Tour de France

[hibeg]

It started today with a TT in Denmark.
Reckon Pogacar will yet again be the man to beat but Roglic and his team co leader, Vingegaard, will also fancy their chances
Can’t see Ineos challenging those guys but hopefully Thomas and Yates put up a good fight

[davy67 +]

A wee bit of a surprise winner in today’s opening stage, I don’t think many people would have picked Lampart to be wearing the Yellow Jersey going into day 2
199 km tomorrow including 18kms over The Great Belt Bridge ( third longest suspension bridge in the world apparently) . Fairly flat stage so it’ll be a day for the sprinters, the wind could be a major factor though , there’s bonus seconds available to the stage winner which means the finish could be interesting

[davy67 +]

Great to see Fabio Jakobsen win today's stage , especially when you consider the horrendous injuries he suffered in a crash in 2020

[hibeg]

Yes a good win for him
Don’t think much will be happening for a few days until they start a mountain stage

[davy67 +]

Another flat stage today one for the sprinters , hopefully no crashes today

[davy67 +]

After today's sprint finish which saw Dylan Groenewgen take a stage win and Wout van Aert hold on to the yellow jersey, tomorrow is a rest day as the tour heads to France

[davy67 +]

After today’s rest / travel day tomorrow sees the Tour back on home ground another stage that could suit the sprinters. I imagine a few minds will be focused on Wednesday s cobbled stage and Thursdays monster 220 km stage the first of the hilly stages . It be interesting to see how many withdrawals there will be come Friday

[davy67 +]

Wout Van Aert took his stage first win of this year’s tour today and held on to The yellow jersey. Tomorrow is 155 km with 11 cobbled sections which may cause a few sleepless nights for some riders

[hibeg]

Wout Van Aert took his stage first win of this year’s tour today and held on to The yellow jersey. Tomorrow is 155 km with 11 cobbled sections which may cause a few sleepless nights for some riders

Just watched the highlights. Superb team work from Jumbo Visma, no one could live with WVA when he attacked.
As you say the cobbles tomorrow could be interesting 😅

[davy67 +]

Absolute carnage today with crashes galore as the tour hit the cobbles , Australian Simon Clarke took the win , with Wout Ban Aert. holding on to the yellow jersey . Primoz Roglic dislocated his shoulder in a crash and put it back in himself at the side of the road. GB’ Adam Yates is the best of the Brits in 8 th place 49 seconds behind with Tom Piddock in 9th and Getaint Thomas in 10 th

[davy67 +]

Tadej Pogacar took today’s 6 th stage in impressive fashion he also took the overall lead of the race , Britains Tom Piddock finished in 4 th and is in 5th place overall with Adam Yates in 4th 39 seconds behind Gerriant Thomas is in 6th place. Tomorrow sees the first of the mountain stages and is 176 km long

[hibeg]

Pogacar was very impressive. Ineos and JV are already on the back foot.
Let’s see what happens today in the mountains as both teams have good climbers in their ranks, but so do UAE, Majka especially is on form
I don’t think Pogacar really needs much help anyway, he is different class

[weecounty hibby]

Not about this years tour but we used to holiday in France in the same place for years. One year the tour came past pretty close to us in a place called St Julienne. We went to watch for a day out and I have to say, as not a cycling fan at all, that it was one of the best sporting days out I've ever had. Was a real spectacle and lasts for ages. You get parades coming past for ages before the race actually comes through. Was a great day out

[davy67 +]

The first day in the mountains proved to be a day of heartbreak for Lennard Kamna as he saw his hopes of a stage win disappear with the line in sight as Jonas Vinnegard and Tadej Pogacar swept past him on the brutal final climb, Pogacar powered ahead to claim the win and extend his overall lead , Welshman Geraint Thomas is in third place 1:10 behind the leader . Another hilly day tomorrow and 184 km as they head for Lausanne, the final km is only 9.5% unlike today’s killer 24%

[hibeg]

The first day in the mountains proved to be a day of heartbreak for Lennard Kamna as he saw his hopes of a stage win disappear with the line in sight as Jonas Vinnegard and Tadej Pogacar swept past him on the brutal final climb, Pogacar powered ahead to claim the win and extend his overall lead , Welshman Geraint Thomas is in third place 1:10 behind the leader . Another hilly day tomorrow and 184 km as they head for Lausanne, the final km is only 9.5% unlike today’s killer 24%

