Le Tour 2023 & 2024

[Bazza]

Another tour coming up....July 1-23.
'
As I mentioned in an earlier post, this year's edition starts in Spain!

A lot of last year's riders are returning but it's surprising that (reportedly) a few are not, but there's still some time left so we'll see.

This will be Peter Sagan's last Tour, sadly. But if he can finish the race intact I think he will be satisfied. He hasn't won a stage in a few years so doing that is probably asking too much. I hope at least he can compete for the Green jersey.

And the Manx Missile will return after being left off Quickstep last year. But will he surpass "The Cannibal" in stage wins?

For me this is the greatest sporting event in the world. Always a nice distraction if you want to call it that while we wait for college football to restart.

For those interested, Netflix just released this 8 episode special. I watched the first episode yesterday and really enjoyed it.

There's also this review from Cycling News: CLICK

 

[Bazza]

In theaters June 23......looks good!

The heroic true story of American cyclist Greg LeMond, considered to be one of the greatest cyclists of all time, who defied the odds for one of the most triumphant comeback stories in sporting history. The first, and only, American to win the Tour de France, LeMond came back from the brink of death to beat his famed rivals in the historic and nail-biting race at the 1989 Tour de France. Directed by Alex Holmes and featuring exclusive interviews with LeMond and his wife Kathy as well as, never before seen footage, The Last Rider is an exhilarating portrait of one of the greatest athletes of our time.

 

[Con]

I was just looking for a thread on the Tour because it starts up tomorrow. It is hard to beat the history, scenery, and pure guts that these guys have to do this sport. Thanks for starting the thread @Bazza.

 

[Bazza]

I was just looking for a thread on the Tour because it starts up tomorrow. It is hard to beat the history, scenery, and pure guts that these guys have to do this sport. Thanks for starting the thread @Bazza.

You're very welcome, @Con !

I'm excited!

I've made sure my schedule is wide open for this weekend for optimum viewing.

Can't wait to hear Phil Liggett and Bobke's commentary!

 

[Con]

I know. Phil Liggett is great and I like listening to Bob Roll’s stories.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

In theaters June 23......looks good!

The heroic true story of American cyclist Greg LeMond, considered to be one of the greatest cyclists of all time, who defied the odds for one of the most triumphant comeback stories in sporting history. The first, and only, American to win the Tour de France, LeMond came back from the brink of death to beat his famed rivals in the historic and nail-biting race at the 1989 Tour de France. Directed by Alex Holmes and featuring exclusive interviews with LeMond and his wife Kathy as well as, never before seen footage, The Last Rider is an exhilarating portrait of one of the greatest athletes of our time.

Also have to admire LeMond for calling out Lance Armstrong's use of PEDs at a time when the tide of public opinion was decidedly in Armstrong's favor.

Turns out, LeMond was 1000% correct in saying that Armstrong is a horrid human being on a lot of fronts.

 

[Bazza]

Also have to admire LeMond for calling out Lance Armstrong's use of PEDs at a time when the tide of public opinion was decidedly in Armstrong's favor.

Turns out, LeMond was 1000% correct in saying that Armstrong is a horrid human being on a lot of fronts.

Yeah.......LeMond's famous response: "Unbelievable."

 

[Bazza]

Sheesh....one of my fav. riders.........

Peter Sagan handed suspended three month prison sentence on eve of Tour de France

With his final Tour de France fast approaching, Peter Sagan has been handed a three-month suspended prison sentence by a Monaco court following a drunk driving incident in May.

velo.outsideonline.com

 

[Bazza]

Not sure it matters but for anyone concerned about spoilers - please know there will be posts here both during and afterwards of the day's racing.

So maybe catch up before coming here.

That said - wow what a great start to this year's event - aside from the 3 rider crash on that descent.

Who would have ever predicted a win by Adam Yates - let alone the 1-2 finish with his twin brother, Simon.

Good start for UAE, too!

Tomorrow's Stage 2 is only available via steaming (Peacock) which I do not have so will probably miss it. Then on Monday they will be airing on USA, which I do have on cable.

 

[Bazza]

Looking ahead, if I didn't have Peacock I would miss most of the race so I bit the bullet and signed up.

Not too difficult. I took the ANNUAL subscription and used Paypal...$49.99 + $1.00.

Got my FireTV all set for the morning. Airing replay of today's stage right now.

Oh well......will be worth it in the long run....

 

[Con]

Looking ahead, if I didn't have Peacock I would miss most of the race so I bit the bullet and signed up.

Not too difficult. I took the ANNUAL subscription and used Paypal...$49.99 + $1.00.

Got my FireTV all set for the morning. Airing replay of today's stage right now.

Oh well......will be worth it in the long run....

Man I don’t have peacock. I missed today’s but I did press record because I saw it was on NBC. Wasn’t Pogacar in third?

 

[Bazza]

Man I don’t have peacock. I missed today’s but I did press record because I saw it was on NBC. Wasn’t Pogacar in third?

Info on how to watch/streaming:

Tour de France 2023: How to Watch a Free Livestream

Your guide to watching the 110th edition of the world's most famous bike race, including all the teams, stages and full schedule.

www.cnet.com

I can tell you the ~$50/year is well worth it after just my first day as a subscriber. Knowing I can watch any stage at any time on any day really has a lot of value, for me anyway.

