: The main group of riders in a race.

Prime: A special award given to the leader on selected laps during a criterium or track race, or the first rider to reach a certain landmark in a road race. It's used to heighten the action. Pronounced "preem." In the Tour, primes are points toward an overall competition, such as King of the Mountains or the sprinter's green jersey. Time bonuses are also given for the first three spots.

Prologue: A short stage that is held as the opener of the Grand Tours. It's usually less than 5 miles long, and is designed mainly as a showcase kick-off and a way to get the yellow jersey on someone's back right away. There are riders who are prologue specialists, whose goal it is to win the stage, and then defend the leader's yellow jersey for as long as possible in order to gain publicity for the team.

Publicity Caravan: An absolutely monstrous procession of vehicles that traces the day's route before the pack. Each tour sponsor has at least one vehicle, from which pretty girls toss everything from bags to newspapers and stickers and candy. The publicity caravan is bigger than the race itself in terms of personnel. One big rolling party.

Pull, Pull Through: Take a turn at the front.

Pull Off: To move to the side after riding in the lead so another rider can come to the front.

Road Rash: What happens to your skin when you crash. Really painful, and you get to scrape gravel out of the skin with a wire brush.

Rollers: An indoor training device that works like a treadmill for bikes. Also, a series of short hills. Tour riders use them to warm up prior to a stage.

Roundabouts: The nasty little traffic circles that are so popular in France and Belgium. They make life hell for racers as the pack goes screaming through some town at 55 kph and someone t-bones a concrete circle and breaks a collarbone.

Saddle Sores: Skin injuries in the crotch that result from chafing caused by pedaling action. Sores can range from tender raw spots to boil-like lesions if infection occurs.

SAG wagon: A motor vehicle that follows a group of riders, carrying equipment and lending assistance in the event of difficulty. Also called the broom wagon.

Slipstream: The pocket of calmer air behind a moving rider. Also called the draft.

Soft Pedal: To pedal without actually applying power. If a rider is in a solo break his teammates will break up the chase effort by soft-pedaling at the front of the pack to slow them down. If a racer in a break doesn't want to take his pull, he'll soft pedal.

Soigneur: French word meaning “to care for.” Soigneurs basically take care of anything that's not the directeur sportif's job (strategy, press conferences) or among the duties of the mechanics (working on the bikes). That means everything from finalizing hotel arrangements to assembling the day's feed bags, making sure riders have all their equipment, giving massages, doing laundry and countless other necessary, thankless tasks. They bust their butts for little money and no glory.

Stage: Each day's race during a multiple-race event is called a stage.

Stage Race: A multi-day event consisting of point-to-point and circuit road races, time trials, and, sometimes, criteriums. The winner is the rider with the lowest elapsed time for all stages.

Switchback: A 90-degree or greater turn. The 21 switchbacks of L'Alpe d'Huez is like cycling's equivalent of the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field.

Take a flyer: To suddenly sprint away from a group.

Team time trial (TTT): A race against the clock with two or more riders working together. There are no team-time trials in the 2006 Tour de France for the first time since 1999.

Time trial (TT): A race against the clock in which riders start at set intervals and cannot give or receive a draft. After finishing a time trial you should feel ready to puke. If you don't, you didn't ride hard enough. Racers use aerodynamic equipment like aero bars and special helmets that aren't allowed in mass-start stages.

Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI): The governing body of worldwide bike racing.

Yellow jersey: The race leader's jersey.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 22, 2011, 05:29:44 PM

More from Bicycling.com:

There are Six Ways to Beat Contador


The Spaniard has won the Tour de France three times, but there is enough strategy to outwit him — like finishing second at this year's race

 (http://nbcsportsmedia4.msnbc.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/110622-contador.grid-5x2.jpg)
Bogdan Cristel / Reuters
Alberto Contador of Spain holds a Spanish flag as he takes his lap of honor around the Champs Elysees in Paris, after winning the 96th Tour de France on July 26, 2009.



By Whit Yost

updated 4:29 p.m. ET June 22, 2011

As soon as he announced his plans to race the 2011 Tour de France, Saxo Bank-SunGard’s Alberto Contador became the favorite to take victory. So the question for every other contender and their coaches is, how do we beat this guy?

Here, then, are Bicycling.com’s top tips on how to beat Contador.

1. Steal time in the TTT
While certainly not the weakest team in the race, Saxo Bank does not possess the team-time-trial firepower it had in years past. Gone are powerful rouleurs like Fabian Cancellara and Jens Voigt. Their replacements — men like Daniel Navarro, Jesus Hernandez, and Benjamin Noval — are suited more for high mountains than flat, rolling terrain.

While Saxo Bank won’t lose minutes against the clock, they will likely lose time to more TTT-oriented squads like Team Sky, RadioShack, Garmin-Cervelo, and Leopard-Trek. Remember, Contador won two of his three Tours by less than a minute. Every bit counts!

2. Make life difficult for Contador and his team during the first week
Contador will likely come to the Tour having raced only once following his dominant win in May’s Giro d’Italia — and that race is likely to be the Spanish individual time trial championship. After a race as difficult as the Giro and several weeks away from racing, it’s safe to say Contador will have quite a bit of rust to shake off his legs.

This year will also be the first time that Contador comes to the Tour without having completed a pre-Tour stage race such as the Criterium du Dauphiné. He’ll need a few days to reacquaint himself with the speed of a fresher peloton. The first week of this year’s race is anything but straightforward: Wind and rain could be a factor in Brittany, while two stages offer tricky summit finishes.

If Contador and his teammates don’t mind their p’s and q’s, an opportunist could easily steal some time they might want back later in the race.

3. In the Pyrenees, attack Contador before he attacks you
In every stage race he enters, Contador is usually the first to attack once the high mountains arrive. During Stage 9 of this year’s Giro d’Italia, for example, Contador took the race right to his rivals, attacking on the slopes of Mount Etna, the Giro’s first major summit finish.

At this year’s Tour de France, Bastille Day (July 14) brings the first major climbs when the race hits the Pyrenees with a brutal 130-mile day offering three serious climbs. Teams with multiple captains (RadioShack) or powerful lieutenants (Leopard-Trek) might want to consider sending someone like Jani Brajkovic or Frank Schleck out on the attack as early as the Tourmalet (the day’s second to last climb).

Such a move would put pressure on Contador and his team to defend, while placing a key ally up the road for team leaders Chris Horner, Levi Leipheimer, and Andy Schleck to have at their sides during the final ascent to Luz Ardiden.

4. Overwhelm his team
Contador won the Giro largely by himself. His team helped a bit, but they were generally absent when he might have needed them most (luckily, he didn’t).

At the Tour, though, Contador can’t afford to be isolated. Stage 14 from Saint-Gaudens to Plateau de Beille would be a good day to try and single out the Spaniard. With four difficult climbs on tap before the final drag to the hors categorie summit of Plateau de Beille, the day will be tough to control, especially as it comes after two tough Pyrenean days.

The Plateau de Beille has been used on four occasions, and each time the winner went on to win the Tour.

5. In the Alps, there’s strength in numbers
In cycling, many races have been lost when rivals refuse to band together in an attempt to overpower one of their competitors. Unsportsmanlike? Absolutely not. Riders in a breakaway work together to overcome a chasing peloton. So why not work together in the mountains to overburden the race leader?

If Contador rides into the Alps wearing the yellow jersey, his closest competitors will have no choice but to band together, attacking constantly in a coordinated assault on the Spaniard and his team. Stage 18 is the day to do it. With three HC climbs, including the Tour’s highest ever stage finish atop the Galibier, it might be the last chance for the competition to try to make Contador explode.

But should Contador wear yellow heading into Stage 19’s battle up l’Alpe d’Huez, he’ll wear it all the way to Paris.

6. Finish second
On August 1, a hearing will begin in which the UCI and WADA will appeal the Spanish cycling federation’s decision not to sanction Contador for a positive drug test during last year’s Tour de France. If the appeal is granted and the Spanish decision is overturned, Contador stands to have all of his results dating back to last year’s Tour forfeited.

In other words, the man who finishes second in this year’s could become the 2011 champion. Stranger things have happened. Just ask 2006 Tour winner Oscar Pereiro.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 23, 2011, 02:14:19 PM

Since the TDF is not so news-worthy today, here is an article (from 2003, PEZ) on Phil Liggett, British cycling announcer:

Phil Liggett: The Pez-Clusive Interview
Monday, February 24, 2003  9:50:00 AM PT

by Richard Pestes

(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/interviews/liggetta.jpg)

   It's been said that Phil Liggett can make anyone he meets feel like an old friend, just from chatting... That's how I felt after I talked to him last week from his home 40km outside London - like I'd just finished shooting the poop with an old buddy. In reality I've only met Phil in person once, about 10 years ago at the Tour. He is truly a unique individual - a special guy. What separates him from his contemporaries and from most people - is his way of connecting with people on some level we're not even ware of - familiarity, honesty, friendliness - it's tough to nail down, but if you've ever met Phil you know what I'm talking about. For that matter, you get a good sense of it just by watching one of his race commentaries - he really is the same guy we see on televison! 

We reconnected via phone from his home 40km outside London to do this interview, and find out more about the most recognized cycling commentator in the English-speaking world.


(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/interviews/liggett_tour90.jpg)
I was first struck by his openness to chat with fans in 1990, while following the Tour near Mt. Blanc. A buddy and I had just spied Phil covering the Tour for ABC tv, filming his end of day wrap-up in a field beside the final climb of the day's stage. After much courage-building ("we're not worthyyyyy"), we finally approached Phil and asked if he'd help us play a joke on our buddies. We were more than a little shocked when Phil happily agreed to staging a fake interview with me, as if I was actually riding the Tour. He was so cool and professional about it, not at all what I'd expected from a media personality of his stature.


The impression he left was huge, and I was eager to ask if he remembered our meeting, and find out more about the most recognized cycling commentator in the English-speaking world, what it's like to "be Phil Liggett".


JUST THE FACTS
- Hometown: Bebington, near Liverpool and Chester. Live now in Bayford, 25 miles n-e of London on a farm estate.

- Favourite Piece of Furniture: "An airplane seat, but not by choice."

- Favourite Non-cycling Activity: "Bird watching and walking."

- Which languages do you speak? "A little French when Paul Sherwen’s not around."

- Do you have a website our readers could visit? "I have, but there’s nothing on it!"


(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/interviews/liggett_monk.jpg)
Traveling about 200 days per year, Phil meets more than his share of monkeys, but truly loves what he does.


THE REAL DEAL
RP - I've often wondered about the path you traveled that led you to your place as the premier English-speaking cycling commentator. Can you tell us a bit about your career history, the jobs you held and your involvement in racing that brought you here?

PL - This is a complicated trail without a guide. I started out as a zoo keeper in Chester Zoo and an ambition to be a zoologist. This failed, largely trough parental lack of funds, and I took up accountancy for three years. I always rode a bike (to go fishing) and wanted to be a professional after I moved into touring riding. I always talked a lot (so I was told) and had a great imagination – all good for a writer and commentator. I started to race when almost 18 and quickly became a 1st category rider. I went to Belgium in 1966 to be a pro and got a contract for 1967. However, I had also applied for a job in London as a trainee journalist with Cycling Magazine. I didn’t get the job first time around, but was offered it later and took it , so no pro contract and I had made the hardest decision of my life. I raced for about 8 years as a reasonably good amateur after this and lost so much weight trying to do two jobs, I retired. My path took me to organising the Milk Race for 22 years and during this time I fell into radio, writing and eventually TV commentating. I am the luckiest person in the world because I never asked for any of the jobs, and still don’t. Everywhere I worked, other networks offered me jobs like CBS and NBC in the US, and C7, 9 and 10 and SBS, in Australia. I have always followed my nose and so far, it has not let me down.


RP - You must have a very supportive wife, as being away from home can be tough on any relationship. How do you maintain the homelife while on the road?

PL - I have indeed, although the older we get the more difficult it is to travel. Pat has her own business and lectures on the body and dance science at university. It is difficult to get quality time together, but I’ve given up trying to work that out. We’ve been married for over 30 years, but life gets no easier!


RP - Tell us a bit about your history as a cyclist... We've been watching you for years on the tele, but 've often wondered about your own time as a racer. Did you ride professionally? How long was your racing career - any notable results?

PL - I think this was answered in No 1. I raced from 17 to about 29, but after taking my journalist path, at 23 I was only allowed to race by the magazine providing it was the major event of the weekend, so I had to stay very fit. The result was I lost weight (to 135lbs) so I stopped. I didn’t ride at all for a while, but that didn’t last long and now ride as much as possible wherever I go. I won races, and one season felt like Sean Kelly, with 15 second places, but I never won anything worth noting.

(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/interviews/liggett_inter.jpg)
Personal appearances, like signing autographs at Interbike, are a big part of a job Phil loves.


RP - For many fans and riders, cycling means much more to us than just riding a bike, it's freedom, power, a metaphor for life's struggles and triumphs - What does it represent to you? Can you share a memorable anecdote that signifies what the sport means to you?

PL - I’m sure cycling is no different to any other sport that becomes your life. For me I cherish the moments away from the limelight, but I am never happier than when I am riding a bike and can stop atop a mountain and look out at the world. The sport and pastime,( I’m also president of the Cyclists’ Touring Club, which has a membership of 70,000 and look after the rights of cyclists) has been kind to me and led me to meet many great people – from youngsters growing up with ambition to the likes of Lance Armstrong. I have a million tales to tell, but they can all come under the same umbrella of having enjoyed the company of people who have found the same incentives and pleasure of our hobby, as I have.


RP - You are considered by many a true gentleman in the sport. At signing sessions at Interbike, not only did people go away with an autograph or a picture, I would imagine every single person walked away feeling like they made a friend. Is it the love of the sport, or the love of people and the job that make you the person you are.

PL - This is embarrassing! I am what you see and do what I do – there is nothing false! I never cease to be amazed at how people want to meet me, tell me their stories, and stay nice things. I look at myself on TV and say “why”. Perhaps it is because they can see themselves in me or feel I have never outgrown my place in life. I often go to bed tired, occasionally wondering why I do it. Then I lie down and think, but if I’ve made a few people happy on TV today, then I can sleep with a clear conscience. I have met so many people around the world who have given me so many wonderful stories of their lives, I often feel very inadequate.


RP - Did any of the guys you rode with on the continent go on to big things? Did you see guys racing on the amateur scene with you, then commentate on/write about them in later years?

PL - Yes, Eddy Merckx did, I believe. He was too good for me and indirectly prompted my decision to be a journalist, as I would never have been as good as he was. (we raced together in belgium in 1966) Most of my contemporaries still race as masters these days. I’m sure they would still beat me too. I have written about them, and some have even built me a bike, like Pete Matthews, who was once the British road champion.


(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/interviews/liggett_roo.jpg)
Phil was once a zoo keeper, perhaps this is where he learned to "talk to the animals."

ON THE JOB
RP - What's you favorite part of your job? What particular moment do you look forward to at races that gives you special satisfaction or pleasure? (ie: meeting riders, calling the race, the atmosphere?)

PL - Calling the race is the best moment. You sit down with thoughts in you mind and if you manage to get them all out during the commentary and call the race accurately and with panache, then I walk away on a high. I prefer to observe riders from afar and make my own opinion. Don’t misunderstand me, I am friends with many of them and often ride with them, but I prefer to be in a position to form an opinion without coloring from them. One of the greatest satisfactions is having known the rider from being a young amateur, to when he wins a stage of the Tour de France – like Robbie McEwen, for example. My wife, Pat used to be his masseuse when on the Australia national squad when he was 18. We are good friends and he has become the great rider we said he would be.


RP - You seem to be involved in a lot more than just television reporting. What are some of the other projects you have on the go?

PL - I do ski jumping and the opening and closing ceremonies for American and Australian networks at Olympic and Commonwealth Games. CBS pulled me into this in 1991 and I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I have commentated on many sports since like four-man bobs, cross country skiing, water polo, judo. And still do the ESPN coverage for Ironman races. I was asked to do this summer’s World athletic championships from Paris, but felt I couldn’t do it justice just after the end of the Tour de France, and turned it down. Commentating is only easy if you have done your research well and it is too easy to ruin your reputation.


RP - You must have an incredible amount of gadgets to keep you connected from various parts of the world. What essential items do you never leave home without when heading off to cover a race?

PL - My laptop is my office and I have all the riders’ records in every discipline just in case. I also have a lot of friends around the world who e-mail me every day. It is much easier now to stay on top with the internet sites, but 20 years’ ago you had to work really hard to find things out. I devised my own records years ago and this allows me to bring up things in commentary that many may have forgotten. The thing about being a TV commentator is that you must remember most things as you make a spontaneous live comment. Gone are the days when, as a writer, I could refer back and make sure my facts were 100 per cent solid before signing the article off.


LET'S TALK RACING
RP - Favourite Race To Report On and why?

PL - The Tour de France for the past 30 years. It has no equal and the riders arrive frightened and stay that way to the end. The pressure is on everyone to give their best, be they rider, writer, or TV man. Every other race has it’s place, but there is only one REAL race.


RP - Who gets your vote for the greatest of all time?

PL - I’ve never hesitated; Merckx is my man – after all he changed my career direction! He dominated the sport like no other during his time at the top. Since retiring he has become a great man and stayed with the sport he has always loved. There are others I will always admire, like Lance and Sean Kelly. I was not around, believe it or not, when Coppi was the star, otherwise, I might have been influenced.


RP - Who gets your vote for the most dedicated, hard worker of all time, someone who did the most with not as much talent as the big guns.

PL - All pros at the top are hard workers, but I know what you mean. Sean Yates comes to mind as the super domestique who finally got his reward with a day in the yellow jersey in the Tour. I have no other in mind, but I always appreciate the trier in the sport and am so happy when he pulls off a big win – like Aussie Matt White in the Tour of Switzerland. Matt is a teammate of Lance and dedicates himself to helping others win.


RP - What was the greatest feat, race effort you ever saw - For example
Museeuw winning Paris-Roubaix after breaking his knee cap? Lemond
winning the Tour then Worlds in 89? Lance winning the Tour after
cancer?

PL - Well, you’ve named three of them and I was there for each one. There was also Stephen Roche’s big three in 1987. Stephen matured in one year with his battle with Visentini and tifosi in the Giro, Delgado in the Tour (especially on la Plagne)and he entered the World’s to help Kelly win, but had to do it for himself in the final sprint. In every race, riders make heroic efforts, but many are never seen or spoken of.


RP - Where do you see cycling on the world's sporting front in 10 years
from now?

PL - In 10 years – going pretty much as it is now, but further down the road I fear for it. The sport relies on access to roads and towns and they are clogging up at an alarming rate. The sport needs youngsters and plenty of them. On the plus side, venues around the world are realising that cycling and racing can sell their areas to the touring public and reach places farther away then ever. It is a great tourism tool. So-called fun rides, Audax and Randonnee will continue to increase in popularity, but I hope will not in the long term reduce the interest in competing.


RP - You've seen bike racing evolve through sum very formative years. What is the single biggest change you've witnessed in our sport (ie: technology, ethical issues, the racers...?)

PL - The sport has streamlined itself and become a world sport and not just a European one, as it was in the 60s/70s. Happily, it has never had any ethical issues and all are welcome. I would love for a black cyclist to make the grade right now as this would send the sport skyhigh in South Africa, for example. Equipment, with the arrival of the Americans, has changed and the best innovations have been the handlebar, Sti brake levers and clipless pedals. I hate the use of radios on riders and this should be banned. We have seen the problem manifest in motor sport last year and it could ruin the pro races this year if the riders become so robotic the thrill of the sport will die. Let’s leave the racing to the riders once the flag has gone down.


BONUS ROUND
RP - You prefer: Pint of Guinness, glass of Chianti, or single malt scotch?
PL - Glass of chianti (but had you said a pint of real ale from Great Britain, then you would have guessed right).

RP - Food choice: Tex-mex, Sushi, or Pub Pies?
PL - Pub pies.

RP - Most memorable practical joke you ever saw?
PL - When Raphael Geminiani poured a bucket of water over the commissaire on Paris-Nice after he had penalised his riders who he felt had ridden their hearts out that day.


Postscript:
It was a real treat chatting with a man who has seen so much in our sport. In the middle of our conversation, Phil's laptop froze up, prompting a string of coloful expletives that I'd never heard him utter in ten years fo watching his race coverage. It was one more a small thing that made me realize just how "regular" a guy he is.

Oh - and Phil did remember our 1st interview from 10 years ago...

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 23, 2011, 02:37:11 PM

And, of course, with Phil Liggett, you get Liggettisms...  I'll post a few here:

"well, are you coming or not and the answer is NOT!" Refers to "The Look": Armstrong looks straight into the eyes of Jan Ullrich.

"My goodness me!"

"Marco Pantani has crashed and Alex Zulle has followed him in sympathy"
1998 Giro / It is probably a psychological thing, but riders tend to crash without provocation, except seeing a nearby vrash.

"And so, the first pedal has been turned in ANGER!" 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 23, 2011, 02:53:07 PM

And here is a youtube of Phil:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dTEjERoQbk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dTEjERoQbk)

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 24, 2011, 03:10:33 PM

From VeloNews:

Tour de France Preview: Americans to Watch

 

By Jason Sumner
Published Jun 24th 2011 10:35 AM UTC — Updated Jun 24th 2011 1:00 PM UTC

 

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/HornerpodATOC8_511-157-325x216.jpg)
The final podium at the 2011 Tour of California. Left to right: Levi Leipheimer (second), Chris Horner (first) and Tom Danielson (third). All three will start the 2011 Tour de France. Photo: Casey B. Gibson | www.cbgphoto.com
 
Barring the unforeseen, it’s unlikely an American will contest the top step of the final 2011 Tour de France podium. That battle belongs to Spaniard Alberto Contador and Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck.
 
But this year’s Tour field boasts a deep wealth of Yankee talent, including a top sprinter, a quartet of potential top-5 finishers, one of the sport’s most promising young riders, and a star-crossed veteran who will be starting his record-tying 16th Grand Boucle.
 
Here’s an alphabetical look at those seven select Americans, plus one Canadian who could also make some noise at the 98th running of the Tour de France, which kicks off on July 2.
 
Tom Danielson (Garmin-Cervélo)
 
In 2005, Danielson was the toast of the cycling world following his dramatic triumph at the Tour de Georgia, a race then-teammate Lance Armstrong helped him win. In the aftermath, the Colorado resident was heralded as the next great American grand tour threat; VeloNews even labeled Danielson “Heir Apparent” in reference to a soon-to-retire Armstrong.
 
Six years later, it’s clear the appointments placed on Danielson were misguided. While by no means a bust (he was top 10 on GC at last year’s Vuelta a España), Danielson never developed into the world beater some had predicted. In fact, this year marks his first chance to even start the world’s biggest bike race.
 
But don’t be put off by his Tour rookie stature. The 33-year-old is an elite climber with better than average time trialing skills, a fact borne out by his third place finish at May’s Tour of California and a ninth place finish at the Tour of Switzerland. If Danielson can keep a cool head (something he struggles with at times) a stage win and/or a top-5 overall finish are not completely out of the question.

Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Cervélo)
 
Bar none the best American-born sprinter of his generation, Farrar enters the 2011 Tour as the man most likely to challenge the recent dominance of Brit Mark Cavendish (11 stage wins in the last two Tours). Already the native of Washington has grand tour stage triumphs at the Vuelta and Giro, but Farrar has yet to break through at the big show in France.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/Farrar-wins-Stage-21-325x487.jpg)
Farrar added to his palmares with a stage win at the 2011 Tirreno-Adriatico. Photo: Brad Kaminski @VeloNews
 
This season he’s shown continued improvement, taking stage 2 of Tirreno-Adriatico and slotting third at the Belgian semi-classic Ghent Wevelgem. And just a week ago, he showed the form is still on the up, snagging a win at the Ster ZLM Tour in Holland. On a down note, Farrar exited the Giro d’Italia early this year, following the tragic death of close friend Wouter Weylandt.
 
Like Cavendish, Farrar will have a strong team behind him, led by reigning world champion (and former Tour green jersey winner) Thor Hushovd. It might seem odd that Hushovd deferring to his less decorated teammate, but the reality is that Farrar has a much better chance of knocking of Cavendish in the drag races to the line.
 
Farrar could also be a player in the green points jersey chase, but a new-for-2011 rule change places greater emphasis on stage wins and less on intermediate bonus sprints, meaning the path to green will almost certainly go through Cavendish.

Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Cervélo)
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/HesjedalattackATOC4_511-019-325x487.jpg)
Hesjedal went on the attack several times at this year's Tour of California, mostly just to test his fitness. His focus was on July. Photo: Casey B. Gibson | www.cbgphoto.com
 
In each of the last three Tours, a member Jonathan Vaughter’s U.S.-based squad has managed to come up with a surprising GC result. Last year, that honor belonged to Canadian Hesjedal, who finished seventh in a season that also saw the former pro mountain biker win a stage at the Tour of California and finish second at the Amstel Gold Race.
 
Hesjedal’s best result thus far in 2011 is a ninth at the Tour of the Basque Country, which could mean one of two things: he’s dropped off some from 2010, or he’s better timed his peak and will be even better at this year’s Tour. The hunch here is the latter. Look for the British Columbian to snag a stage win and be in the mix for another top-10 finish.


George Hincapie (BMC)
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/GEORGE11-325x457.jpg)
Hincapie tuned up for the Tour at the Tour de Suisse. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com
 
Long gone are the days when Hincapie’s name was bandied about as a potential GC contender. His former Discovery Channel team tried pushing that story line in the wake of former teammate Lance Armstrong’s first retirement in 2005, but Hincapie ended up a distant 32nd at the Tour in 2006.
 
This year, Big George will be charged with a more familiar role, supporting a potential GC contender, in this case BMC teammate Cadel Evans. And assuming nothing happens between now and July 2, Hincapie will also earn the distinction of tying Dutchman Joop Zoetemelk, who started a record 16 Tours de France in the 1970s and ’80s.
 
Until recently, it seemed likely Hincapie would race this year and one more, allowing him to break Zoetemelk’s record. But a recent report on 60 Minutes alleging that Hincapie admitted to a grand jury that he and Armstrong provided each other doping products while they were teammates in the early 2000s could potentially accelerate the 37-year-old’s retirement plans.
 
Hincapie has denied he spoke to the TV show’s producers (the show did not say he had), but, notably, he has not specifically denied that he confessed before the grand jury.

Chris Horner (RadioShack)
 
Emphatic winner of May’s Tour of California, the seemingly ageless Horner is primed for his second straight run at a top-10 Tour finish. And if you believe Horner, the final podium is a possibility, too.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/HornerclimbATOC4_511-008-325x487.jpg)
Horner on his way to taking the California lead on stage 4's Sierra Road climb. Photo: Casey B. Gibson | www.cbgphoto.com
 
Those are big words for a 39-year-old rider who’s not even the pre-race leader of his team (RadioShack comes in with four potential leaders). But Horner has a knack for backing up big talk. Just witness his pre-California declaration, when he boldly predicted that Team RadioShack would go one-two. They did.
 
Since winning that race ahead of teammate Levi Leipheimer, Horner has bunkered down at his San Diego training base, forgoing the traditional pre-Tour warm-up races in favor of focused training and maintaining his newly adopted strict diet. By laying off burgers, fries and Cokes, Horner’s kept his weight below 140 pounds. That improved power-to-weight ratio could pay big dividends in this year’s Tour with its four mountaintop finishes.
 
If Horner can snag the team leadership nod early in the race, look for him to be a player in the wide-open race for the third place on the final podium.


Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack)
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/LEVI-211-325x279.jpg)
Leipheimer time trialed to dramatic last-stage win of the Tour de Suisse. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com
 
Talk about taking motivation from disappointment. While Leipheimer did his best to keep a stiff upper lip while finishing second to teammate Chris Horner at the Tour of California, his unwillingness to talk to reporters at the close of the critical Sierra Road stage spoke volumes about his mindset. The once proud King of California had been roundly dispatched by a teammate, and he wasn’t happy about it.
 
But talk of Leipheimer’s demise as a stage racer was premature. The California resident was back on top at the end of June, taking what he called the biggest win of his career — a narrow four-second triumph at the Tour of Switzerland.
 
Now Leipheimer faces the same dilemma as Horner: how to be a good teammate and separate oneself from those teammates early in the Tour, taking over the sole leadership role. The answer to this question for all four of the RadioShack contenders (German Andreas Kloden and Slovenian Jani Brajkovic are the other two riders in the mix) will likely come during stage 12’s 211km run from Cugnaux to the summit of the hors categorie Luz-Ardiden climb. As Leipheimer told VeloNews European correspondent Andrew Hood, the legs will decide.


Christian Vande Velde (Garmin-Cervélo)
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/VDV-12-660x48811-325x240.jpg)
CVV was looking lean at the Tour de Suisse. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com
 
In 2008, the Chicago native was the revelation of the Tour, finishing just one spot off the final podium in fourth. But instead of building on that monumental effort, Vande Velde has spent most of the ensuing years battling a rash of crash-caused injuries. Finally, this year Vande Velde has avoided unscheduled trips to the tarmac, and after a recent Colorado training camp, he told insiders his form was as good as it’s been in years.
 
Vande Velde (along with Danielson and Hesjedal) is one of three Garmin-Cervélo riders who could contest for a high GC placing, or even a stage win. He’ll just have to hope his run of good luck continues. Remember that last year, he crashed on the second stage and was forced to abandon the race.

Tejay van Garderen (HTC-Highroad)
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/TEJAY11-325x307.jpg)
Van Garderen in the Best Young Rider's white kit at the Tour de Suisse. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com
 
Part of a new generation of potentially great American cyclists, van Garderen, 22, will be starting his first Tour de France. His grand tour debut was at last year’s Vuelta a España, where joined the HTC squad in its TTT win on stage 1 and finished sixth on stage 4. Expectations from the outside will be set low, but van Garderen is not one to buy into the just-happy-to-be-here mantra.
 
The HTC-Highroad rider is exceptionally competitive, witness his “disappointment” after taking the Best Young Rider jersey and finishing fifth overall at the Tour of California. But that’s what happens when you finish on the podium at a major Tour tune-up race, as van Garderen did at the 2010 Dauphine. Next up, a Tour de France podium. The question is not if, but when.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 25, 2011, 06:24:21 PM

Slim pickings again on stuff to report today.  The Tour starts next Saturday, July 2. 

Here are a few Liggettisms to hold you over:

"He's wearing the mask of pain" Referring to any rider with a grimace (usually suffering up a climb.) 

"He's crazy. He's always been crazy. And what on EARTH is he doing?" Probably in reference to Chiappuci!

"Once again, they've stretched the elastic."

"The elastic has snapped." All time classics!!! 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 27, 2011, 07:29:57 PM

From VeloNews:

Is defending Tour champion Alberto Contador this year’s Tour villain?
 By Jason Sumner
Published Jun 27th 2011 4:57 PM UTC
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/05/GiroStage21212-325x216.jpg)
Contador's fans at the Giro d'Italia last month. Photo: Gregg Bleakney
 
Pause for a moment and ask yourself, how do you feel about Alberto Contador?
 
Is he the premier stage racer of his generation — and possibly the best of all time? Is he a rider without equal in the high mountains, his sharp attacks and brash accelerations serving as debilitating upper cuts to the hopes of his competition? Is he a skilled time trialist, able to roundly dispatch all but the world’s elite TT specialists?
 
Is he the only rider who ever truly stood toe-to-toe with Lance Armstrong — and won? Is he a victim of tainted meat and an overzealous anti-doping system that’s sweeping up innocent riders with its draconian rules of strict liability?
 
Is he using legitimate means to effectively prepare his legal case in the wake of testing positive for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol on the second rest day of the 2010 Tour? Is it simply coincidence that the delay of his hearing before the Court of Arbitration for Sport will push its start date to a week after the 2011 Tour de France concludes?
 
Or is Contador the personification of all that is wrong with cycling and sports in general? Is he a selfish teammate, who only knows how to ride for himself? Is he a simple-minded athletic anomaly, surviving on genetic gifts, but lacking any modicum of grit, guile or tactical sense? Is he an egomaniacal showboat, his El Pisteloro finish-line salute bike racing’s version of a preening wide receiver moon walking across the end zone?
 
Is he using deceitful legal tactics to push back his inevitable suspension from the sport just long enough so that his Saxo Bank-SunGard team can secure another round of sponsorships? Is he another in a long line of dopers, willing to do whatever it takes to win, assuming everyone else is doing the same thing, and not caring what effect it has on the rest of the sport?
 
Should he be starting the Tour de France — or racing at all?
 
How you answer these questions says a lot not just about your opinion of Alberto Contador, but also the state of cycling in broader terms. Is the sport riding steady tempo toward a cleaner future? Or is all the tough talk about biological passports and changing culture just hollow lip service aimed at placating a fan base grown exceedingly weary of doping — not racing — dominating cycling’s headlines?

Indeed, there is a strong argument that the 28-year-old is the best stage racer of his generation, a rider in possession of cycling’s rare and deadly double, the ability to climb and time trial with equal brilliance.
 
Yes, Contador did square off with the great and powerful Armstrong two years ago, and if you believe the Spaniard’s version of the events, he successfully fended off attempted fratricide and beat Big Tex at the Tour.
 
And until the courts say differently, Contador has totaled six grand tour wins, earning a career grand slam by grabbing the final leader’s jersey in the Vuelta (once), Giro (twice) and Tour (three times), something only four others have accomplished in cycling’s century-old history. Win this year’s Tour and he’ll equal Armstrong for grand tour triumphs, and be the first rider in 13 years to notch the Giro-Tour double.
 
But clearly Contador’s presence in France will be unwelcome for many. Shortly after announcing his plans to race despite his ongoing doping case, a poll claimed that two-thirds of French cycling fans preferred the defending champion stay home in July. The sport’s governing body, preparing for the expected negative reaction, has urged fans and media to exhibit the “utmost sense of responsibility” toward Contador, who has the “statutory right to take part in any competition.”
 
Some of his peers have also chimed in, Sky’s Bradley Wiggins telling the Associated Press that Contador’s presence at the Tour’s 98th running will be “bad for all those teams that are fighting to be clean.”
 
So what now? Do you marvel at Contador’s jaw-dropping ability, knowing that like Armstrong, Bonds, Jordan, Clemens and Tiger, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose achievements (tainted or not) may never be equaled? Or do you see him as a fraudulent pariah who’s doing irreparable damage to an already battered sport?
 
Sadly, we may never know with absolute certainty the answer to any of these questions, meaning in the end, how you feel about Alberto Contador is the only answer that really matters.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Lynch on June 28, 2011, 09:40:06 AM

How is the field going to shape up in a few days? Any one coming out of the wood works that looks to be a surprise? Is there any scandals going on that I've missed?

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:44:15 PM

Quote from: Lynch on June 28, 2011, 09:40:06 AM

How is the field going to shape up in a few days? Any one coming out of the wood works that looks to be a surprise? Is there any scandals going on that I've missed?

Final lineups are being made on most teams.  Contador, the Schleck brothers. 

Usually the surprise (comes out of the woodwork) happens on the road in the first several stages.

Scandals.  Welp, Contador's persists.  Most others are on Lance Armstrong, who is retired...

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:47:14 PM

The next several posts are from VeloNews and is analyzing the race stage by stage:

Analyzing and rating all 21 stages
 
Last year’s Tour de France was headlined by a mountaintop finish on the Col du the Tourmalet (won by Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck over Spain’s Alberto Contador) to mark the centennial of the Tour’s first crossing of the Pyrénées. This year’s race, starting on Saturday, celebrates 100 years of racing through the High Alps, culminating with a stage to the top of the Col du Galibier — which, at 8,678 feet (2,645 meters) elevation, will be the highest stage finish in Tour history.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2010/10/galibier640-300x199.jpg)
The Galibier
 
That stage comes three days from the finish of the 98th Tour, which covers 3,443km (2,108 miles) over 23 days in July. The three stages in the Alps, along with the penultimate day’s individual time trial at Grenoble, will decide who wins this year’s Tour, but in a race that is often won by mere seconds the race can be lost on any of the 21 daily stages.
 
So here’s a detailed look at all the stages with the scoop on what to look for each day and my rating of each day’s importance to the overall, or general classification (GC) contenders. A one-star rating indicates the least influence on the race for the leader’s yellow jersey, while five stars is given to stages that have the very highest importance.
 