The last km was brutal. Felt so sorry for Kamna, he almost made it.
Pogacar and Vinnegard are clearly the top two in the race,but can only see one winner and that’s the defending champ

[davy67 +]

The last km was brutal. Felt so sorry for Kamna, he almost made it.
Pogacar and Vinnegard are clearly the top two in the race,but can only see one winner and that’s the defending champ

Its begining to look that way already

[davy67 +]

Wout Van Aert took his second stage win of this years tour today, with Australia’s Michael Matthews in second place. Tadej Pogacar finished in 3rd place and retained the overall lead , Gerraint Thomas is in 3rd place overall 1 minute 14 behind with Adam Yates in 4th . Another day in the mountains tomorrow with 183 km. before Mondays rest day

[davy67 +]

Luxembourg’s Bob Jungles took today’s stage win with a superb solo effort, attacking on the penultimate climb of the day he lead the way home for 60+km .Race leader Tadej Pogacar finished in 5th place today but managed to extended his overall lead . Welshman Geraint Thomas is in 3rd place overall +1:17 behind the leader. Tomorrow is a much needed rest day

[davy67 +]

After today’s rest day, tomorrow sees the riders tackle what is described as a “ medium “ mountain . It’s 148 km with a hilltop
finish, just to make things interesting it’s also at altitude . Could be another day for a breakaway pack to get out in front of the peloton the final 20km climb to the finish m could be interesting

[davy67 +]

Magnus Nielsen won today’s stage, despite the efforts of climate protesters who disrupted the stage . Tadej Pogacar still leads overall . Geraint Thomas is in 4th place with team mate Adam Yates in 5th . Tomorrow’s stage is an absolute brute 149km long with one of cycling’s most infamous climbs featuring 21 hairpins . Geraint Thomas won this stage the last time it was used , it’s gonna be another lung busting day

[Green Man]

What a stage today! One of the best days of cycling I’ve ever seen.

[davy67 +]

What a stage today! One of the best days of cycling I’ve ever seen.

Fabulous stuff , just what was needed really, be boring if Pogacar had no competition

[davy67 +]

A day of drama as Jonas Vinegaard won today’s stage and to the overall lead , Tadej Pogacar slipped back to third place, but tomorrow they have it all to do again l

[hibeg]

What a stage today! One of the best days of cycling I’ve ever seen.

Wow. That was insane. Never thought I would see the day when Pogacar caved in like that.
Great teamwork from JV set it all up.

[JeMeSouviens]

Today's stage goes over the Galibier and the Croix de Fer before finishing in Alpe d'Huez.

I'd be knackered just driving that, tbh. :greengrin

[hibeg]

Brilliant from Tom Pidcock today, what a victory on an iconic stage.

It was good to see Chris Froome recovering a bi5 of form as well

[CropleyWasGod]

Brilliant from Tom Pidcock today, what a victory on an iconic stage.

It was good to see Chris Froome recovering a bi5 of form as well

Screws my long-held bigoted belief that mountain-bikers can only do downhill :greengrin

Brilliant ride.

[AltheHibby]

What. A. Stage.

Wow. 2 of the best stages ever in consecutive days.

[davy67 +]

After today’s superb stage win for Tom Piddock, Jonas Vinegaard continues to lead the race , Tadej Pogacar is in second place with Geraint Thomas in 3rd . Excellent performance from Chris Froome today. Some of the descents were pretty scary today ,. Tomorrow is a flat stage and is 193Km long

[davy67 +]

A day for the sprinters today saw Mads Pedersen take the stage win with British rider Fred Wright in second . No change in the GC sees Vinegaard leading from Pogacar who’s 2:22 behind with Geraint Thomas in 3rd 2:26 adrift . 195 km tomorrow and hilly

[davy67 +]

A Cracking ride from Australian Michael Mathews gave him today’s stage win in scorching temperatures , Alberto Bettiol was second with Thibaut Pinoli in 3rd . No real change in the top 3 , sees Vinegaard lead from Pogacar . A flat 200km stage tomorrow before Mondays rest day , then a return to the mountains on Tuesday

[davy67 +]

Roglic withdraws before the start of today's stage

[davy67 +]