Yes, TP came in third yesterday:

The rankings of Stage 1 of the Tour de France 2024

Consult the classification of the stage 1 of the Tour de France 2024, updated in real time, with times, gaps and positions of the riders.

racecenter.letour.fr

And moved into 2nd place after today's stage:

The rankings of Stage 2 of the Tour de France 2024

Consult the classification of the stage 2 of the Tour de France 2024, updated in real time, with times, gaps and positions of the riders.

racecenter.letour.fr

What a fantastic stage & finish today!

I watched the first hour then went outside to do some power washing. Got that done and came inside in time to watch the last 1/2 hour.

How about the American Neilson Powless?!? Maintains the KOM and lead for 4 hours....most of today's stage. Probably could have won it if his two breakaway partners hadn't run out of gas.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1675508451282153472

And the French Cofidis rider, Victor Lafay, with that fantastic sprint breakaway and WIN?!? Wow - I love it!

And Adam Yates/UAE maintains the maillot jaune!

 

[Con]

Cavendish might break the record of most wins soon.

 

[Bazza]

Cavendish might break the record of most wins soon.

I think so too, @Con

He was right up there today, but it just wasn't the right time for him.

A smart and experienced cyclist like him will know when it's right......

 

[Con]

From what I am seeing so far, Pogacar and Vingegaard look like they are primed for battle once again this year. The bonus time is big for Pogacar so far.

 

[Bazza]

From what I am seeing so far, Pogacar and Vingegaard look like they are primed for battle once again this year. The bonus time is big for Pogacar so far.

Tomorrow we move into the mountains so I think we'll see more traditional positioning by the teams.

Stage four results
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel/Alpecin-Deceuninck) 4hrs 25mins 28secs

2. Caleb Ewan (Aus/Lotto Dstny) Same time

3. Phil Bauhaus (Ger/Bahrain Victorious)

4. Bryan Coquard (Fra/Cofidis)

5. Mark Cavendish (GB/Astana Qazaqstan)

6. Danny van Poppel (Ned/Bora-Hansgrohe)

7. Alexander Kristoff (Nor/Uno-X Pro Cycling)

8. Luka Mezgec (Slo/Team Jayco-AlUla)

9. Wout van Aert (Bel/Jumbo-Visma)

10. Mads Pedersen (Den/Lidl-Trek)

General classification after stage four
1. Adam Yates (GB/UAE Team Emirates) 18hrs 18mins 1sec

2. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) +6secs

3. Simon Yates (GB/Team Jayco-AlUla) +6secs

4. Victor Lafay (Fra/Cofidis) +12secs

5. Wout van Aert (Bel/Jumbo-Visma) +16secs

6. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Jumbo-Visma) +17secs

7. Jai Hindley (Aus/Bora-Hansgrohe) +22secs

8. Michael Woods (Can/Israel-Premier Tech) +22secs

9. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) +22secs

10. Carlos Rodriguez Cano (Spa/Ineos Grenadiers) +22secs

 

[Con]

There will be a lot of movement among the GC then if the mountains start tomorrow. Can’t wait to see it.

 

[Bazza]

There will be a lot of movement among the GC then if the mountains start tomorrow. Can’t wait to see it.

Me too!

BTW......Cav's next opportunity to win a stage will be on Friday.

 

[Con]

Vingegaard has laid down the gauntlet to Pogacar.

 

[Bazza]

Vingegaard has laid down the gauntlet to Pogacar.

Yes and good strategy to attack at that moment!

I'm sure JV is going to try and extend their lead today. Will be interesting to see how UAE and TP counters!

I love the fact that the Aussie in his first TDF won the stage in such emphatic fashion and is now wearing yellow. And there's a chance he retains it for one more day.

Stage five results

1. Jai Hindley (Aus/Bora-Hansgrohe) 3hrs 57mins 07secs

2. Giulio Ciccone (Ita/Lidl-Trek) +32secs

3. Felix Gall (Aut/AG2R-Citroen Team) Same time

4. Emanuel Buchmann (Ger/Bora-Hansgrohe)

5. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Jumbo-Visma) +34secs

6. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) +1min 38secs

7. Daniel Martinez (Col/Ineos Grenadiers) Same time

8. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates)

9. David Gaudu (Fra/Groupama-FDJ)

10. Carlos Rodríguez (Spa/Ineos Grenadiers)

General classification after stage five

1. Jai Hindley (Aus/Bora-Hansgrohe) 22hrs 15mins 12secs

2. Jonas Vingegaard (Den/Jumbo-Visma) +47secs

3. Giulio Ciccone (Ita/Lidl-Trek) +1min 03secs

4. Emanuel Buchmann (Ger/Bora-Hansgrohe) +1min 11secs

5. Adam Yates (GB/UAE Team Emirates) +1min 34secs

6. Tadej Pogacar (Slo/UAE Team Emirates) +1min 40secs

7. Simon Yates (GB/Team Jayco-AlUla) Same time

8. Mattias Skjelmose (Den/Lidl-Trek) +1min 56 secs

9. Carlos Rodriguez Cano (Spa/Ineos Grenadiers) Same time

10. David Gaudu (Fra/Groupama-FDJ)
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