This Tour’s Grand Départ (the “Great Start”) is in the rural Vendée region of western France. As when the race started here in 1993 and 1999, the teams will be presented to the public on Thursday evening (June 30) prior to a spectacular nighttime sound-and-light show at the lakeside medieval castle of Le Puy du Fou. But the true fireworks begin two days later when the opening stage gets underway besides the gray waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
 
The 198 riders (22 teams of nine riders each) mount their bikes at the fishing port of Fromentine before heading off on a processional ride of 13.5km across the island of Noirmoutier and the Passage du Gois (pronounced “gwah”), the infamous 4.5km-long paved causeway that’s flooded at high tide. They will stop at the causeway’s eastern exit where, at the lowest point in the Vendée, the Tour’s starting ceremonies will be held. A band will play the Marseillaise and a VIP will cut the tricolor ribbon stretched in front of the peloton before they roll away behind the race director’s red Skoda sedan. Then, 2km later, he’ll wave the official starting flag to get the 2011 Tour de France underway, almost an hour after leaving Fromentine.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:48:38 PM

July 2 Stage 1: Passage du Gois to Mont des Alouettes, 191.5km (119 miles)
 
With the time-consuming protocol out of the way, the peloton will be keen to get on with the racing. This is one of the flattest stages of the Tour, so expect speeds to be high despite likely crosswinds off the ocean. The sprinters’ teams will be eager to keep the peloton together until the uphill straightaway at Avrillé (87km, 54 miles) for the very first, new-format intermediate sprint.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2010/10/gois-300x168.jpg)
The Passage du Gois
 
This daily mid-race sprint, with a hefty allocation of points for the best-sprinter’s green jersey competition, is an experiment that should yield spectacular results, especially on a stage like this one when the pure sprinters are disadvantaged by an uphill finish at the end of the day. Expect breakaways to form on the hillier second half of this stage but the field is likely to come together in the final hour after the fast downhill run into Les Herbiers. Here, the riders have to negotiate eight roundabouts on the town’s ring road prior to what should be an exciting finale.
 
The last 4km is all uphill, shallow at first before hitting a steady 5-percent grade on wide roads where the wind could scupper the chances of a solo attacker. The finish line is at the top of the Mont des Alouettes (”Mount of the Larks”) 748 feet (228 meters) above sea level, not far from the highest point in the Vendée. The strongest sprinters (rather than the fastest) will likely contest the stage win — and the Tour’s first yellow jersey.
 
THE SCOOP: GC contenders will have to be wary of getting caught out by splits in the peloton caused by (1) the quick succession of roundabouts in the last 6km, (2) the high speed of the climb to the finish and/or (3) the likely crosswinds.
 OVERALL RATING: **
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:50:57 PM

July 3 Stage 2: Les Essarts team time trial, 23km (14.3 miles)
 
The team time trial (TTT) is a stage in which each of the 22 teams starts separately at seven-minute intervals, with the fastest time taking the win. Most importantly, the team time (measured on its fifth man across the line) counts on the individual GC, so the yellow jersey is almost certain to go to the first rider across the line in the day’s fastest team. The course is a flat 23km team time trial on a straightforward, triangular course at the town of Les Essarts, population 5,000. Riding fast in strong winds will be each team’s goal, with the short distance designed to keep the time gaps small (probably less than 10 seconds between the top three teams and maybe 90 seconds to the slowest one) and ensure that the first week’s GC is not locked up by the TTT-winning formation.
 
THE SCOOP: All the GC contenders hope that their team is strong enough to take a top-five or at least a top-10 finish; otherwise, if they finish more than a minute back, their Tour-winning chances will be greatly reduced.
 OVERALL RATING: ***
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:51:49 PM

July 4 Stage 3: Olonne-sur-Mer to Redon, 198km (123 miles)
 
This is a stage that should end up favoring the sprinters, like the Manxman Mark Cavendish, American Tyler Farrar or Italian Alessandro Petacchi. The course is the flattest of the Tour, heading north from the Vendée region into Brittany, paralleling the Atlantic coast before crossing the Loire River estuary on the 216-foot high St. Nazaire Bridge — which is the day’s only climb, given the lowest, category 4 designation. If there are strong crosswinds the race could break up in the remaining 55km (34 miles) that the peloton will probably cover in one hour. The race passes through the town of Pontchâteau on its way to a flat finish in Redon.
 
THE SCOOP: Everyone will need to be wary of two tricky turns, a right uphill 270-degree loop from a highway with 6km to go and a sharp right just outside 3km; if there is a crash on either turn riders could lose a bunch of time because time lost from crashes or mechanical problems are only cancelled out for incidents inside the final 3km.
 OVERALL RATING: *
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:52:24 PM

July 5 Stage 4: Lorient to Mûr-de-Bretagne, 172.5km (107 miles)
 
This stage is definitely not one for the sprinters. The start in Lorient is only 70km from the finish at Mûr-de-Bretagne, but the route of this fourth stage travels an extra 100km on a loop that takes in lot of short climbs through central Brittany before finishing atop the infamous hill at Mûr-de-Bretagne that the locals call Brittany’s L’Alpe d’Huez because so many fans line its slopes on race day. This finishing climb opens with a straight kilometer at a 10-percent grade, including two 15-percent pitches, and eases to 5.5 percent, then 2.4 percent for the final 500 meters.
 
THE SCOOP: Expect to see the GC riders’ teammates pulling their leaders toward the head of the bunch in the final kilometers before reaching a short hill into the town of Mûr-de-Bretagne 4km from the line. Vital seconds will be lost by those not starting the final climb in good position.
 OVERALL RATING: ***
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:53:23 PM

July 6 Stage 5: Carhaix to Cap de Fréhel, 164.5km (102 miles)
 
The main features of this medium-distance stage are the 45 communities it passes through (increasing the likelihood of crashes) and the winds that almost always blow across the exposed coast of northern Brittany. The finish near Cap Fréhel, a rocky headland jutting into the English Channel (the French call it La Manche), is where Bjarne Riis’s CSC team split the race apart in crosswinds on a stage to St. Brieuc in 2004. This year’s route is in the opposite direction, with the race passing through St. Brieuc 50km from the end, but expect similar tactics from Riis (who now directs Contador’s Saxo Bank team).
 
THE SCOOP: A short, sharp hill 3km from the finish followed by a fast downhill and a slightly uphill final kilometer with frequent turns could favor a late attack and catch out the sprinters (and a few GC contenders).
 OVERALL RATING: *
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:54:10 PM

July 7 Stage 6: Dinan to Lisieux, 226.5km (140.7 miles)
 
This longest stage of the 2011 Tour is also likely to be one of the fastest because it heads east with the prevailing winds out of Brittany along the Channel coast and across the rolling hills of Normandy. The finish at Lisieux features a significant climb past its massive Ste. Thérèse basilica, 2km from the finish, featuring a 10-percent pitch midway up the 1.3km, 6.3-percent grade.
 
THE SCOOP: The sprinters’ teams are likely to let a breakaway form after the intermediate sprint at Vassy, some 100km from the finish. Given the length of the stage, the break should stay away; but GC contenders will still need to be wary of losing time when the peloton splits on the climb to the finish.
 OVERALL RATING: **
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:55:45 PM

July 8 Stage 7: Le Mans to Châteauroux, 218km (135.5 miles)
 
This is another long stage, but much flatter, heading south from the Loire valley to a flat finish in Châteauroux — where Mark Cavendish won his very first Tour stage three years ago. There are some sharp turns and a roundabout in the final 5km, but the lead-out trains set up by the teams of the leading sprinters should prevent any late attacks from succeeding.
 
THE SCOOP: This stage will almost certainly provide the last (and best!) mass sprint finish of the Tour’s opening week, though the overall contenders will again have to avoid crashes (on two sharp turns and the roundabout) before reaching the 3km-to-go marker.
 OVERALL RATING: *

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:57:07 PM

July 9 Stage 8: Aigurande to Super-Besse, 189km (117.5 miles)
 
As it did in 2008, this year’s Tour will head into the hilly terrain of the Massif Central with an almost identical stage from Aigurande to a summit finish at Super-Besse. This is where Riccardo Riccò (later disqualified for doping) sprinted home ahead of Alejandro Valverde (who is suspended this year for another doping offense) and Cadel Evans. One difference is that the finale is preceded by a much harder climb, the Cat. 2 Col de la Croix St. Robert (6.2km at a 6.2-percent average grade), followed by 19km of winding back roads before the last climb begins in the town of Besse.
 
THE SCOOP: The climb to the finish is in two parts: a 2.5km haul out of Besse town at almost 7-percent grade and, after a downhill section, a 1.5km kicker to the line at almost 8 percent. It’ll suit a mixture or GC contenders and those seeking stage wins at hilltop finishes.
 OVERALL RATING: ***
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:59:12 PM

July 10 Stage 9: Issoire to St. Flour, 208km (129 miles)
 
This is the first day of serious climbing, with almost 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) of elevation gain in a 208km stage that will mean almost six hours in the saddle. It’s similar to a stage in 2004 that also crossed a slew of long climbs through the same mountain range when Frenchman Richard Virenque finished solo in medieval St. Flour five minutes ahead of a 70-strong peloton. This year, the group will be much smaller due to the quick succession of the Cat. 2 Puy Mary, Perthus and Prat de Bouc climbs within a 40km stretch that comes only 54km from the uphill finish.
 
THE SCOOP: All the GC favorites’ teams will need to be ready to respond to dangerous breakaways, especially on the narrow, undulating back roads in the last 20km of this long (and perhaps very hot) day.
 OVERALL RATING: ***

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 05:59:57 PM

July 11 Rest day at Le Lioran Cantal
 
The 22 teams are staying for two nights at 20 separate hotels in 14 different towns scattered around the Cantal region of the Massif Central. The athletes will have plenty of hills to discover on their traditional two-hour rest-day rides to keep their legs turning.
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:01:14 PM

July 12 Stage 10: Aurillac to Carmaux, 158km (98 miles)
 
After the first rest day, the Tour will continue with another stage in the Massif Central, but on a more rolling than hilly course. After the intermediate sprint at Maurs early in the day, expect multiple attacks over this stage’s four categorized climbs, the last of which, 10km from the line, offers a chance for a strong rider to break clear of the pack.
 
THE SCOOP: Everyone will have to be wary of the final kilometers into the old coalmining town of Carmaux. The two 90-degree corners and three curving turns in the final kilometer, following a fast 3km downhill run into town, will present extra challenges for the sprinters and a high chance for crashes.
 OVERALL RATING: **
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:02:59 PM

July 13 Stage 11: Blaye-les-Mines to Lavaur, 167.5km (104 miles)
 
Despite this stage coming halfway through the Tour on a course through the hilly Tarn-et-Garonne area, between the Massif Central and the Pyrénées, it’s made for sprinters. Both the intermediate sprint at Gaillac (85km) and the finish at Lavaur two hours later are on straight, wide streets after long downhill runs.
 THE SCOOP: After this one, only two other stages give sprinters a chance of winning (at Montpellier in four days’ time and in Paris), so expect Cavendish, Farrar and Petacchi to be battling for the green jersey points in Gaillac and the stage win in Lavaur.
 OVERALL RATING: *
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:04:00 PM

July 14 Stage 12: Cugnaux to Luz-Ardiden, 211km (131 miles)
 
After a rest day and two relatively simple stages, this first excursion into the high mountains of the Pyrénées will come as a shock to most of the field. It’ll be six hours long with almost 13,000 feet (3,900 meters) of elevation change, ending with three giant climbs: the 10km Cat. 1 Hourquette d’Ancizan as a warm-up; the familiar 17km hors-cat (above-category) Tourmalet; and the 13km hors-cat finale to the mountaintop finish at Luz-Ardiden.
 
Being July 14, when they celebrate Bastille Day in France, the home fans will be hoping for a French stage winner. In fact, since World War II, only 15 French riders have won a Tour stage in 64 attempts. The last one to do so was David Moncoutié, six years ago; but with the yellow jersey on the line the big guns will be shooting for this prestigious victory.
 
THE SCOOP: Whereas Lance Armstrong vigorously targeted the first mountaintop finish in his seven winning Tours, three-time winner Contador has yet to win such a stage. There’s a chance the Spaniard will be left with very few teammates by the final climb, which would give multi-leader teams such as Garmin-Cervélo, Leopard-Trek and RadioShack an opportunity to send riders in early breakaways and force Contador’s men to chase rather than set up the defending champion for a late attack.
 OVERALL RATING: *****
 
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:06:02 PM

July 15 Stage 13: Pau to Lourdes, 152.5km (94.8 miles)
 
With the general classification fully established at Luz-Ardiden, the main contenders will be happy to have an easy day before the even more important third Pyrenean stage coming up. And though this stage climbs the more difficult side of the mythic Col d’Aubisque, a breakaway of riders low on the GC totem pole will almost certainly be well clear before then. Only 13km separates the end of the Aubisque descent from the finish in Lourdes, so a solo rider escaping on the downhill could easily win the stage. If not, two sharp downhill turns in the last kilometer might influence an eventual group sprint.
 
THE SCOOP: The Tour has only once held a stage finish in the pilgrim city of Lourdes. That was in 1948 after a mountain stage over the Aubisque and ended in a three-man sprint taken by that year’s eventual winner Gino Bartali of Italy ahead of two French riders, defending champion Jean Robic and a future champion Louison Bobet.
 OVERALL RATING: ***

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:07:06 PM

July 16 Stage 14: St. Gaudens to Plateau de Beille, 168.5km (104.7 miles)
 
This is one of the two toughest stages of the 2011 Tour de France, with seven major climbs, almost 16,000 feet (4,800 meters) of elevation gain and a finish atop the 16km-long Plateau de Beille that has several 10-percent pitches in its opening half. The stage is almost a blueprint of the one in 2004 when Levi Leipheimer said: “It was probably the hardest stage I’ve ever done. Little by little I ran out of gas. I was completely empty (at the end).” Leipheimer was stronger in 2007, the last time a stage finished here, conceding only 40 seconds to Contador and gaining 1:12 on Andreas Klöden and Evans.
 
THE SCOOP: There have been only four stages to the remote Plateau de Beille, a Nordic ski station; all four have been won by the man who’d go on to win that year’s Tour: Marco Pantani in 1998, Armstrong in 2002 and ’04, and Contador in ’07.
 OVERALL RATING: *****

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:08:15 PM

July 17 Stage 15: Limoux to Montpellier, 193km (120 miles)
 
Usually, the third Sunday of the Tour, is devoted to a major mountain stage or time trial, but this year’s stage is a mostly flat run out of the Pyrénées and through the Languedoc vineyards to Montpellier. The sprinters’ team will be working hard to control the early attacks — that will likely consolidate before the race passes the medieval fortifications of Carcassonne’s La Cité, 25km into the stage. And as there’s no racing the next day, the best sprinters’ teammates will be prepared to work hard for their man.
 
THE SCOOP: The sprinters’ goal is usually to wait and catch the breakaway in the final 10km but with this day’s intermediate sprint at Montaignac, only 46.5km from the finish, that’s where the peloton will probably regroup. Less than an hour later, after racing on 10km of wide boulevards through the Montpellier suburbs, the final sprint should be fast and spectacular.
 OVERALL RATING: *
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:10:07 PM

July 18 Rest day in the Drôme region
 
Teams will stay two nights at hotels in a dozen towns between Valence and Orange in the Rhône Valley, with Team RadioShack the only one sleeping at the next day’s start in St Paul-Trois-Châteaux.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:11:20 PM

July 19 Stage 16: St. Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Gap, 162.5km (101 miles)
 
This stage has a sting in the tail in the form of a 20km finishing loop that climbs the opening 4km of the Col Bayard (with some 10-percent pitches) before veering off to the Col de Manse summit, which is 1,640 feet (500 meters) above the finish in Gap. The descent via La Rochette is tricky and steep — where, in 2003, Joseba Beloki fell and sustained career-ending injuries and Armstrong cyclo-crossed down the mountainside to avoid crashing.
 
THE SCOOP: Even though a breakaway will probably stay clear to contest the stage win, some GC contenders will almost certainly attack on the Bayard-Manse climb that summits only 11.5km from the finish.
 OVERALL RATING: **
 
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:12:19 PM

July 20 Stage 17: Gap to Pinerolo (Italy), 178km (110.6 miles)
 
This first of three stages in the Alps heads into Italy via the Cat. 1 climb to Sestriere, but this is more than 60km from the finish, so the real action won’t take place until the brutal Cat. 2 Colle Pra Martino. On a narrow, very twisting back road, this 6.7km climb averages 6.2 percent, but it has a 12-percent section just before a summit that’s only 7km from the line in Pinerolo. The 3km-long, switchback descent averages a vertiginous 15 percent and that’s where the stage can be won and lost.
 
THE SCOOP: The Pra Martino climb was used in a Giro d’Italia stage to Pinerolo in 2009 when, of the riders doing this year’s Tour, the best were Ivan Basso, Levi Leipheimer and Damiano Cunego.
 OVERALL RATING: ***
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:13:58 PM

July 21 Stage 18: Pinerolo to Col du Galibier, 200.5km (125 miles)
 
This stage heads back into France over the mighty hors-cat Col Agnel, which at 9,002 feet (2,744 meters) is the highest mountain pass this year. The Tour has never crossed the Agnel from the Italian side, which is a climb of almost 24km, averaging 6.6 percent, but most importantly averaging 10 percent for the final 9km! The peloton will split dramatically here before a sharp descent, and this should herald multiple attacks on the following Col d’Izoard (almost 15km at 7.1 percent). Another technical downhill ends in Briançon, where the race covers a dozen kilometers in the valley before the 23km-long haul to the finish on top of the Col du Galibier — that was first scaled in the Tour 100 years ago. The stage totals a gargantuan 17,000 feet (5,180 meters) of climbing!
 THE SCOOP: Besides marking this alpine centennial, at 8,678 feet (2,645 meters) above sea level, the Galibier is the highest summit finish in Tour history; and though the gradient on this southern approach averages only 5-percent, it gradually steepens to end with a 12.5-percent kicker to the line!
 OVERALL RATING: *****
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:16:43 PM

July 22 Stage 19: Modane to L’Alpe d’Huez, 109.5km (68 miles)
 Don’t be fooled by the brevity of this final mountain stage. It’s less than 110km (just 68 miles) but there’s barely a kilometer of flat roads between Modane and the spectacular summit finish in L’Alpe d’Huez. After a short downhill from the start, the peloton will tackle the more difficult side of the Galibier via the Col du Télégraphe, a total ascent of 28.6km with an average 7-percent grade. Don’t expect heroics on this reverse crossing of the Galibier because the race still has to negotiate a mostly downhill run of 43km (via the Col du Lautaret) before starting the 13.8km hors-cat climb to the finish.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/AlpedHuez-325x486.jpg)
The road to Alpe d’Huez.
 
THE SCOOP: The only rider in this race to have won a Tour stage at L’Alpe d’Huez is Fränk Schleck, five years ago, while the last time the race came here, in 2008, the best finishers of the current field were Samuel Sanchez, Andy and Fränk Schleck, Cadel Evans and Christian Vande Velde.
 OVERALL RATING: ****

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:19:15 PM

July 23 Stage 20: Grenoble time trial, 42.5km (26.4 miles)
 
The three demanding alpine stages should settle the destiny of the yellow jersey. If not, then this only individual time trial of the 2011 Tour should do the job. When this same hilly 42.5km circuit at Grenoble was raced in the Critérium du Dauphiné earlier this month, Germany’s Tony Martin won the stage in 55:28 (an average speed of 45.973 kph) by just 11 seconds from Britain’s Brad Wiggins. Another 1:09 back, in sixth place, came Cadel Evans, while climbers Jurgen Van den Broeck and Robert Gesink lost 2:29 and 2:38 respectively to Wiggins.
 
THE SCOOP: Though Martin or world TT champ Fabian Cancellara may win this stage, the true battle could happen behind the two specialists. The most recent closing TT at the Tour to come close to upsetting the podium was in 2007; before that TT, Contador led Evans by 1:50 and Leipheimer by 2:49. The Spaniard did hang on to win the Tour, but with only a 23-second margin on Evans and 31 seconds on Leipheimer.
 OVERALL RATING: ****
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 28, 2011, 06:20:22 PM

July 24 Stage 21: Créteil to Paris (Champs-Élysées), 95km (59 miles)
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2010/07/iResizePhoto17-300x199.jpg)
2010 Tour de France stage 20, Champs-Elysees
 
For the first time, rather than traveling by high-speed train, the riders will take a chartered jetliner on the final morning (from Grenoble to Orly Airport) to reach the start of stage 21 in Créteil. The early kilometers of the ultra-short stage will see the usual slow procession as photographers get shots of the yellow jersey sipping champagne at his team car before the speed picks up for the eight laps and 50km of racing around the traditional circuit up and down the Champs-Élysées and around the Tuileries Gardens.

 THE SCOOP: No time bonuses are awarded at this Tour, so there are unlikely to be any changes in the final classification, but look for fireworks in the sprinters’ green-jersey competition. There’ll be a big intermediate sprint on the fourth lap as well as the final dash to the line, 35km later.
 OVERALL RATING: *

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 29, 2011, 03:24:10 PM

Ok, the Leopard-Trek team is well stocked with veteran riders, both GC men and domestiques.  This team will give Contador a run for his money. 

Check out this article from VeloNews:

Andy Schleck: I have no excuses now
 By Brian Holcombe
Published Jun 29th 2011 11:25 AM UTC
 

Andy Schleck returns to the Tour de France this week with the weight of being the twice-consecutive runner-up. With brother Fränk Schleck and a custom built Leopard-Trek squad around him, Andy told VeloNews that he hoped to put to work a specific offseason training regimen, work on the TT bike and the hard weather in Brittany in winning his first grand tour.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/000_DV803921-325x216.jpg)
2010 Tour de France, stage 15. Andy Schleck's infamous chain drop. AFP PHOTO / JOEL SAGET
 
“I have no excuses now. Everything around me is 100 percent. It’s now up to me. I have to play the cards in the Tour. It’s Frank and me,” he said. “I know it’s a heavy weight, but I’m 100 percent professional. I know how I have to train, what I have to eat and the lifestyle I need. I think that when I do that, I’m 100 percent and I do my best, and there’s no more I can do.”
 
The 2011 Tour parcours is climbing heavy, with just one individual time trial, which comes on the penultimate stage. Fränk said the route may suit Andy and he better than ever, but both brothers looked to the first week of the race, when the unpredictable weather in France’s western Brittany region could provide the first differences in the general classification.
 
“You shouldn’t focus so much just on the mountains,” said Andy Schleck. “I believe the first week is going to be nasty. I know that area of France and I know there’s no day that there’s no wind. There’s going to be a nervous peloton, tons of people. If bad weather comes to Brittany, it can change from sunshine to 10 minutes later storm and rain.”
 
Defending Tour champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) was caught out when he missed a split in the wind during the third stage of the 2009 Tour in the Rhône region near the Mediterranean coast. The time loss forced Contador into a surprise attack, into a headwind, four days later on the climb to Andorra Arcalis to take back time on teammate and rival Lance Armstrong. Schleck would go on to finish between the two on the final podium, with Armstrong third.
 
With Fabian Cancellara, Jens Voigt and Stuart O’Grady among his supporting cast, the younger Schleck said he hoped the opening week would see splits again.
 
“I’m not scared of the wind. I’m not scared of the team time trial,” said Andy Schleck. “I have the best guys around me… I hope we’re not going through the first week with everything in same time. The team time trial will make a difference, but I hope we see cross winds and bulges.”
 
With his new, Luxembourg-based squad Andy Schleck approached 2011 differently than previous seasons. He spent more time than ever doing focused power workouts in the gym, running and Nordic skiing. The time trial has been his weak point and Schleck also spent more time on the TT bike, in the wind tunnel and the velodrome, and working on elasticity with his soigneur in hopes of finding a more powerful – and aerodynamic – position on the bike.
 
“I believe I can do it. I believe I can do a good time trial,” he said. “There’s no big secrets. I learn a lot from Fabian. He goes out and rides five, six hours with his TT bike. If I train three days, I’ll do one on the TT bike.”
 
The new training approach earned Schleck top form for the Ardennes classics, where he couldn’t overcome Philippe Gilbert, who Fränk called “unbeatable.” He did, however, show his strength in a long solo move late at the Amstel Gold Race and the Schlecks were the only riders able to run free with Gilbert at Liège-Bastogne-Liège. But Andy has fallen under scrutiny lately, as some called his results at the Amgen Tour of California and Tour de Suisse underwhelming. When compared to 2010, Schleck’s pre-Tour results were similar, even in face of the tragic loss of his teammate Wouter Weylandt in May.
 
“I know what it takes to get there, to be 100 percent,” he said. “There are so many things that come together. You can have a crash. You can get sick and it’s all gone. That’s cycling and I know that. Even if I’m 100 percent, there are 20 other guys with the same dream and they are working hard… I don’t take it easily on my shoulders.”
 
One of those 20 guys is Contador. Schleck infamously ceded the yellow jersey to the Spaniard last year after dropping his chain high on the hors categorie Port de Balès climb. He said he’s finished looking back at that day.
 
“I would lie if I said I wasn’t happy to go second at the Tour, but it’s been two times so I want to make that final step to be on the top and the national anthem of Luxembourg is playing on the Champs Elysées,” he said. “You have to learn out of your mistakes, but I don’t look so much back on that. It was just a bad day; I was unlucky that day.”
 
His Leopard team has struggled at times this year, but with the right pieces around him in France next month, Schleck will have all the right cards at his disposal. How he plays them – and a little luck – will determine whether he makes that final step before the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 30, 2011, 02:12:31 PM

Past Tour de France Winners from VeloNews:

Past winners of the Tour de France
 By VeloNews.com
Published Jun 30th 2011 6:24 AM UTC — Updated Jun 30th 2011 3:16 PM UTC
 


The 98th edition of the Tour de France begins on Saturday. Although riders from the host country have not won an edition of the Tour since 1985, France continues to hold the record for the number of wins by a two-to-one margin.
 

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2009/03/MauriceGarinSm-204x300.jpg)
Maurice Garin, the first winner of the Tour de France

 France – 36
 Belgium – 18
 Spain – 13
 USA – 10
 Italy – 9
 Luxembourg – 4
 Switzerland – 2
 Netherlands – 2
 Germany – 1
 Ireland – 1
 Denmark – 1
 
Past winners of the Tour de France
 
1903: Maurice Garin (F)
 1904: Henri Cornet (F) *
 1905: Louis Trousselier (F)
 1906: Rene Pottier (F)
 1907: Lucien Petit-Breton (F)
 1908: Lucien Petit-Breton (F)
 1909: Francois Faber (Lux)
 1910: Octave Lapize (F)
 1911: Gustave Garrigou (F)
 1912: Odile Defraye (B)
 1913: Philippe Thys (B)
 1914: Philippe Thys (B)
 
Race suspended due to WWI

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/04/000_APP2002041183962-300x425.jpg)
Fausto Coppi

1919: Firmin Lambot (B)
 1920: Philippe Thys (B)
 1921: Leon Scieur (B)
 1922: Firmin Lambot (B)
 1923: Henri Pelissier (F)
 1924: Ottavio Bottechia (I)
 1925: Ottavio Bottechia (I)
 1926: Lucien Buysse (B)
 1927: Nicolas Frantz (Lux)
 1928: Nicolas Frantz (Lux)
 1929: Maurice De Waele (B)
 1930: Andre Leducq (F)
 1931: Antonin Magne (F)
 1932: Andre Leducq (F)
 1933: Georges Speicher (F)
 1934: Antonin Magne (F)
 1935: Romain Maes (B)
 1936: Sylvere Maes (B)
 1937: Roger Lapebie (F)
 1938: Gino Bartali (I)
 1939: Sylvere Maes (B)
 
Race suspended due to WWII

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/Merckx-325x371.jpg)
Eddy Merckx in his first Tour.

1947: Jean Robic (F)
 1948: Gino Bartali (I)
 1949: Fausto Coppi (I)
 1950: Ferdi Kubler (Swi)
 1951: Hugo Koblet (Swi)
 1952: Fausto Coppi (I)
 1953: Louison Bobet (F)
 1954: Louison Bobet (F)
 1955: Louison Bobet (F)
 1956: Roger Walkowiak (F)
 1957: Jacques Anquetil (F)
 1958: Charly Gaul (Lux)
 1959: Federico Bahamontes (Sp)
 1960: Gastone Nencini (I)
 1961: Jacques Anquetil (F)
 1962: Jacques Anquetil (F)
 1963: Jacques Anquetil (F)
 1964: Jacques Anquetil (F)
 1965: Felice Gimondi (I)
 1966: Lucien Aimar (F)
 1967: Roger Pingeon (F)
 1968: Jan Janssen (Nl)
 1969: Eddy Merckx (B)
 1970: Eddy Merckx (B)
 1971: Eddy Merckx (B)
 1972: Eddy Merckx (B)
 1973: Luis Ocana (Sp)
 1974: Eddy Merckx (B)
 1975: Bernard Thevenet (F)
 1976: Lucien Van Impe (B)
 1977: Bernard Thevenet (F)
 1978: Bernard Hinault (F)
 1979: Bernard Hinault (F)
 1980: Joop Zoetemelk (Nl)
 1981: Bernard Hinault (F)
 1982: Bernard Hinault (F)

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2010/08/APP2003052382807-300x445.jpg)
Laurent Fignon and Greg LeMond in 1989

 1983: Laurent Fignon (F)
 1984: Laurent Fignon (F)
 1985: Bernard Hinault (F)
 1986: Greg LeMond (USA)
 1987: Stephen Roche (Irl)
 1988: Pedro Delgado (Sp)
 1989: Greg LeMond (USA)
 1990: Greg LeMond (USA)
 1991: Miguel Indurain (Sp)
 1992: Miguel Indurain (Sp)
 1993: Miguel Indurain (Sp)
 1994: Miguel Indurain (Sp)
 1995: Miguel Indurain (Sp)
 1996: Bjarne Riis (Dk) **
 1997: Jan Ullrich (G)
 1998: Marco Pantani (I)
 1999: Lance Armstrong (USA)
 2000: Lance Armstrong (USA)
 2001: Lance Armstrong (USA)
 2002: Lance Armstrong (USA)
 2003: Lance Armstrong (USA)
 2004: Lance Armstrong (USA)
 2005: Lance Armstrong (USA)
 2006: Oscar Pereiro (Sp) ***
 2007: Alberto Contador (Sp)
 2008: Carlos Sastre (Sp)
 2009: Alberto Contador (Sp)
 2010: Alberto Contador (Sp) ****
 
* Henri Cornet adeclared champion after apparent winner Maurice Garin and three others were disqualified for cheating.
 ** Riis in admitted in 2007 that he had used EPO to secure his 1996 victory, althoughthe win has not been officially erased.
 *** Pereiro declared champion after disqualification of Floyd Landis for doping.
 **** Contador’s 2010 victory is still subject to review by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on June 30, 2011, 02:19:03 PM

More from VeloNews:

Dark horses: Horner and Leipheimer ready for the Tour de France
 By John Wilcockson
Published Jun 30th 2011 11:37 AM UTC — Updated Jun 30th 2011 3:16 PM UTC
 

LES HERBIERS, France — In a survey of 94 Tour de France team managers and riders conducted by L’Équipe on Tuesday, only three mentioned Levi Leipheimer as a potential podium pick. The three men to choose the 37-year-old American as a potential third-place finisher were two former teammates, Tom Boonen of Quick Step and Vladimir Gusev of Katusha, and his current Team RadioShack cohort Chris Horner. Incidentally, no one picked 39-year-old Horner to finish on the podium.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/05/LeviHornerstartATOC8_511-177-325x216.jpg)
Leipheimer and Horner at the Tour of California.
 
That’s not surprising. The experts say that the two Americans are too old to figure highly in a three-week grand tour, especially this 98th edition of the world’s greatest race that is filled with mountaintop finishes, hilltop finishes, too many back-to-back climbing stages and a pack of aspiring contenders eager to battle the outright favorites, Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck.
 
None of this bothers Team RadioShack’s Horner and Leipheimer, who have prepared for this Tour as never before. They are no longer going into the race as helpers for a single team leader — both men rode for Lance Armstrong and Contador the past few years, while Horner was previously a hired hand for Cadel Evans.
 
Now, as co-team leaders on RadioShack with German Andreas Klöden and Slovenian Jan Brajkovic, neither man has the pressure of being a top favorite. They are the true dark horses of the 2011 Tour.
 
Liberated by team manager Johan Bruyneel from needing to gain selection for the Tour (he was passed over in 2009 for internal political reasons at Team Astana), Horner has raced less than any other Tour rider this year and focused on building toward specific goals.
 
Horner’s first race this year was the March 21-27 Volta a Catalunya, where he finished fourth overall, 35 seconds behind winner Contador. The following week, he helped Klöden win the Tour of the Basque Country, where defending champ Horner still came in second, only 47 seconds back. And then, after five weeks of training back home, he won the Amgen Tour of California, 38 seconds ahead of Leipheimer.
 
It was after his stunning solo mountaintop stage win on San Jose’s Sierra Road that Horner famously told the media at the California race: “With the exception of Alberto Contador I think there isn’t anybody who can drop me!”
 
Over the coming three weeks, Horner will get the chance to prove the veracity of those words. And he’ll start this Tour fresher than any other contender. He has had just 20 days of racing in 2011, compared with 43 days for Contador and 42 for Schleck.
 
With no racing in June, Horner first recovered from his California win and then spent five weeks preparing for the Tour at his San Diego home, focusing on eating healthy to keep his weight down to a skinny 140 pounds, gradually building up his power with motor-paced rides and working on his stamina with long training runs into the mountains of Southern California.
 
On his last big day of training last week, his SRM told him he covered 205.3km in just over six hours, climbed 9,315 vertical feet (2,840 meters) and averaged 246.6 watts of power (with a maximum of just over 400 watts on the last hill 20 minutes from home).
 
Asked how he felt going into the Tour, Horner told VeloNews, “I feel very good. Certainly, (my form at) California was exceptional. I took a good rest after Cali … and I’m trying to find that form again. I hope it reappears somewhere during the Tour. At the moment it’s close. I think I need a day or two of racing before we get in the power zone.”
 
Despite having not raced for almost seven weeks, Horner said he was not concerned about reacquainting himself with a fast-moving peloton.
 
“No. I normally fly into any European race on Thursday and race Saturday. And that means I’ve normally been out three weeks or so beforehand,” he said. “Some guys like to do a small race before starting a big one, but I prefer the hit-and-run approach.”
 
But what about this Sunday’s team time trial, when he’ll have to be racing at the highest intensity of the Tour? Horner admitted he hadn’t ridden one since the start of the 2009 Giro — when with Armstrong, Brajkovic, Leipheimer and Yaroslav Popovych his Astana team took third in a 20.5km TTT, just 13 seconds behind the winner.
 
“No trouble riding with the guys again,” a confident Horner said, “I just need to see the course and know where the corners are, so nobody’s crashing each other. We will race the day before and that will open up the lungs for sure.”
 Horner’s ready. And after coming in 10th at the 2010 Tour, when he was still a team worker, he’s shooting much higher this year.
 
Leipheimer says he’s better than in ’07
 
Like Horner, Leipheimer said he has done so many Tours by now that (unlike most other contenders) he didn’t go and scout this year’s mountain stages. “I think I pretty much know everything,” Leipheimer said. “That’s an advantage of doing the Tour so many times.”
 
He didn’t do his first Tour until age 28, in 2002, and he has since finished eighth, ninth, sixth, 13th, third (in 2007) and 13th. He didn’t start in 2008 and crashed out in ’03 and ’09. He knows that the only “new” climb on this year’s course is the very first one in the Pyrénées on stage 12, the Cat. 1 Hourquette d’Ancizan, which he said, “We’ll just ride over (being) the second to last one (before Luz-Ardiden).” No problem.
 
Asked to compare his current form (after coming off a stunning overall victory in the Tour of Switzerland) with his pre-Tour condition four years ago, Leipheimer said, “Right now I’m better than I was in ’07. I actually did the Dauphiné that year and I wasn’t great at the Dauphiné. [He finished 24th]. And when I started the Tour I was pretty fresh but a little out of shape.”
 
Leipheimer was riding on the Discovery Channel team that year as a co-leader with Contador. The American ended up riding support for the Spaniard and yet still came in third overall, only 31 seconds behind Contador (and eight seconds behind runner-up Cadel Evans), after he brilliantly won the final time trial. The following year, when their Astana team was barred from the Tour, Leipheimer rode support for Contador at the Vuelta a España — and managed to place second to his teammate, only 46 seconds back.
 
This year, the Team RadioShack rider will be challenging Contador, who (subject to his pending doping verdict) is coming off an unbeaten run of six grand tour wins, starting with that Tour victory in ’07. So how well can Leipheimer perform against the world’s best current Tour rider?
 
While Contador is well rested from his winning Giro d’Italia and last weekend placed second in the Spanish national road championships, Leipheimer has been relaxing after winning the Swiss tour. He won that race by moving from fourth to first on the final day with one of his strongest-ever time-trial performances, taking more than two minutes out of race leader Damiano Cunego in 32.1km to earn his spectacularly slim winning margin of four seconds.
 
Leipheimer’s task would have been somewhat simpler if he hadn’t lost 38 seconds to the other GC contenders coming down the spectacular hors-cat Grosse Scheidegg mountain on stage 3. It was reported that he “didn’t want to take risks just prior to the Tour de France,” but in talking to VeloNews about that tricky descent, Leipheimer revealed, “I came close to crashing a couple of times. I kept locking up my rear wheel. It was really slippery. That road’s normally closed to traffic and they only opened it that day.
 
“One time I was braking too late into the corner, and braking too hard. and I locked up the wheel. Another time my rear end swung around and I almost high-sided … so then I lost the group I was with. I was pretty bummed about that.
 
“I’m not a good enough descender to catch back up, so I ended up losing time. But that motivated me because if I was to lose the race by the amount of time I lost I would have been pretty upset with myself.”
 