Withdrawals , Crashes, Protests and a debut tour win , today’s stage had a bit of everything. Belgiums Jasper Philpsen won his first TDF stage today in a sprint finish , Wout Van Aert was second with Mads Pedersen in third . A bad day for race leader Jonas Vinegaard’s Jumbo Visma team as they lost two riders to injuries. Vinegaard continues to lead the race with an 02:22 advantage I’ve Pogacar. Much needed rest tomorrow

[davy67 +]

Canadian Hugo Houle won today’s stage in dominant style . There’s no change in the overall lead with Vinegaard still in the yellow jersey. Another mountain stage tomorrow luckily it’s only 130km

[davy67 +]

Pogacar and Vinegaard almost rode each other to standstill today as they battled each other for the stage win in a mountain top finish, Pogacar claimed the win with Vinegaard in second but failed to make any real dent in Vinegaards overall lead , Geraint Thomas lost time but is still in third place. Final day in the mountains tomorrow so it’s all or nothing for Pogacar , he needs to put a real dent in Vinegaards lead and be on the top step of the podium on Sunday

[hibeg]

It looks like it’s all over, barring an accident
Brilliant teamwork from Jumbo Visma sets up Vingegaard to take the last mountain stage and increase his lead
Pogacar will probably get some time back in the TT but it won’t be nearly enough.

[davy67 +]

After today’s stage it looks like the top three positions are all but settled, can’t honestly see any other outcome now , the green jersey looks like it will go to Wout Van Aert , with Vinegaard taking the Polka Dot jersey to go with the yellow one , Pogacar may take some solace in winning the white jersey, but it’s not the colour he was looking for. 189 km and flat tomorrow a day for the sprinters before the TT on Saturday.

[davy67 +]

It’s taken until stage 19!, but France finally has a stage winner in this year’s tour? Christophe Laporte powered to a stage win today with Jasper Philpsen coming second. 40 Km time trail tomorrow before Sundays finale

[davy67 +]

Wout Van Aert we on today’s time trial stage with Jonas Vinegaard finishing in second, Tadej Pogacar claimed 3rd place. Vinegaard will ride into Paris tomorrow as 2022 champion with Pogacar and Thomas joining him on the podium

[davy67 +]

Jasper Philpsen sprinted clear to win on the Champs-Elyees today on the final stage of the tour, Dylan Groenwegan was second with Alex Kristof third

[davy67 +]

Jonas Vinegaard took overall victory and also won the King of the mountains title, Tadej Pogacar came second and also was young rider of the tour. Geraint Thomas was an excellent third with Wout Van Aert winning the points title

[davy67 +]

Another excellent tour with lots of drama, my personal highlight was Tom Piddock’s stage win and his celebration afterwards

[davy67 +]

Fantastic win today for Mark Cavendish in the final stage of The Giro d'Italia , great way to end his final ever Giro . Hopefully he can now go on and break the record for stage win in the TDF

[davy67 +]

Jonas Vingegaard warms up for the TDF with a dominant performance to win the Criterium du Dauphine , GBs Adam Yates finished second

[hibeg]

Tragic that Gino Mader died during the Tour of Switzerland after falling down a ravine. Only 26 years old

RIP

[Sloop67]

Looking forward to 3 weeks of gruelling action . Hopefully Cav will get a stage win and breaks the record for stage wins

[lyonhibs]

Having gorged on the Netflix series which was incredible, looking forward to taking more of an interest in this year's Tour

[Sloop67]

Adam Yates wins stage one of this years TDF , with his brother Simon in second place , Tadej Pogacar was 3rd

[Aldo]

Adam Yates wins stage one of this years TDF , with his brother Simon in second place , Tadej Pogacar was 3rd

His twin brother at that.

Big crash too losing Mas and Carapaz looks to have taken a really sore one too

[Sloop67]

His twin brother at that.

Big crash too losing Mas and Carapaz looks to have taken a really sore one too

Unfortunatley it's a Fractured knee for Carapaz

[Aldo]

Unfortunatley it's a Fractured knee for Carapaz

Kudos to him for carrying on. Looked in agony and was wincing at pretty much every pedal stroke. EF will be disappointed at this for sure!

[Sloop67]

Kudos to him for carrying on. Looked in agony and was wincing at pretty much every pedal stroke. EF will be disappointed at this for sure!