Fortunately, nearly all of the mountain stages at this Tour de France have uphill finishes. The only one that ends at the foot of a downhill is the one to Pinarello, Italy, on stage 17 — and Leipheimer already raced that in the 2009 Giro. And then, when the climbing stages are over, he has a hilly 42.5km time trial at Grenoble to help finish things off.
 
Leipheimer hasn’t seen the TT course, but on his return to his Spanish base in Girona after his Swiss victory, he learned about it and its two climbs from U.S. teammate Jason McCartney — who isn’t riding the Tour but did the Dauphiné, where he raced the identical Grenoble TT. “Jason said the first hill is a big-ring climb. That’s good, I like those type of climbs.”
 
Leipheimer hesitated for a moment and then added, “That Tour time trial is a long way away, and there’s a lot of climbing and hard efforts between now and then.”
 
But one gets the feeling both he and Horner are relishing that thought. They may be the underdogs, but that’s the way they like it.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 01, 2011, 02:06:04 PM

From VeloNews:

Andy Schleck: ‘The switch is turned on’
 By Andrew Hood
Published Jul 1st 2011 10:11 AM UTC — Updated Jul 1st 2011 12:00 PM UTC
 


LES HERBIERS, France (VN) — Andy Schleck says he’s locked and loaded to take on the challenge of winning the Tour de France.
 
A two-time runner-up, Schleck says overall victory in this year’s Tour is what he’s aiming for. A new team with a lot of familiar faces will make the challenge of taking on Alberto Contador perhaps a little easier.
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/06/SchleckTDFintro711-042-325x216.jpg)
Andy Schleck leads his team onto the stage. Photo: Casey B. Gibson | www.cbgphoto.com
 
“Everything is just perfect for this year’s Tour,” Schleck said. “Last year, I was still the young guy and I could aim for the white jersey. This year is different. I have no more excuses. I am too old for that white jersey. Being on a Luxembourg team has been a big adventure. Everything is set and I will be aiming 100 percent for the win.”
 
Schleck enters 2011 as the most dangerous rival to Contador. Backed by the loaded Leopard-Trek team — which includes seven riders from last year’s Saxo Bank team — Schleck knows it’s time for him to step up.
 
Whether or not he can knock Contador off his Tour throne remains to be seen, but Schleck insists that he’s up to the challenge.
 
A mountainous course, with four summit finishes and only one individual time trial, will give Schleck his best chance ever.
 
“I am calmer than last year. I know in the mountains I will be up there, playing for the victory,” he said. “This year’s course doesn’t have too much time trials, and that’s an advantage for me.”
 
Schleck says he’s worked to improve his time trailing abilities, long viewed as his Achilles’ heel, but he said if he’s going to win the Tour, it will never be won against the clock.
 
“We’ve worked on the time trial quite a bit since last year’s Tour and the goal is to lose less time,” he said. “I need to train on my strengths. I am not going to win the Tour on my weaknesses. Already last year, I showed that I am improving in the time trial and in the last time trial last year, that I could do well. The climbs is where this Tour will be won. I hope the Tour will be decided long before the final TT this year.”
 
Behind Andy is older brother Frank, who also starts with ambitions of doing well on the GC front. Frank crashed out of last year’s Tour on the cobblestones of stage 3, something that would later have a huge impact on the duel between Andy and Contador. The team hopes that having both Schleck brothers at the front of the battle will give them a one-two punch against the Spaniard.
 
“We’re not here to beat Contador. We’re here to win the Tour,” Frank said. “We like this Tour route. We’ve seen the stages in the Pyrenees and the Alps and we’re happy there’s only one time trial. We have a strong team for the team time trial as well.”
 
Andy Schleck said he’s put last year’s Tour out of his head and rolls into this year’s edition motivated to win.
 
“The past is over and last year’s Tour is in the history books,” he said. “I am ready for the Tour and of course we want to win.”
 
Frank also defended his brother against such criticism that he doesn’t have the mental toughness to challenge Contador.
 
“He has a very big engine. He has the talent and he recovers well because he has a very big engine,” Frank said. “He has never missed a big (race). He always trains and he is always there for the season’s top goals. … He just told me, ‘the switch is turned on.’”
 
Backed by such stalwarts as Stuart O’Grady, Fabian Cancellara and Jens Voigt, Leopard-Trek starts with perhaps the deepest and most experienced team in the peloton. Everyone is lining up to help Schleck.
 
“We are all going to be working hard for one of the Schlecks to win in Paris,” said Cancellara. “This year’s Tour is different. There is no prologue, there’s not a time trial until the end. We have the team time trial, and we have big ambitions there. I am looking forward to a different kind of Tour. Before it was one week in the yellow jersey. Now I can have a little more fun. We want to win it with Andy or Frank. I am ready to give everything for the team. Maybe I will (get) some space to move at some point and take something personally out of this Tour, but that’s not the top goal.”
 
The top goal is a Schleck in the yellow jersey in Paris. Contador and the other rivals might have something to say about that.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 01, 2011, 02:39:04 PM

From Pezcyclingnews (and Ronan Pensec):

TDF ’11: Pensec Picks the Key Stages
Friday, July 01, 2011  4:41:22 AM PT
 
by Richard Pestes


(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/travel/pensec/pensec-travel2010a.jpg)

Even after 8 years of covering the world’s biggest bike race, we continue to learn more about the subtleties of the French roads and regions. So we asked a guy with 24 years experience at le Tour – as a rider and former maillot jaune, tv producer, and also leader of touring groups, here’s Ronan Pensec’s take on the 2011 parcours.
 


Monsieur Pensec, or “Elvis” as Lance Armstrong used to call him – was a pro from 1985 – 1994, and rode it like a real man – ‘Cross in the winter, the Classics, the Grand Tours. It was a time before ‘specialization’, and Ronan scored a share of glory that included leading the 1990 Tour de France for 2 days, plus gc placings of 6th in 1986 and 7th in 1988. His impressive palmares (listed below) are testament that he was a rider always in the hunt.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/travel/pensec/pensec-head.jpg)
Along with his travel business, Ronan works for France Television to produce their TDF coverage.
 

Ronan now works behind the scenes on the TDF coverage at France Television advising the producers which parts of the race to film. These images are fed to all the other media covering the event. He works live and decisions have to be made instantaneously so it’s a high pressure job. His knowledge of the race and race tactics are critical to presenting compelling images that best show the action.
 
In recent years Ronan also started his own cycling tour company (RonanPensecTravel.coml), making good use of his intimate knowledge of cycling and France to share the best of his country with guests who are interested in a cycling vacation that only a former top pro could offer. Let’s face it – for most of us from North America, (and likely anyone who not from France) – France is just not like any place else on the planet – so a guy like Ronan showing you around is an asset worth having.
 

I asked Ronan for his take on the key stages of the 2011 Tour.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/preview-map.jpg)

Stage 1: Passage du Gois La Barre-de-Monts - Mont des Alouettes Les Herbiers 191km The opening stage ends with a short climb – enough to make a difference?

Ronan: The Mont des Alouettes has been a part of races such as the Chrono des Nations. For GC contenders it is a fairly typical early stage, meaning they will have to be vigilant about protecting their position in the peloton, but a day like this will be fairly easy for the top teams, it is teams going for stage wins that will be working hard. The climb itself is not a determining factor although it could eliminate pure sprinters.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/travel/pensec/pensec-lance.jpg)

Stage 4: Lorient - Mur de Bretagne, 178 km The finish here features a climb of the Mûr-de-Bretagne - did you ever race up it and how will it affect the stage?
 
Ronan: I have been up the Mur de Bretagne quite a few times, in regional races and also during my Tour career. It is a short climb, but has a steep grade much like the climbs found on the Fleche Wallone and others. It is not a finish that will make a huge difference for the race although a GC contender may try to use the Mur to win the stage. It is more likely that someone who is a puncher like Philippe Gilbert and others will use the Mur to their advantage.
 

Stage 6 - Dinan Lisieux 226km The climb of Basilica of Lisieux - what can you tell us about it and it's impact on the stage?
 
Ronan: This is the longest stage of the Tour so the climb of the Basilica, only 1.5 km from the finish, will have an impact. Again the climb is much like the climbs found on the Spring classics, short and steep. On this climb, more than on the Mur de Bretagne, the strategy for the GC contenders will be to stay near the front to avoid losing time due to accidents. This stage will be fairly strategic. The wind normally found on the coast could play a factor if the peloton breaks into echelons. Team managers could be very nervous and riders will have to be very careful about losing time if the wind causes big breaks.
 

Stage 8 - Aigurande Super-Besse Sancy 190km The first real summit finish rears up with the climb to Super Besse – featured in the 1996 and 2008 Tours.
 
Ronan: This is the second time the Tour has arrived at Super Besse. The last time was in 2008. I have never raced on this climb, but it’s the first summit finish and it comes after a week of relative flat stages. It is a tough enough stage with increasing elevation that it will test some riders, but it will not have an impact on GC and is more as an appetizer for the following day.
 

Stage 9 - Issoire Saint-Flour- Pas de Peyrol (Puy Mary) 208km and for the first time the Col du Perthus - what about these climbs and how tough is this day?
 
Ronan: This whole day is very tough. The roads are small, narrow and sinuous with terrain that is non-stop changes in elevation. The stage also contains three categorized climbs, none of which is close enough to the finish to make a difference, but the cumulative effect will make it very hard on the riders. If it is a hot day, the riders will suffer, it will be a fast stage, and my prediction is that the peloton will work very hard to stay together and this will mean tired riders and the potential for accidents. GC riders will again have to stay near the front to avoid time gaps.
 
THE PYRENEES
 Stage 12 - Cugnaux Luz-Ardiden 209km The first of three climbing days in the Pyrenees takes riders over the Hourquette d’Ancizan, the Tourmalet, and the summit finish at Luz-Ardiden.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st12-profile.jpg)

Ronan: I have no unique memories of Luz Ardiden or Tourmalet. They are both tough climbs when the pace is high. This will be especially so this year with the mountain top finish at Luz Ardiden. GC riders and teams will certainly be pushing the pace and a rider going for GC will want to make a statement here.
 

Stage 13 - Pau Lourdes 156km The main obstacle here is the 1790 m Col d’Aubisque, some 49km before the finish.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st13-profile.jpg)

Ronan: It is not a very interesting stage for the overall. The Col d'Aubisque is too far away from the finish line. Some riders will be going for king of the mountain points. GC riders will be preserving themselves for the next day which offers 5 climbs and a mountain top finish.
 

Stage 14 - Saint-Gaudens - Plateau de Beille 168km - throws down 6 summits enroute to the finale atop Plateau de Baille.

(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st14-profile.jpg)

Ronan: This is a huge day. It has five categorized climbs and the finish on Plateau de Beille. With 168 km total it is a relatively short stage so attacks will come all day long especially as the following day is a relatively flat stage and then a rest day.
 
The cols on this stage are very hard, there are no breaks, no flats between climbs. This stage will cause some damage, and surprisingly, even if it is early in the Tour, at the end of the stage we may have a good idea of who will be on the podium in Paris. We may not know the order, but we'll know who has the legs to make it this year. This will be one of two or three defining stages.
 

THE ALPS
 Stage 17 - Gap - Pinerolo 179km I’ve called this stage as all about the final 20km and the 10km climb over Pramartino, where small gaps could be opened. What do you think?
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st17-profile.jpg)


Ronan: There will be no changes on GC after this stage, there won't be any huge breaks and there will be no chance for a GC contender to put time on rivals, unless one is having a particularly bad day. Most riders will be trying to preserve their force for the next three days.
 

Stage 18 - Pinerolo - Galibier Serre-Chevalier 189km The classic big Alpine day - 3 high passes – all above 2300m, a summit finish – a day for GC.

(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st18-profile.jpg)

Ronan: This is a huge stage, very difficult. This and the next are determinant for the final podium. The Col d'Izoard and the Col du Galibier are well known. Less well known is Col d'Agnel which is also very hard. It is a long and the last 7 km are at 10%. The Izoard is next, followed by Galibier. For each one of these the GC contenders will be trying to put time on rivals and test each other. Other riders will also be trying to put their name in the history books even if they don't have a chance for GC.
 

(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf90-pensecalpe465.jpg)
Actual PEZ-Pic of Ronan climbing Alpe d'Huez at the 1990 Tour.
 

Stage 19 - Modane Alpe-d’Huez 109km - I saw Ronan pass by on the Alpe in the 1990 Tour – wearing yellow. This stage is much shorter and really about two big climbs.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st19-profile.jpg)

Ronan: This stage is not typical as it is very short, the shortest of all the stages with the exception of the time trials. It will be brutally fast as it has the three big climbs with technical descents in between, and with the exception of the entry to Bourg d'Oisans before Alpe d'Huez, there are no flats on which to recover before the next climb. There are only 15 km before the first climb, almost no time to warm up and the attacks will be immediate. This is a stage where teams will have almost no role to play and it will literally be every man for himself. It will be a nonstop battle. If there is a chance to win or lose a position on the podium, it will be here as the time gaps could be decisive. If you don't have the legs today, it will be over.

 
Stage 20 - Grenoble Grenoble TT 41km - The penultimate stage – a semi-long time trial with some twists…
 
Ronan: With 2 climbs, Stage 20 is suited for strong climbers. Along with Stage 19, it is the only other stage in which a podium position could change. This TT is not made for a typical TT rider. Without a doubt the winner will be the strongest rider of this year’s tour. This TT favors a climber who is a strong time trialist.
 

Special thanks to Ronan for his time and insights - !
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 02, 2011, 03:37:34 PM

We begin today !

2011 Tour de France stage 1 results

STAGE 1 - Passage du Gois  Mont des Alouettes 191.5 km

Omega Pharma-Lotto's Philippe Gilbert wins a crash-filled Stage 1 of the 2011 Tour de France, while defending champ Alberto Contador finished well off the pace.

Stage 1 Results:

1. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, in 4h 41′ 31″
2. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 00:03
3. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:06
4. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at 00:06
5. Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00:06
7. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at 00:06
9. Christopher Horner, Team Radioshack, at 00:06
12. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:06
14. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:06
15. Damiano Cunego, Lampre – Isd, at 00:06
16. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:06
17. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:06
18. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:06
33. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:06
38. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 00:06
44. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 00:06
50. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at 00:06
51. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:06
55. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at 00:06
60. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 00:06
69. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, at 00:06
82. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:20
146. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:33
165. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 03:05
181. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:37
198. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 12:02

GC Standings:

Same…


Next Stage: July 3: STAGE 2 - Les Essarts  Les Essarts TTT 23 km


Jerseys:

Yellow:      Phillippe Gilbert Omega Pharma-Lotto

Green:   Phillippe Gilbert Omega Pharma-Lotto 45 points
               Cadel Evans BMC Racing Team 35 points
                   Thor Hushovd  Team Garmin-Cervelo 30 points

 Polka Dot: Phillippe Gilbert Omega Pharma-Lotto 1 point

White:           Geraint Thomas Sky Pro Cycling in 4h 41′ 37″
                      Rein Taarame Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne at s.t.
                      Egor Silin Katusha Team at s.t.


Teams:       Omega Pharma-Lotto  in 14h 04′ 45″
                    BMC Racing Team at 00’ 03”
                    Team Leopard-Trek at 00’ 06”

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

All Riders in the race.

Stage 1  Review:

Philippe Gilbert wins stage 1 of 2011 Tour de France
By VeloNews.com

Published Jul 2nd 2011 11:52 AM UTC — Updated Jul 2nd 2011 4:27 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/GilbSAM.jpg)
Philippe Gilbert celebrates as he wins the first stage of the 2011 Tour de France.

LES HERBIERS, France (VN) — Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) won a crash-filled kickoff to the 2011 Tour de France on Saturday, while defending champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) found himself nearly a minute and a half in the hole after getting caught behind a massive pileup with 8km to race.

It was the first Tour stage win for the Belgian national champion, who easily countered a late attack by Swiss champ Fabian Cancellara (Leopard Trek) in the final kilometers to take the victory.

BMC’s Cadel Evans popped out of the lead group for second with Garmin-Cervélo’s Thor Hushovd third.

“It was a magical last 100 meters,” said Gilbert, who had prepared for this day by dying his hair blonde and bringing along a yellow wristwatch (he started the day wearing a timepiece in his Belgian national championship colors).

“I had a yellow watch in my finish bag that my soigneur brought along, just in case.”

Evans didn’t get a jersey, or even a watch, but he was pleased with his first day’s work.

“First place is always better, but second is not too bad,” he said. “It’s a good start, a pleasant surprise.”
World champion Hushovd, meanwhile, said he didn’t have good legs in the finale.

“It was a hell of a hard day,” he said. “Our team was working hard to chase down the breakaway with Omega Pharma and in the end I think there was a lot of teams who wanted to make it hard for riders like me. I was dead for the sprint.”

“But when Gilbert goes like that,” he added, “no one can hold onto him.”

A gentle beginning

The 191.5km race from the famous Passage du Gois to Mont des Alouettes gave riders a gentle introduction to this year’s Tour. The course was mostly flat until the 120km mark, when the road began a gradual rise up some small rolling hills. There was just one rated climb, the Category 4 ascent to the finish in Les Herbiers.

The Tour hasn’t included the Passage du Gois since 1999, when the peloton hit it mid-stage, and it proved to be quite decisive. The road, which is submerged by high tides twice a day, is pretty rough and obviously slick in spots. There was a huge crash out there and several of that Tour’s top contenders, including Alex Zülle, lost more than six minutes to the man who would eventually win that Tour, Lance Armstrong.

This year’s crossing of the Passage was less decisive. It came as part of a long neutral section, and thus provided little more than a photo opportunity.

The break du jour

Once across, Jérémy Roy (FDJ), Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) and Europcar’s Perrig Quemeneur gave it the gas and quickly took time on a relaxed peloton, which was clearly enjoying the warm, sunny start to the Tour. The trio built a lead of more than six minutes in 20km.

The peloton then woke up and took some time back, closing the gap to just under five minutes with 150km to go.

Jurgen Van De Walle (Omega Pharma-Lotto) hit the deck, catching out a few other riders, HTC-Highroad’s Matt Goss among them. Both men remounted and rejoined the bunch, with Van De Walle looking somewhat the worse for wear.

Roy took the 20 points awarded the winner of the intermediate sprint at 87km, followed by Wiestra and Quemeneur. Behind, HTC tried to deliver Mark Cavendish to the fourth-place points, but Garmin-Cervélo’s Tyler Farrar outfoxed him, grabbing the 13 points on offer. Cav’ could only manage 11th for five points.

The leaders’ advantage was down to 3:30, but once the bunch settled down it went back out again, to 4:30. The bunch was in no hurry to bring them back; Omega Pharma took the front and the gap gradually grew from three minutes to five with 70km remaining.

Garmin subsequently came forward to lend a hand, and with 55km to race the leaders had once again been pulled back to within three and a half minutes. Another mishap saw Pierre Rolland (Europcar) and Linus Gerdemann (Leopard Trek) roll off the road. No harm, no foul, and both were soon back in the bunch.

Ten kilometers later the chase had taken back another 45 seconds on the rolling roads leading toward Mont des Alouettes. And with 40km to go Roy and his mates were just two minutes and change up the road, with the battered Van De Walle still on the sharp end of the peloton.

The catch … and the crashes

Twenty-five kilometers from the line the gap was down to a half-minute and the peloton was closing in fast, the leaders in their sights. Five kilometers later it was all over — the three leaders congratulated each other for a job well done, and then Omega Pharma set about organizing itself on behalf of Gilbert.
Europcar was next to move forward, showing the flag for Thomas Voeckler (and perhaps for its nearby company headquarters, too).

Then a huge crash at midfield — caused by an Astana rider’s collision with a stray spectator — shattered the peloton with 8km to race, leaving perhaps 50 riders off the front — none of them Contador.

RadioShack and BMC promptly put the hammer down, though Johan Bruyneel said afterward that the team did not know Contador had been caught out.

A second crash at 2km from the line trimmed the lead group yet again, to perhaps a couple dozen riders, and in the final kilometer, Cancellara tried to catch the others by surprise with a strong acceleration. But Gilbert easily followed his move and it was no contest — the Belgian champ left the big Swiss behind and rode to the stage win, while behind Evans shot out of the chasing pack to take second with Hushovd third. RadioShack’s Chris Horner was the top American, finishing ninth at six seconds back.

“I dream of winning big races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Amstel or Flèche Wallonne, but to win here on the Tour de France is also something very special,” said Gilbert.

“In the final I knew that Cancellara was going to attack, and I knew he’d attack where he did. With the big engine he has, he is capable of coming from the back and taking everyone by surprise.

“And when I saw that he was up the road on his own, that’s when I knew I could go.”

Big names lose time

But the big story was behind. Contador lost nearly a minute and a half on the opening day of the 2011 Tour, as Gilbert grabbed the yellow, green and polka-dot jerseys.

Saxo Bank’s Bjarne Riis was disappointed yet realistic about the unfortunate start for his team captain.

“It’s one of these unfortunate accidents that often occur in the beginning of the Tour de France,” he said. “Alberto is simply unlucky now to be behind some of his opponents to the overall victory.
“But the Tour has just begun, and luckily there’s a long way to Paris from here.”

BMC’s Jim Ochowicz, meanwhile, was pleased with the way his team leader Evans rode.

“He was always attentive, and always near the front,” he said. “On the last day in Paris we may be saying the race was won or lost on stage 1.”

Race note

The results from stage 1 took a bit of figuring out, for riders, officials and the press alike. Originally it appeared that a large number of heavy hitters had joined Contador in the 80-seconds-behind club, as riders who either crashed or were delayed at 8km rode in with others delayed or downed in the crash at 2km. Once officials determined who was entitled to benefit from the 3km rule — which gives riders who crash inside that distance from the finish the same time as the front group — they generated a fresh list of results that, frankly, look pretty odd. For example, Rigoberto Uran finished 49th at 1:20, and Vladimir Karpets finished 50th at 0:06. This is because Uran was in the 7km crash, and Karpets in the 2km crash. For simplicity’s sake, we suggest you just look at the GC results for the big picture.

Nick Legan, Ben Delaney, Patrick O’Grady and Agence France Presse contributed to this report. Stay tuned for more coverage of stage 1 of the 2011 Tour de France.

Stage 2 team time trial could be crucial for contenders in 2011 Tour de France

By Ben Delaney
Published Jul 2nd 2011 3:45 PM UTC
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/EVANS-325x486.jpg)
Cadel Evans, sitting second on GC, is hoping for a strong team time trial on Sunday. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

LES HERBIERS, France (VN) — Inside the sprawling 3,430km Tour de France, stage 2 is a mere 23km; however, the team time trial could well be decisive for the overall.

The fastest teams will likely put at least two minutes on the slowest on Sunday in Les Essarts. The question is, how will the GC hopefuls fare? RadioShack, HTC-Highroad, Garmin-Cervélo and Sky should smash out good times, but Cadel Evans’ BMC and yellow jersey Philippe Gilbert’s Omega Pharma-Lotto squads will have really to step it up to keep their men atop the overall standings. With Fabian Cancellara in the mix, Leopard-Trek should keep Andy Schleck adequately positioned at day’s end.

Although 30kph winds are expected, the 23km oval course is largely protected from the breezes. All riders have recon’ed the stage. On the day before the Tour de France, Bjarne Riis had his Saxo Bank squad ride out to the course from their hotel, complete three laps, then switch bikes and ride over to and up stage 1’s finish.

Sitting second overall, Evans said the team time trial presents an important challenge for BMC. The Aussie knows how important the TTT can be. In 2009, while riding with Silence-Lotto, Evans lost 2:35 to Astana, ground that he would never be able to make up against Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador.
“We can have a great team time trial, which is not only good for the GC, but for us as a team, it would be a big morale-booster,” Evans said. “We will see where it puts us on Sunday. It’s important to try to take time on Contador if you want to beat him, and the team time trial could be a good opportunity.”
Although relatively short at 23km, the team time trial requires careful strategy and good communication from teams, said HTC-Highroad director Allan Peiper.

“The most important part is maximizing riders seven, eight and nine,” the ex-pro said of each team’s weakest riders. “It’s not about burning them as such, but maximizing the utilization of everyone’s energy.

“To do that, you’ve really got to have riders one, two and three in tow, so that they know that they’re not pulling through too hard, not lifting the pace too fast. Then you can drag riders seven, eight and nine out.

“The more you can utilize their energy in the initial phase of the race, the more you can save the big motors at the end when everybody is getting tired. You don’t want to really use the big motors at the start, because then you’re putting everyone else under pressure, and then at the finish they don’t have any lift left. If you can ride with a complete group of nine, everyone gets enough recovery time, and then the big motors will have enough left to really make a difference at the end.”

When Peiper was a pro in the 1980s, team time trials were regularly in the 100km range.
“Just before I turned pro, there was one that was 150km,” he said. “Then you have time to make some mistakes and make up for them. But in 23km you have no time to make mistakes. Even in the first kilometer going out of Les Essarts there is an acute corner and it drags up to the first roundabout. If you don’t start fast enough there you lost five seconds. That could be what you lose with.”

After the crashes in stage 1, more than half the riders are already well behind on time. Only 77 guys made the front group on stage 1, with the others at least 1:20 back.

Like most other squads, Garmin-Cervélo did a full dress rehearsal on the course.

“We did a couple of laps as a team,” said Garmin’s David Millar. “We know it well. We couldn’t have done much more. It’s a nice course.”

Although Evans is hoping for the best, BMC team boss Jim Ochowicz said that they didn’t plan to take the jersey in the TTT — “and if we did, we would give it away!”

After essentially riding a team time trial to set up Gilbert for the stage 1 win, Omega Pharma-Lotto will come into the TTT tired, and the squad wasn’t likely to dominate the event anyway. So Gilbert seems likely to concede the jersey.

HTC-Highroad has won the last two grand-tour team time trials — at the 2011 Giro d’Italia in a 19.3km event over RadioShack and Liquigas-Cannondale, and at the 2010 Vuelta a España over Liquigas and Saxo Bank (a 13km event).

All of the GC contenders can either ride strong time trials, or they have teammates who can ride solo events well against the clock. But Sunday’s event is a team event.

“A lot of team time trials have been lost by the strongest guys making mistakes,” Peiper said. “Not by the weakest guys being weak, but the strongest guys being too strong. It’s delicate.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 02, 2011, 03:43:50 PM

From VeloNews:

Inside the Tour with John Wilcockson: Contador could be in for the fight of his life
 By John Wilcockson
Published Jul 2nd 2011 4:35 PM UTC — Updated Jul 2nd 2011 4:48 PM UTC
 
Perhaps it was a bad omen for Alberto Contador that the opening stage of the 2011 Tour de France started on the Passage du Gois. This is the ancient causeway across a tidal estuary that’s flooded twice a day and had big consequences when the Tour crossed it midway through stage 2 of the 1999 Tour, costing several pre-race favorites a six-minute time loss.
 
Pileups on early stages of the Tour de France usually don’t have that much influence on the race’s final outcome. And we don’t yet know how damaging Contador’s stage 1 loss of 1:17 on Cadel Evans (and 1:14 on the Schleck brothers) will be in the long term — or whether it will be an even bigger gap by the end of Sunday’s stage 2 team time trial.
 

Virtual GC after stage 1
 
1. Cadel Evans, 4:41:34
 2. Jurgen Van den Broeck, at 0:03
 3. Andreas Klöden, s.t.
 4. Chris Horner, s.t.
 5. Fränk Schleck, s.t.
 6. Alexander Vinokourov, s.t.
 7. Nicolas Roche, s.t.
 8. Tejay Van Garderen, s.t.
 9. Andy Schleck, s.t.
 10. Levi Leipheimer, s.t.
 11. Jani Brajkovic, s.t.
 12. Ivan Basso, s.t.
 13. Brad Wiggins, s.t.
 14. Robert Gesink, s.t.
 15. Samuel Sanchez, at 1:17
 16. Alberto Contador, s.t.
 17. Ryder Hesjedal, at 1:52
 18. Roman Kreuziger, s.t.
 19. Jérôme Coppel, s.t.
 20. Christian Vande Velde, at 3:38
 
But we do know that it has put the defending champion in a big hole (see the “Virtual GC” that shows the overall positions of men expected to finish top 20 this year).
 
On any early stage of any Tour, the smart riders and teams know it’s imperative to be near the front of the peloton — because crashes or pileups or splits due to echelons forming in crosswinds can happen at any time.
 
There were no echelons Saturday because when the pace picked up in the final 50km the wind was in the riders’ faces, not from the side. But there were frequent falls, some caused by the bunch being squeezed at traffic islands or riders overlapping on narrow roads and falling into ditches, and a speed bump caused another crash.
 
The biggest problems were expected to come on one of the nine roundabouts that peppered the final 6km of stage 1, but the day’s major pileup happened 3km before that on a straight stretch of wide highway after an Astana rider ricocheted off a roadside spectator into the right side of the peloton. Dozens of riders fell as a result and blocked those behind.
 
The 78 riders ahead of the pileup sped away from the other 120 riders — who besides Saxo Bank-SunGard’s Contador included fellow Spanish contender Samuel Sanchez of Euskaltel-Euskadi and Garmin-Cervélo’s North American leaders Tom Danielson, Ryder Hesjedal and Christian Vande Velde. Their big time loss can be put down to bad luck, but men who have aspirations of the yellow jersey should have been up front, especially in the last 10km of a flat stage.
 
Lessons from the past
 
The folly of sitting too far back in the peloton is a lesson that several candidates for victory were taught in that Passage du Gois incident 12 years ago. Before reaching the narrow 4km-long causeway, George Hincapie made a full-out surge in fierce crosswinds on behalf of his U.S. Postal Service leader, Lance Armstrong. The American’s acceleration split the pack into five groups before they even reached the Gois. And with everyone racing at over 50 kph across the causeway’s slick pavement, the inevitable pileup took place 1km into the crossing.
 
There were 75 riders ahead of the crash (three fewer than in Saturday’s pileup), and they emerged on the other side of the Gois with a half-minute lead on 50 chasers that included some race favorites, notably the Swiss Alex Zülle.
 
A fierce battle between the two groups ensued over the final two hours of that 176km stage, and the half-minute gap became 6:03 by the stage finish. Amazingly, Zülle’s huge time loss that day didn’t prevent him from climbing up the GC ladder to finish second overall in the 1999 Tour; as it was, he still wouldn’t have won because his final deficit on Armstrong was 7:37.
 
Besides the Passage du Gois and its major pileup, this year’s opener also had in common Hincapie playing a major role for a race favorite. Now riding his record-tying 16th Tour, the genial American was prominent in guiding his BMC Racing team leader Cadel Evans through the potential mayhem on Saturday.
 
“It was really key to have guys like George and Burgi (Marcel Burghardt) around me on a day like today,” Evans said after he placed second atop the Mont des Alouettes, three seconds behind stage winner Philippe Gilbert. “George positioned me real well going into the bottom of the climb (and it was) great work by these boys for delivering me here.”
 
Evans will be relying on his veteran lieutenants to help him increase his 1:17 gap over Contador in Sunday’s 23km stage 2 team time trial. They’ll know exactly what they have to do because BMC starts in a favored slot, next to last, more than two hours after Contador’s Saxo Bank team — which starts first due to being ranked last on Saturday’s stage.
 
This conjures up memories of another defending Tour champion from Spain having a disastrous opening two days: Pedro Delgado in 1989. The Spanish climber didn’t crash or get caught up in a pileup, but he showed up late for his prologue time trial and conceded 2:48 to eventual winner Greg LeMond. And in the next day’s 46km TTT (twice the length of this year’s), Delgado’s Reynolds team finished dead last, conceding another 3:41 to LeMond.
 
Delgado fought back in the mountain stages (as Contador will have to do), but came up short, finishing third overall in Paris, 3:34 behind LeMond. The situation is nowhere near as dire for Contador, but should he concede, say, a half-minute in Sunday’s TTT and drop close to two minutes behind Evans and Leopard-Trek’s Schleck brothers, he is going to have the fight of his life to defend his title.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 02, 2011, 07:51:00 PM

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/lanterne-rouge.jpeg)

Wonder what this is ?

See this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanterne_rouge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanterne_rouge)

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 03, 2011, 04:24:12 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 2 results

July 3: STAGE 2 - Les Essarts  Les Essarts TTT 23 km

GARMIN-CERVÉLO CLAIMS A MAIDEN TOUR VICTORY

Stage 2 Results:

1. TEAM GARMIN-CERVELO, in 24:48
2. BMC RACING TEAM, in 24:52, at 00:04
3. SKY PROCYCLING, in 24:52, at 00:04
4. TEAM LEOPARD-TREK, in 24:52, at 00:04
5. HTC-HIGHROAD, in 24:53, at 00:05
6. TEAM RADIOSHACK, in 24:58, at 00:10
7. RABOBANK CYCLING TEAM, in 25:00, at 00:12
8. SAXO BANK SUNGARD, in 25:16, at 00:28
9. PRO TEAM ASTANA, in 25:20, at 00:32
10. OMEGA PHARMA-LOTTO, in 25:27, at 00:39
11. FDJ, in 25:34, at 00:46
12. TEAM EUROPCAR, in 25:38, at 00:50
13. AG2R LA MONDIALE, in 25:41, at 00:53
14. QUICK STEP CYCLING TEAM, in 25:44, at 00:56
15. LIQUIGAS-CANNONDALE, in 25:45, at 00:57
16. SAUR-SOJASUN, in 25:50, at 01:02
17. LAMPRE-ISD, in 25:52, at 01:04
18. KATUSHA TEAM, in 25:52, at 01:04
19. MOVISTAR TEAM, in 25:57, at 01:09
20. VACANSOLEIL-DCM, in 26:03, at 01:15
21. COFIDIS LE CREDIT EN LIGNE, in 26:08, at 01:20
22. EUSKALTEL-EUSKADI, in 26:10, at 01:22

GC Standings:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo, 5:06:25
2. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 00:00
3. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 00:01
4. Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, at 00:04
5. Linus Gerdemann, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
6. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
7. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
10. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
12. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at 00:04
13. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 00:04
14. Tony Martin, HTC-Highroad, at 00:05
18. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at 00:05
20. Andréas Klöden, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
21. Christopher Horner, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
22. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
23. Janez Brajkovic, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
25. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:12
26. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at 00:23
27. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:32
30. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at 00:33
38. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:50
42. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 00:56
44. Sylvain Chavanel, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 00:56
47. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 00:57
61. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 01:14
71. Mark Renshaw, HTC-Highroad, at 01:24
75. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:42
77. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 01:49
78. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 01:49
79. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:53
120. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 03:00
138. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre-Isd, at 03:31
154. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:20
176. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 06:26
198. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 13:11

Next Stage: July 4: STAGE 3 - Olonne-sur-Mer  Redon 198 km


Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo

Green:   Phillippe Gilbert Omega Pharma-Lotto 45 points
               Cadel Evans BMC Racing Team 35 points
                   Thor Hushovd  Team Garmin-Cervelo 30 points

 Polka Dot: Phillippe Gilbert Omega Pharma-Lotto 1 point

White:           Geraint Thomas Sky Pro Cycling in 5h 06′ 29″
                      Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, at 0:00
Tejay Van Garderen, Htc – Highroad, at 00:01


Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, 14:29:39
BMC Racing Team, at 00:01
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

All Riders in the race.

Stage 2  Review:

Garmin-Cervélo finally wins its stage, taking the stage-2 TTT in the 2011 Tour de France
By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 3rd 2011 11:26 AM UTC — Updated Jul 3rd 2011 1:18 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/GARMIN-1-325x209.jpg)
The Garmin-Cervélo gang hoists boss Jonathan Vaughters skyward in celebration. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

LES ESSARTS, France (VN) — Garmin-Cervélo finally won its first stage in a Tour de France on Sunday, claiming victory in the stage-2 team time trial and putting world champion Thor Hushovd into the race leader’s yellow jersey.

Hushovd began the day wearing the polka-dot kit of the mountains leader — which actually belonged to then-race leader Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto), who after his victory in stage 1 also owned the green and yellow jerseys.

“I’m proud to have it on, even if it’s not my jersey. It’s a good experience,” said Hushovd.
But he was even happier to have the yellow, and to help his team finally collect that long-sought-after maiden stage win.

“This is a great victory for the team. It’s one thing to win to be on the podium alone, but it’s great for morale to have the entire team to enjoy this victory,” said Hushovd. “I am very happy to have this yellow jersey. To trade the rainbow jersey for the yellow jersey is something special.”

And it was a close thing, too. Cadel Evans — also wearing a jersey borrowed from Gilbert, the green — led his BMC squad across the line for second on the day, just four seconds slower than Garmin … and just one second short of the yellow.

The last shall start first

The 23km team time trial here saw defending champion Alberto Contador’s last-placed Saxo Bank-Sungard squad start first, raging off the line, shedding riders almost immediately and finishing with the minimum five men, posting a time of 25 minutes, 16 seconds.

The course was mostly flat but windswept, especially toward the finish, and peppered with plenty of corners to keep riders on their toes. Spectators lined the roadside, and as far as is known they all kept well out of the riders’ way — unlike the oblivious fan who caused the decisive pileup in stage 1 that put Contador, Euskaltel-Euskadi’s Samuel Sanchez and others into a deep, 80-second hole.

Saxo Bank’s time held until Rabobank blitzed the course in 25:00, roaring through the 9km intermediate time check at 58.9kph (36.6 mph), three seconds better than Contador’s team. The Rabos were still three seconds quicker at the 16.5km time check and only got faster in the final kilometers, hitting the line 16 seconds faster than Saxo Bank.

Julian Dean led Garmin-Cervélo onto the course, with Dave Zabriskie in his Captain America national-champion’s kit and Hushovd in polka dots.

The Argyle Armada hit the first time check seven seconds quicker than Rabobank, but paid a price for the pace — Dean had already lost contact.

Garmin grabs the lead

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/garmin-ttt-325x264.jpg)
Garmin-Cervélo racing for that long-sought-after win. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Garmin was 14 seconds better than Rabobank at the second time check, but the squad was also down to six men with 2km to go. No matter — the survivors hit the line in 24:48 to claim the hot seat with 13 teams yet to finish.

Geraint Thomas (Sky), who finished sixth in Saturday’s messy opener, started the TTT in the white jersey of best young rider, hoping to pull on the yellow at the end of the stage.

And Sky got off to a swift start, bettering Garmin’s time at the first checkpoint by a single second, but shedding Xabier Zandio and Christian Knees in the process. But the British outfit was four seconds slower at the second check, and they would finish in 24:52 — not good enough to let Thomas change his kit.

HTC-Highroad had an unfortunate beginning — Bernhard Eisel slid out in a left-hand corner shortly after the start, leaving the squad a man down almost instantly.

RadioShack was off to a poor start, too, crossing just fifth best at the first time check and a full 15 seconds down at the second. But they recovered on the backside of the course to slot into third for the moment. HTC displaced them shortly thereafter, with Leopard-Trek, BMC and Omega Pharma-Lotto yet to finish.

“It’s always a goal for us to win the TT. Garmin is strong, too, and today they were better than us,” said Levi Leipheimer. “It was a hard course, with wind, heat, I felt good and I think we made a pretty good race. It keeps us in strong position on the GC, so that’s the most important.”

World time-trial champion Fabian Cancellara led Leopard-Trek onto the course and to third at the first time check, seven seconds slower than Sky at that point despite Fränk Schleck skipping his turns.
But the world champion’s team could manage only third at the finish — and they wouldn’t hold onto it.

BMC nearly steals the show

BMC was having a good ride early on, too, hoping to push second-placed Evans into yellow at day’s end. But they had shed two men en route to the second time check — and at the finish, BMC hit the line just four seconds slower than Garmin, good enough for second on the day, but meaning that Hushovd was in yellow by a single second over Evans, who started the day three seconds behind. Garmin’s David Millar displaced the Aussie in second as Evans slipped to third overall.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/PODIUM-1-325x216.jpg)
Thor Hushovd pulls on the yellow jersey. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

“It’s something we dream of, so it’s something special to achieve it,” said Millar of his team’s triumph. “The emotion is much stronger to share this as a team. We’ve worked so hard for this. Everything went perfect for us.”

Gilbert was in yellow skinsuit and helmet as Omega Pharma rolled down the ramp. But he’d be wearing a lesser garment on Monday — his team was just 16th at the first time check, and while they rallied to finish 10th, Gilbert’s time in yellow had come to an end.

Meanwhile, defending champ Contador had slipped back a bit as well. After his squad wound up eighth on the day the Saxo Bank captain now sits 75th at 1:42 behind the new race leader, whose boss was content to have finally collected that long-coveted stage win — even if it meant getting hoisted aloft on the podium as his riders celebrated the victory.

“We will take this Tour day by day, that’s what we said from the start,” said Jonathan Vaughters. “Today we have the yellow jersey, we’ll see if we can defend it; we’ll see if we can win the stage. Yesterday went badly, but today went great. That’s the Tour.”

And Contador had yet to throw in the towel despite a tough start to his title defense.

“My opponents are still ahead of me in the GC and I might not even be the biggest favorite to win overall anymore, but there’s a long way to Paris and we will do everything to gain time to get back,” he said.

Andrew Hood, Patrick O’Grady and Agence France Presse contributed to this report. Stay tuned for an expanded report, video, complete results and photos from stage 2 of the 2011 Tour de France

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 04, 2011, 05:28:11 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 3 results

July 4: STAGE 3 - Olonne-sur-Mer  Redon 198 km

Farrar first on the Fourth, wins stage 3 of the 2011 Tour de France

Stage 3 Results:

1. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 4h 40′ 21″
2. Romain Feillu, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at s.t.
3. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at s.t.
4. Sébastien Hinault, Ag2r La Mondiale, at s.t.
5. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, at s.t.
6. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
18. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at s.t.
20. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at s.t.
23. Christopher Horner, Team Radioshack, at s.t.
34. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at s.t.
35. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
36. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at s.t.
38. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
42. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
43. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
44. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
45. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
46. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at s.t.
52. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at s.t.
54. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at s.t.
55. Tony Martin, HTC – Highroad, at s.t.
56. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at s.t.
75. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at s.t.
111. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at s.t.
112. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
126. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
140. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
144. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at s.t.
161. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at s.t.
162. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at s.t.
190. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 03:22
198. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 05:57

GC Standings:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 9h 46′ 46
2. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:01
4. Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, at 00:04
5. Linus Gerdemann, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
7. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
8. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
10. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at 00:04
12. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
13. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:04
14. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 00:05
17. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 00:05
19. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
20. Christopher Horner, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
22. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
24. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:12
25. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at 00:23
27. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:32
29. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00:33
39. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:50
44. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 00:56
46. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 00:57
54. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 01:04
69. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:42
71. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:49
72. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:49
73. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:53
97. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 02:35
132. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 03:31
146. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:20
168. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 06:22
169. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 06:26
198. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 19:08

Next Stage: July 5: STAGE 4 - Lorient  Mûr-de-Bretagne 172.5 km


Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo

Green:   Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 64 points
Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, with 58 points
Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, with 54 points

 Polka Dot:       Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharm, with 1 point
Mickaël Delage, Fdj, with 1 point

White:           Denis Galimzyanov, Katusha Team, in 4h 40′ 21″
Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, at s.t


Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 28h 30′ 42
Bmc Racing Team, at 00:01
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

All Riders in the race.

Stage 3  Review:

Farrar first on the Fourth, wins stage 3 of the 2011 Tour de France
By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 4th 2011 11:29 AM UTC — Updated Jul 4th 2011 1:39 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/FARRAR-PODIUM-325x488.jpg)
Farrar dedicated his win to Wouter Wylandt. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

American Tyler Farrar took a Fourth of July win at the Tour de France Tuesday, coming off a leadout by teammate and race leader Thor Hushovd to win a mostly flat 198-kilometer ride northward from Olonne Sur Mer to Redon.

Norwegian world champion Hushovd retained the yellow jersey he captured when his Garmin-Cervelo squad won Sunday’s team time trial.

Pre-race favorite Mark Cavendish was fifth after his team lost control of the front of the peloton in the final kilometer.

It was Farrar’s first Tour sprint stage win — coming a day after he won the team time trial — and completes his collection of grand tour stage wins. It was also the first Tour stage win by an American on the Fourth of July.

“You have the yellow jersey, slash world champion leading you out … you can’t ask for more than that,” Farrar said at the finish.

“After being so close — second, third, second — to finally win a stage is incredible. I am so happy. The team today was perfect, with Millar, Dean and having the world champion and yellow jersey leading me out was just perfect.

Farrar dedicated the win to his training partner and friend Wouter Weylandt, who died in a crash at the Giro d’Italia in May.

“It’s like a dream come true to win. This is for Wouter, I want to dedicate this to him. To win on the Fourth of July just makes it that much better.”

“It’s been a horrible two months with everything at the Giro. I’ve had lots of ups and downs. I wanted to come back and do something special in tribute to Wouter at the world’s biggest race. I trained hard and I saw I was getting stronger. It’s a little bit unbelievable that it’s actually happened.”

Hushovd said everything went to plan.

“The objective today was to win the stage with Tyler and keep the yellow jersey, so we were able to do just that. We are very content. We won yesterday and to win again today is fabulous.”

The early break

A group of five established a break early on the day and the peloton decided to give them a long leash. The break’s best-placed rider was Movistar’s Jose Ivan Gutierrez, last year’s Spanish road race champion and 59th at 1:09. His colleagues for the day were Ruben Perez Moreno (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Maxime Bouet (Ag2r), Niki Terpstra, and Mickaël Delage (FdJ).

The group was allowed to coast out to an eight-minute-plus lead ahead of the Garmin-Cervelo-led peloton.

The points competition.

The day’s only intermediate sprint came at Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, with 94km remaining in the stage. Delage took the first place points from his breakmates, but the real battle was for the remaining sixth-through-15th place points on offer for the field.

HTC, Quick Step and Omega Pharma-Lotto set up trains for the sprint, and even yellow jersey Hushovd got into the mix. Ulimately, 15-time Tour stage winner Mark Cavendish took the field sprint for sixth, ahead of Denis Galimzyanov (Katusha) and Jose Joaquin Rojas (Movistar). Hushovd picked up four points for 12th (seventh in the field sprint).

Soon after the sprint, Garmin and HTC got down to business chasing down the breakaway, quickly chopping the gap down to a little more than three minutes with 75km to go.

The KOM competition

In the climber’s competition, there was just one point awarded atop the category 4 Côte du Pont de Saint-Nazaire. The 1.1-kilometer ascent up a bridge topped out 55km from the finish.

Delage took the point, putting him tied with Gilbert on points in the KOM competition. Gilbert, better placed on GC, will wear the polka dot jersey on stage 4.

The leaders had less than a two-minute gap when they hit the bridge, and they lost roughly another half minute, as the peloton hit the go-button up the day’s only categorized climb. The pace caught a few riders in the pack by surprise and Ivan Basso, Ben Swift and Sylvain Chavanel were among those who briefly lost contact with the peloton. A group of near 40 riders dangled off the back for a few kilometers.
Leopard-Trek’s Fabian Cancellara and two teammates were among those at the pointy end of the peloton, making life difficult for the group that was caught out behind, and also quickly closing the gap to the breakaway. At 50km to go, the gap was just 1:20.

Katusha’s Vladimir Karpets was among those who lost contact near the bridge and then had a crash, forcing him to take a spare bike from the team car. He struggled to regain contact with the leaders, chasing alone for several kilometers before joining another small group of stragglers.

The chase and catch

With 30km to go, the break was within sight of the front of the peloton, which eased up a bit to avoid a premature catch. That was a relief to Karpets and the other stragglers who rejoined the main pack.

Meanwhile, the five escapees were enjoying a brisk tailwind that had them zinging along at near 70kph (44mph) and holding their gap at about a half minute.

With 18km to go, Delage and Gutierrez attacked the breakaway and the others were soon absorbed by the hungry pack. The pair dangled off the front as HTC began ramping up the pace to position Cavendish.

The two entered the final 10k with a 12 second gap and finally conceded the inevitable a kilometer later.

HTC, Garmin and Lampre battled for control of the front, while GC favorites like Cadel Evans and Alberto Contador made sure to stay within spitting distance to protect their interests.

With 3k to go, HTC seemed to have firm control. The yellow jersey had Farrar on his wheel entering the final 2k, where a few attacks blistered off the front, upsetting HTC’s control. Garmin took control in the final kilometer. After a big charge from Hushvod, Farrar came off Danny Pate’s wheel to take his first Tour stage sprint win. Cavendish never hit the front, coming in fifth.

Up next

Tuesday’s stage has a hilly finale that may suit stage 1 winner Philippe Gilbert. The Mur de Bretagne finish climb is a difficult 2km long with an average gradient of 6.9 percent, with pitches in the first kilometer hitting 10 percent.

Race note

Rojas, third on the stage, takes over the green points leader jersey for stage 4. Delage was awarded the Most Aggressive prize for the day.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 05, 2011, 06:43:49 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 4 results

July 5: STAGE 4 - Lorient  Mûr-de-Bretagne 172.5 km

Cadel Evans wins stage 4 of the 2011 Tour de France, Hushovd retains overall lead

Stage 4 Results:

1. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, in 4h 11′ 39″
2. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at s.t.
3. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:00
4. Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
5. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at s.t.
6. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
7. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
8. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at s.t.
10. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
11. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at 00:06
12. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at 00:06
13. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 00:06
16. Christopher Horner, Team RadioShack, at 00:08
17. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:08
20. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 00:08
21. Tony Martin, HTC – Highroad, at 00:08
22. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:08
23. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:08
31. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:08
65. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:25
67. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 00:25
93. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:55
101. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 02:06
103. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 02:06
116. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 02:22
126. Yaroslav Popovych, Team RadioShack, at 03:21
136. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:17
147. Mark Renshaw, HTC – Highroad, at 04:17
150. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, at 04:17
158. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:17
163. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:17
191. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 08:13
197. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 08:45

GC Standings:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 13h 58′ 25
2. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 00:01
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
4. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:08
5. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at 00:10
6. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at 00:10
9. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:12
11. Tony Martin, HTC – Highroad, at 00:13
14. Christopher Horner, Team RadioShack, at 00:18
15. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 00:18
17. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:20
18. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:32
19. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00:33
23. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 01:03
29. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at 01:15
30. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 01:15
36. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 01:29
41. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:42
45. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
46. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
50. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 02:10
74. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 03:18
83. Yaroslav Popovych, Team RadioShack, at 03:44
92. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:21
94. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, at 04:22
110. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 05:37
113. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 06:10
114. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 06:15
121. Mark Renshaw, HTC – Highroad, at 06:52
126. Danny Pate, HTC – Highroad, at 07:11
167. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 10:43
188. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 14:35
197. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 27:53

Next Stage: July 6: STAGE 5 - Carhaix  Cap Fréhel164.5 km


Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo

Green:   Jose Joaquin Rojas, Movistar Team, with 82 points
Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, with 80 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 77 points

 Polka Dot:    Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, with 2 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 1 point
Mickaël Delage, Fdj, with 1 point

 White:           Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, in 13h 58′ 37
Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
Tejay Van Garderen, Htc – Highroad, at 00:01


Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 41h 05′ 55″
Sky Procycling, at 00:02
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto

Stage 4  Review:

Cadel Evans wins stage 4 of the 2011 Tour de France, Hushovd retains overall lead

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 5th 2011 11:26 AM UTC — Updated Jul 5th 2011 1:23 PM UTC
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/000_DV9908401-439x660.jpg)
Evans led a long uphill charge to the line. Contador tried to come around at the end, but couldn't quite make it. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

Cadel Evans (BMC) won Tuesday’s stage 4 of the 2011 Tour de France, a 172.5-kilometer race from Lorient to Mûr-de-Bretagne with a tough uphill finish.

Race leader Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) marked the climbers on the finale to retain his overall lead another day — by just one second ahead of Evans.

“I am very, very happy to keep (the jersey),” said Hushovd. “It was very hard up the final climb. I was on my limit to stay with those guys. The maillot jaune gave me extra motivation to dig even deeper.”
Evans showed impressive form to mark a late attack by Contador and hold a select group off on the long uphill sprint.

“This is the first time that I won a road stage at the Tour de France,” the Australian said. “I am very content. I am still in second place, but the impressions are good right now. We had good preparation for the Tour this year and the team is very motivated to help me, so everything is going very good right now.”

The win was Evans’ first road stage win at the Tour. He was awarded the win of the 2007 stage 13 time trial after Alexander Vinoukourov tested positive and his win was negated.

An interesting first-week stage

The stage 4 route was part of race organizers’ efforts the last two years to climb out of a rut of predictable first-week field sprints. The route included two categorized climbs, the Category 4 Côte de Laz at 79km and, much more importantly, the Cat. 3 Mûr-de-Bretagne at the finish. The route was run on narrow, twisting road with a seemingly endless series of uncategorized risers.

A cool wet start

It was just 16 degrees C (61 Farenheit) and raining when the field rolled out of Lorient. At the 9km mark, a group of five came together off the front. The best placed Movistar’s Imanol Erviti, who after three stages of this Tour found himself at 111th at 2:58. The others: Gorka Izagirre Insausti (Euskaltel – Euskadi), Blel Kadri (Ag2r-La Mondiale), Jérémy Roy, (Fdj) and Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil-DCM).

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/P1020182-325x243.jpg)
Jonathan Hivert heads to the soggy start on stage 4. Photo: Nick Legan

By the 25k mark, the break had more than a four-minute gap making Erviti, a two-time Vuelta a Espana stage winner, the Tour leader on the road.

BMC was doing the bulk of the work at the front of the field, perhaps signaling that Evans was looking to position himself for a run at a stage win — and the yellow jersey. Stage favorite Philippe Gilbert’s Omega Pharma squad also chipped in to the work, and the break’s advantage was brought back to 2:15 at the 100 kilometer mark.

The KOM ‘sprint’

The breakaway still had a decent gap over the top of the day’s first categorized climb and Hoogerland snagged the one KOM point on offer there, creating a three-way tie on the KOM competition, with Gilbert, Hoogerland and Mickael Delage (FdJ) each with one point. The tie would be broken with the points on offer at the finish line, which would also serve as a category 3 KOM line.

The intermediate sprint

Hoogerlang also grabbed the first-place points at the day’s one intermediate sprint, which came 80km from the finish. Behind the break, Monday’s stage winner, Garmin’s Tyler Farrar, took the field sprint for the sixth-place points. Green jersey holder Joaquin Rojas (Movistar) was just behind Farrar in seventh, while HTC’s Mark Cavendish was ninth.

The chase

Omega did the bulk of the chasing after the sprint, but the breakaway took advantage of the twisty roads and a tailwind to maintain a gap of roughly two minutes into the final 30km.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/ZABRISKIE-CHASES1-325x216.jpg)
Dave Zabriskie spent a lot of time on the front of the field again. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

As the peloton hit the climbs in the final 20km, the gap started to come down, to just under a minute with 10k to go. In the peloton, the non-climbers were suffering, dangling off the back.

The break was finally caught with 3km to go, just as the race hit the steep opening ramps of the finish climb.

Finale

BMC’s Hincapie took a monster pull into the climb while Evans tucked in near the front.

The front bunch stayed intact with all the favorites into the final 2k until Contador opened it up with an attack at 1.3km to go.

The Tour champion’s move was marked by a select group of favorites, including Hushovd, Gilbert, Evans and Alexander Vinokourov. Evans led out the slow motion uphill sprint and held off a late bike throw by Contador to take the win.

The pace on the final climb was not enough to shake a determined Hushovd, however. The big Norwegian crossed the line with the same time as Evans to retain the yellow jersey another day.

Frank Schleck finished at the same time as Evans, Contador and Hushovd. But a few other GC favorites lost a handful of seconds in the finale. Ivan Basso was 6 seconds back, as was Bradley Wiggins. Chris Horner, Robert Gesink, Levi Leipheimer and Andy Schleck were all at 8 seconds.

“The time (gap) today is just a few seconds,” Evans said. “I don’t think that these small differences will mean much when we get to Paris. It’s a good indication of the first week, but we have 3,000 kilometers to get to the finish line.”

Up next

Wednesday’s stage 5 is 165km from Carhaix to Cap de Fréhel, across the windy coast of Brittany. The likely cross winds could give some teams an opportunity to split the field apart and a fairly technical finale could upset some sprinter’s trains and create an unpredictable finish.

Race notes

Jurgen Van de Walle, who was involved in a crash on stage 2, pulled out of the race early on Tuesday. He is the first abandon of this Tour

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Lynch on July 06, 2011, 09:09:25 AM

Thats a lot of coverage! How many stages is this again? And who are the Americans?

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 06, 2011, 02:33:33 PM

Quote from: Lynch on July 06, 2011, 09:09:25 AM

Thats a lot of coverage! How many stages is this again? And who are the Americans?

There are 21 stages with two rest days (next two Mondays) as well.

Lots of Americans !

On Garmin-Cervelo: Tom Danielson, Tyler Farrar, Christian Vande Velde and Dave Zabriskie.

On Radioshack: Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer.

On BMC Racing: Brent Bookwalter and George Hincapie.

and On HTC-High Road:  Danny Pate and Tejay Van Garderen.

I actually thought there were more Americans in this year's TDF...

 :fitzed:

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 06, 2011, 06:31:04 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 5 results

July 6: STAGE 5 - Carhaix  Cap Fréhel164.5 km

Mark Cavendish wins stage 5 of the Tour de France, Hushovd retains lead

Stage 5 Results:

1. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, in 3h 38′ 32″
2. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at s.t
3. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at s.t.
4. Tony Gallopin, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at s.t.
5. Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
10. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
11. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
12. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
14. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
18. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
26. Tony Martin, HTC – Highroad, at s.t.
28. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at s.t.
31. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
35. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at s.t.
36. Christopher Horner, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
40. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
41. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
42. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at s.t.
48. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at s.t.
49. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
58. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
59. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
71. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at s.t.
97. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
114. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 00:32
153. Mark Renshaw, HTC – Highroad, at 02:25
160. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:46
170. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:29
182. Yaroslav Popovych, Team RadioShack, at 04:29
194. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 13:08
195. Addy Engels, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 13:08

GC Standings:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in17h 36′ 57″
2. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 00:01
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
4. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:08
5. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at 00:10
6. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at 00:10
10. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:12
11. Tony Martin, HTC – Highroad, at 00:13
13. Christopher Horner, Team RadioShack, at 00:18
14. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 00:18
15. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:20
16. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:32
21. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 01:03
28. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 01:15
34. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 01:29
39. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:42
43. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
44. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
47. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 02:10
81. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, at 04:22
98. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 06:10
99. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 06:10
113. Yaroslav Popovych, Team RadioShack, at 08:13
126. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 09:01
130. Mark Renshaw, HTC – Highroad, at 09:17
144. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 10:43
180. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 16:26
185. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 19:04
195. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 33:57

Next Stage: July 7: STAGE 6 - Dinan  Lisieux 226.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo

Green:   Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 120 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 112 points
Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, with 90 points

 Polka Dot:    Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, with 2 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 1 point
Mickaël Delage, Fdj, with 1 point
 
White:           Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, in 17h 37′ 09″
Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:08


Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 52h 01′ 31″
Sky Procycling, at 00:02
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack


Stage 5  Review:

Mark Cavendish wins stage 5 of the Tour de France, Hushovd retains lead

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 6th 2011 11:33 AM UTC — Updated Jul 6th 2011 1:38 PM UTC
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/CAV-WINS-325x240.jpg)
Mark Cavendish earns his 16th Tour stage win.

Mark Cavendish won Wednesday’s stage 5 of the 2011 Tour de France, a 164.5-kilometer race from Carhaix to Cap Fréhel.

It was the first win of this Tour for Cavendish and his 16th career stage win.

Race leader Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) finished with the leaders to retain his yellow jersey another day.

Multiple crashes upset the race, with yellow jersey favorites Alberto Contador, Bradley Wiggins and Robert Gesink among those who hit the pavement at one point or another. RadioShack’s Janez Brajkovic, himself a long-shot favorite for a podium finish, left the race due to injuries after a crash.
“I’m really happy,” said Cavendish, who dedicated the win to his dog Amber, which died on Tuesday.

“I want to dedicate this to Amber. She was my little baby.”

He added: “I knew this was a technical finish and it was a hard stage but the team worked really hard for it today and I think I showed my resilience.”

Bumpy route

While the stage featured just one categorized climb, a cat. 4 that came 46km into the stage, and was widely predicted to resolve itself in a field sprint, it was by no means a straightforward route. The journey included many short steep hills, narrow roads and exposure to predicted winds off the channel.

The escape du jour

After a relaxed roll out, a four-man break formed in the first 5k of the race. None of its members were particularly dangerous on the general classification so the leaders of the bunch wished them a bon voyage.

The break: Sébastien Turgot (Europcar), Anthony Delaplace (Saur Sojasun), José Ivan Gutierrez (Movistar), Tristan Valentin (Cofidis).

The foursome built out a five-minute gap ahead of the Garmin-led pack and Delaplace grabbed the single KOM point on offer atop the 281-meter-high Côte de Gurunhuel. The gap was up to 6 minutes with 100k to go.

Intermediate sprint — and crashes

Turgot grabbed the first-place intermediate sprint ahead of Gutierrez. In the field, as is becoming the pattern this Tour, teams set up for a full-on field sprint for the fifth-through-15th points on offer.

Movistar (for green jersey Juan Rojas) and HTC (for Cavendish) set up trains and Quick Step’s Tom Boonen rode aggressively, swerving into Cavendish at one point.

Boonen and Rojas were later relegated for cutting off Cavendish in the sprint.

Borut Bozic (Vacansoleil-Dcm) ended up grabbing the field sprint ahead of Boonen, but more importantly, several riders crashed soon after the sprint. Brajkovic abandoned and Contador, who was 45 seconds behind the field at one point, was forced to chase for several kilometers before regaining contact.

Less than 20km later, another crash took down Boonen and Gert Steegmans.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/JANI-1-325x491.jpg)
Jani Brajkovic receives treatment after a hard crash.

Boonen continued, holding his right shoulder, but losing time rapidly. He eventually finished more than 13 minutes behind the lead group.

Cross winds

When the route turned right along the coast, the pace in the peloton accelerated and the break’s advantage tumbled. The foursome was brought back earlier than expected: with 45km still to race.
With 30km to go, the day’s second big break took off — Thomas Voeckler and Tuesday’s Most Aggressive rider, Jeremy Roy. The pair built up a lead of roughly a minute with 11 kilometers to go.

That’s when the Lampre, HTC and Leopard-Trek teams decided they’d had enough and put the hammer down. With 5k to go, the pair was dangling just 15 seconds off the front as Astana joined the chase.

The catch and sprint

Voeckler made a last-gasp attack as the pair was being caught, but was quickly drawn back.

HTC had control of the front in the final kilometer, and the team’s Tony Martin even threw in a sharp attack at the 1km line, drawing out Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen, Philippe Gilbert and Hushovd. Hushovd was happy to lead out the sprint, and Gilbert launched around him with 200 meters to go. But there was no holding back Cavendish, who powered around the Belgian champion for his 16th Tour stage win.

After the stage, Contador, who also crashed on the first stage when he lost over a minute to key rivals, said he is looking forward to things improving over the coming weeks.

“It was a very tense stage with a lot of crashes,” said the Spaniard. ”Things are not getting any easier. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.”

Up next

Thursday’s stage 6 is the longest stage of the 2011 Tour, and is also likely to be one of the fastest. The finale at Lisieux features a significant climb past the Ste. Thérèse basilica, 2km from the finish.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 07, 2011, 01:22:12 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 6 results

July 7: STAGE 6 - Dinan  Lisieux 226.5 km

Sky’s Boasson Hagen wins stage 6 of the 2011 Tour de France

Stage 6 Results:

1. Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, in 5h 13′ 37″
2. Matthew Harley Goss, HTC – Highroad, at s.t.
3. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
4. Romain Feillu, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at s.t.
5. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at s.t.
7. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at s.t.
12. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
15. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
22. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at s.t.
26. Tony Martin, HTC – Highroad, at s.t.
27. Christopher Horner, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
28. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at s.t.
32. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
33. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
36. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
40. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
45. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
47. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
48. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at s.t.
49. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
50. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at s.t.
53. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at s.t.
55. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at s.t.
56. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
62. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at s.t.
88. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 00:48
91. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 01:05
101. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, at 01:44
120. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:23
124. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 02:23
150. Danny Pate, HTC – Highroad, at 02:23
155. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 02:23
157. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:23
158. Yaroslav Popovych, Team RadioShack, at 02:23
163. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 03:29
169. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 05:27
193. Jimmy Engoulvent, Saur-Sojasun, at 12:26

GC Standings:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 22h 50′ 34″
2. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 00:01
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
4. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:08
5. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at 00:10
6. Bradley Wiggins, Sky Procycling, at 00:10
10. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:12
11. Tony Martin, HTC – Highroad, at 00:13
13. Christopher Horner, Team RadioShack, at 00:18
14. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:20
15. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:32
16. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00:33
20. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 01:03
27. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 01:15
30. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:22
31. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 01:23
32. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 01:29
34. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:42
36. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
37. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
40. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 02:10
80. Mark Cavendish, HTC – Highroad, at 06:06
98. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 08:33
99. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 08:33
118. Yaroslav Popovych, Team RadioShack, at 10:36
136. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 12:30
140. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 13:06
149. Danny Pate, HTC – Highroad, at 14:03
167. Tom Boonen, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 18:49
172. Mark Renshaw, HTC – Highroad, at 21:43
177. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 24:31
193. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 46:23

Next Stage: July 8: STAGE 7 - Le Mans  Châteauroux 218 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo

Green:   Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 144 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 143 points
Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, with 112 points

 Polka Dot:    Johnny Hoogerland, Vacansoleil-Dcm, with 4 points
Anthony Roux, Fdj, with 3 points
Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, with 2 points

 White:           Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, in 22h 50′ 46″
Edvald Boasson Hagen, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:08

Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, 67h 42′ 22″
Sky Procycling, at 00:02
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter

Stage 6  Review:

Sky’s Boasson Hagen wins stage 6 of the 2011 Tour de France

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 7th 2011 11:15 AM UTC — Updated Jul 7th 2011 2:20 PM UTC

 (http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/000_DV992715-325x488.jpg)
Boasson Hagen held off Goss and Hushovd. AFP Photo
Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen won stage 6 of the 2011 Tour de France on Thursday, a 226.5km race from Dinan to Lisieux along the coast of Normandy. It was the first Tour stage win for the 24 year old and the first stage win for Team Sky.

Boasson Hagen outkicked HTC’s Matthew Goss and race leader Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo), to win this year’s longest stage.

Hushovd was third across the line to easily retain his race lead another day.

Most of the other GC favorites finished in the lead group to retain their positions. American Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack), however, lost about a minute due to a crash late in the stage.

“It’s really nice to win this stage,” Boasson Hagen said. “It’s been a great start to the Tour for us and to win a stage was a big objective for us. It’s really nice to win a stage in the Tour. It’s been like a dream to win this stage. I’ve had a free role on the team for the first part of the Tour, but when the mountains come, I will helping Brad (Wiggins) in the mountains. Thor has the yellow jersey now and to win a stage in front of him is a big honor.”

Three climbs

The second half of the stage featured many small hills, including three categorized ascents, two cat. 3’s and one cat. 4. The stage started dry and cloudy, but the peloton increasingly dealt with rain and slippery wet roads in the second half of the day.

Break du jour

Anthony Roux (FdJ), Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil), Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil) Adriano Malori (Lampre) Leonardo Duque (Cofidis) escaped early on this long day. Roux, in 50th place at 2:25 behind Hushovd, was the best placed in the break. The peloton allowed them a gap of upwards of 11 minutes with 100km covered.

The intermediate sprint

In the breakaway, Roux grabbed the first place points at the day’s intermediate sprint. Back in the peloton, Mark Cavendish grabbed the 10 points on offer for sixth place after a spirited field sprint. Former green jersey wearer Joaquin Rojas was seventh and American Tyler Farrar was eighth.
Roux also snagged the first place points on the Cat. 3 Côte du Bourg d’Ouilly. But thanks to grabbing points on the two other summits, Hoogerland took over the lead of the KOM competition.

Escaping the escape

With 52km remaining, Westra and Malori attacked the others, who didn’t put up much of a fight and soon drifted back to the peloton. The pair had a bit over three minutes’ gap ahead of the peloton at 40k to go, but with HTC, BMC and Liquigas leading the chase, they had just 30 seconds with 16k to go, when Westra gave up the ghost and left Malori to his own devices.

Malori, the Italian time trial champion, dangled off the front until he was finally caught in the final 3k.

He earned the day’s Most Aggressive prize for his efforts.

On a sharp hill with 2.5km to go, Jelle Vanendert (Omega Pharma) and Voeckler (Europcar) attacked and briefly built a substantial lead before being drawn back by the sprint teams.

Up the final stretch Alexander Vinokourov led the charge, but was soon swarmed, and Boasson Hagen took a clear win while Goss nipped a fading Hushovd at the line.

Boasson Hagen said he felt strong on Wednesday but timed his sprint wrong. Luckily his strength lasted another day. “I was feeling good over the last climbs — I stayed close to the front all the time — I was feeling my legs, I felt really great. – Geraint Thomas came and did a really good leadoff in the end.”

“It’s a great day for Norway — to have two riders on the podium together … to win like that ahead of Thor in the yellow jersey is like a dream.”

Hushovd was quick to applaud Boasson Hagen’s win.
“It’s not too bad eh? A little country like Norway and we’ve got the stage win and the yellow jersey,” said Hushovd.

“Edvald has great potential. He’s won the longest stage of the Tour, and one which was very difficult. He’s got a great future ahead of him. … He does well on most terrains, sprints, time trials and he can climb well also.”

Up next

Friday’s stage 7 is 218km (136 miles), mostly flat from the Loire valley to a Châteauroux. A field sprint is likely ahead of Saturday’s mountainous stage to Super-Besse.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Lynch on July 07, 2011, 02:12:38 PM

"Mountainous stage" that doesn't sound like much fun.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 07, 2011, 02:54:57 PM

Quote from: Lynch on July 07, 2011, 02:12:38 PM

"Mountainous stage" that doesn't sound like much fun.

 

Actually, those are the stages I like the best.  But you are right, not much fun for most of the riders...

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 08, 2011, 07:53:56 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 7 results

July 8: STAGE 7 - Le Mans  Châteauroux 218 km

Cavendish wins stage 7 of the 2011 Tour de France

Stage 7 Results:

1. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, in 5h 38′ 53″
2. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre-Isd, at s.t.
3. André Greipel, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at s.t.
4. Romain Feillu, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at s.t.
5. William Bonnet, Fdj, at s.t.
7. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at s.t.
14. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at s.t.
16. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
17. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
18. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at s.t.
20. Mark Renshaw, HTC-Highroad, at s.t.
22. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
26. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at s.t.
30. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
31. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
32. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at s.t.
33. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at s.t.
39. Tony Martin, HTC-Highroad, at s.t.
41. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at s.t.
45. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at s.t.
52. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at s.t.
54. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at s.t.
92. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:22
93. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:53
95. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 02:13
97. Danny Pate, HTC-Highroad, at 02:44
127. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 03:06
157. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 03:06
172. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 03:06
182. Yaroslav Popovych, Team RadioShack, at 06:38
190. Christopher Horner, Team RadioShack, at 12:41

GC Standings:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 28h 29′ 27″
2. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:01
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
4. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:08
5. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
7. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:12
8. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 00:13
10. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:20
11. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:32
12. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00:33
15. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 01:03
21. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 01:15
23. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 01:29
24. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:42
26. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
50. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 04:29
55. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 05:16
59. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 06:06
71. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 06:57
79. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 08:33
96. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 09:55
130. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 14:23
142. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 16:12
145. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 16:47
148. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at 17:14
166. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 21:43
173. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 26:44
190. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 49:29

Next Stage: July 9: STAGE 8 - Aigurande  Super-Besse Sancy 189 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo

Green:   Jose Joaquin Rojas, Movistar Team, with 167 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, with 156 points
Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, with 150 points

 Polka Dot:    Johnny Hoogerland, Vacansoleil-Dcm, with 4 points
Anthony Roux, Fdj, with 3 points
Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, with 2 points

 White:           Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, in 28h 29′ 47″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 1:53
Arnold Jeannesson, Fdj, at 02:17

Teams:       Team Garmin-Cervelo, in 84h 39′ 01″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
Team RadioShack, at 00:10

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)


Stage 7  Review:

Cavendish wins stage 7 of the 2011 Tour de France

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 8th 2011 12:05 PM UTC — Updated Jul 8th 2011 3:49 PM UTC
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/000_DV993394-325x216.jpg)
Cavendish had a successful return to the scene of his first Tour stage win. AFP Photo

Mark Cavendish won Friday’s marathon 218-kilometer stage 7 from Le Mans to Châteauroux at the 2011 Tour de France, the last sprinter’s stage before the race enters the Massif Central this weekend.

It was the HTC-Highroad rider’s 17th Tour stage win and came in the same city where he won his first Tour stage, in 2008.

Several GC contenders, including RadioShack’s Chris Horner and Levi Leipheimer, were caught out by a large crash and lost time. Horner was the day’s last finisher, 12:41 behind Cavendish; Leipheimer lost 3:06. Team Sky’s GC hope Bradley Wiggins left the race with a collarbone break from that crash.

Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) finished in the lead group to retain his jersey, with a one-second advantage over BMC’s Cadel Evans.

After the race, Cavendish praised his teammates at length, and talked about how proud he was “to be able to share the Tour de France with them.”

“With 15km to go, they went super hard. They just went until they couldn’t go any more.”
Cavendish said his team’s well-drilled discipline doesn’t come through practice, “because we don’t practice.”

“It’s discipline through trust, through knowing each other, working together, not saying a thing. I’m super lucky I can share the experience with these guys. I don’t have to do anything. They delivered me with to 150 meters to go. Yeah it’s their job, but there’s a passion behind it. There always has been.

That’s what makes me so proud.”

Long, flat, wet and windy

Friday’s stage was one of the flattest of this Tour and a field sprint was all but guaranteed. There were no categorized climbs. Oddly, the day’s intermediate sprint came late on the stage, with just 25km remaining. Early rain gave way to partly sunny conditions later in the day.