I cant imagine how painful that must have been, I've a thumb that gives me a bit of jip now and again, but that's fairly small fry compared to this

[Aldo]

Love the EF Easy Post kit today. In fact I love all their kit! Yesterdays different coloured socks etc were brilliant!

[Aldo]

Superb seeing the reception Cavendish received today on one of the climbs. High fives from the fans as he ascended!

[JeMeSouviens]

Superb seeing the reception Cavendish received today on one of the climbs. High fives from the fans as he ascended!

This could be the day for Cav. Breakaway caught with 37k to go.

[Aldo]

This could be the day for Cav. Breakaway caught with 37k to go.

Hope so but Jacobsen and Philpsen contenders too and not to forget WVA.

[Aldo]

What a superb final 2k.

Loads of jostling/bumping to get position and given the speed I’m surprised no one went down.

Philpsen with excellent finish!

[JeMeSouviens]

What a superb final 2k.

Loads of jostling/bumping to get position and given the speed I’m surprised no one went down.

Philpsen with excellent finish!

Yep, gives me the heeby jeebies a bit when the bumping starts at that speed with so little protection over all that tarmac! Cavendish 6th. Not the train he's had in other years but he's up there.

[Aldo]

Yep, gives me the heeby jeebies a bit when the bumping starts at that speed with so little protection over all that tarmac! Cavendish 6th. Not the train he's had in other years but he's up there.

When you see what happened to Jakobsen, fractured skull, 10 teeth lost and lots of internal injuries. Induced coma and all whilst sprinting

[Sloop67]

All those roundabouts give me the shudders

[Sloop67]

Anothe flat day today, hopefully Cav can get up today and claim the record

[Aldo]

Anothe flat day today, hopefully Cav can get up today and claim the record

Hope so. My only concern is Cav doesn’t have the team who are able to deliver him to the finish line when it matters.

Yesterday he got lost in the melee and was trying to get on the wheel of others as his team dropped away!

[Aldo]

WTF

Crazy finish. Crashes all over the Pisces even with 8m of track.

Cav struggled for position there and was boxed in. I go back to my previous post that he’s nit hit the support at round him and needs a lucky.

Another win for Philpsen

[Ryan91]

Hope so. My only concern is Cav doesn’t have the team who are able to deliver him to the finish line when it matters.

Yesterday he got lost in the melee and was trying to get on the wheel of others as his team dropped away!

Needs to have words with DS about the complete lack of support he's getting in these bunch sprints.

Wonder if he can get Geraint Thomas to put in a few nice words for the folks at Ineos Grenadiers and see if they fancy helping out because Astana ain't doing **** right now for him

[Aldo]

Needs to have words with DS about the complete lack of support he's getting in these bunch sprints.

Wonder if he can get Geraint Thomas to put in a few nice words for the folks at Ineos Grenadiers and see if they fancy helping out because Astana ain't doing **** right now for him

The team hired Mark Renshaw a former lead out rider and consultant so hopefully he can assist.

If you watched Van Der Poul and Philpsen. The lead hit the gap and the sprinter followed. It’s not in the mindset of Cav’s team.

Yeah he could ask for a few favours but looks like he’s solo for now anyway!

[CropleyWasGod]

The team hired Mark Renshaw a former lead out rider and consultant so hopefully he can assist.

If you watched Van Der Poul and Philpsen. The lead hit the gap and the sprinter followed. It’s not in the mindset of Cav’s team.

Yeah he could ask for a few favours but looks like he’s solo for now anyway!

Cav owes his career to Renshaw :greengrin

[Aldo]

Cav owes his career to Renshaw :greengrin

Yip they had a sixth sense when it came to lead outs

[Aldo]

Noted Jacobsen with another sore one today. Needs a new bike too as his snapped during his fall!

[JeMeSouviens]

Given Cav's form seems good, I wonder if Quickstep regret letting him go? Seems crazy they didn't get behind him for this given the chance of the record?

[Ryan91]

Given Cav's form seems good, I wonder if Quickstep regret letting him go? Seems crazy they didn't get behind him for this given the chance of the record?

Worth noting they are a Belgian team, perhaps a bit of politics ended up playing a part? Thoughts along the lines of "can't have him break Merckx's record whilst riding for a Belgian team" - though having said that, he was close on the Champs Elysees in 2021 to doing it then.