The requisite early breakaway

Almost from Kilometer Zero, a four-man break formed off the front. The best placed of the four was FdJ’s Gianni Meersman, who started the day in 56th, 3:22 behind Hushovd. His teammate Mickael Delage also joined in, along with Sau-Sijasun’s Yannick Talabardon and Euskadi-Euskaltel’s Pablo Urtasun Perez.

The four had almost a five-minute gap just 12 kilometers into the race, and 6:25 by the 25km mark.
Garmin-Cervelo led the peloton at a stately pace on this long day, keeping the break’s gap manageable, trimming it to under four minutes with 60km to go. The day was too much for Quick Step’s Tom Boonen, however, who climbed into a team car and departed due to the lingering effects of his stage 5 crash.

Crash

As the pace picked up approaching the intermediate sprint a crash brought down about 20 riders, including Wiggins, who left the race with a suspected broken collarbone. Alexander Vinokourov, Tyler Farrar and Chris Horner were among those who went down but continued.
 
The peloton had broke into two big groups separated by over a minute, with Levi Leipheimer, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Geraint Thomas and Ryder Hesjedal among those stuck in the chase group a minute and a half back, desperate to regain contact before the end. Horner was even farther back. Hushovd and most of the major sprinters were in the front chase group, which was soon closing on the four leaders under pressure from Leopard-Trek and then HTC on the front.

The four-man break was finally caught with 12km to go.
HTC took firm control of the front into the final kilometers, with Petacchi sitting behind Cavendish and Hushovd and teammate Julian Dean hovering just behind. The HTC train would not be denied, however, and Cavendish started an early sprint and held off Petacchi and Greipel at the line.

Horner was at least two minutes behind the diminished peloton, which HTC was driving toward the intermediate sprint line.

Delage grabbed the first-place intermediate points. In the peloton, HTC put on a show of force to ensure Cavendish grabbed the field sprint for fifth place. Movistar’s Rojas was just behind him, gaining the point he needed to pass Philippe Gilbert for the points competition lead.

Up next

Saturday’s stage 8 heads into the hilly terrain of the Massif Central with a summit finish at Super-Besse. The finale is preceded by the Cat. 2 Col de la Croix St. Robert (6.2km at a 6.2-percent average grade), followed by 19km of winding back roads before the last climb begins in the town of Besse.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 09, 2011, 09:08:57 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 8 results

July 9: STAGE 8 - Aigurande  Super-Besse Sancy 189 km

Rui Da Costa wins stage 8 as Thor Hushovd holds lead in 2011 Tour de France

Stage 8 Results:

1. Faria Da Costa Rui Alberto, Movistar Team, 4h 36′ 46″
2. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00:12
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:15
4. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 00:15
5. Peter Velits, Htc – Highroad, at 00:15
8. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 00:15
9. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:15
10. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:15
13. Andréas Klöden, Team Radioshack, at 00:15
14. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 00:15
15. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:15
16. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:15
17. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:15
20. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 00:15
26. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:26
30. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 00:29
33. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:29
42. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 00:50
56. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 01:23
89. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 05:36
100. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 09:38
117. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at 13:06
134. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 19:59
136. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 19:59
141. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 19:59
165. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 19:59
170. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 19:59
176. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 19:59
188. Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at 28:48

GC Standings:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, 33h 06′ 28″
2. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:01
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
4. Andréas Klöden, Team Radioshack, at 00:10
5. Jakob Fuglsang, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:12
6. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:12
7. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 00:13
9. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:19
10. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00:30
11. Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana, at 00:32
13. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 01:03
17. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 01:28
18. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at 01:29
19. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 01:29
20. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:42
21. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
22. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:57
23. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 02:04
42. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 04:43
102. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 23:46
113. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 25:50
119. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 26:41
123. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 28:17
130. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 29:39
133. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at 30:05
159. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 35:56
171. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 41:27
175. David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 46:28
188. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 1:09:13

Next Stage: July 10:  STAGE 9 - Issoire  Saint-Flour 208 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo

Green:   Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 187 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 172 points
Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 153 points

 Polka Dot: Tejay Van Garderen, Htc – Highroad, at 5 points
Costa Rui Alberto Faria Da, Movistar Team, at 5 points
Johnny Hoogerland, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at 4 points

 White:           Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, 33h 07′ 56″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 0:59
Arnold Jeannesson, Fdj, at 01:20

Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, 98h 30′ 04″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:04
Team Radioshack, at 00:35

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)


Stage 8  Review:

Rui Da Costa wins stage 8 as Thor Hushovd holds lead in 2011 Tour de France

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 9th 2011 11:13 AM UTC — Updated Jul 9th 2011 4:59 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/COSTA-WINS-325x361.jpg)Rui Da Costa wins stage 8. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Rui Da Costa (Movistar) won the eighth stage of the 2011 Tour de France by a whisker, just ahead of classics star Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) and BMC captain Cadel Evans.

The 24-year-old Portuguese was the sole survivor of a daylong break that included American Tejay Van Garderen (HTC-Highroad) and the first Category 2 climb of this year’s Tour, the 6.2km Col de la Croix Saint-Robert.

As the escape came apart on the final ascent to Super-Besse Sancy Astana’s Alexander Vinokourov shot out of the bunch, hoping to steal both stage win and the maillot jaune, but it was not to be — he was swallowed up in the final meters, and Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervélo) held onto his yellow jersey by one second over Evans.

“I’ve been happy with my Tour de France so far … so if I’d lost the jersey it wouldn’t have been a big problem,” said Hushovd. ”Of course, when I heard my name I was happy.”

And Evans? He didn’t seem disappointed to still be sitting second.

“I didn’t get the jersey but for us it’s not a problem right now. As I keep saying, there’s a long way to go to Paris,” Evans said.

A tough day in the saddle

The 189km race from Aigurande to Super-Besse Sancy took the 2011 Tour de France into the Massif Central, a hilly region in central and southern France with a distinct geology that includes the largest concentration of extinct volcanoes in the world.

The day brought more bad news for RadioShack — Chris Horner did not start after crashing heavily and losing a dozen minutes. The Tour of California champ managed to finish stage 7 despite suffering a concussion, a broken nose and heavy bruising to one calf.

Stage 8 began with relatively flat terrain for the first 60 or so kilometers. Then the road gradually turned upward, starting with the Category 4 Côte d’Évaux-les-Bains, a 1.7km climb that averaged 6.2 percent and summited at 65.5km.

Next up was the Cat. 4 Côte du Rocher des Trois Tourtes, a 1.3km climb that averaged just 4.6 percent and peaked at 119.5km.

Third on the day was the main event, the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert, averaging 6.2 percent and topping out at 164km.

The final 25km covered rolling terrain before tackling the finale, a 1.5km, 7.6 percent climb to the finish at Super-Besse Sancy.

The break du jour

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/VAN-GARDEREN-ZANDIO-ESCAPE-325x230.jpg)
Tejay Van Garderen (left) made it into the day's break. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Nine riders moved off the front just 8km into the stage:

43. Da Costa, at 4:02
44. Cyril Gautier, Team Europcar, at 4:04
52. Alexandr Kolobnev, Katusha, at 4:51
68. Julien El Fares, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 6:40
78. Van Garderen, at 8:06
143. Christophe Riblon, Ag2r La Mondiale, at 16:42
147. Romain Zingle, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 17:06
176. Xabier Zandio, Sky, at 28:48
187. Addy Engels, Quick Step, at 35:05

The escapees had a minute at 23km and two at 30km, with Evans’ BMC squad doing the work at the front of the bunch, race leader Hushovd having announced that Garmin-Cervélo was through defending the yellow jersey. At 43km the gap was over three minutes and growing.

El Fares took the KOM point atop the Cat. 4. Côte d’Évaux-les-Bains and the break had a five-minute advantage, putting Da Costa into the virtual yellow jersey. Riblon took top points at the intermediate sprint, and as the weather began to deteriorate the gap remained just over five minutes.

The chase begins

With 70km remaining the BMC-led bunch was gradually upping the tempo — the break’s advantage was down a minute as Kolobnev took top honors atop the Côte du Rochert des Trois Tourtes.

Astana lent a couple of riders to the pursuit, clearly thinking of Vinokourov (11th overall at 0:32), and with 50km to race the break was clinging to four minutes’ advantage with the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert just up the road.

It was all BMC and Astana at the front with 45km remaining and the gap down to 3:45. The peloton was in one long line on the twisting, turning roads leading to the big climb of the day.

Garmin-Cervélo moved forward, too, perhaps thinking about shifting the jersey from Hushovd to David Millar (fourth at 0:08), and the break’s advantage fell further, to 2:30 with 37km remaining.

Omega Pharma-Lotto took the front as the road tilted downward, though the finale seemed too difficult even for strongman Gilbert (12th at 0:33).

On the Col de la Croix Saint-Robert

The escapees held less than two minutes’ advantage as they began the ascent of the day’s big obstacle, the summit 6.2km up the road.

Van Garderen had a go and the break started coming apart — Zingle was the first man ejected, but not the last; Engles, El Fares and Riblon were shelled, too.

Behind, Astana’s Paolo Tiralongo attacked out of the bunch. No threat for the overall, sitting 177th at 28:48, he was setting himself up to provide assistance to team leader Vinokourov when he made his move. Mountains leader Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil-DCM) had a dig as well, marked by Juan Antonio Flecha (Sky). But all the GC men were holding their fire.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/VINO-ATTACK-325x443.jpg)
Alexander Vinokourov tried to get the stage win and the yellow jersey, but fell short in the finale. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Ahead, Van Garderen was setting a brisk tempo with Da Costa and Gautier slotted in behind him. Then Gautier popped, leaving just two men up front.

Da Costa took the front with 1km to the summit. And then Vino’ laid down a powerful attack as the grade leveled out a bit, racing away from the other GC men.

Van Garderen took top honors at the summit, sprinting away from Da Costa, as Vino’ roared up to a quintet including Pierre Rolland (Europcar), Hoogerland, Flecha and his teammate Tiralongo.

Down the other side

Riblon and Gautier fought back to Da Costa and Van Garderen on the descent with just under 20km to race, as Tiralongo set the pace for Vino’, with Flecha in tow. Zandio linked up and it was two Astanas and two Skys in the hunt.

BMC was leading the yellow-jersey group at 90 seconds behind the lead foursome, which had a minute on the Vino’ group.

Riblon tried to go it alone with 15km to go, but Van Garderen brought him back. The HTC rider countered, and then Riblon went once more. Gautier had a dig, then Da Costa, and Van Garderen again.

Then the rain started with 8km to race. The leading quartet was back together — for the moment, anyway — and the Vino’ group was stuck in no-man’s land between break and bunch.

Gautier attacked at the base of the finishing climb, and Riblon instantly went backward. Van Garderen and Da Costa closed the gap. Then the Portuguese jumped and Van Garderen chased, with Riblon finally spent.

Vino’ was 25 seconds back and closing with Flecha on his wheel.

Da Costa goes it alone

With 5km to go Da Costa was clinging to a small lead over Van Garderen, who was looking a bit baked. A greatly reduced break was a minute behind.

Vino’ shed Flecha and closed in on —and passed — the fading Van Garderen as Da Costa ground upward through the rain. With 3km to go he was just 19 seconds behind the lone leader.

Da Costa was looking over his shoulder as Vinokourov soldiered grimly on. In the final kilometer bunch, chase and leader could see each other.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/GILBERT-ATTACK-325x210.jpg)
Philippe Gilbert attacks, missing the stage win but taking the green jersey. Photo: Graham Watson |
www.grahamwatson.com

Gilbert, defending champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) and Andy Schleck (Leopard-Trek) moved forward — and then Gilbert attacked. Contador had a tentative dig, and then Damiano Cunego (Lampre) shot away.

Then Evans made a move of his own and the other GC men had to follow. The bunch swarmed Vinokourov, who would finish 22nd on the day, but Da Costa hung on for the stage win.

“It was a very hard stage, but I’m really happy to have taken this win,” said Da Costa, who had feared being caught by Vinokourov as the Kazakh continued his bid for the win and the yellow jersey.

“When I saw the gap to Vinokourov in the final kilometer I thought it would be difficult for me but I paced myself well.”

Gilbert crossed second at 12 seconds back, collecting the green jersey for his troubles, with Evans leading the GC favorites across in third, three seconds later.

And while Van Garderen may have fallen short of a stage win — after all his hard work he finished 66th on the day, 2:12 behind Da Costa — he was able to console himself by taking the combativity prize and slipping into the polka-dot jersey of the Tour’s top climber.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/TEJAY-PODIUM-325x304.jpg)
Van Garderen picked up the polka-dot jersey for his hard work in the hills. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

“I think I paid for my aggression a little early on,” he said. “I just lacked a little bit there at the end.”
Contador, who finished eighth on the day and remains 1:41 behind Evans, said he felt strong on the climb and didn’t expect any fireworks in the GC battle until the first of three consecutive stages in the

Pyrenees next week.

“I felt really good going up the climb, I managed to follow Gilbert,” said the three-time champion and recent Giro d’Italia winner.

“But what counts most for me is to know I’ve got good legs. If there is any battle to come, I don’t think it will start till the Pyrenees.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 10, 2011, 08:13:59 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 9 results

July 10:  STAGE 9 - Issoire  Saint-Flour 208 km

Thomas Voeckler takes lead in 2011 Tour de France as Luis-Leon Sanchez wins stage 9

Stage 9 Results:

1. Luis-Leon Sanchez, Rabobank Cycling Team, 5h 27′ 09″
2. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:05
3. Sandy Casar, Fdj, at 00:13
4. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 03:59
5. Peter Velits, Htc – Highroad, at 03:59
6. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 03:59
7. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 03:59
8. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 03:59
9. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 03:59
12. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 03:59
13. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 03:59
14. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 03:59
18. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 04:07
21. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 04:07
23. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 04:07
24. Andréas Klöden, Team Radioshack, at 04:07
34. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:30
39. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 04:35
58. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 05:50
80. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 06:47
81. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 06:47
82. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 06:47
83. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 06:47
94. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 12:50
102. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 12:50
148. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 21:11
154. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 21:11
159. Brian Vandborg, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 21:11

GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, 38h 35′ 11″
2. Luis-leon Sanchez, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 01:49
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:26
4. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:29
5. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:37
6. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 02:38
8. Andréas Klöden, Team Radioshack, at 02:43
9. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 02:55
11. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:36
15. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 04:01
16. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:07
17. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:22
19. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:53
20. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 05:01
22. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 05:05
24. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 05:13
28. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 05:32
36. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 07:16
52. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 14:53
94. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 28:59
99. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 33:30
110. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 37:57
116. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 40:55
131. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 45:42
143. Yaroslav Popovych, Team Radioshack, at 49:42
157. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 55:33
158. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 56:08
169. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 1:01:04
180. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 1:28:50

Next Stage: July 11: Rest Day 1, then July 12: STAGE 10 - Aurillac  Carmaux 158 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 217 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 172 points
Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 153 points

 Polka Dot: Johnny Hoogerland, Vacansoleil-Dcm, with 22 points
Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, with 16 points
Tejay Van Garderen, Htc – Highroad, with 5 points

 White:           Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, 38h 39′ 12″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 0:51
Arnold Jeannesson, Fdj, at 01:20

Teams:       Team Europcar, 115h 03′ 31″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 0:32
Team Radioshack, at 01:02

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi

Stage 9 Review:

Thomas Voeckler takes lead in 2011 Tour de France as Luis-Leon Sanchez wins stage 9

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 10th 2011 11:58 AM UTC — Updated Jul 10th 2011 6:40 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/VINO-1-325x216.jpg)
Alexander Vinokourov shot off the road on a descent and out of the Tour. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Crashes once again played a decisive role in stage 9 of the 2011 Tour de France on Sunday.

Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) drove the remnants of the day’s breakaway to the line, taking the yellow leader’s jersey from Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervélo) as Luis-Leon Sanchez (Rabobank) won the stage ahead of the former French national champion and Sandy Casar (FdJ).

But the real story of the stage took place long before the finish line. First, a massive pileup on a wet descent that sent riders flying into the woods at roadside took out Alexander Vinokourov (Astana), Dave Zabriskie (Garmin-Cervélo) and Omega Pharma-Lotto teammates Jurgen Van den Broucke and Frederik Willems.

Vinokourov had to be carried from the ravine, apparently with a broken femur. Garmin boss Jonathan Vaughters said Zabriskie broke a wrist. For Van den Broucke it was a shoulder blade, a collarbone for Willems. All four abandoned the Tour.

RadioShack’s Andreas Klöden, BMC captain Cadel Evans and Garmin’s David Millar and Christian Vande Velde also hit the deck, but remounted and rejoined the race, though Millar required a visit to the medical car.

Then a reckless bit of driving saw a Euro Media car sideswipe two members of the day’s five-man breakaway — Juan Antonio Flecha (Sky) and Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil) — knocking the former to the tarmac and blasting the latter through a barbed-wire fence.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/HOOGERLAND-CRASH-325x238.jpg)
Johnny Hoogerland was in the break until a France Television car knocked him out of it, and through a barbed-wire fence. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Both men remounted and continued, but their time in the escape du jour was over — after getting patched up by a medical moto Flecha soldiered on for a while, but a bloodied Hoogerland quickly slipped back to the bunch and out the back for a lonely 22km ride to the finish.

He would cross in 139th place, 16:44 down — but in time to collect a fresh polka-dot jersey before heading to the hospital. A man must have his priorities.

Going up

The hilly, twisting 208km race from Issoire to Saint-Flour featured eight rated climbs — three Category 2, three Cat. 3s and two Cat. 4s.

• The Category 3 Côte de Massiac , a 3.4km climb averaging 6.2 percent and summiting at 43.5km.
• The Cat. 2 Col du Pas de Peyrol Le Puy Mary (1589 m), a 7.7km climb averaging 6.2 percent and summitting at 99.5km.
• The Cat. 2 Col du Perthus (1309m), a 4.4 m climb averaging 7.9 percent and summiting at 116km.
• The Cat. 3 Col de Cère (1294m), a 2.9km climb averaging 6.3 percent and summiting at 127.5km.
• The Cat. 3 Côte de la Chevade , a 3km climb averaging 7.9 percent and summiting at 139.5km.
• The Cat. 2 Col de Prat de Bouc Plomb du Cantal (1392m), a 8km climb averaging 6.1 percent and summiting at 154km.
• The Cat. 4 Côte du Château d’Alleuze , a 2km climb averaging 4.9 percent and summiting at 193km.
• And finally, the Cat. 4 Montée des Orgues , a 1.6km climb averaging 6.1 percent and summiting at the finish, at 208km.

And going down

Crashes and injuries sent more riders skidding out of the Tour — Juan Manuel Garate (Rabobank) did not start, thanks to lingering injuries from a crash on stage 5, and Amets Txurruka (Euskaltel), Pavel Brutt (Katusha) and Wouter Poels of Vacansoleil abandoned in midstage.

Txurruka was one of several riders to crash early in the stage and pulled out after just over an hour of racing. Brutt, the Russian national champion, soon followed, while Poels, a 23-year-old who was making his Tour debut, quit after an hour of racing.

One rider who was very much in the race was the perpetually active Voeckler, who slipped away at the first KOM. Rabobank’s Laurens Ten Dam and Flecha bridged, though Ten Dam couldn’t stick; Next to link up were Hoogerland, Casar, Sanchez and Niki Terpstra (Quick Step), and at 53km the break led the bunch by 55 seconds.

At 64km the break had nearly four minutes’ advantage, and that’s the way it would stay for a while. Terpstra dropped out of the break, leaving a quintet up the road.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/ZABRISKIE-WILLENS-FALL-325x216.jpg)
Dave Zabriskie broke a wrist while Frederik Willems snapped a collarbone in a crash on stage 9. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) crashed at 84km after getting tangled up with Vladimir Karpets (Katusha) and had to switch bikes. And then there was a real disaster — a huge crash on a wet, 70-kph descent at 102km took out Vinokourov, Willems, Van den Broeck, Zabriskie, Vande Velde, Klöden, Evans and several others.

After some discussion among green jersey Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto), yellow jersey Hushovd and Fabian Cancellara (Leopard-Trek), the yellow-jersey group moderated its pace to give those slowed by the spill to catch back on — in the process giving the break a chance to take time.

With 76km to race the gap was all the way out to 7:20, and Voeckler (19th at 1:29 behind Hushovd) was the virtual leader on the road by quite a margin. The former French national champion wore yellow for a long stretch during the 2004 Tour and clearly was hoping to do so again.

An end to the truce

With 70km to go the break’s advantage was dwindling, to five and a half minutes, with Omega Pharma on the front and Leopard-Trek on their wheels. Liquigas-Cannondale was hovering near the front, too.
Voeckler flatted and took a rear wheel, but made it safely back to the break with 5km to climb on the Cat. 2 Col de Prat de Bouc Plomb du Cantal. The rain was a distant memory; it was getting hot out there as Omega Pharma’s Jurgen Roelandts and Jelle Vanendert drove the bunch forward, trimming the break’s lead to 4:35.

With 40km to race the break was holding on to nearly five minutes and there seemed to be no real urgency back in the bunch. Hoogerland was solidly back in the mountains jersey, while Voeckler was focused on the yellow.

The disaster struck again — this time in the form of a French TV car that sideswiped Flecha and Hoogerland, taking both men down and leaving a trio out front — Voeckler, Casar and Sanchez.

Flecha was quickly back up and riding, albeit something the worse for wear, but Hoogerland somersaulted over a barbed-wire fence and took longer to get rolling again, sporting a large bandage on his left leg and getting some assistance from a medical moto. He fell back to the bunch and straight out the back, and Flecha likewise went backward shortly thereafter.

“The biggest disappointment of this moment is that we don’t have the jersey, and I think we deserved it,” said Vacansoleil team director Michel Cornelisse. ”It’s good that tomorrow is a rest day, but Johnny knows that he is going to defend his jersey, so for sure he is going on the attack again.

“He is bleeding a lot. He needs a few stitches. The crash happened at 60k an hour, it was unbelievable.” After Hoogerland crashed through the barbed wire, then got himself untangled, Cornelisse added, “His pants were completely off. He was completely naked.”

An insurmountable lead

With 20km remaining the leading trio was 4:23 ahead of the yellow-jersey group , now led by Garmin. They still had four minutes of that as they hit the bottom of the Cat. 4 Côte du Château d’Alleuze, and it was looking as though there would be a new race leader at day’s end.

Behind, Gilbert had a mechanical — he took a spare bike and began racing back to the bunch, led by Garmin’s Tom Danielson and Christian Vande Velde. The chase was making no headway, and 12km from the line the Voeckler group still held some four minutes’ advantage.

And then the Garmin gang simply threw in the towel, and none of the other teams stepped up to take their place. The stage winner and the race leader would come from the trio up the road.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/VOECKLER-ESCAPES-325x363.jpg)
Thomas Voeckler leads the escape. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

The break hit the base of the final climb with nearly five minutes on the yellow-jersey group, Voeckler at the front, Casar on his wheel and Sanchez third. Behind, Leopard-Trek finally came forward and went to work.

Too late. Sanchez shot away for the victory and Voeckler took second — along with the yellow jersey.
“I didn’t want to have any regrets on the Tour this year, but I have to say I didn’t expect to be pulling on the yellow jersey again,” said Voeckler.

“I really didn’t think I’d have it a second time in my career. In 2004, people said that the peloton let me take the yellow jersey. Today I went out and went for it.”

As for Sanchez, who was collecting his first victory of the season for Rabobank, he was happy to have taken some vengeance on Casar.

“Last year Casar beat me in a two-up sprint (at Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne) but that time it was my fault because I hadn’t checked out the finish,” he said. “This time I did my homework. I knew the finale and
it suited me well.”

The GC bunch followed more than four minutes later, led home by the green jersey. Hushovd crossed nearly seven minutes down, to cheers from the crowd, finally ending a spirited defense of the yellow jersey.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 11, 2011, 04:10:53 PM

Rest Day 1:

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/000_DV995933-660x440.jpg)
Race Leader Thomas Voeckler poses withL'Equipe on Monday

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 11, 2011, 07:08:40 PM

From PEZCycling:

Tour de PEZ: Ed's Take On The First Week
Monday, July 11, 2011  11:02:26 AM PT
 
by Edmond Hood


Monday 06:25, the Easyjet punishment flight from Edinburgh to Stansted; 'good morning,' I say to the lady in the next seat as I struggle into my pen. She scowls and stares even more intently at her magazine; 'finding the real me' is the headline - I could assist with that. But she's probably bound for some soul searing meeting in a stuffy London office. But that's not for Martin and I; it's Tour time and PEZ has let me loose for two weeks on the world's biggest bike race.
 


Thank you, Richard - thanks too Gordan and Valerie for great observations and pictures from the first week.
 
'The first week' - even Viktor couldn't say it was boring.
 
Stage 1 Passage du Gois-Mont des Alouttes: Phillippe Gilbert reminds me a lot of Venetian ex-world pro road champion, Moreno Argentin.
 
An Ardennes king and very hard to beat in an uphill finale.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-phil.jpg)
Gilbert was in a class unto himself in the finale of Stage 1.
 
As is always the case in le Tour, the combination of a huge bunch, technical parcours and the fact that a pro team derives 60% of its year's media exposure from this one race mixes the ideal cocktail for 'les chutes' - it's not often you see Alberto Contador losing a minute and more on stage one.
 
However, the stage one crashes would seem common or garden by the end of the week.
 
Stage 2 Les Essarts TTT: Garmin at last broke their Tour 'duck' with Norwegian world champion making up for a spring campaign which didn't match his expectations and donning the world's most famous jersey.
 
It took just 24 minutes to lift the 'curse of the rainbow jersey;' but in those 24 minutes his equipe covered 23 kilometres - that's quick.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-garmin.jpg)
Garmin finally got their first Tour stage win in Stage 2. A happy day all around.
 
Not a disastrous day for Alberto, but not a great one either as another 20-odd seconds slid away from the Spaniard.
 
And for the 'what ifs' file - 'what if HTC's Bernie Eisel hadn't fallen on the first corner . . . .
 
Stage 3 Olonne sur Mer-Redon: Viktor isn't a man for riders from the New World - 'there were none of them in Gent, when I was there in the 70's and that Greg Lemond . . . .
 
But he's cool with Garmin's Tyler Farrar, any man who makes his home in grey old Gent instead of trendy Tuscany or Girona scores highly with Vik.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-farrar.jpg)
Win number two for the Argyle boys came just one day after their first.
 
With a beautiful lead out from pilot fish extra ordinaire, Julian Dean and world champion Thor Hushovd it was going to take warp drive to get round the big guy from Washington state.
 
From no wins to two wins in two days; JV was almost lost for words - almost, that is.
 
Stage 4 Lorient-Mur de Bretagne: This one had 'Phil Gilbert' writ large on it - but Cadel Evans (BMC) hadn't checked out that part of the script and it was the extremely sharp looking Aussie who pipped Contador at the top of the much vaunted Mur de Bretagne.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-1.jpg)
Alberto Contador raised his arms on the line...
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-2.jpg)
...But it was Cadel Evans raising his arms on the podium a few minutes later.
 
Vik reckons that he, Dave and I went over it in the 1976 Roscoff to Lorient amateur classic - but I should add that we were all in the sag wagon at the time.
 
Stage 5 Carhaix-Cap Frehel: He can be rude, inappropriate, disrespectful and controversial all within a couple of sentences - but on his day, he's the fastest man on the planet and can dig deeper than anyone else.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-cav1.jpg)
Cav gets his win. The floodgates have been opened.
 
Perhaps Eurosport's David Harmon summed it up best; 'it's between Gilbert and Hushovd - but Cavendish has come from nowhere !'
 
Stages 6 Dinan-Lisieux: Despite all the 'bigging up' we've heard about Edvald Boasson Hagen - 'the new Eddy Merckx' being the most outlandish claim, this win was long overdue.
 
Gent-Wevelgem in 2009 was his last 'biggie;' but it was a beautifully taken win - albeit Geraint Thomas's lead out was perfect - Matt Goss and Thor Hushovd are serious scalps.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-ed.jpg)
Boasson Hagen was impeccable to take his and his Sky team's first stage win at Le Tour.
 
But if Sky were 'all for Bradley' would they really be burning up watts like this?
 
Stage 7 Le Mans-Chateauroux: If Cav came from nowhere on stage 5, the minute the HTC bullet train was hitched on to the front of the peloton with ten minutes to go in stage 7, you knew there was only going to be one winner.
 
If Ale Jet can out jump him by that vital split second then the big Italian can sometimes get the verdict - as happened in the Giro.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-cav2.jpg)
#2 for Cav. How many will he take in 2011?
 
But that's easier said than done - maybe if Feillu used all his speed to go forward rather than sideways, he'd be the one . . .
 
And the wisdom of Sky hedging their bets with all that early work for a stage win was vindicated when Bradley Wiggins was left sad and stunned beside the road with a snapped collar bone.
 
Stage 8 Aigurande-Super Besse: And praise for another North American, Tejay van Garderen (HTC) for his efforts in the break.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-yellow.jpg)
Everyone assumed Thor would lose Yellow on Super-Besse...he didn't.
 
If the lanky ex-Rabobank Continental man hadn't been quite so nervous and just a little less generous with his efforts, Movistars's young Portuguese, Rui Costa might not have been hogging the podium kisses.
 
Chris Horner was another podium possible whose Tour ended today with a broken nose and concussion.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-hoog.jpg)
Hoogerland's injuries were unbelievable.
 
Stage 9 Issoire-Saint Flour: Today it was Omega Pharma who were proved right in burning up the team to grab early headlines for Gilbert.
 
If it had been 'all for Jurgen' then it would have been wasted as big Van den Broeck came down hard to break his shoulder in the same mess that saw Astana's Vino break his femur.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-vino.jpg)
Vinokourov suffered what could possibly be the crash that ends his career. He was planning on retiring at the end of the season - his broken femur means the end of the season. End of career?
 
Horror crashes were the order of the day as a French TV car veered into Sky breakaway rider Juan Antonio Flecha - Vacansoleil's Johny Hoogerland rode into Flecha and was catapulted into a barbed wire fence.
 
The wounds looked like something from a bad Rambo movie and it was a not surprisingly tearful Hoogerland who pulled on the polka dot jersey at the end; minutes down and dripping with blood.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-tv.jpg)
Voeckler. What can you say? Incredible.
 
'I landed on the fence and I looked at my legs and thought, "is this what cycling is about?"
 
If it wasn't a happy ending for Johny, it was for his Europcar breakaway companion Thomas Voeckler - who despite losing the stage to Rabobank's Luis Leon Sanchez - was filled with joy as he pulled on the maillot jaune.
 
And that's how it stands - Voeckler leads overall from Sanchez by 1:49.
 
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st09ed-leaders.jpg)
The likes of Andy Schleck, Alberto Contador, and Cadel Evans are set for real battle starting on Thursday.
 
A sparkling Cadel Evans is third at 2:26 with the Schlecks close behind and Alberto still needing to find those stage one crash lost seconds.
 
It's the rest day today, we still have to fly from London to Rodez, pick up the hire car . . . .
 
. . . but that's all boring stuff; we'll be in the trenches tomorrow - and trying our best not to bore you.
 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 12, 2011, 06:26:39 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 10 results

 July 12: STAGE 10 - Aurillac  Carmaux 158 km

Greipel denies Cavendish, wins stage 10 of the 2011 Tour de France

Stage 10 Results:

1. André Greipel, Omega Pharma-Lotto, in 3h 31′ 21″
2. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at s.t.
3. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, at s.t.
4. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at s.t.
5. Romain Feillu, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at s.t.
14. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at s.t.
24. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
31. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at s.t.
34. Tony Martin, HTC-Highroad, at s.t.
35. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
36. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at s.t.
38. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
39. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at s.t.
43. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at s.t.
45. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at s.t.
46. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at s.t.
62. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
63. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at s.t.
64. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at s.t.
70. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at s.t.
71. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
77. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at s.t.
78. Tejay Van Garderen, HTC-Highroad, at s.t.
87. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 05:33
99. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 05:33
102. Mark Renshaw, HTC-Highroad, at 05:33
125. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre-Isd, at 05:59
137. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 05:59
142. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 05:59
152. Danny Pate, HTC-Highroad, at 05:59
177. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 07:00
178. Marcus Burghardt, BMC Racing Team, at 07:00

GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 42h 06′ 32
2. Luis-leon Sanchez, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 01:49
3. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 02:26
4. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:29
5. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:37
6. Tony Martin, HTC-Highroad, at 02:38
8. Andréas KlÖden, Team RadioShack, at 02:43
9. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at 02:55
11. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:36
15. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 04:01
16. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:07
17. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 04:22
19. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 04:53
22. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 05:05
24. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 05:13
28. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 05:32
36. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 07:16
48. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 14:53
50. Tejay Van Garderen, HTC-Highroad, at 15:16
52. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 15:32
81. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 28:59
104. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 39:03
111. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre-Isd, at 43:56
114. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at 45:42
117. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 46:28
155. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 1:01:32
157. Danny Pate, HTC-Highroad, at 1:02:07
166. Mark Renshaw, HTC-Highroad, at 1:06:37
178. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 1:35:50

Next Stage: July 13: STAGE 11 - Blaye-les-Mines  Lavaur 167.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, with 226 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 209 points
Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, with 197 points

 Polka Dot: Johnny Hoogerland, Vacansoleil-Dcm, with 22 points
Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, with 17 points
Tejay Van Garderen, HTC-Highroad, with 5 points

 White:           Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, in 42h 10′ 33″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 00:51
Arnold Jeannesson, Fdj, at 01:20

Teams:       Team Europcar, in 125h 37′ 34″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:32
Team RadioShack, at 01:02

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter


Stage 10 Review:

Greipel denies Cavendish, wins stage 10 of the 2011 Tour de France

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 12th 2011 11:14 AM UTC — Updated Jul 12th 2011 1:33 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/GREIPEL-WINS-660x506.jpg)
Andre Greipel's out kicked Cavendish for his first Tour stage win. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

Andre Greipel (Omega Pharma-Lotto) denied Mark Cavendish a third stage win in this Tour de France, winning Tuesday’s stage 10, a 58-kilometer race from Aurillac to Carmaux, the first of two stages through the Cévennes as the race heads toward the Pyrenees.

Race leader Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) finished in the front group and retained his jersey.
“It’s the moment I’ve been waiting for all year. I’ve worked really hard all year and I want to say thanks to everyone who has supported me and kept behind me,” said Greipel.

Greipel added: “He (Cavendish) is probably the best sprinter on the Tour de France, so to beat him is pretty special.

“We’re big rivals, and I hope we get a chance to contest another stage win.”

Hills, but no mountains

The route featured four categorized ascents — two cat. 3 and two cat. 4. The day started out sunny, although a short hail storm pelted the start area just before the neutral start.

An early crash took down several well-known riders, including Fabian Cancellara, Levi Leipheimer,
Robert Gesink and Christian Vande Velde, but none appeared to be seriously hurt.

Soon after, six riders escaped and built up a substantial lead. The best placed was Cofidis’ Julien El Fares, who was in 53rd at 15:06. The other break members: Rémy Di Gregorio (Astana), Marco Marcato (Vacansoleil-DCM), Arthur Vichot (Fdj), Sébastien Minard (Ag2r) and Anthony Delaplace (Saur-Sojasun).

At the intermediate sprint, Vichot grabbed the first points. Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) won the field sprint for seventh and his teammate Mark Renshaw was eight, ahead of green jersey contenders Jose Rojas and Philippe Gilbert, reducing their points harvests.

Europcar drove the pace at the front to protect Voeckler’s lead, and the gap to the six-man break maxed out at about four minutes.

In the final 50k, BMC and HTC took over the chase duties and trimmed the gap to to 1:30 with 42km to go.

The break was sucked back on the final climb, the Cat. 4 Côte de Mirandol-Bourgnounac, where Omega Lotto drove the pace in hopes of shedding Cavendish, Farrar and Petacchi. Philippe Gilbert himself drove the pace at the front while Voeckler also looked strong; Gilbert, Voeckler, Dries Devenyns, Tony Martin and Tony Gallopin got a gap coming over the summit and built out an 11-second gap. Voeckler drove the pace, while Martin, mindful of Cavendish trying to regain contact, declined to take a pull.

Gilbert was the last survivor of the late breakaway, as Leopard-Trek led the chase to draw them back.

Then it was game on for a field sprint for those who had survived the late hills. Prominent at the front was Cavendish, who came into the final 800 meters in second position behind Liquigas’ Daniel Oss.

Cav came around with 250 meters, opening the door for Greipel to wait for the final 40 meters to pull beside and, with a bike throw, take the win by a wheel. Rojas was third and Hushovd fourth.

Up next

Wednesday’s stage 11 is a sprinter’s stage through the hilly Tarn-et-Garonne area. The finish in Lavaur is on a wide, straight road after a long downhill run, perfect for the big sprinters and their teams to set up.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 13, 2011, 03:52:50 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 11 results

July 13: STAGE 11 - Blaye-les-Mines  Lavaur 167.5 km

Mark Cavendish wins stage 11 of the 2011 Tour de France, takes over green jersey

Stage 11 Results:

1. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, in 3h 46′ 07″
2. André Greipel, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at s.t
3. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
4. Denis Galimzyanov, Katusha Team, at s.t.
5. Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
18. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at s.t.
26. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
28. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at s.t.
29. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
35. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
36. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at s.t.
44. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at s.t.
46. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
47. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at s.t.
49. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
50. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at s.t.
55. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at s.t.
66. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at s.t.
75. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at s.t.
77. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
80. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
81. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at s.t.
82. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at s.t.
86. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at s.t.
96. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at s.t.
122. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
126. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at s.t.
177. Vladimir Isaichev, Katusha Team, at 11:47

GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 45h 52′ 39″
2. Luis-leon Sanchez, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 01:49
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:26
4. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:29
5. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:37
6. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 02:38
8. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at 02:43
9. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 02:55
11. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:36
15. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 04:01
16. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:07
17. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:22
19. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:53
20. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 05:01
22. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 05:05
24. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 05:13
28. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 05:32
35. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 07:16
48. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 14:53
77. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 28:59
100. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 39:03
108. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 43:56
110. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 45:42
112. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 46:28
150. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 1:01:32
161. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 1:06:37
163. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 1:07:50
177. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 1:35:50

Next Stage: July 14: STAGE 12 - Cugnaux  Luz-Ardiden 211 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 251 point
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 235 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 231 point

 Polka Dot: Johnny Hoogerland, Vacansoleil-Dcm, with 22 points
Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, with 17 points
Tejay Van Garderen, Htc – Highroad, with 5 points

 White:        Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, in 45h 56′ 40″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 00:51
Arnold Jeannesson, Fdj, at 01:20

Teams:       Team Europcar, in 136h 55′ 55″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 0:32
Team Radioshack, at 01:02

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r


Stage 11 Review:

Mark Cavendish wins stage 11 of the 2011 Tour de France, takes over green jersey

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 13th 2011 11:04 AM UTC — Updated Jul 13th 2011 2:17 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/CAV-WINS3-660x447.jpg)
Cavendish makes it 18 stage wins at the Tour de France. Photo: Graham Watson

Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) won Wednesday’s stage 11 of the 2011 Tour de France, a 168km sprinters’ stage that concluded in Lavaur, the final stage before the Tour enters the Pyrenees on Thursday.

It was the third stage win of this Tour for the Manxman and the 18th career Tour stage. Tuesday’s stage winner Andre Greipel was second and American Tyler Farrar was third.

Race leader Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) finished in the lead group to retain his yellow jersey.

Cavendish’s stage win put him in the green jersey as the points leader.

“It’s incredible to have the green jersey, it’s the most beautiful jersey in the world,” said Cavendish.”It’s everything I wanted when I came here this year.”

Voeckler will wear the jersey at the start Thursday, but is not optimistic about keeping it after what should be a thrilling 211km of racing.

“It was quite a stressful day but we kept the yellow jersey so it finished well,” said Voeckler. ”If we lose the yellow jersey tomorrow then we’ll do so knowing that we gave it everything. But to be honest, I fully expect to lose it tomorrow.”

Sprinter’s finale

The stage 11 route included two categorized climbs, the cat. 3 Cote de Tonnac and the cat. 4 Cote de Puylaurens. However, the route’s long, wide, straight descent into Lavaur marked it as a stage for the sprinters and their leadout trains.

After a rainy start, it took 17km before a break formed that was palatable to the big teams. The best-placed rider in the six-man group was Euskaltel-Euskadi’s Ruben Perez, who started the day in 83rd place, at 30:41. The other escapees: Tristan Valentin (Cofidis); Mickaël Delage (Fdj); Lars Boom (Rabobank); Andriy Grivko (Astana); and Jimmy Engoulvent (Saur-Sojasun).

The rain got heavier mid-way through the race. The peloton allowed the break a gap of little more than four minutes.

The breakaway did not contest the intermediate sprint, which was won by Delage. Mark Cavendish grabbed the seventh place points after a field sprint.

The catch and the run-in

Garmin and HTC-Highroad began the chase in earnest approaching the Côte de Puylaurens, and trimmed the lead down to under. Up front, former world cyclocross champion Boom was taking some monster pulls, but the gap was down to 1.5 minutes at the top of the climb.

As the rain poured down, the chase stalled somewhat, to the benefit of the breakaway, which still had a 50-second lead with 15k to go. HTC, Sky and Garmin knuckled down to haul the group back.

As the pack closed to within 15 seconds with 5k to go, Boom launched a powerful attack and held off the pack for another 3k.

Garmin, HTC and Sky battled to control the front in the final 2k, but there was no holding back Cavendish, who came off of Renshaw’s wheel for the stage win and the green jersey. Out-kicking Tuesday’s winner Greipel and Farrar was especially gratifiying.

“I have to thank my teammates for the work they did today, even the guys who are in the top ten overall gave it 100 percent and that shows what a great team we are.”

Cavendish said Greipel’s sprint Tuesday was one of the “most technically perfect” he had seen.

“It was technically perfect,” he said. “But at dinner last night I spoke with the team and said to them I planned to go out and win tomorrow (Wednesday), it’s as simple as that.”

As for Greipel, he also was satisfied with his sprint, especially, he claimed, after Frenchman Romain Feillu tried to barge his lead-out man Jurgen Roelandts off the road.

“There was a big problem with Feillu. He deliberately tried to put Roelandts off the road,” said the German.

“That’s why it was such a long sprint, and also dangerous. But I’m happy with my second place today.”

Up next

Thursday’s stage 12 is the first foray into the Pyrenees. The 211km (131 mile) stage concludes with three huge climbs, the 10km Cat. 1 Hourquette d’Ancizan as a warm-up; the familiar 17km hors-cat (above-category) Tourmalet; and the 13km hors-cat finale to the mountaintop finish at Luz-Ardiden.
“I’m happy that these nervous kinds of stages are over and that we can now hit the mountains,” Andy Schleck said. “It’s a sense of relief to change to the small ring. We’re in our terrain now.”

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/tdf11-et12-325x141.jpg)
The stage 12 profile: not one for the sprinters

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 14, 2011, 02:14:03 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 12 results

July 14: STAGE 12 - Cugnaux  Luz-Ardiden 211 km

Sanchez wins first stage in the Pyrenees, as Contador fades in the final kilometers.

Stage 12 Results:

1. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, in 6h 01′ 15″
2. Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 00;07
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:10
4. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 00:30
5. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:30
6. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:30
8. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 00:43
9. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:50
11. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:03
14. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 01:25
24. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 03:19
35. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 04:57
44. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at 08:26
48. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 09:03
53. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 10:20
69. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 17:28
70. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 17:28
77. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 17:44
92. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 21:21
107. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 33:05
121. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 33:05
137. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 33:05
142. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 33:05
148. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 33:05
153. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 33:05
171. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 33:05
175. Borut Bozic, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at 33:05

GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 51h 54′ 44″
2. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, in 01:49
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:06
4. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:17
5. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:16
7. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:00
8. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 04:11
9. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:35
12. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 05:24
17. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 07:51
22. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 09:12
24. Andréas KlÖden, Team Radioshack, at 10:19
25. Geraint Thomas, Sky Procycling, at 10:21
26. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 10:51
34. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 14:23
38. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 18:39
39. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 20:55
49. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 31:31
59. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 37:28
60. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 37:47
70. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 45:37
96. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 59:34
117. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 1:16:11
118. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 1:17:57
120. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:18:43
154. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 1:33:47
175. Vincent Jerome, Team Europcar, at 2:08:05

Next Stage: July 15: STAGE 13 - Pau  Lourdes 152.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 260 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 242 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 234 points

 Polka Dot: Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, with 40 points
Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 32 points
Jérémy Roy, Fdj, with 24 points

 White:        Arnold Jeannesson, Fdj, in 52h 00′ 34″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 01:37
Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, at 02:05

Teams:       Team Leopard-Trek, in 155h 09′ 18″
Team Europcar, at 01:05
Ag2r La Mondiale, at 02:21

 Lanterne Rouge:   Vincent Jerome

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit

Stage 12 Review:

Sanchez wins first stage in the Pyrenees, as Contador fades in the final kilometers.

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 14th 2011 11:36 AM UTC — Updated Jul 14th 2011 3:43 PM UTC

 (http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/SANCHEZ-WINS1-325x451.jpg)
After slipping away on the Tourmalet descent, Sanchez was brilliant on the final climb.

Sammy Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) won the first mountain stage of the 2011 Tour de France on Thursday, on a day when a view of the top of general classification finally became clear.

Frank Schleck easily pulled away from the top contenders in the final 3k of the 211km ride from Cugnaux
to Luz Ardiden. Schleck took third on the stage, while rivals Cadel Evans and Ivan Basso chased strongly and Andy Schleck followed the pair.

Most shockingly, Alberto Contador looked weak and came unglued from that elite chase group in the
final 2 kilometers, losing 13 seconds to Andy Schleck, Basso and Evans.

The Spaniard, however, played down the deficit.

“I was trying just to be vigilant throughout the final climb. I saw the two brothers speaking between themselves so I knew one of them was going to attack,” said Contador.

“Finally it was Frank who went, he must have been the stronger of the two.
“But I’m still satisfied with the first high mountain stage.”

Andy Schleck was more than satisfied.

“It was a perfect day for us. It was a first test, and not the last,” said the Luxemburger.

“Obviously today wasn’t decisive but we showed our strengths. Contador isn’t unbeatable, he lost more time today.”

Voeckler outlasted many top climbers to come in just 50 seconds behind Sanchez; he now leads Frank Schleck by 1:50.

“The favorites never attacked seriously,” Voeckler said. “Every time somebody tried, it would all come back together and then the tempo slowed, so that allowed me to stay in touch,” said Voeckler.

“I said yesterday I would lose the yellow jersey and I really thought that would happen. But I also said I would give it my best to keep it.”

The early break

Sky’s Geraint Thomas was the surprisingly well-placed rider who managed to infiltrate the day’s early breakaway. In 31st and 5:51 back on GC, the Welshman was joined by José Ivan Gutierrez (Movistar), Ruben Perez Moreno (Euskaltel – Euskadi), Laurent Mangel (Saur-Sojasun), Blel Kadri (Ag2r La Mondiale) and Jérémy Roy (Fdj).

Gutierrez lost contact on the first major climb, the Hourquette d’Ancizan, but the remaining five topped out with nearly a six-minute gap ahead of the Europcar-led peloton. Over the summit, Thomas struggled on the descent, locking up his rear wheel and going off the road into the grass twice.

In the main pack, Chavanel and Hoogerland attacked in an unsuccessful attempt to bridge to the leaders. Voeckler locked up a wheel on the first tight turn of the descent, bouncing off a car without much apparent injury. The big victim, however, was RadioShack’s Kloden, who came down harder on his right shoulder, but continued.

The Tourmalet

After his troubles on the previous descent, Geraint Thomas was a determined man on the Tourmalet, dropping his remaining breakaway companions and going it alone for the second half of the foggy climb, with Roy valiantly trying to catch him before the summit. Roy finally made contact a kilometer from the top and took the KOM points and a cash prize.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/thomas-escape-1-325x488.jpg)
Sky's Thomas Geraint was an animator all day, but couldn't hold-off the chase on the final climb.

Under pressure from Leopard-Trek’s Jens Voigt, the elite group of GC riders was whittled down to about 25 riders by halfway up the Tourmalet. Missing were Christian Vande Velde, Tejay Van Garderen, Robert Gesink and Tony Martin. Ryder Hesjedal lost contact near the summit. The Schlecks, Contador, Voeckler, Evans, Tom Danielson, Levi Leipheimer and Gilbert were all there.

About 5km from the top, Andy Schleck suffered a front flat. He got a quick wheel change and his team reduced its efforts at the front briefly (while Rabobank’s Laurens Ten Dam rode off the front of the pack) until Schleck regained contact. Then Voigt took over the front again and led Voeckler over the summit three minutes behind Roy and Thomas.

On to Luz-Ardiden

On the descent, Gilbert and Sammy Sanchez joined Ten Dam and hit the base of the final climb with a 20-second gap. As the climb steepened, Gilbert and Ten Dam lost contact but Sanchez and Jelle Vanendert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) caught and dropped Thomas and Roy. The pair looked fresh and traded paces steadily and built a gap of over a minute ahead of the yellow jersey group.

Voeckler and his team took over the front at the base, as the lead group dwindled to nine or 10 riders.

In the final 3k, it was the Schlecks, Cunego, Contador, Evans, Voeckler and Basso and Basso’s teammate Sylvester Szmyd. After at least four attacks, Frank Schleck finally got free. Evans and Basso took up the chase, with Andy Schleck, Cunego and Contador following and Voeckler finally losing contact — his impressive teammate Pierre Rolland helped keep him moving. Leipheimer and Danielson were close behind.

Frank Schleck quickly closed on Sanchez and Vanendert, coming within sight in the last 500 meters. Sanchez, however, would not be denied and powered the final 300 meters to take 7 seconds out of Vanendert.

Basso and Evans looked strong as they took up the chase, but could not close on Schleck. Contador, however, never took the front and came unglued in the last kilometer.

Sanchez said he had been targeting the stage.

“I really wanted this stage, I was determined,” said Sanchez, who gestured wildly as he crossed the finish line.

“I lost a lot of time in the first week, so this has helped me make amends.”

Sanchez’ ride earned him the KOM jersey and brought him back into the top 10; he’s now eighth at 4:11 behind Voeckler.

Up next

Friday’s stage 13 is 153km (95 miles) from Pau to Lourdes. It’s a mountain stage to be sure, but the easiest of the three days in the Pyrenees. The route crosses the hors categorie Col d’Aubisque, with only the long descent and 13km of flat separating the summit from the finish in Lourdes. With the GC picture somewhat clarified after stage 12, Friday is a day for a breakaway before Saturday’s more difficult stage.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 15, 2011, 02:29:18 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 13 results

July 15: STAGE 13 - Pau  Lourdes 152.5 km

Hushovd wins stage 13 of the 2011 Tour de France

Stage 13 Results:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 3h 47′ 36″
2. David Moncoutie, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 00:10
3. Jérémy Roy, Fdj, at 00:26
4. Lars Bak, Htc – Highroad, at 05:00
5. Jérôme Pineau, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 05:02
8. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 05:16
10. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 06:48
17. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 07:37
19. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 07:37
24. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 07:37
25. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 07:37
27. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 07:37
37. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 07:37
38. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 07:37
41. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 07:37
42. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 07:37
49. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 07:37
50. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 07:37
52. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 07:37
54. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 07:37
57. David Loosli, Lampre – Isd, at 07:37
58. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 07:37
75. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 07:52
92. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 07:52
96. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 08:03
129. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 22:08
131. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 22:08
144. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 22:08
147. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 22:08
169. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 22:08
170. Julian Dean, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 22:08


GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 55h 49′ 57″
2. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:49
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:06
4. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:17
5. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:16
7. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:00
8. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 04:11
9. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 04:35
10. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 04:35
17. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 07:51
23. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 09:12
25. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 10:51
32. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 14:23
37. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 18:54
38. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 21:10
48. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 29:51
49. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 31:31
59. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 38:13
66. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 45:37
83. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 59:34
102. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 1:13:50
131. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 1:32:28
134. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:33:14
155. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 1:48:18
165. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 1:53:23
166. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 1:54:36
170. Andrey Amador, Movistar Team, at 2:14:45

Next Stage: July 16: STAGE 14 - Saint-Gaudens  Plateau de Beille 168.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 264 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 251 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 240 points

 Polka Dot: Jérémy Roy, Fdj, with 45 points
Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, with 40 points
Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 34 points

 White:        Arnold Jeannesson, Fdj, in 55h 55′ 47″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 01:37
Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, at 02:05

Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 166h 54′ 52″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:05
Team Europcar, at 01:25

 Lanterne Rouge:  Andrey Amador

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit
Stage 13 - Isaichev Vladimir, Katusha Team, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Steegmans Gert, Quick Step Cycling Team, non-starter
Stage 13 - KlÖden Andréas, Team Radioshack, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Boom Lars, Rabobank Cycling Team, withdrawal

Stage 13 Review:

Hushovd wins stage 13 of the 2011 Tour de France

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 15th 2011 11:21 AM UTC — Updated Jul 15th 2011 3:33 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/DSC_9483-325x476.jpg)
Hushovd scored a dramatic solo win after dropping Moncoutie and Roy in the final kilometers. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

World champion Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervelo) won Friday’s 13th stage of the 2011 Tour de France in solo breakaway after outracing the remaining members of an early breakaway.

Hushovd dropped Jeremy Roy and David Moncoutie in the final 3km for the win.

It was the 33-year-old Hushovd’s ninth career Tour stage win; he is the first world champion to take a stage since Spain’s Oscar Freire in 2002.

“I felt really emotional coming over the finish line because I didn’t imagine I could attack and climb over the Aubisque and then win on my own with the rainbow jersey,” said Hushovd.

“It’s the most beautiful stage I’ve won on the Tour de France, for sure.”

The yellow jersey group containing most of the GC favorites finished 7:37 behind Hushovd; Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) will wear the yellow jersey for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday.

Early (and late) breakaway

Roy had initiated an early break that eventually involved 10 riders, including Hushovd. The other break members: Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky), David Moncoutie (Cofidis), Vladimir Gusev (Katusha), Dmitriy Fofonov, (Astana), Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre), Maarten Tjallingii (Rabobank ), Lars Bak (HTC), Jérôme Pineau (Quick Step).

The group hit the d’Aubisque with a six-minute gap and Hushovd charged into the climb looking to get a head start on the ascent. Moncoutie and Roy led the chase while the other break members faded. Roy and Moncoutie passed Hushovd. Roy came over the top of the huge, foggy climb 45 seconds ahead of Moncoutie and two minutes ahead of Hushovd.

Moncoutie and Hushovd came together on the descent, but had their hands full chasing Roy, a noted descender.

When the descent flattened out for the 13km flat to the finish, Moncoutie could not pull through to help Hushovd and it became an individual pursuit between Roy and Hushovd. Hushovd pulled Moncoutie to within 10 seconds of Roy with 4k to go, then dropped Moncoutie to finally catch and blow past Roy with 2.2km to go.

From there Hushovd looked fresh as he wound through the twisty roads of Lourdes for a remarkable solo win by the world champion.

Roy was distraught at the finish.

“It’s too hard to take. I think I will have a lot of trouble digesting this,” said Roy, who picked up the consolation of the King of the Mountains polka dot jersey.

“I had great legs on the climb, unfortunately I got caught on the descent. I’m not a big champion, so I do what I can with what I’ve got.”

Asked whether the polka dot jersey was a consolation, Roy replied: “The polka dot jersey wasn’t even in my plans, but a stage win was.

“I didn’t miss it by much but all that matters is victory.”

Up next

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/tdf11-et14-325x171.jpg)
2011 Tour de France stage 14 profile

Saturday’s stage 14 is the toughest day in the Pyrenees, with six major climbs, almost 16,000 feet (4,800 meters) of elevation gain and a finish atop the 16km-long Plateau de Beille that has several 10-percent pitches in its opening half.

Voeckler said he expects to lose the yellow jersey.

“The team have worked really hard helping me in recent days, so I expect fatigue to kick in at some point,” said the former French champion.

“It was already hard to keep it on Luz Ardiden, but it will be even harder on the way to Plateau de Beille.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Lynch on July 15, 2011, 05:27:20 PM

"Plateau de Beille" does not sound like fun!

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 15, 2011, 05:45:44 PM

Quote from: Lynch on July 15, 2011, 05:27:20 PM

"Plateau de Beille" does not sound like fun!

Plateau de Beille is not going to be an easy stage and many of the remaining cyclists will be hurting big time. 

And just for laughs, the TDF still has the Alps to add some more 'fun' stages.

Of course, the 'fun' stages can make the Tour be epic.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 16, 2011, 06:35:12 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 14 results

July 16: STAGE 14 - Saint-Gaudens  Plateau de Beille 168.5 km

Jelle Vanendert wins stage 14 of the 2011 Tour de France; Thomas Voeckler defends lead

Stage 14 Results:

1. Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, in 5h 13’ 25”
2. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 00:21
3. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:46
4. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:48
5. Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, at 00:48
6. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 00:48
7. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 00:48
8. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:48
11. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 00:48
13. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 01:59
37. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 07:31
39. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 09:45
63. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 14:59
64. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 14:59
71. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 17:03
75. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 17:03
77. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 17:37
82. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 22:57
89. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 23:44
129. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, at 26:45
142. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 26:45
149. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 26:45
160. Mark Renshaw, Htc – Highroad, at 26:45
163. Danny Pate, Htc – Highroad, at 26:54
164. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 26:54
170. Andrey Amador, Movistar Team, at 27:35


GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 61h 04′ 10″
2. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:49
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:06
4. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:15
5. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:16
6. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 03:44
7. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:00
9. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 05:46
20. Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 12:06
23. Vladimir Karpets, Katusha Team, at 15:11
25. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 16:48
29. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 21:06
32. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 23:43
35. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 27:06
42. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 35:21
53. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 45:42
58. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 55:02
60. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 55:48
65. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:01:52
88. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:21:43
131. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:56:10
136. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 1:58:34
158. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 2:14:15
170. Andrey Amador, Movistar Team, at 2:41:32

Next Stage: July 17: STAGE 15 - Limoux  Montpellier 192.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 264 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 251 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 240 points

 Polka Dot: Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 74 points
Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 72 points
Jérémy Roy, Fdj, at 45 points

 White:        Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, 61h 12′ 05″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 01:07
Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, at 01:25

Teams:       Team Leopard-Trek, in 182h 46’ 31”
Team Europcar, at 00:06
AG2R La Mondiale, at 02:32

 Lanterne Rouge:  Andrey Amador

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit
Stage 13 - Isaichev Vladimir, Katusha Team, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Steegmans Gert, Quick Step Cycling Team, non-starter
Stage 13 - KlÖden Andréas, Team Radioshack, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Boom Lars, Rabobank Cycling Team, withdrawal
Stage 14 – Bonnet William, FDJ outside time limit

Stage 14 Review:

Jelle Vanendert wins stage 14 of the 2011 Tour de France; Thomas Voeckler defends lead

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 16th 2011 11:34 AM UTC — Updated Jul 16th 2011 3:55 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/vanendert-wins-325x488.jpg)
Jelle Vanendert celebrates his victory in stage 14. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

Jelle Vanendert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) won the mountainous 14th stage of the Tour de France and took over the polka-dot jersey on Saturday as Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) mounted a surprising, spirited and successful defense of his yellow jersey.

Vanendert and Voeckler were part of an elite group of favorites testing each other on the final climb of the day, the hors catégorie Plateau de Beille. As Leopard-Trek teammates Andy and Fränk Schleck took turns attacking the group, with Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale) getting in his licks and BMC’s Cadel Evans shutting down everything that moved, Vanendert shot off the front and chased down Sandy Casar (Fdj), who had ridden away alone in hopes of collecting a first French stage win in this year’s Tour.

It was not to be — Vanendert overhauled him and rode on for the victory as the GC riders danced and feinted behind. Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) escaped the group to take second, while Andy Schleck launched one final attack to land on the lowest step of the podium, collecting two seconds’ advantage in the process.

Defending champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) played defense on the stage, never attacking but doggedly hanging on as the others took their digs.

“I didn’t feel great,” he conceded. “But as each day passes I’m feeling better.”

And the man who was wearing the yellow jersey was hanging on, too — much to his astonishment.

“I don’t really know what to say. I’m really surprised,” said Voeckler. “I didn’t expect to still have the jersey today.”

BMC’s Cadel Evans, fourth on the day and third overall, expects him to keep it a while longer.

“I think he’s going to go a few more days at least,” said Evans. “As long as they (Europcar) don’t have it on the Champs-Élysées.”

The climbs du jour

The day dawned warm and sunny for the 168.5km race from Saint-Gaudens to Plateau de Beille, which served up six rated climbs for nearly 16,000 feet of climbing, including the hors catégorie climb to the finish.

It marked the fifth time that the Plateau de Beille has been the scene of a Tour de France stage finish.

Each time it’s been used — in 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2007 — the day’s winner also went on to win that year’s Tour.

● The Category 2 Col de Portet-d’Aspet (1,069 meters), 4.3km, 9.7 percent, summited at km 26.5.
● The Category 1 Col de la Core (1,395m), 14.1km, 5.7 percent, summited at km 62.5.
● The Category 2 Col de Latrape (1,110m), 5.6km, 7.2 percent, summited at km 94.
● The Category 1 Col d’Agnes (1,570m), 10km, 8.2 percent, summited at km 109.
● The Category 3 Port de Lers (1,517m), 3.8km, 5.5 percent, summited at km 118.
● And finally, the Plateau de Beille (1,780m), 15.8km hors catégorie climb, 7.9 percent, summited at 168.5km.

The break du jour

21. Sandy Casar, Fdj, at 08:47
36. Luis-Leon Sanchez, Rabobank, at 18:42
45. Linus Gerdemann, Leopard-Trek, at 23:33
50. Julien El Fares, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 32:29
51. Rémy Di Gregorio, Astana, at 32:43
54. Maxime Bouet, Ag2r La Mondiale, at 34:11
58. Anthony Charteau, Europcar, at 38:03
59. David Millar, Garmin-Cervélo, at 38:13
65. Xabier Zandio, Sky, at 45:10
66. Jens Voigt, Leopard-Trek, at 45:37
71. Christophe Riblon, Ag2r La Mondiale, at 52:22
76. Bauke Mollema, Rabobank, at 55:20
81. Sylvain Chavanel, Quick Step, at 58:44
88. Marco Marcato, Vacansoleil-DCM, at 1:03:33
94. Kristjan Koren, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 1:08:48
96. Arthur Vichot, Fdj, at 1:09:11
97. Gorka Izagirre Insausti, Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 1:09:11
99. Egor Silin, Katusha, at 1:11:00
106. Manuel Quinziato, BMC Racing Team, at 1:19:11
132. Mickaël Delage, Fdj, at 1:32:39

The race was aggressive from the gun, and a big break went early, just 8km into the day’s labors. Leopard-Trek put Jens Voigt and Linus Gerdemann into the escape with an eye toward helping the Schleck brothers later in the stage.

Seven riders were chasing that big group: 40. Jérôme Pineau, Quick Step, at 22:01; 74. Adriano Malori, Lampre-ISD, at 53:23; 82. Ruben Perez Moreno, Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 59:16; 85. José Ivan Gutierrez, Movistar, at 1:00:38; 86. Alberto Costa Rui, Movistar, at 1:02:32, 129. Francisco Ventoso, Movistar, at 1:29:56; and 135. Maxim Iglinskiy, Astana, at 1:33:28.

At 20km the break had 1:55 over the chase and four minutes over the bunch.

The chase shed Ventoso, Iglinsky and Gutierrez, who eventually drifted back to the peloton, and caught the break at 46km, leaving a 24-rider break out front with 5:46 over the bunch at the lower slopes of the Col de la Core.

El Fares, Casar and Millar tried a dig out of the break, and with 87km to go the trio had more than a minute on their erstwhile companions, as the Europcar-led bunch noodled along at more than seven minutes back.

Leopard-Trek takes over

As the trio’s advantage approached two minutes Riblon launched an attempt to bridge. Behind, Leopard-Trek replaced Europcar at the head of the chase and riders started going backward, among them polka-dot jersey Jérémy Roy and Friday’s stage winner, world champion Thor Hushovd (Garmin-Cervélo).

Riblon joined the lead trio and Millar faded out of it. Voigt rode up to the leaders as well, and with 60km remaining there were 11 riders at the front of the race, climbing the Col d’Agnes —Voigt and Gerdemann (Leopard); Izagirre Insausti (Euskaltel); Di Gregorio (Astana); Riblon (Ag2r); Zandio (Sky); Casar (Fdj); Silin (Katusha); El Fares (Cofidis); Charteau (Europcar); and Chavanel (Quick Step) — with men scattered about between them and the bunch at 7:15 down.

Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto), who burned a lot of matches in Friday’s stage hunting green-jersey points, slipped off the back of the yellow-jersey group as Leopard’s Stuart O’Grady pounded out a tough cadence, with Fabian Cancellara on his wheel. Nicholas Roche (Ag2r) was also in difficulty and losing the wheel.

Laurens Ten Dam (Rabobank) overcooked a corner on the descent of the Agnes, went over the bars and took a header into the weeds. Word was that he broke his nose in the crash — nevertheless, he remounted and continued.

Euskaltel on the attack

Up front, Euskaltel’s Izagirre Insausti decided to go it alone on the Port de Lers as the Leopard-led chase began closing in, to within five minutes with 51km to go. Gilbert, meanwhile, fought his way back to the bunch.

Izagirre Insausti went over the top alone with about a minute in hand over the original break with the yellow-jersey group at 5:20. On the descent, Voigt overcooked his own corner and shot straight off the road and down a grassy slope. He clambered back out, got a wheel and soldiered on, only to hit the deck again further on down the road as the front wheel slipped out from under him in a right-hander.

With 34km to go Izagirre Insausti led the chase by just over a minute with the yellow-jersey group at 5:15. The chasers began attacking each other in the valley leading to the final obstacle of the day — the 15.8km, hors catégorie Plateau de Beille. Millar had latched back on, and promptly had a dig, to no particular effect, but the upped pace saw the chase finally swallow up Izagirre Insausti with 24km to race.

Chavanel was next to go — he clearly wanted company, but didn’t get it, and so carried on alone.

Behind, the Leopards had closed the gap to just over three minutes.

Perez Moreno and LL Sanchez finally decided to join Chavanel up front, with a few kilometers to go before the final ascent. A five-man chase formed up just behind, with the remainder of the escape raising the white flag and waiting for the peloton.

The trio sat up briefly to let the five chasers catch on, and then Perez Moreno attacked going into the base of the climb, taking a slight lead.

Up the Plateau de Beille

Leopard’s Jakob Fuglsang and then Maxime Monfort led the bunch onto the climb, two minutes behind Perez Moreno. HTC-Highroad’s Tony Martin instantly went backward, as did Rabobank’s Robert Gesink, but yellow jersey Voeckler was hanging tough.

Voight was next to take over the pace-making. Cadel Evans (BMC) was lurking nearby, as were HTC’s Peter Velits, Lampre’s Damiano Cunego and the Schlecks. Christian Vande Velde and Tom Danielson (Garmin) were there, too, as was Roche, who had managed to get back on.

Casar and Riblon were now at the head of affairs, and soon Casar was alone, 1:45 ahead of the yellow-jersey group.

Carlos Barredo (Rabobank) and Rui Costa (Movistar) moved ahead of the chase as Roche once again slipped off the back with 13km to go.

Attack of the Schlecks

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/ANDY-ATTACKS-325x232.jpg)
Andy Schleck attacked frequently in the finale, to little effect. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

Vande Velde was setting pace with Danielson on his wheel and Voeckler sitting third as the Schlecks marked Contador. And then Andy Schleck jumped, with Contador on his wheel.

Vande Velde and Saxo Bank’s Daniel Navarro were immediately shelled, but Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale), Evans and Voeckler hung tight.

Casar hit 10km to go with 1:23 over the chase, now led by Europcar’s Pierre Rolland. And then Andy Schleck attacked again, with Vanendert oon his wheel. Evans, Basso and Voeckler followed, but Contador was late to make an effort and took a moment to latch back on.

Andy Schleck attacked again, Voeckler followed, and Evans chased, dragging the rest along with him.
Fränk Schleck had a go next, with Evans on his wheel and Basso third. Contador was there, with Voeckler.

Rolland took the front to set pace for Voeckler. Ahead, Casar clung to a 47-second lead with 7km to race.

Andy Schleck went again, and Contador followed. Once again Evans dragged the others up to him — among them Voeckler and Vanendert, who then rode straight past them, making his own bid for the stage win.

The yellow jersey took the front next, looking round to gauge the strength and size of the group. Ahead, Vanendert had caught Casar and shot past, the finish just 6km up the road.

Basso took the front next as a cease-fire of sorts was declared, the yellow-jersey group down to 10 or so. Cunego was briefly distanced, but Voeckler hung tough, and the chase was within 28 seconds of Vanendert with 5km to race.

Basso tried a little dig in a corner, but Voeckler and Evans were right on him. He accelerated again, to no real effect, barring the departure of Cunego once again.

Sanchez rolls away

Then Samuel Sanchez attacked, followed by Andy Schleck, and Voeckler chased with Evans and Contador. Sanchez went again and this time took a gap — Voeckler was looking around for help, and Evans once again took up the chase.

Andy Schleck then took the front, Voeckler on his wheel, as Sanchez rode away.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/EVANS3-325x358.jpg)
Evans had a dig in the finale. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

With 3km to go the favorites remained together, with Basso setting the pace — and then he rode away. After a moment, Voeckler followed, and then Evans attacked. Andy Schleck was on him, followed by Voeckler, Contador, Basso and Jean-Christophe Peraud (Ag2r).

Vanendert hit the final kilometer with 54 seconds’ advantage over the seven-man chase, with Sanchez at 24 seconds. He sailed across the line alone, grinning, both fists in the air.

“I came to this Tour in great condition,” said Vanendert, who took the lead in the mountains competition by two points over Samuel Sanchez. “I was very strong in the spring classics and then I took a break, with a training camp in Italy and later the Dauphine. The team supported me and I am in my best shape now.

“The other GC rivals were watching each other, so that opened up a window for me. There were a lot of attacks early, I decided to wait until we were higher on the climb before making my move.”

Sanchez hung on for second and Andy Schleck launched a final attack — he crossed third, ahead of Evans, collecting only a couple seconds over the others for his troubles.

Race leader Voeckler was delighted at having been able to stick with the favorites to the finish.

“I was able to follow, but I was really suffering — but that was the same for everyone,” he said. “The objective today was to keep the yellow jersey. I expected to lose some time today and I thought it would be a question of seconds. I never thought that I would be able to stay with the favorites.

“The scenario in the final climb was perfect for me — the GC were attacking each other, very short accelerations. I was happy about that because I was able to come back each time.”

Some schmack from the Schlecks

There will be other accelerations once the race hits the Alps, warned Andy Schleck.

 â€œWe gave it a good try but we didn’t drop anybody, except for the two seconds I gained at the end,” he said. ”The climb wasn’t selective enough. Once we get to the Alps that’s when we will make a difference.”

Older brother Fränk, meanwhile, had a little dig at Contador and Evans, criticizing the pair for what he clearly perceived was a lack of aggression.

“We tried several times. The only one who was a little bit interested was Ivan Basso,” he said. “All the others just looked at each other. Me and my brother and Basso, we tried to actually race.”

Evans immediately struck back.

“Everyone says no one attacks, but you have to consider also the wind, and the closeness of the racing,” he said.

“The Schleck brothers are there, they ride all day, they’ve got the yellow jersey to gain and they look at me to pull for them? I feel like saying, ‘Hang on a second, I’m not here to tow you to Paris.’ ”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 17, 2011, 02:57:58 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 15 results

July 17: STAGE 15 - Limoux  Montpellier 192.5 km

Mark Cavendish wins stage 15 of the 2011 Tour de France

Stage 15 Results:

1. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, 4h 20′ 24″
2. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, s.t.
3. Alessandro Petacchi, Lampre – Isd, s.t.
4. Daniel Oss, Liquigas-Cannondale, s.t.
5. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, s.t.
22. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, s.t.
29. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, s.t.
33. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
34. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
41. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
43. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, s.t.
48. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, s.t.
51. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, s.t.
71. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, s.t.
80. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, s.t.
94. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, s.t.
107. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, s.t.
117. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:23
119. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:28
140. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:19
170. Pablo Urtasun Perez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 06:10


GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, 65h 24′ 34″
2. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 0:14
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:06
4. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:15
5. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:16
6. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 03:44
7. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:00
25. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 16:48
29. Christian Vande Velde, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 21:06
53. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 45:42
58. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 55:30
59. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 55:48
67. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:04:11
86. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:21:43
130. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:56:33
156. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 2:14:15
170. Andrey Amador, Movistar Team, at 2:43:07

Next Stage: Rest Day 2, then July 19: STAGE 16 - Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux  Gap 162.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 319 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 282 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 248 points

 Polka Dot: Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 74 points
Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 72 points
Jérémy Roy, Fdj, at 45 points

 White:        Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, 65h 32′ 29″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 01:07
Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, at 01:25

Teams:       Team Leopard-Trek, in 195h 47’ 43”
Team Europcar, at 00:06
AG2R La Mondiale, at 02:32

 Lanterne Rouge:  Andrey Amador

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit
Stage 13 - Isaichev Vladimir, Katusha Team, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Steegmans Gert, Quick Step Cycling Team, non-starter
Stage 13 - KlÖden Andréas, Team Radioshack, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Boom Lars, Rabobank Cycling Team, withdrawal
Stage 14 – Bonnet William, FDJ outside time limit

Stage 15 Review:

Mark Cavendish wins stage 15 of the 2011 Tour de France

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 17th 2011 11:29 AM UTC — Updated Jul 17th 2011 1:37 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/717cavSAM.jpg)
Mark Cavendish claims his fourth win in this year's Tour. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Omega Pharma-Lotto strongman Philippe Gilbert tried to steal a march on the sprinters on Sunday, but HTC-Highroad would not be denied, and Mark Cavendish kicked to yet another victory in stage 15 of the Tour de France.

The green jersey once again gave the credit to his team for delivering him to the stage win ahead of Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Cervélo) and Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre-ISD).