[Aldo]

Given Cav's form seems good, I wonder if Quickstep regret letting him go? Seems crazy they didn't get behind him for this given the chance of the record?


Worth noting they are a Belgian team, perhaps a bit of politics ended up playing a part? Thoughts along the lines of "can't have him break Merckx's record whilst riding for a Belgian team" - though having said that, he was close on the Champs Elysees in 2021 to doing it then.

Note this morning that Cav’s lead out Leon Sanchez broke his collarbone within the last KM of the race!

[Ryan91]

Pogi looking vulnerable, Vingegaard just burried him on the Col de Marie Blanc, at least 30 seconds

Jai Hindley absolutely flying too, looking like he'll be into yellow, how much will the gap be to Vingegaard though?

[Aldo]

Pogi looking vulnerable, Vingegaard just burried him on the Col de Marie Blanc, at least 30 seconds

Jai Hindley absolutely flying too, looking like he'll be into yellow, how much will the gap be to Vingegaard though?

Big mistake made today by UAE trying to protect the yellow jersey! TSV played a blinder and caught Pogacar at his most vulnerable.

Another huge stage tomorrow with a HC and 2 category 1 climbs.

Pogacar just under a minute behind Vingegaard and he will need to be at his best to ensure he stays within touching distance

[Ryan91]

Wout van Aert is just an absolute machine, all day in the breakaway, drops back on the Tourmalet to help Vingegaard, and he's still with him on the final climb.

Is there anything that guy can't do?

Chapeau to Pogi - looked dead and buried yesterday, comes back today, wins the stage and beats Vingegaard by almost 30 seconds.

It's just the first week and we've already got fireworks in the GC battle.

[Aldo]

Wout van Aert is just an absolute machine, all day in the breakaway, drops back on the Tourmalet to help Vingegaard, and he's still with him on the final climb.

Is there anything that guy can't do?

Chapeau to Pogi - looked dead and buried yesterday, comes back today, wins the stage and beats Vingegaard by almost 30 seconds.

It's just the first week and we've already got fireworks in the GC battle.

He definitely is however he nearly feel off following his effort. Spectator had to give him a little help.

It’s fair to say the winner of this years TDF will be between Pogacar or Vingegaard.

I would say Vingegaard is slight favourite for be given his team and WVA.

UAE struggled with the pace as did others.

If TP wins the TDF massive kudos as he’d be doing it pretty much on his own!

[Lancs Harp]

He definitely is however he nearly feel off following his effort. Spectator had to give him a little help.

It’s fair to say the winner of this years TDF will be between Pogacar or Vingegaard.

I would say Vingegaard is slight favourite for be given his team and WVA.

UAE struggled with the pace as did others.

If TP wins the TDF massive kudos as he’d be doing it pretty much on his own!

Vingegaard is actually odds on with some bookmakers, which given the nature of the Tour is pretty amazing. The only person who can get close is Pogacar.

[Aldo]

Vingegaard is actually odds on with some bookmakers, which given the nature of the Tour is pretty amazing. The only person who can get close is Pogacar.

Two horse race for sure with many more twists and turns.

[Sloop67]

Another chance for Cav to break the record tomorrow

[Ryan91]

The run in to the finish suits him, long, straight and flat for several km, no technical riding really required

[Aldo]

Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh

Off the ****ing bar. Real shame he’s not got a proper lead out man!


Credit to Philpsen and Team Alpecin. Perfect lead out once again!

[JeMeSouviens]

Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh

Off the ****ing bar. Real shame he’s not got a proper lead out man!


Credit to Philpsen and Team Alpecin. Perfect lead out once again!

He’s practically riding solo.

[Aldo]

He’s practically riding solo.

He definitely is. Shame G isn’t riding the tour!

[Lancs Harp]

He’s practically riding solo.

My thoughts too. Philipsen is the main sprint man now but his support team is much better than Cavs. I thought he had it today, a clear run and an element of surprise. Well done Philipsen though.

Cavs saving it for Paris 😀

[Ryan91]

Sounds like Cav's gears jumped about on the sprint and disrupted his sprint. I'd like to think without it he gets that record today.

[Aldo]

Bloody Hell.