“I always say I can’t let the guys down when they ride like that,” said Cavendish after collecting his fourth win in the 2011 Tour and his 19th career victory in the race. “The reason my guys ride is because they have confidence in me. It was incredible.”

Thomas Voeckler (Europcar, meanwhile, was happy to spend a relatively uneventful day in the yellow jersey after battling to hang with the GC favorites on Saturday’s stage.

“Today the beginning of the race was not as hard as we expected. But all day long we had to be very careful because of the wind, the roundabouts,” he said.

The 192.5km leg from Limoux to Montpellier was a transition stage, bringing the Tour from the Pyrenees toward the Alps with only minimal time and distance devoted to transfers in advance of Monday’s second rest day.

It was a mostly flat route, entirely within the Languedoc-Roussillon region, that took the peloton slightly northeast and near the Mediterranean coast for a finish in Montpellier.

There was only one rated climb, the Category 4 Côte de Villespassans, a 2.2km ascent that averaged 4.6 percent and summited at 82km. The day’s lone intermediate sprint came at 146.5km in Montbazin.

Chilly day, hot start

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/DUMOULIN-ESCAPE-325x488.jpg)
The men in the break. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

The day dawned chilly and cloudy in Limoux, with strong winds south of town, but relatively calm at the start. Once again a break went early, just 2km into the stage, and it must have satisfied all the players because it had four minutes at the 20km mark.

120. Mickaël Delage, Fdj, at 1:48:54
138. Niki Terpstra, Quick Step, at 1:59:15
145. Anthony Delaplace, Saur-Sojasun, at 2:05:38
156. Samuel Dumoulin, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 2:13:15
163. Mikhail Ignatyev, Katusha, at 2:18:45

Europcar controlled the bunch for a bit until HTC sent a few riders forward to keep an eye on things for green jersey Cavendish. At 36km they had trimmed the gap to three minutes, perhaps with the itermediate sprint in mind.

Winds split the bunch into echelons, but the leash remained constant for some kilometers, hovering around the three-minute mark. It went back out to 4:05 as the break neared the top of the Côte de Villespassans, but soon started falling again.

Europcar yields chase to HTC

With 98km to go the gap was 2:42. Europcar was lending a hand, but race leader Voeckler called off his dogs, knowing he would need their help more in the Alps than in a sprinters’ stage.

With 64km to go the break’s advantage was two minutes and falling, but the break would not be caught before the intermediate sprint. Delage took top honors ahead of Dumoulin and Delaplace, while behind Cavendish got the best of Jose Joaquin Rojas (Movistar) and Gilbert.

Twenty kilometers from the line the break was down to two riders with less than a minute’s advantage — Ignatyev and Terpstra. Behind, Leopard-Trek came forward briefly to keep the Schleck brothers protected in the mad dash to the line.

The chase gobbled up Delage, Delaplace and Dumoulin, but Ignatyev and Terpstra drove on, 38 seconds ahead of the peloton with 15km remaining. It would not be enough, not with Tony Martin driving the chase for HTC.

Terpstra glanced over one shoulder at the charging bunch and kept on going as Ignatyev sat up 6km from the line. He held an advantage of 13 seconds with 4km to go.

But like his fellow breakaways, he too would be caught short of the line. Garmin-Cervélo came to the front and that was it for Terpstra.

Gilbert has a go

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/VOECKLER-12-325x242.jpg)
Thomas Voeckler spent an uneventful day in yellow ahead of the Tour's second rest day and a stint in the Alps. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

Then, just as the catch came, Gilbert attacked with FdJ’s Anthony Roux and Thomas De Ghent (Vacansoleil) on his wheel.

Cavendish’s teammate Matt Goss said Gilbert, who won stage 1 to take the yellow jersey and has been a threat for Cavendish throughout, had to be brought to heel.

“Gilbert went, and you’ve got to worry,” said Goss. “You see how strong and how good he is. We certainly had to make sure we got him back.”

It was a long way out — Gilbert had 2.4km to go — and it wouldn’t work. The Belgian national champion eased off the gas as Lampre moved forward for Petacchi while Sky stepped up for Edvald Boasson Hagen and Ben Swift.

But in the end, it was HTC that delivered Cavendish to another victory. With just over 200 meters to race Cavendish emerged from the wheel of lead-out man Mark Renshaw and drove hard for the finish, where that that green jersey would soon be sitting a little more securely on his shoulders. Farrar took second with Petacchi third.

“I don’t think there’s been one of my 19 wins that I’ve done alone, and that just shows the commitment those guys have towards me and I’m incredibly lucky for that,” said Cavendish.

“I crossed the finish line first but it’s not just me. I did 200 meters today in a 200 km stage. The team rode and delivered me to the line. I’m incredibly proud to be associated with them.”

As for Farrar, he said that he and the rest of the peloton were looking forward to Monday’s rest day.

“I really wanted the win today but unfortunately it just didn’t turn out,” he said. “I think we’re all ready for the rest day tomorrow and we will look forward to next week and another try on the Champs.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 18, 2011, 05:51:31 PM

A little something for Rest Day #2:

Exclusive book excerpt: 1986: The Alpe’s Greatest Duel, from The Tour is Won on the Alpe.

By VeloNews.com

Published Jul 18th 2011 9:42 AM UTC — Updated Jul 18th 2011 10:45 AM UTC

 (http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2008/07/The-Tour-is-won-on-LAlpe.jpeg)
The Tour is Won on L'Alpe

Editor’s note: Excerpted with permission from: The Tour Is Won on the Alpe by Jean-Paul Vespini, translated by David V. Herlihy. The book is available from VeloPress. The 2011 Tour de France will climb Alpe d’Huez on Friday’s stage 19.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

1986: The Alpe’s Greatest Duel

The 1985 Tour featured a memorable milestone: Greg LeMond took his first Tour stage win at Lac de Vassivière, beating his teammate and race leader Bernard Hinault in the 45-kilometer time trial the day before the race finish on the Champs-Élysées. Hinault claimed his fifth Tour, of course, but that same day he announced to Jean-Paul Brouchon of Miroir du Cyclisme that the following year he would serve strictly as LeMond’s lieutenant. “I’ll stir things up to help Greg win, and I’ll have fun doing it,” Hinault declared. “That’s a promise!”

LeMond’s position as future team leader was consecrated in the contract he signed with La Vie Claire team owner Bernard Tapie in 1985, a magnificent $1 million over three years. The deal symbolized not only the hoped-for future of Tapie’s team but also the future of professional cycling. LeMond was the first cyclist ever to earn such a sum, and his astonishing salary reset expectations within the peloton.

For the first time, cyclists could look forward to parity with the stars of other vaunted pro team sports such as soccer, baseball, and American football. LeMond, the American, brought a new sensibility to the quintessentially European sport of cycling, and his contract announcement would agitate the peloton for many years to come. Moreover, LeMond was, without a doubt, the anointed winner for 1986. Hinault had repeated the announcement several times since the finale of the ’85 Tour: “LeMond will be my successor.”

Hinault’s intentions seemed sincere. At the conclusion of the ’85 Tour, in a post-race meeting with the press moderated by the French author and journalist Jacques Chancel, the Badger was asked, “Next year will be your sixth victory?”

“No, no, that’s it,” he replied.

The Tour is won on L’Alpe

“What do you mean?” asked a surprised Chancel. “As six-time winner, you’d better Anquetil and Merckx.”

Hinault smiled, amused by Chancel’s insistence. In a voice tight with emotion, he murmured, “You need to share the experience you’ve gained. Greg will need me next year.”

“That’s too easy,” retorted Chancel, turning to his numerous guests, happy to put the Badger on the spot. “That way, if he loses, he will have called it ahead of time.”

Team boss Tapie, who had been chuckling up to that point, interrupted the flow of the interview and said, tapping his finger, “That’s not Hinault’s style. If he says at the start that it’s Greg who will win, then that means Greg will be leader next year.”

Promises, promises.

Curiously, a year later, Hinault’s declarations had been forgotten. LeMond, though soundly beaten at the Giro d’Italia in May by Roberto Visentini, showed up at the start of the Tour with one thing on his mind.

But for the cycling press, interest lay elsewhere.

LeMond Forgotten

A legendary rivalry was on everyone’s minds at the start of the 1986 Tour in the western Parisian suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt, but it was not a competition between Hinault and LeMond. Observers were looking forward to the epic duel that had divided France into two camps, one for Hinault and the other for Le Professeur, Laurent Fignon.

“On my left, Bernard Hinault, wearing the jersey of La Vie Claire, the team he had chosen after his divorce from Cyrille Guimard and team Renault. On my right, Laurent Fignon, wearing the jersey of Système U, the team he had chosen after his departure from Renault, along with . . . Cyrille Guimard.”

That was how the battle of the titans was announced on the front page of the special issue Tour de Vélo in July 1986. There was not a word about LeMond. Miroir du Cyclisme ran a similar commentary under the headline “Hinault-Fignon: Legend and Glory.” The American was once again forgotten. Miroir focused its attention on the French duel, in conjunction with a series of photos titled “Hand-to-Hand,” featuring historic sepia photos evoking the battles between Anquetil and Poulidor, Merckx and Thévenet.

Hinault and Fignon? Until then it had been a duel interrupted, suspended—nothing but a dream. Fignon had won the 1984 Tour, handily beating Hinault, who had been recovering from his knee operation.

Hinault had won the following year, but Fignon had been absent, recovering from an operation on his Achilles tendon. The rematch that had been highly anticipated since the end of 1984 had not yet materialized, so everyone hoped to see it in 1986. Even the latest addition to the canon of cycling publications, Cyclisme Internationale, asked the question on the cover of its fourth issue, which featured a photograph of Hinault in yellow: “On his way to a sixth victory?” Again, not a word about LeMond.

Strangely, everyone—or almost everyone—had forgotten Hinault’s public promise at the end of the 1985 Tour to LeMond, who had played the role of perfect teammate: “Next year, I’ll be at your service!” A seemingly clairvoyant Maurice Vidal wrote, “Do you really believe that? I still believe Hinault is sincere.

Life is based on intentions but sometimes changes course. To such an extent that what will happen between the two racers (and their boss) is just another uncertainty.”

What a perfect assessment of reality! It was the terrible year of Chernobyl and the year of French governmental “cohabitation.”1 It was also the year of the difficult cohabitation of Hinault and LeMond within the La Vie Claire team over the course of this explosive Tour, the last for the Badger, who was more determined than ever to show that he was still a force to be reckoned with.

Hinault got things started in the time trial stage at Nantes (61.5 kilometers [38 miles]), affirming himself the stronger of the leaders by finishing 44 seconds faster than runner-up LeMond. Then Hinault wreaked havoc in the first Pyrenean stage from Bayonne to Pau. He broke away with Pedro Delgado (who would win the stage) on the Col de Marie-Blanque, pulling on the yellow jersey later that day with a lead in the overall standings of over 5 minutes to the second-place LeMond, who struggled as soon as things heated up. It was beginning to look as though the Badger had his sixth Tour in the bag.

Fignon’s poor form completely changed the face of the Tour. Trailing by 12:43 and running a fever, he abandoned the race in Pau. With the great French rivalry put off, probably forever, everyone now spoke of nothing but Hinault’s promise to LeMond in 1985. It was a good way to rekindle interest in a Tour that seemed over before it had really gotten started, thanks to an Hinault who was proving elusive in more ways than one. “Just try to take back 5 minutes from Hinault!” he exulted.

Continued in next post...

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 18, 2011, 05:56:31 PM

The Badger’s Fatal Error

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2008/07/LeMond-and-Hinault-on-LAlpe-dHuez-in-the-1986-Tour.jpeg)
LeMond and Hinault on L'Alpe d'Huez in the 1986 Tour

The next day, however, Hinault committed a critical error in a Tour he certainly could have won when he attacked once again, this time alone, on the descent of the Tourmalet. What guts — what panache! But it was a crazy breakaway, considering he had the leader’s jersey on his shoulders. This was a move a la Merckx: the yellow jersey, breaking away on his own in the Pyrénées, along the road to Luchon.

Though generally a savvy tactician, the Badger inexplicably attacked a long way from the finish and was caught before the final climb to Superbagnères. At the front, two Americans took the Tour by force as if taking the baton: LeMond, assisted by teammate Andy Hampsten, led the dance. By the end of the day, LeMond was within 40 seconds of Hinault.

All that effort had gotten the Frenchman nowhere in his quest for a sixth victory. In the caravan, everyone wanted to know what Hinault was thinking. He explained his conduct nonchalantly: “If I had succeeded in reaching Superbagnères, I would have won the Tour and everyone would have lavished praise on me. If I failed, I knew that Greg was behind me ready to counterattack and that I was tiring his adversaries. It was sound strategy.” Unbelievable: Hinault was claiming to have transformed himself into a super-domestique for LeMond.

No one, or almost no one, believed in the promise anymore, especially since Hinault had not hesitated to attack from the beginning of the Tour. Not even in transitional stages like Nîmes-Gap, where once again he had surprised LeMond, who had reprimanded him with angry gestures after catching up in a chase group.

In any event, the Badger lost the yellow jersey the next day during the unprecedented stage in sun and dust from Gap to Col du Granon, with a mountaintop finish at 2,400 meters (7,875 feet). The stage was marked by dramatic setbacks, most notably those of Joël Pellier, who fell victim to hypoglycemia, and Hinault, who suffered from a hematoma on his calf. LeMond thus became the first American to pull on the yellow jersey, which he would wear for the first time in the stage that led to Alpe d’Huez. The route promised to be long and difficult, heated by both sun and passion.

Some didn’t accept Hinault’s relegation to second fiddle, perceived to be the fault of an opportunistic American who had only found his form in the month of July. Hinault himself may have agreed with this assessment, as he decided to make things difficult for LeMond over the course of this legendary stage.

It would be a decisive stage with regard to overall victory (Hinault was in third place, down only 2:47 on the American), one in which the Swiss Urs Zimmermann (in second place overall, 2:24 behind LeMond) hoped to play a big role. He would be a tough adversary, having already won the Critérium International and the Dauphiné Libéré earlier in the season.

On the descent of the Galibier, Hinault attacked. Only two men were able to follow: the Canadian Steve Bauer (Hinault’s teammate) and the Spaniard Pello Ruiz-Cabestany. All along the interminable plunge toward Valloire (almost 20 kilometers [12.4 miles]), Hinault gave it his all—without LeMond, who was stuck farther back. The American began to realize that he could lose the Tour at any moment when he saw the Badger continue his charge up the Col du Télégraphe, before the Croix de Fer and the final climb up Alpe d’Huez.

Dejected, LeMond consulted his directeur sportif, Paul Koechli, and finally launched his own attack, a last-chance pursuit race. He devoured the slopes of the Télégraphe with no thought of the risk and was able to catch Hinault on the outskirts of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. He had just saved his Tour.

Who could still believe that Hinault had not truly gone for it between the summit of Galibier and the valley leading to the initial slopes of the Croix de Fer? And the main event at Alpe d’Huez was soon to come. Sporting the multicolored combination jersey (a short-lived innovation from the Tour organizers awarded from 1985 to 1989 to the best-placed rider in the combined time, points, climbing, and intermediary sprint classifications), Hinault set the rhythm from the start, ensuring the pace, with LeMond, the fragile and troubled wearer of the yellow jersey, by his side. In the furnace of the Alpe, Hinault’s name, shouted by his tens of thousands of rabid supporters, rang in LeMond’s ears. Over the deafening roar, LeMond confessed, “I’m afraid of the crowds,” and pushed the Badger forward to lead.

The sea of fans amassed along the wall of L’Oisans left them only a narrow opening through which to scale the asphyxiating slope, one behind the other.

Meanwhile, their adversaries followed in the distance, with Zimmermann the most dangerous. At more than 3 minutes back, he was chasing in a group that had counterattacked. He would finish third, 5:15 back. Old Joop Zoetemelk would finish 14:21 back, Charly Mottet and Stephen Roche 15 minutes back, and Robert Millar, wearing the polka-dot jersey (which Hinault would take by the end of the Tour), 19 minutes back. Lucho Herrera, who went over the Galibier in the lead, faltered badly, went backward, and finished 26 minutes back!

Amidst the tumult of the Alpe, between the Breton flags fluttering like proud standards, the colors of La Vie Claire painted on the road, and the cries of “Hinault, Hinault” as they passed, Hinault and LeMond, the two leaders, made their way up the climb.

The closely followed duel suddenly ceased, right before the eyes of crazed fans, when the Badger transformed himself into a locomotive, protecting the American to whom he would “hand” his first Tour de France at the top. Not once did Hinault let the American take the lead. Nor did LeMond seek to take it.

A few meters before the finish, LeMond clapped Hinault on the shoulder to thank him. As the Italian journalist Tony Lo Schiavo wrote in Bici Sport, “Over the last meters, they joined hands. You would have thought it was a sign of affection. But it wasn’t that. In reality, the clasping of hands masked a secret agreement: Hinault promised not to attack LeMond, and the American thanked him by letting him take the stage.”

“I Could Have Taken 5 Minutes out of Him”

The real story of what had happened on that climb, if it hadn’t come to a head on Alpe d’Huez, broke a short time later in the form of shattering declarations. Today they shed light on the battle for that Tour and offer perspective on the duel at the Alpe.

The first to draw was the American, who vented his anger in an interview with the French journalist Henri Haget, declaring, “Hinault is not the man I knew at the start of my career. He’s obsessed with winning his sixth Tour, as if he’s forgotten that, without me, he never would have won his fifth. I gave him the 1985 Tour. He should remember that, but instead he’s created a terrible environment. The worst was the finish at L’Alpe d’Huez, when we crossed the line hand in hand. It was all a big show. I let myself get played like a novice. I had the yellow jersey, and at the foot of the climb, Hinault swore to me that it was all over, that he wouldn’t attack me again on the way to Paris. He knew that I could drop him at the first turn, but he asked me to let him lead on the climb to win the stage.

I could have taken 5 minutes out of him by the top. I shouldn’t have had any qualms about doing so.” The embittered Badger responded much later, in his memoirs.4 He wrote, “It wasn’t my fault if LeMond didn’t understand how I was conducting my race. I did what I did to benefit him, and him alone. I had told him that I would help him, give him a hand in winning the race. At Alpe d’Huez, I could have buried him. I think I could have put a lot of time on him that day, if I had thrown down the gauntlet. At no point was I trying to beat him. After Alpe d’Huez, I only waged a small psychological war to see exactly what he was made of.”

The big show had been nothing but a facade. In fact, the two teammates had only pretended to bury the hatchet for the sole purpose of preserving the brand image of team La Vie Claire, by order of the boss, Tapie, who in a later interview with L’Équipe remembered, “The first great moment of my career in sports was not my soccer team’s victory over Milan but rather Hinault and LeMond at Alpe d’Huez. It wasn’t winning that Tour; it was the stage victory. The morning before, they were at each other’s throats. I took my plane that evening and, after arriving, spent from two to four o’clock in the morning with them. Hours later, I watched them arrive at the summit of the Alpe together. It was more wonderful than any other experience.” Hinault, who ended his career that year, as he had always said he would, confided later, “I had fun at that Tour!”

What a masterful exit. Imagine Bernard Hinault, who would finish second in the 1986 Tour, 2:45 behind the new American top rider, Greg LeMond, announcing at L’Alpe d’Huez, “Today was my last day of competition.” He did so as the grand winner of the world’s most prestigious mountain stage. For lack of a more theatrical exit, the Badger climbed the last great col of his career at almost 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). In retrospect, his conduct was that of a pugnacious former champion, with the victory high atop the Alpe compensating for the absence of a final victory in Paris. That was why everyone — in France, at least — thought the 1986 Tour also belonged to him, in some small way.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 19, 2011, 06:17:15 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 16 results

 July 19: STAGE 16 - Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux  Gap 162.5 km

Hushovd wins stage 16 of the 2011 Tour de France, as Evans and Contador open gap on the Schlecks

Stage 16 Results:

1. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 3h 31′ 38″
2. Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, at s.t.
3. Ryder Hesjedal, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 00:02
4. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, at 00:38
5. Mikhail Ignatyev, Katusha Team, at 00:52
11. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 04:23
12. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:26
13. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 04:26
15. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 04:44
18. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 04:44
22. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:44
30. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 05:17
36. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 05:32
42. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 06:18
43. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 06:48
62. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 07:26
68. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 08:08
72. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 08:08
76. Robert Gesink, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 09:12
105. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 14:02
151. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 15:25
170. Julian Dean, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 16:47

GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 69h 00′ 56″
2. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 01:45
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:49
4. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 03:03
5. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 03:26
6. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 03:42
7. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:49
26. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 20:12
50. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 48:24
53. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 51:04
60. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 1:04:48
65. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:07:35
122. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:59:57
124. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 2:00:38
158. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 2:24:56
170. Andrey Amador, Movistar Team, at 2:53:29

Next Stage:  July 20: STAGE 17 - Gap  Pinerolo 179 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 319 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 285 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 250 points

 Polka Dot: Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 74 points
Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 72 points
Jérémy Roy, Fdj, at 45 points

 White:        Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, at 69h 08′ 51″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 01:07
Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, at 01:58

Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 206h 31′ 24″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 7:01
Team Europcar, at 08:14

 Lanterne Rouge:  Andrey Amador

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit
Stage 13 - Isaichev Vladimir, Katusha Team, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Steegmans Gert, Quick Step Cycling Team, non-starter
Stage 13 - KlÖden Andréas, Team Radioshack, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Boom Lars, Rabobank Cycling Team, withdrawal
Stage 14 – Bonnet William, FDJ outside time limit

Stage 16 Review:

Hushovd wins stage 16 of the 2011 Tour de France, as Evans and Contador open gap on the Schlecks
By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 19th 2011 10:59 AM UTC — Updated Jul 19th 2011 4:51 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/000_DV1004339-660x440.jpg)
Contador attacked several times on the Col, but could not get away from Evans and Sanchez. AFP Photo

Garmin-Cervelo’s world champion Thor Hushovd on Tuesday won his second individual stage of the 2011 Tour de France, a cold, rainy, 162.5km race from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Gap.

The day’s big winner, however, was Cadel Evans (BMC), who broke away from the yellow jersey group on the final climb with Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank) and Sammy Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi), and finished ahead of the two Spaniards after attacking on the wet descent to Gap. Evans moved into second on the GC and increased his gap ahead of Andy and Frank Schleck (Leopard-Trek) as the race heads into the Alps Wednesday.

Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) finished less than a half minute behind Evans and Contador to retain his leader’s jersey, while Andy Schleck and Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale) lost more than a minute to their top GC rivals. Frank Schleck finished at the same time as Voeckler.

The stage win battle

Hesjedal, Hushovd and Boasson Hagen emerged out of a 10-man breakaway that had built up an early six-minute lead before exploding on the Col de Manse, a cat. 2 ascent that topped out just 11 twisty, wet kilometers from the finish. Hesjedal led over the summit, with teammate Hushovd marking Boasson Hagen. The three hit the dry roads of the flats together, and in the final 2km the two teammates were able to sandwich the Sky rider, with Hushovd in third. The big Norwegian jumped with 300 meters to go and outlasted Boasson Hagen as Hesjedal celebrated his team’s fourth stage win.

Yellow jersey war

The fight for yellow got serious on the Col de Manse.

Evans’ BMC squad took control of the front of the peloton on the first kilometers of the big climb, but Contador surprised the GC favorites with a sharp attack where the slope steepened on a left-hand turn. He was quickly marked by Evans, the Schlecks, Voeckler and Sammy Sanchez. The six were soon joined by another 15 riders and Contador’s teammates Daniel Navarro and Jesus Hernandez took over the pace setting, while Garmin’s Tom Danielson took a brief foray off the front.

With barely more than a kilometer from the top, Contador attacked again. This time Voeckler and the Schlecks were unable to follow, but Sanchez and Evans were all over him. Evans, looking fresh and focused, took the front as the three opened the gap ahead of the Voeckler/Schleck group. Contador, as well, continued to push the pace with some accelerations, but was unable to drop the other two.

The threesome came over the top about 37 seconds ahead of the Schleck/Voeckler group and Evans attacked the descent, hitting the flats with ten seconds on the two Spaniards and powering to a three-second gap ahead of Contador and Sanchez.

Voeckler later said everyone was surprised by Contador’s attack on what was billed as a transition stage between the Pyrenees and the Alps.

“It really surprised me he (Contador) attacked like that,” said the Frenchman. “Everyone was expecting him to wait for the big mountain passes in the Alps but he went for it on the Col de Manse.

 â€œI wasn’t the only one who couldn’t follow, the other guys behind me were all grimacing too. The problem is, when Contador attacks it is usually pretty effective.”

Frank Schleck credited Contador’s team director. Bjarnne Riis, for taking advantage of the Schlecks’ dislike of wet weather and tricky descents.

“We didn’t expect him (Contador) or any of the other big favorites to do that. Bjarne knows we don’t like bad weather and that the descent would be quite tricky for us,” said Frank.

“Hats off to them. But it’s not a tragedy. We will stay focused on what we have to do and we’re looking forward to three days in the mountains.”

Riis said Contador had to attack to close his gap to the Schlecks and Evans.

“Alberto said he felt good and when he has good legs he has to try to close the gap,” said the Dane.
“We said this morning we have to attack if possible.”

Up next

Stage 17 is first of three stages in the Alps. The route heads into Italy via the Cat. 1 climb to Sestriere, but the real action won’t take place until the brutal Cat. 2 Colle Pra Martino. On a narrow, very twisting back road, this 6.7km climb averages 6.2 percent, but it has a 12-percent section just before a summit that’s only 7km from the line in Pinerolo. The 3km-long, switchback descent averages a vertiginous 15 percent and that’s where the stage can be won and lost.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/tdf11-et17-325x173.jpg)
2011 Tour de France stage 17 profile

Race notes

It took nearly 50km for the break to form. Garmin team director Jonathan Vaughters said it took determination — and patience — to get two team riders into the group.”I kept saying to the guys, ‘Keep trying, keep trying!’ They were frustrated. They said, ‘F-ck man, we’ve been trying to get in the breakaway for 50 or 60km,’ and I said, ‘No, just keep trying, keep trying. It’s going to work, it’s going to work,’ and then boom.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 20, 2011, 04:53:35 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 17 results

 July 20: STAGE 17 - Gap  Pinerolo 179 km

Boasson Hagen wins stage 17 of the 2011 Tour de France, Voeckler retains jersey

Stage 17 Results:

1. Edvald Boasson Hagen, Sky Procycling, in 4h 18′ 00″
2. Bauke Mollema, Rabobank Cycling Team, at 00:40
3. Sandy Casar, Fdj, at 00:50
4. Julien El Fares, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 00:50
5. Sylvain Chavanel, Quick Step Cycling Team, at 00:50
17. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:26
19. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 04:26
20. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 04:26
22. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:26
24. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:26
28. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 04:53
31. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 04:53
46. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at 06:26
55. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 08:51
61. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 12:36
116. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 14:15
123. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 14:15
138. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 14:15
141. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 14:15
165. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 14:15
166. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at 14:15
169. Alberto Costa Rui, Movistar Team, at 20:38


GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 73h 23′ 49″
2. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 1:18
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:22
4. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:36
5. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 02:59
6. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 03:15
8. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:49
31. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 29:34
49. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 56:07
55. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 1:00:26
62. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:11:33
65. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 1:14:10
83. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:32:39
121. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 2:09:19
123. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at 2:10:00
156. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 2:34:18
168. Fabio Sabatini, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 2:53:02

Next Stage:  July 21: STAGE 18 - Pinerolo  Galibier Serre-Chevalier200.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 320 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 285 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 250 points

 Polka Dot: Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 74 points
Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 72 points
Jérémy Roy, Fdj, at 45 points

 White:        Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, in 73h 31′ 25″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 00:59
Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, at 02:27

Teams:       Team Garmin-Cervelo, in 219h 41′ 46″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 5:27
Ag2r La Mondiale, at 08:04

 Lanterne Rouge:  Fabio Sabatini

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit
Stage 13 - Isaichev Vladimir, Katusha Team, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Steegmans Gert, Quick Step Cycling Team, non-starter
Stage 13 - KlÖden Andréas, Team Radioshack, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Boom Lars, Rabobank Cycling Team, withdrawal
Stage 14 – Bonnet William, FDJ outside time limit
Stage 17 - Paolo Tiralongo, Astana, withdrawal

Stage 17 Review:

Boasson Hagen wins stage 17 of the 2011 Tour de France, Voeckler retains jersey

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 20th 2011 11:08 AM UTC — Updated Jul 20th 2011 6:25 PM UTC
 
(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/BOASSON-WINS1-325x250.jpg)
On the heels of a disappointing second-place finish on Tuesday, Boasson Hagen came right back and won on Wednesday.

Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen won his second stage of the 2011 Tour de France on Wednesday, improving on his second place of the day before and giving Norway two stage wins in a row and its fourth stage of this Tour.

Alberto Contador rode aggressively again, attacking on the final climb and the technical finish descent.

But in the end, the defending champion finished in the same time as his GC rivals the Schleck brothers, Cadel Evans and Sammy Sanchez.

Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) lost 27 seconds of his lead to the Contador-Schleck-Evans group, finishing with Ivan Basso and Tom Danielson. The Frenchman, however, was able to retain his yellow jersey.

He lost all the time not on the climb but on the final descent.

“Mountain biking is not my speciality!” said Voeckler, who had at least three near-crashes on the descent.

“If I’d taken fewer risks I would have finished with Evans and the others. But (losing) 27 seconds is not too bad, it could have cost me a (broken) collarbone.”

The stage-win battle

It was a battle between breakaway colleagues Sylvain Chavanel and Boasson Hagen on the ascent of the day’s final climb, the category 2 Côte de Pramartino. The two traded places at the front with a series of probing attacks. Near the top, Jonathan Hivert (Saur-Sojasun) came up to the two and Boasson Hagen was first over the top, followed by Hivert.

Hivert, however, had an adventurous descent, crashing once and another time overcooking a left-hand turn and diverting into a parking lot.

Meanwhile Boasson Hagen was having an excellent descent and hit the flats alone for a final kilometer of time trialing to his second stage win of this Tour, a step up over his second place behind Thor Hushovd on Tuesday.

The GC war

Basso’s Liquigas-Cannondale mates took the front of the yellow jersey group on the opening slopes of the final climb, with Voeckler, Contador and Evans alert near the front on the narrow, shaded road.
The yellow jersey group hit the climb more than five minutes behind the Boasson Hagen/Chavanel breakaway.

Contador threw in the first, very sharp attack on the steeps, but he was marked immediately by Andy Schleck and a remarkable Voeckler. Schleck pulled aside Contador and gave him a look as the two rode side-by-side for a few meters before Voeckler’s team took the front again.

After another attack by Contador, again marked by Andy Schleck and Voeckler, Frank Schleck took the front and the aggression softened for another kilometer. The front group was whittled down to an elite cadre of about 10 riders.

Contador attacked the descent with abandon, joined by Sanchez. But the Schlecks and Evans were able to latch on to the pair in the final kilometer to finish together.

Voeckler had a less successful descent, nearly losing it twice and diverting into the same parking area as Hivert.

Up next

Thursday’s stage 18 heads back into France over the hors categorie Col Agnel, which at 9,002 feet (2,744 meters) is the highest mountain pass this year. The peloton will split dramatically here before a sharp descent, and this should herald multiple attacks on the following Col d’Izoard (almost 15km at 7.1 percent). Another technical downhill ends in Briançon, where the race covers a dozen kilometers in the valley before the 23km-long haul to the finish on top of the Col du Galibier.

“Tomorrow’s stage will be decisive,” Andy Schleck said. “I hope it’s not going to be a case of everyone watching each other until we get to the final climb (Galibier),” said the Luxembourger.

“It’s 210 kilometers long and we go up over 2500 meters (8,200 feet elevation) twice. It’s going to be the stage of the Tour.”

Asked to name his top rivals, Schleck said, “I think that Cadel is very strong and Alberto was really strong yesterday, although that was in rainy and cold conditions.

“(Samuel) Sanchez, Alberto and Cadel.”

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/tdf11-et18-325x162.jpg)
2011 Tour de France stage 18 profile

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 21, 2011, 02:09:52 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 18 results

July 21: STAGE 18 - Pinerolo  Galibier Serre-Chevalier200.5 km

Gutsy Andy Schleck soloes for 60k, takes stage win and positions for Tour win

Stage 18 Results:

1. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, in 6h 07′ 56″
2. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 2:07
3. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 02:15
4. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 02:18
5. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 02:21
15. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 03:50
61. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 31:17
63. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 31:17
64. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 31:17
72. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 31:17
96. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 35:40
97. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 35:40
118. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 35:40
124. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 35:40
155. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 35:40
168. Marcel Sieberg, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 35:40

GC Standings:

1. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, in 79h 34′ 06″
2. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 0:15
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:08
4. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 01:12
5. Damiano Cunego, Lampre – Isd, at 03:46
6. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:46
7. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 04:44
8. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 05:20
33. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 55:42
34. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 58:30
52. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 1:25:03
60. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 1:33:45
63. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:40:29
70. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 1:47:29
86. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 2:01:35
123. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 2:42:38
125. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 2:43:19
156. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 3:07:37
168. Fabio Sabatini, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 3:26:21

Next Stage:  July 22: STAGE 19 - Modane Valfréjus  Alpe-d’Huez 109.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 300 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 285 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 230 points

 Polka Dot: Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 74 points
Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 72 points
Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, with 70 points

 White:        Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, in 79h 43′ 42″
Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, at 33
Rigoberto Uran, Sky Procycling, at 03:10

Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, in 238h 16′ 08″
Ag2r La Mondiale, at 10:30
Team Leopard-Trek, at 11:06

 Lanterne Rouge:  Fabio Sabatini

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit
Stage 13 - Isaichev Vladimir, Katusha Team, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Steegmans Gert, Quick Step Cycling Team, non-starter
Stage 13 - KlÖden Andréas, Team Radioshack, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Boom Lars, Rabobank Cycling Team, withdrawal
Stage 14 – Bonnet William, FDJ outside time limit
Stage 17 - Paolo Tiralongo, Astana, withdrawal
Stage 18 - Bertagnolli, Leonardo, Lampre – Isd, withdrawal

Stage 18 Review:

Gutsy Andy Schleck soloes for 60k, takes stage win and positions for Tour win
By VeloNews.com

Published Jul 21st 2011 11:48 AM UTC — Updated Jul 21st 2011 2:41 PM UTC
 
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2011 Tour de France, stage 18: Andy Schleck AFP PHOTO / NATHALIE MAGNIEZ

Andy Schleck rode the stage of his life on Thursday, with a dramatic 60km-plus solo breakaway that put the Leopard-Trek rider into position to win the 2011 Tour de France.

Schleck took the stage win while Europcar’s Thomas Voeckler gutted out the final climb to retain his overall lead by just 15 seconds heading into the final day in the Alps on Friday and the critical individual time trial Saturday.

Cadel Evans (BMC) showed impressive strength to trim Schleck’s lead on the final climb, but Alberto Contador lost contact with the GC leaders in the finale, seeing his chances for a repeat win at the Tour come to an end.

“I don’t want to finish fourth in Paris, and I said to myself, ‘I’m going to risk everything, it’ll work or it’ll fail,’” Schleck said at the finish.

“That’s the way I am, I’m not afraid of losing. And if my legs were hurting out in front I knew the others would be hurting to catch me up.”

He added: “I’ve won the stage, I’m into second overall, perhaps tomorrow it’ll be the yellow jersey. I wanted to take the jersey but Thomas (Voeckler) surprised everyone, it’s great for cycling.”

Brutal course

The day offered a brutal 200.5-kilometer race from Pinerolo to the Galibier Serre-Chevalier, at 2,645 meters the highest mountain-top finish in Tour history. On the way the route passed over two other hors categorie climbs, the Col Agnel and the d’Izoard.

The early break – caching resources

A large breakaway formed before the day’s intermediate sprint. The group’s best-placed rider was Nicolas Roche (Ag2r), 21st at 14:06. More notably, the break contained two Leopard-Trek riders, Maxime Monfort and Joost Posthuma, and two BMC riders, Marcus Burghardt and American Brent Bookwalter. When the break dissolved later in the race, the four were able to offer their GC leaders an assist as they came up to them.

“We had a very precise plan today,” Andy Schleck said after the stage. “In the morning briefing we said we would send two riders in the breakaway. We wanted one good rouleur and one good climber in the break. On the Col d’Izoard, I would attack. In cycling you make a lot of plans, but a lot of times there are factors in play that you cannot control. Today, the plan worked out perfectly.”

The Col Agnel

Leopard-Trek’s Stuart O’Grady and Jens Voigt set a brutal pace up the first climb, shedding the non-climbers and bringing the breakaway’s gap down from near 6 minutes back to under 5 minutes at the summit. RadioShack’s Levi Leipheimer joined a group of eight that summited a half minute ahead of the yellow jersey group.

The Col d’Izoard — Schleck’s surprise move

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Evans did the bulk of the chase work for the final 15k. AFP Photo

Leipheimer’s group — as well as a foray by Philippe Gilbert — was absorbed before the start of the d’Izoard, where Voigt put the hammer down on the lower slopes, setting the stage for Schleck’s attack. The Luxembourger quickly settled into a steady pace, slowly increasing his gap while the GC leaders looked to each other to take up the chase.