Cav’s taken a fall there. Hopefully not his collarbone! In back of ambulance now.

Edit: he’s had to abandon! Looks like it is his collarbone/shoulder!

[Sloop67]

Bloody Hell.

Cav’s taken a fall there. Hopefully not his collarbone! In back of ambulance now.

Edit: he’s had to abandon! Looks like it is his collarbone/shoulder!



Thats not the way anyone wanted to see to see him finish

[Aldo]

Thats not the way anyone wanted to see to see him finish

Nope. Don’t know if you’re watching but he was near the back of the Peloton trying to keep out of trouble??? Fast pace though.

[Sloop67]

Nope. Don’t know if you’re watching but he was near the back of the Peloton trying to keep out of trouble??? Fast pace though.
I was watching. Popped out for a wee while turned the TVs on to the image of him sitting on the ground as soon as I saw the monster logo I knew it was him, and it didn't look good

[Aldo]

I was watching. Popped out for a wee while turned the TVs on to the image of him sitting on the ground as soon as I saw the monster logo I knew it was him, and it didn't look good

That’s what drew my attention to it straight away…. Design on helmet. I think that’s his racing career over. Bloody shame like

[Ryan91]

I really do feel for Cavendish, been so close the past two sprints and you just know that if he had riders around him who could actually form a proper sprint train, he'd have had the record already.

Also bitterly disappointed as he'll definitely not be riding at the World Championships in August.

[Sloop67]

Rest day tomorrow, chance for those aching bodies to recover..... a little

[Aldo]

Crazy crazy finish today.

Philpsen with another superb finish. Road furniture playing havoc near the end!

[Sloop67]

Tomorrow's stage looks absolutely brutal, certainly not a day for the sprinters

[Ryan91]

Short but rather brutal stage today, and it's Bastille Day, will we see a Frenchman win today? Warren Barguil the last Frenchman to win on their National Day in 2017.

Surprised to learn that it's only the second time there's been a stage finish at the top of the Grand Colombier

[Ryan91]

In the end, it was Kwiatkowski of Ineos who powered away on the mountain to win, two years in a row they've won on Bastille Day.

Pogacar managed to cut the lead of Vingegaard to 9 seconds with a brilliant attack in the final 500m.

This edition of the tour has absolutely delivered in big style so far, always looked like one for the climbers when the Parcours was announced.

The GC battle over the next couple of days is going to be EPIC.

[Sloop67]

This is another cracking day , absolutely brutal stuff again today

[Lancs Harp]

This is another cracking day , absolutely brutal stuff again today

Totally

[Ryan91]

another incredible day, Pogacar and Vingegaard just could not be separated on that final climb, rest day tomorrow, the ITT on Tuesday looking like it could be a big decider in the GC. Both Pog and Jonas are good TT riders, but would have to think that the route maybe favours Pog a little more.

[Sloop67]

Some pretty scary descending today and a few nasty looking crashes, rest day tomorrow will be pretty welcome to some I'd say

[Aldo]

Outstanding Time Trial by JV.

1 min 48 seconds ahead after that and for me it’s his TDF to lose!

[Ryan91]

Outstanding Time Trial by JV.

1 min 48 seconds ahead after that and for me it’s his TDF to lose!

It was an unreal ride by Tadej to beat WVA by more than a minute, but Jonas went even better.

I thought it would be a close one today with Pogacar nicking the yellow jersey by a handful of seconds.

JV and TP are the class of the field

[Sloop67]

Awesome performance by Vinnegaard

[Aldo]

It was an unreal ride by Tadej to beat WVA by more than a minute, but Jonas went even better.

I thought it would be a close one today with Pogacar nicking the yellow jersey by a handful of seconds.

JV and TP are the class of the field

I’m on holiday and caught the end of WVA ride. You just knew it would be a superb TT from him and he didn’t disappoint.

A few got close but Pogacar was flying along the road and at every point he was quicker. JV then produced a Tour winning ride for me! To take that amount of time off TP was just unbelievable.

I would have to agree that TP and JV are a class above.

[Sloop67]

Another brutal day today , and another bad day for Pogacar. Great performance from Adam Yates who's looking good for a podium spot

[Aldo]

Excuse my French but what a ****ing brutal stage today.