Up front, Astana’s Maxim Iglinsky attacked the breakaway and went off alone.
Schleck built a minute’s lead on the ascent before catching his teammate Posthuma, who paced his leader as long as he could. Schleck then went on his own again and went over the summit with about 2:18 gap ahead of the yellow jersey group, which was being led by Contador’s teammates.

The descent and journey to the Galibier

Schleck caught Monfort early on the d’Izoard descent and railed the fast downhill, following Monfort’s lines and using every inch of the road.

On the descent and leading into the headwind transition to the base of the Galibier, Schleck and Monfort sucked up members of the early breakaway: Roche, Dries Devenyns (Quick Step) and Egor Silin (Katusha). Monfort and Schleck did the bulk of the labor as their gap passed three and a half minutes ahead of the yellow jersey group.

The Schleck group caught Iglinsky before the final climb started, and their gap grew to 3:46 hitting the 20km-to-go kite. Schleck was the Tour leader on the road by a good margin.

Behind, the yellow jersey group was near 35 riders, indicating that the chase had not yet begun in earnest and the GC leaders were regrouping their teammates and allies before the assault on the final climb. Contador and Sanchez had a long conversation at the rear of the group and Contador took what appeared to be a voluntary bike swap to a preferred machine for the finale.

The Col de Lautaret into the Galibier

Three kilometers up the Col de Lautaret, the less-steep ascent that leads into the Galibier, Monfort lost contact and Schleck did all the pace setting, with Roche and Iglinksy the last survivors on his wheel.

With 15km to go, the yellow jersey group was still losing ground as Schleck’s gap approached four minutes.

Schleck, with dark sunglasses on, looked steady, breathing deeply and setting a slightly lower cadence than his usual style as he led a suffering Roche and Iglinsky up the valley.

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Schleck moved into second and scored his team's first stage win of this Tour. AFP PHOTO / PASCAL PAVANI

Finally with 14km to go, Evans and Contador took up the chase, with Frank Schleck in third position.

Oddly, Contador suddenly pulled off and faded back into the pack, leaving a frustrated Evans alone on the front. The Australian looked in vain for help from Voeckler and Basso’s teammates.

After a couple kilometers of confusion, where Andy Schleck’s gap increased to over four minutes, Contador reappeared at the front and the chase group pace quickened.

At the 10k to go kite, Roche lost contact with Schleck and Iglinsky.

The final 10k

As Schleck turned right onto the steeper grades of the Galibier proper, he finally shed Iglinsky and removed his shades for the final assault on the fan-crowded road. Behind, Evans shouldered the full burden of the chase, often riding out of the saddle into the headwind, with a long line of followers on his wheel.

Evans reduced the gap to 3:30 with 9k to go. Sammy Sanchez surprisingly came unglued, but Voeckler was stuck to Evans’ wheel.

At 3k to go, Evans continued to ride the front of an elite group that was trimmed down to himself, Voeckler, Frank Schleck, Contador, Basso, Cunego and Voeckler’s teammate Peirre Rolland.

Inside the final 3k, Contador lost contact with the Evans group and faded quickly back down the slope.

Schleck struggled in the final 2k, his shoulders slumping and his pedal stroke growing ragged, but he made it across the line with a pumping fist for one of the most dramatic stage wins and GC rides in recent history.

Evans kept on the pressure, pulling Voeckler inside his time gap. In the final 500 meters, Frank Schleck finally emerged to grab second behind his brother. Voeckler, gritting his teeth, struggled across the line alone to barely retain his jersey.

Evans, third across the line, limited the damage — Andy Schleck now leads him by 57 seconds on GC, a deficit the Australian should be able to close in Saturday’s time trial. That means if Schleck wants to enter the weekend with comfortable gap — and finally take the jersey from Voeckler — he will need to attack on Friday’s Alpe d’Huez stage.

Evans team manager Jim Ochowiz said, “This race is not over. Tomorrow’s another day.”

He added: “It was a hard day, an epic stage and one that everyone expected. It wasn’t a big surprise that Andy attacked. What was a surprise was the gap he made during the day.”

Up next

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2011 Tour de France stage 19 profile

Friday’s stage 19 concludes with the crowd-favorite l’Alpe d’Huez. It’s less than 110km (just 68 miles) but there’s barely a kilometer of flat roads between Modane and the spectacular summit finish. After a short downhill from the start, the peloton will tackle the more difficult side of the Galibier via the Col du Télégraphe, a total ascent of 28.6km with an average 7-percent grade.

Race notes

Mark Cavendish was one of a group of 80 riders to incur a penalty for crossing the line after the 35 minute, 40 second cut off time behind Schleck. The HTC-Highroad rider was penalized 20 points but held onto the green points jersey.

Contador finished more than a minute and a half behind Evans and later said his knee pain returned on the stage. “Victory is impossible now,” he said. “In the last 10 km I was going through a really bad phase, but it was a difficult day from the start.

“When I got dropped all I could think about was trying to finish.”

After the stage Contador was given medicine for his knee pain, which he hopes will abate by the third and final day in the mountains on Friday.

“I’m not used to the kind of situation I was in today. Now I have to get rest, recover and look ahead to tomorrow.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 21, 2011, 05:42:32 PM

A TDF extra from PEZcycling on L'Alpe d'Huez:

Tour de PEZ: A Close Up Look At L'Alpe d'Huez
Thursday, July 21, 2011 11:19:43 AM PT

by Edmond Hood

(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st18eh-thumb.jpg)      Roadside St.18: There are still 24 hours to go until le Tour attacks l'Alpe for the 27th time; tomorrow it will be impossible to go back down the climb to take it all in, so we thought we'd give you the PEZ Tour of some of the famous 21 hairpins before it goes totally insane.

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Le Tour first visited l'Alpe in 1952 when Fausto Coppi won, hairpin 21 belongs to the campionissimo (he shares it with Lance, who won here in '01 and against the watch in '04); but it was 24 years before the race returned, with Joop Zoetemelk winning the stage in 1976.

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Fausto Coppi.

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Fausto Coppi shares Switchback #21 with Lance Armstrong, who has two wins to his names on Alpe d'Huez.

The area has come to depend on le Tour for a much needed summer cash injection, the local restaurant and bar owners wait anxiously for the race route to be unveiled each November - most will only open in July if the Tour is in town.

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The sacred, profane and commercial all sit cheek by jowl in this high altitude town.

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The hairpins are numbered from 21 down to one at the top ; Hennie Kuiper ('77 and '78) and Frank Schleck ('06) share number 18 - and this is where the magnificent views across the valley begin to open out.

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The winner here in 1979 was Portuguese legend Joaquim Agostinho; he always reckoned bike racing was easy after the times he spent sleeping in the jungle as a conscript in the Portuguese army during the nation's colonial wars in Africa.

A memorial to the great man - who died after a collision with a dog whilst leading the Tour of the Algarve in 1984 - sits further up the hill.

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Winnen.

Hairpin 15 belongs to twice winner here, Peter Winnen of Holland ('81 and '83), it should have been three but in 1982 his DS made him change to his super light time trial bike at the bottom of l'Alpe, the rhythm was gone and he finished fifth from five behind Beat Breu of Switzerland.

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Beat Breu.

The Dutchman spent two hours walking around l'Alpe d'Huez with his soigneur (PEZ friend, Kris) that evening; Kris explained that the anger had to be put to good use - Winnen went out next day and won at Morzine.

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At this point we caught up with Skil pros training on the hill, Albert Timmer explained that they have a training camp at the top; the Pro Continental riders gobbled up amateur climbers by the score.

And the guys from Koksijde were there getting an early advert for the world cyclo-cross champs 2012.

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Beat Breu that 1982 winner at the expense of Winnen was one of the pioneers of light weight bikes, on his mountain special he would have the handle bars chopped short and dispense with handlebar tape, all to save a few grammes.

As well as an ace climber he was a cyclo-cross rider and motor paced rider at world level - and the last I heard, he was a club comedian.

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It's thirsty work on the mountain, the Germans have their beer neatly stacked whilst wine boxes lay around like spent shell cases after a battle.

And in case you wonder how they keep the beer cool - they bring a compressor for the fridge.

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As the hairpins count down, the views become ever more spectacular - as the standard of accommodation begins to slide.

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At the Bugno hairpin - he won twice here '90 and '91 - things get seriously crazy; this is 'Dutch corner.'

L'Alpe d'Huez used to be known as the 'Dutch Mountain' with Zoetemelk, Kuiper, Winnen, Rooks '88 and Theunisse '89 all winning here; the tradition of partying on the mountain continues, even if the winning doesn't.

Carola Groeneveld used to race for Rabobank Ladies but is now working for Shimano, she explained that you really have to be on the mountain on Saturday if you're serious about partying and want the best spot.

She requests 'Schatje magik je foto' from the deejay and the crowd goes mad - time to go.

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Up, close to where the cable car soars across the road is the Hampsten hairpin; John and I were there in 1992 and I can still remember the slim American his eyes fixed on the road ahead, slicing through the maddest of crowds on his way to glory.

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And we were there for Pantani's 1995 win (he won in '97 too), on the lowest of gears, the sweat glistening on his shaved head as he spun through the village and up towards that famous finish straight.

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By now you can see the top and the views out across the valley are stunning.

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(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races11/tdf11/tdf11st18eh-guerini1.jpg)
Hairpin number one belongs to '99 winner Italian, Giuseppe Guerini, who was felled by a fan near the spot; he remounted to win and would later accept the fan's apology.

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The one kilometre to go mark is just inside where the built up area starts, but it's a technical last 1,000 metres to the uphill finish line.

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We'll be at PEZ's Alpine HQ overnight and tomorrow we'll try our best to take you with us to this most famous of all the Alpine climbs.

After the surprises on the Galibier today, perhaps it's too much to expect more of the same on l'Alpe but in this Tour, anything is possible.


 

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 22, 2011, 12:06:18 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 19 results

July 22: STAGE 19 - Modane Valfréjus  Alpe-d’Huez 109.5 km

Schleck dons yellow; Rolland scores France’s first stage win of this Tour

Stage 19 Results:

1. Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, in 3h 13′ 25″
2. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 00:14
3. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 00:23
4. Peter Velits, HTC-Highroad, at 00:57
5. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 00:57
8. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:57
9. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:57
15. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 02:06
16. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 02:06
20. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 03:22
64. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 13:55
70. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at 16:06
77. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 17:40
98. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at 25:27
152. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 25:27
154. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 25:27
167. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 25:27

GC Standings:

1. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, in 82h 48′ 43″
2. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 00:53
3. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, at 00:57
4. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 02:10
5. Damiano Cunego, Lampre-Isd, at 03:31
6. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 03:55
7. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 04:22
8. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 04:40
32. Levi Leipheimer, Team RadioShack, at 59:24
36. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, at 1:10:36
54. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 1:41:31
63. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:52:23
68. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 1:58:00
76. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 2:11:44
78. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 2:14:18
126. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 3:06:53
128. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at 3:07:34
142. Harley Goss Matthew, HTC-Highroad, at 3:17:48
158. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervelo, at 3:31:52
167. Fabio Sabatini, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 3:50:36

Next Stage:  July 23: STAGE 20 - Grenoble  Grenoble 42.5 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek

Green:   Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, with 280 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 265 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, with 230 points


 Polka Dot: Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, with 108 points
Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, with 98 points
Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, with 74 points

 White:        Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, in 82h 57′ 40″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 1:33
Jérôme Coppel, Saur-Sojasun, at 07:52

Teams:       Team Garmin-Cervelo, in 248h 02′ 15″
Ag2r La Mondiale, at 11:58″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 12:57

 Lanterne Rouge:  Fabio Sabatini

Withdrawals:

Stage 4 – Jurgen Van De Walle (bel), Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 5 - Kern Christophe (fra)-Team Europcar
Stage 5 - Brajkovic Janez (slo) Team RadioShack
Stage 6 - Kiryienka Vasil, Movistar Team, outside time limit
Stage 6 - Velasco Ivan, Euskaltel – Euskadi, non-starter
Stage 7 - Tom Boonen (Quick Step)
Stage 7 - Bradley Wiggins (Sky)
Stage 7 - Rémi Pauriol (FdJ)
Stage 8 - Benat Intxausti (Movistar Team)
Stage 8 - Christopher Horner (Team Radioshack)
Stage 9 - Wouter Poels, Vacansoleil-Dcm
Stage 9 - Pavel Brutt, Katusha Team
Stage 9 - Alexandre Vinokourov, Pro Team Astana
Stage 9 - David Zabriskie, Team Garmin – Cervelo
Stage 9 - Manuel Garate Juan, Rabobank Cycling Team
Stage 9 - Frederik Willems, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Broeck Jurgen Van Den, Omega Pharma – Lotto
Stage 9 - Amets Txurruka, Euskaltel – Euskadi
Stage 10 - Kolobnev Alexander, Katusha Team, non-starter
Stage 10 - Popovych Yaroslav, Team RadioShack, non-starter
Stage 11 - John Gadret, Ag2r
Stage 12 - (fra) Feillu Romain, Vacansoleil-Dcm, non-starter
Stage 12 - (rus) Galimzyanov Denis, Katusha Team, outside time limit
Stage 13 - Isaichev Vladimir, Katusha Team, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Steegmans Gert, Quick Step Cycling Team, non-starter
Stage 13 - KlÖden Andréas, Team Radioshack, withdrawal
Stage 13 - Boom Lars, Rabobank Cycling Team, withdrawal
Stage 14 – Bonnet William, FDJ outside time limit
Stage 17 - Paolo Tiralongo, Astana, withdrawal
Stage 18 - Bertagnolli, Leonardo, Lampre – Isd, withdrawal
Stage 19 - Bjorn Leukemans, Vacansoleil-Dcm, outside time limit

Stage 19 Review:

Schleck dons yellow; Rolland scores France’s first stage win of this Tour
By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 22nd 2011 12:02 PM UTC — Updated Jul 22nd 2011 1:22 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/SCHLECK-LEADS-1-660x513.jpg)
Frank Schleck leads Andy and Evans on Alpe d'Huez. Photo: Graham Watson | grahamwatson.com

France finally scored a stage win in this Tour as Europcar’s young Pierre Rolland won atop l’Alpe d’Huez, grabbing the white jersey for best young rider on the day his teammate Thomas Voeckler finally gave up the yellow jersey.


A day after cracking on the final climb and publicly ceding any chance of winning the 2011 Tour de France, Alberto Contador went on the attack early Friday, putting Cadel Evans in a tough spot. The Spaniard’s bid for a stage win finally faded on the Alpe, where he finished third and only gained a handful of seconds on Evans and Andy Schleck.

Schleck took over the jersey from Voeckler and enters Saturday’s critical final time trial with a 57-second gap ahead of Evans. Contador is sixth at nearly four minutes behind Schleck.

“The yellow jersey gives you wings and I hope that is the case tomorrow,” Schleck said at the finish.

Resurgent Contador

After his teammate Chris Anker Sorensen softened up the group with a hard attack, Contador attacked on the first of the day’s three climbs, the Col du Telegraph. He was quickly joined by Thursday’s winner, Andy Schleck, yellow jersey Voeckler and Evans.

Voeckler, however, was unable to stay with the Schleck/Contador combine and, after getting dropped himself, Evans suffered a mechanical that forced him to take a bike swap.

Evans, often without allies, had to chase over the Telegraph and the Galibier and down the long descent and leadup to the Tour’s final climb, the Alpe d’Huez.

With some help from Garmin’s Ryder Hesjedal, Evans finally rejoined the Schleck-Contador group 15km from the base of the Alpe.

The final climb of the Tour

After Evans made contact, the pace of the front group slowed and Voeckler and others rejoined so that a group of about 30 riders hit the Alpe together.

As the group relaxed, Rolland took a flyer and was joined by Hesjedal; the GC favorites were indifferent to the move.

On the opening switchbacks, Evans was the first GC favorite to go on the attack, and he was soon countered by Contador, who disappeared around the corner and soon caught and passed Hesjedal and Rolland. Evans and Andy Schleck took up the chase. Voeckler faded quickly, making Schleck the leader on the road once again.

Evans settled into to marking Schleck, who eased off and allowed his brother, Cunego, Sanchez, Velits, Hesjedal and others to rejoin. Voeckler, however, was struggling more than two minutes behind.

Contador weakens

Rolland and Sanchez attacked the Evans-Schleck group, and slowly inched up to Contador, who weakened in the final 4k.

The pair caught Contador with 2.5km to go and Rolland tried to ride straight past Contador, who fought to hold his wheel. Rolland finally broke free, leaving frequent allies Sanchez and Contador to work together to try and catch the Frenchman. Contador soon let Sanchez go it alone, settling for a third on the stage.

Behind, Evans sensed some weakness in Schleck and attacked repeatedly in the final three kilometers. He couldn’t shake the Luxembourger, but finished with him, Velits, Cunego and Frank Schleck.

Up next

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Saturday’s stage 20 is this year’s only individual time trial, a hilly 42.5km circuit in Grenoble. The same
route was used in the Critérium du Dauphiné earlier this year, when HTC-Highroad’s Tony Martin won the stage in 55:28.

The Tour concludes Sunday with the race into Paris.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 23, 2011, 02:53:33 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 20 results

July 23: STAGE 20 - Grenoble  Grenoble 42.5 km

Tony Martin wins stage-20 ITT as Cadel Evans takes lead in 2011 Tour de France

Stage 20 Results:

1. Tony Martin, Htc – Highroad, 55′ 33″
2. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, at 00:07
3. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:06
4. Thomas De Gendt, Vacansoleil-Dcm, at 01:29
5. Richie Porte, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 01:30
7. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 01:37
8. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:42
13. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 02:14
17. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:38
20. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:41
32. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 03:41
34. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 03:47
55. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 04:44
58. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 04:49
72. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 05:19
78. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 05:38
105. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 06:19
142. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 07:44
156. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 08:35
157. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 08:37
167. Jeremie Galland, Saur-Sojasun, at 11:19

GC Standings:

1. Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team, 83h 45′ 20″
2. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 01:34
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:30
4. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 03:20
5. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 03:57
6. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel – Euskadi, at 04:55
7. Damiano Cunego, Lampre – Isd, at 06:05
8. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 07:23
32. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 1:03:58
38. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, at 1:14:51
56. George Hincapie, Bmc Racing Team, at 1:45:16
67. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:59:56
68. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 2:03:15
76. David Millar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 2:14:21
78. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 2:17:58
130. Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, at 3:15:05
159. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin – Cervelo, at 3:38:32
167. Fabio Sabatini, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 3:57:43

Next Stage:  July 24: STAGE 21 - Créteil  Paris Champs-Élysées 95 km

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team

Green:   Mark Cavendish, Htc – Highroad, with 280 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 265 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma – Lotto, with 230 points

 Polka Dot: Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, with 108 points
Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, with 98 points
Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, with 74 points

 White:        Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, 83h 56′ 03″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 0:46
Jérôme Coppel, Saur-Sojasun, at 07:53

Teams:       Team Garmin – Cervelo, 250h 57′ 43″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 11:04
Ag2r La Mondiale, at at 11:20

 Lanterne Rouge:  Fabio Sabatini

Withdrawals:

Stage 4
Jurgen Van De Walle (BEL) Omega Pharma-Lotto – Abandon
Stage 5
Janez Brajkovic (SLO) RadioShack – Abandon
Christophe Kern (FRA) Europcar – Abandon
Stage 6
Vasili Kiryienka (BLR) Movistar – Time Cut
Ivan Velasco Murillo (ESP), Euskaltel-Euskadi – Did not start
Stage 7
Bradley Wiggins (GBR) Sky – Abandon
Tom Boonen (BEL) Quick Step – Abandon
Rémi Pauriol (FRA) FdJ – Abandon
Stage 8
Christopher Horner (USA) Radioshack – Did not start
Benat Intxausti Elorriaga (ESP) Movistar- Abandon
Stage 9
Amets Txurruka (ESP), Euskaltel-Euskadi – Abandon
Jurgen Van Den Broeck (BEL) Omega Pharma-Lotto – Abandon
Frederik Willems (BEL) Omega Pharma-Lotto – Abandon
Juan Manuel Garate (ESP) Rabobank – Abandon
David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin-Cervélo – Abandon
Pavel Brutt (RUS) Katusha – Abandon
Wouter Poels (NED) Vacansoleil-DCM – Abandon
Alexander Vinokourov (KAZ) Astana – Abandon
Stage 10
Alexandr Kolobnev (RUS) Katusha – Did not start (Doping)
Yaroslav Popovych (UKR) Radioshack – Did not start
Stage 11
John Gadret (FRA) Ag2r – Did not start
Stage 12
Romain Feillu (FRA) Vacansoleil-DCM – Did not start
Denis Galimzyanov (RUS) Katusha – Time cut
Stage 13
Gert Steegmans (BEL) Quick Step – Did not start
Lars Boom (NED) Rabobank – Abandon
Andreas Klöden (GER) Radioshack – Abandon
Vladimir Isaichev (RUS) Katusha – Abandon
Stage 14
William Bonnet (FRA) FdJ – Time cut
Stage 17
Paolo Tiralongo (ITA) Astana – Abandon
Stage 18
Leonardo Bertagnolli (ITA) Lampre – Abandon
Stage 19
Bjirn Leukemans (BEL) Vacansoleil – Time cut

 Stage 20 Review:

Tony Martin wins stage-20 ITT as Cadel Evans takes lead in 2011 Tour de France

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 23rd 2011 11:22 AM UTC — Updated Jul 23rd 2011 3:23 PM UTC

 (http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/EVANS-1-325x246.jpg)
Cadel Evans went out hot and stayed hot, nearly taking the stage win. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) finally donned that long-awaited yellow jersey on Saturday going into Sunday’s parade to Paris as Tony Martin (HTC-Highroad) won stage 20 of the 2011 Tour de France.

Evans began the day 57 seconds down on race leader Andy Schleck (Leopard-Trek), but it proved a very small bar to hop during the 42.5km individual time trial in Grenoble. At the first time check the yellow jersey had already conceded 36 seconds of that advantage to the Australian, and at the finish he had surrendered even more — Martin took the stage in 55:34, but Evans took second, just seven seconds slower, and the yellow jersey along with it.

Andy Schleck finally hit the line two and a half minutes slower than the new race leader and slipped out of yellow into second overall, while brother Fränk hit the line in 58:14, good enough for third place on GC.

Evans was grinning broadly as he accepted the yellow jersey to cheers from hundreds of his compatriots.
“Really, I can’t quite believe it,” said the Aussie, who was quick to share the plaudits with his BMC teammates who, to a man, supported his campaign relentlessly in what has been the most unforgiving race in years.

“I rode the best time trial I could today. Every day, we rode the best we could. Every day, the team did 99.9 percent, if not 100 percent. I had a couple of off days, a couple moments of bad luck. But we just kept to our plan and every day we kept working.”

Asked how it would feel to wear the maillot jaune into Paris, he replied, “I hope the sun’s out.”

Martin likewise was elated after his winning performance on the day.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/MARTIN-TT-325x216.jpg)
Tony Martin races toward the win in stage 20. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

“After I saw that I couldn’t follow the best riders in the mountains my only goal was to win this time trial,” said Martin. “For me, it’s a really nice way to finish the race.

“I was confident but a little bit nervous. I had a good advantage to him (Evans), but it was getting less and less. I can’t describe it. I’m so happy. I just keep on smiling. It’s a really big day for me.”

Dauphiné redux

The course in Grenoble was the same one used in this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné. That time around, Martin also took the win in 55:27.

Evans finished sixth on that day at 1:20, while the other top GC players in this year’s Tour, Andy and Fränk Schleck, skipped the Dauphiné to do the Tour du Suisse, where they were unimpressive in the 32.1km ITT (46th and 60th at 2:32 and 3:06, respectively, behind stage winner Fabian Cancellara (Leopard-Trek).

The day dawned cool and damp with fairly consistent winds of 10 mph or out of the north by north-northwest. The roads were damp in spots, but dried out by the time the contenders for the overall took their starts.

Unsurprisingly, Cancellara set the early time to beat — 57:16 — crossing fastest at all the time checks and at the finish. Until Richie Porte (Saxo Bank-Sungard) cruised in with 57:04. Then Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleil-DCM) bettered his mark by two seconds.

Martin at the max

Then Martin killed it — he didn’t beat his Dauphiné time, but turned a 55:33, nearly 90 seconds better than De Gendt.

Defending champion Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank) had a rough beginning to his time trial, popping one shoe out of its pedal and wobbling down the start ramp. But he recovered to post the second fastest time of the day (20:33) at the first checkpoint, at 15km.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/ANDY-21-325x220.jpg)
Andy Schleck was no match for Cadel Evans in the crucial race against the cock. Photo: Graham Watson
| www.grahamwatson.com

Not so former yellow jersey Thomas Voeckler (Europcar), who rolled almost casually out of the start house, to huge cheers.

Evans got off to a solid, speedy start and quickly set about taking back time on the Schleck brothers, tying Contador for the No. 2 spot at the first time check and moving into a virtual second place on GC ahead of Fränk Schleck. Brother Andy seemed less than comfortable on his bike, particularly on the descents, and he had already conceded 36 seconds of his 57-second lead to Evans at the first time check.

Soon Evans was the leader on the road as he climbed toward the second time check, roaring through second fastest at 40:33, just seven seconds slower than Martin. Andy Schleck was losing bags of time — he hit that second checkpoint in 42:15.

At the finish, Contador hit the line in 56:39, bumping De Gendt from the second-place spot on the stage and moving into third overall.

Evans was second fastest at the third checkpoint, rocketing through in 49:55.
Voeckler hit the finish in 57:47, defending his fourth-place position on GC. Almost immediately Evans followed in 55:40 — he didn’t displace Martin, but bumped Contador down into third on the day.

That left only the Schleck brothers on course. They would stay on the podium — but without the top spot.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/podium1-325x216.jpg)
Cadel Evans collects the yellow jersey after a stellar individual time trial. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

“I’m quite disappointed because I wanted to win this Tour but I’m still only 26 and I will be back to win it,” said Andy Schleck, who applauded Evans’s effort.

“Cadel raced the time trial of his life.”

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 24, 2011, 01:17:20 PM

2011 Tour de France stage 21 results

July 24: STAGE 21 - Créteil  Paris Champs-Élysées 95 km

Cadel Evans clinches 2011 Tour de France as Mark Cavendish wins finale in Paris

Stage 21 Results:

1. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, 2h 27′ 02″
2. Boasson Hagen Edvald, Sky Procycling, s.t.
3. André Greipel, Omega Pharma-Lotto, s.t.
4. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervélo, s.t.
5. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
47. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
51. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
56. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, s.t.
58. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, s.t.
68. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
71. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, s.t.
87. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, s.t.
104. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, s.t.
110. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, s.t.
112. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, s.t.
115. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervélo, s.t.
129. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, s.t.
158. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervélo, at 00:35
167. Lars Bak, HTC-Highroad, at 01:43

GC Standings:

1. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team, 86h 12′ 22″
2. Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:34
3. Frank Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, at 02:30
4. Thomas Voeckler, Team Europcar, at 03:20
5. Alberto Contador, Saxo Bank Sungard, at 03:57
6. Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 04:55
7. Damiano Cunego, Lampre-ISD, at 06:05
8. Ivan Basso, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 07:23
9. Tom Danielson, Team Garmin-Cervélo, at 08:15
10. Jean-christophe Peraud, Ag2r La Mondiale, at 10:11
11. Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, at 10:43
32. Levi Leipheimer, Team Radioshack, at 1:03:58
56. George Hincapie, BMC Racing Team, at 1:45:16
67. Jens Voigt, Team Leopard-Trek, at 1:59:56
68. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervélo, at 2:03:15
76. David Millar, Team Garmin-Cervélo, at 2:14:56
78. Stuart O’grady, Team Leopard-Trek, at 2:17:58
119. Fabian Cancellara, Team Leopard-Trek, at 3:07:31
130. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, at 3:15:05
159. Tyler Farrar, Team Garmin-Cervélo, at 3:38:32
Fabio Sabatini, Liquigas-Cannondale, at 3:57:43

Next Stage:  Next Year

Jerseys:

Yellow:      Cadel Evans, Bmc Racing Team

Green:   Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad, with 334 points
Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team, with 272 points
Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, with 236 points

 Polka Dot: Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi, with 108 points
Andy Schleck, Team Leopard-Trek, with 98 points
Jelle Vanendert, Omega Pharma-Lotto, with 74 points

 White:        Pierre Rolland, Team Europcar, 86h 23′ 05″
Rein Taaramae, Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne, at 0:46
Jérôme Coppel, Saur-Sojasun, at 07:53

Teams:       Team Garmin-Cervélo, 258h 18′ 49″
Team Leopard-Trek, at 11:04
Ag2r La Mondiale, at at 11:20

 Lanterne Rouge:  Fabio Sabatini

Withdrawals:

Stage 4
Jurgen Van De Walle (BEL) Omega Pharma-Lotto – Abandon
Stage 5
Janez Brajkovic (SLO) RadioShack – Abandon
Christophe Kern (FRA) Europcar – Abandon
Stage 6
Vasili Kiryienka (BLR) Movistar – Time Cut
Ivan Velasco Murillo (ESP), Euskaltel-Euskadi – Did not start
Stage 7
Bradley Wiggins (GBR) Sky – Abandon
Tom Boonen (BEL) Quick Step – Abandon
Rémi Pauriol (FRA) FdJ – Abandon
Stage 8
Christopher Horner (USA) Radioshack – Did not start
Benat Intxausti Elorriaga (ESP) Movistar- Abandon
Stage 9
Amets Txurruka (ESP), Euskaltel-Euskadi – Abandon
Jurgen Van Den Broeck (BEL) Omega Pharma-Lotto – Abandon
Frederik Willems (BEL) Omega Pharma-Lotto – Abandon
Juan Manuel Garate (ESP) Rabobank – Abandon
David Zabriskie (USA) Garmin-Cervélo – Abandon
Pavel Brutt (RUS) Katusha – Abandon
Wouter Poels (NED) Vacansoleil-DCM – Abandon
Alexander Vinokourov (KAZ) Astana – Abandon
Stage 10
Alexandr Kolobnev (RUS) Katusha – Did not start (Doping)
Yaroslav Popovych (UKR) Radioshack – Did not start
Stage 11
John Gadret (FRA) Ag2r – Did not start
Stage 12
Romain Feillu (FRA) Vacansoleil-DCM – Did not start
Denis Galimzyanov (RUS) Katusha – Time cut
Stage 13
Gert Steegmans (BEL) Quick Step – Did not start
Lars Boom (NED) Rabobank – Abandon
Andreas Klöden (GER) Radioshack – Abandon
Vladimir Isaichev (RUS) Katusha – Abandon
Stage 14
William Bonnet (FRA) FdJ – Time cut
Stage 17
Paolo Tiralongo (ITA) Astana – Abandon
Stage 18
Leonardo Bertagnolli (ITA) Lampre – Abandon
Stage 19
Bjirn Leukemans (BEL) Vacansoleil – Time cut

 Stage 21 Review:

Cadel Evans clinches 2011 Tour de France as Mark Cavendish wins finale in Paris

By VeloNews.com
Published Jul 24th 2011 11:36 AM UTC — Updated Jul 24th 2011 12:58 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/PODIUM-11-325x216.jpg)
Cadel Evans and the Schleck brothers atop the final podium. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) became the first Australian to win the 2011 Tour de France on Sunday as Mark Cavendish (HTC-Highroad) took the final stage on the Champs-Élysées.

Edvald Boasson Hagen (Sky) finished second with Andre Greipel (Omega Pharma-Lotto) third.

Behind, Evans finished safely among the bunch to clinch the overall title.

“A few people always believed in me. I believed in me. And here we are today,” he said. “We did it.”

After the usual pomp and cirmcumstance — photo ops of the jersey holders riding shoulder to shoulder, champagne-sipping and whatnot — BMC led the yellow jersey onto the finishing circuit in Paris.

Almost immediately Rui Costa (Movistar) and Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) had a go before Ben Swift (Sky) broke clear, chased by Lars Bak (HTC-Highroad), Sergio Paulinho (RadioShack), Kristjan Koren (Liquigas-Cannondale) and Jérémy Roy (FdJ).

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/SWIFT-ESCAPE-325x239.jpg)
Ben Swift leads the break in Paris. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Koren took top points at the intermediate sprint, with Cavendish scooping up the leftovers in the field.

The green jersey had to swap bikes shortly thereafter but easily regained the field afterward.

The break had 42 seconds with 30km to go and Garmin-Cervélo was on the front, leading the pursuit for the one-two punch of Thor Hushovd and Tyler Farrar.

Carlos Barredo (Rabobank) had a digger in a 180 with just over 20km to race and had to chase back on as BMC joined Garmin at the front. Omega Pharma-Lotto also contributed two men to the pursuit, one of them Belgian champion Philippe Gilbert, on behalf of Greipel.

With 15km remaining the break held 30 seconds’ advantage and Lampre was coming forward for Alessandro Petacchi. Quick Step was lurking nearby, too, thinking of Gerald Ciolek.

With 8km to go the gap was down to 18 seconds, and as the break hit the bell lap the bunch was just 13 seconds back with Quick Step on the front.

Barredo had a go as the bunch crossed the line, and Swift likewise launched out of the break. Bak tacked onto his wheel and then rode past him, sticking to the right-hand gutter where the going was smoother.

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/CAV-WINS5-325x219.jpg)
Mark Cavendish caps off his green-jersey victory with a third consecutive triumph on the Champs-Élysées, Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Just past the 180 HTC lined it out at the front. Bak was drilling it down the centerline with Swift chasing in the gutter. Mickaël Delage (FdJ) was next to try his luck, and the bunch was suddenly chasing a scattered threesome toward the finish.

Bak had 11 seconds with 3km remaining. The bunch engulfed first Swift, then Delage and finally Bak, and Gilbert took the front for Griepel.

But racing into the final kilometer HTC was firmly back in charge at the front with Garmin frantically trying to get organized. Cavendish was in perfect position, right behind Mark Renshaw, and when that happens, the Manxman is nearly impossible to beat.

He jumped away inside 200 meters to go and took an unprecedented third consecutive victory on the Champs-Élysées and his first green jersey. Behind, Evans crossed safely to confirm his overall victory in the 2011 Tour.

Standing atop the podium, Evans thanked the crowd, his teammates and his rivals Andy and Fränk Scheck for a thrilling competition.

“It’s been a beautiful race,” he said. “Thanks to these two brothers here it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

Race note

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/67-325x216.jpg)
Garmin-Cervélo — with a cardboard cutout of the absent Dave Zabriskie — takes the team prize. Photo: Graham Watson | www.grahamwatson.com

Other champions from the 2011 Tour de France include Cavendish (green jersey); Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel-Euskadi (polka-dot jersey); Pierre Rolland, Europcar (white jersey) Garmin-Cervélo (team); and Jérémy Roy, FdJ (combativity). The Garmin boys honored Dave Zabriskie, who crashed out of the Tour on stage 9, by taking the stage with a cardboard cutout of their absent teammate.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: Lynch on July 24, 2011, 01:37:53 PM

So it's all over and an American team won but an Australian take the victory?

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 24, 2011, 04:50:25 PM

Quote from: Lynch on July 24, 2011, 01:37:53 PM

So it's all over and an American team won but an Australian take the victory?

Yes, BMC is an American team (one of four in the TDF) and Cadel Evans is Austrailian.

Title: Re: 2011 Tour de France Thread
Post by: cyclist on July 24, 2011, 04:51:36 PM

Hincapie Rules !

From VeloNews:

George Hincapie proud of record-tying 16th Tour — and may be back for a 17th
By Andrew Hood
Published Jul 24th 2011 3:08 PM UTC — Updated Jul 24th 2011 5:53 PM UTC

(http://velonews.competitor.com/files/2011/07/hincapie-325x369.jpg)
George Hincapie is proud of helping champions to nine wins during 16 Tours — and might just come back next year for No. 17. Photo: Brian Holcombe

PARIS (VN) — George Hincapie led the peloton onto the Champs-Élysées as the veteran American finished his record-tying 16th Tour de France and helped steer the winner to the top spot on the podium for a ninth time.

Hincapie was part of Lance Armstrong’s seven winning teams as well as Alberto Contador’s victory in 2007. With Cadel Evans claiming the maillot jaune on Sunday, Hincapie said he takes special pride in the role he’s played in Tour history.

“I am very proud of it,” Hincapie told Australian journalist Rupert Guinness. “It’s such a hard event, and when you have somebody who can win, you always have to do the little things that people don’t see. To make it through nine is a very special feat.”

Hincapie, 38, tied the record mark of 16 Tours held by Joop Zootemelk. The Dutch veteran finished all 16 Tours while Hincapie did not finish one of his.

Hincapie said he takes more pride in helping others win the Tour. He played a key role in protecting Evans through the crash-filled first week and then helped pace him through decisive transition stages between the Pyrénées and the Alps.

“It’s a really good feeling to come through number nine,” he said. “I had goosebumps all over. Coming onto the Champs like that was amazing. The thing is so hard, so stressful, it takes a lot out of you. But it’s all worth it when you get here.”

After another successful ride to Paris, the veteran hinted he might be back for one more Tour.
“I believe that if I am strong as I was this year, if I am healthy, I believe that I played a key role, I would definitely do another one,” he said.