104 miles
17,000 feet plus of climbing

And and average of between 18.5 and 19.3 mph.

Pogacar’s effort yesterday trying to break JV has came back to haunt him today! Totally burst!

Credit to TJV and JV today for another exceptional stage. Barring a crash or mechanical the TDF is in the bag!

Think I’m heading to Morzine next year for a bit of Alpine cycling…. Following the recommendation of Irish Steve and my mate Stevie who was there this year!

[Ryan91]

Another brutal day today , and another bad day for Pogacar. Great performance from Adam Yates who's looking good for a podium spot

Pogacar put it bluntly in his post-stage interview with Seb Piquet from Radio Tour when asked how he was, stated he was "****ed"

I think his crash in the spring at Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the subsequent fractured wrist has hampered him, the oppressive heat has also probably not helped, Jonas seems to have coped with it far better than Tadej has.

Will be interesting to see if both ride the TdF next year or if one of them decides to go for the Giro instead, and perhaps focus on the Olympics as well.

[Sloop67]

Slightly easier day today if there's such a thing on the TDF , tomorrow looks like it's a tough end to the tour . I'm really looking forward to Sunday and the sprint stage in Paris , it's one of my favourite days in sport

[Sloop67]

It's been a fantastic race this year, drama almost every day . My only disappointment is that the Manx missile isn't there today to battle for a win on The Champs- Elysees

[Lancs Harp]

It's been a fantastic race this year, drama almost every day . My only disappointment is that the Manx missile isn't there today to battle for a win on The Champs- Elysees

Totally agree mate. Its been fantastic. Oh to have seen Cavendish win on the Champs. The race this year has been beyond sport, pure theatre.

[Sloop67]

Fantastic finish to a superb Tour

[Sloop67]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jul/23/cycling-tour-de-france-winner-jonas-vingegaard-fails-to-win-over-public

[Aldo]

Due to being on holiday I’ve only managed to catch snippets the last few stages. Crazy crashes especially Sepp Kuss and his. Unlike a number of other sports, football especially, they go down at slightest touch. Kuss went down and hit the tarmac hard. Blood pouring from his face arm etc he gets up and continues without hesitation.

One of the best tours in years for me with the race on from the off!

[Sloop67]

A few nasty looking crashes in what looked very tricky conditions today on stage two of the Ladies tour

[Sloop67]

Another pretty awesome performance from Pogacar today in stage two of the Giro , already looking ominous for the rest of the field who look like they're battling for second place

[Aldo]

Another pretty awesome performance from Pogacar today in stage two of the Giro , already looking ominous for the rest of the field who look like they're battling for second place

Even after his puncture and fall with 11km to go didn’t stop him.

[Sloop67]

Carnage in the closing sprin at the Tour of Hungry , bodies and bikes everywhere, thankfully no serious injuries, Pogacar still 45 seconds ahead of Thomas in the Giro

[Sloop67]

Stage win for Cavendish yesterday in the Tour of Hungry

[Sloop67]

Another awesome performance from Pogi today, we're 1 week in to the Giro D' Italia I think we should just hand the winners jersey over to Pogacar now, I can't honestly see him losing this race now unless something happens in the mountains , gets let down by his team and he gets isolated or he has a crash and can't continue, Thomas dropped to third after today's TT , but still looking good for a podium place

[Sloop67]

Another stage win for Pogacar today, never really looked like anyone else was going to trouble him, Obviously still in possession of The Magila Rosa , Martinez in second with Thomas in 3rd 02:58 behind Pogacar

[Sloop67]

No change after yesterday's stage , rest day today

[hibeg]

Another awesome performance from Pogi today, we're 1 week in to the Giro D' Italia I think we should just hand the winners jersey over to Pogacar now, I can't honestly see him losing this race now unless something happens in the mountains , gets let down by his team and he gets isolated or he has a crash and can't continue, Thomas dropped to third after today's TT , but still looking good for a podium place

A crash will surely be the only way he can't win. Head and shoulders above the rest. He was even leading out his team sprinter a couple of days ago

Rafa Majka will keep him right in the mountains but honestly don't think he needs him

[Sloop67]

Week two started with a stage win for Valentin Paret-Peintre, his first pro win , he emulated his brother who had a stage win in last years Giro . Pogacar still has a comfortable lead of Daniel Martinez, with Geraint Thomas in third

[Sloop67]

Superb stage win today for Julian Alaphilippe after he broke away from a massive breakaway of about 40 riders , no change in the overall standings

[Sloop67]

Fillipo Ganna claimed today's time trail stage with an excellent ride , Pogacar finished second and remains in the Maglia Rosa . Gerriant Thomas finished the stage in third place and moved back up into second place.
The race heads to the mountains tomorrow, with a rest day on Monday before heading back to the mountains on Tuesday

[Hibs4185]

Stage 12 is about 20 mins away from my house which is in July. How has it started already? Is it not a stage a day or two?

[hibeg]

Stage 12 is about 20 mins away from my house which is in July. How has it started already? Is it not a stage a day or two?

Recent comments are about the race in Italy. I assume you are talking about the Tour de France. Don’t worry you will be able to see stage 12 in July :thumbsup:

[Hibs4185]

Recent comments are about the race in Italy. I assume you are talking about the Tour de France. Don’t worry you will be able to see stage 12 in July :thumbsup:

Apologies, I just seen the thread title ‘Tour de France’ and assumed it was that’

[Aldo]

What a superbly timed and planned finish from Pogacar today. 2 min 37 behind Quintana with 8km to ride he catches him with 2km and there was no looking back. What a ride

[Sloop67]

What a superbly timed and planned finish from Pogacar today. 2 min 37 behind Quintana with 8km to ride he catches him with 2km and there was no looking back. What a ride
Awesome performance, this guy is rewriting the history books he's well on his way to being the GOAT , chapeau to the guy. That was a brutal stage

[Aldo]

Awesome performance, this guy is rewriting the history books he's well on his way to being the GOAT , chapeau to the guy. That was a brutal stage

It was a cracking stage and rode to perfection. He made it look so easy and the peleton and other GC contenders would have planned for something happening but just couldn’t do anything when he went!

I meant to mention the stage Alaphillipe won the other day was also an unbelievable ride.

[Sloop67]

Geraint Thomas's Watts Occurring podcast is always a great listen for those interested in cycling

[Sloop67]

Another stage win , his fifth so far , for Pogacar today in absolutely awful conditions, Martinez and Thomas switched places again. for the lower steps on the podium

[Sloop67]

Georg Steinhauser claimed his first stage win today with Pogacar in second place, Geraint Thomas finished 4th with Martinez in 5th . Pogacar has a 7 minutes and 42 second lead over Martinez with Thomas 8 mins 4 secs in 3rd . It looks like only some kind of freakish disaster will stop Pogacar now

[Sloop67]

Tim Merlier beat Jonathan Milan in a frantic sprint finish to claim his second stage win on this years Giro Kaduna Groves was third No change in the overall standings. Pogacar also leads the battle for the Polka Dot jersey , with Milan leading the points competition

[Sloop67]

It was a day for the Breakaway today, Andrea Vendrame slipped away from an established group with 30 km left to go,to claim a stage win Geraint Thomas had a scare when he came off after clipping another riders wheel , a quick bike change was required, Pogacar and the leading group of GC riders slowed to allow him back in.
Anothe day in the mountains lies ahead of the riders tomorrow, before Sundays stage in and around Rome . Pogacar leads by almost 8 minutes from Martinez, with Thomas in 3rd

[Sloop67]

Pogacar claimed another stage win today his 6th of this years Giro and as predicted won this years race pretty much destroying the opposition, Geraint Thomas finished in 3rd overall becoming the oldest rider to stand on the podium breaking his own record. Poggi is awesome and is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest riders in history

[Sloop67]

Tim Merlier won a frantic sprint holding off Jonathon Milan to claim victory on the final stage . Pogacar won his first Giro title but I doubt it will be his last . Big question now us can he complete the Double with a win on Le Tour ?

[Irish_Steve]

Pogi is just head and shoulders above everyone else.

It sounds daft but he lost the last two TdF's because he failed to eat properly on one stage in each of those Tours

And I haven't seen if Vinegaard is even starting and if he does, what kind of shape he will be in

[Sloop67]

Pogi is just head and shoulders above everyone else.

It sounds daft but he lost the last two TdF's because he failed to eat properly on one stage in each of those Tours

And I haven't seen if Vinegaard is even starting and if he does, what kind of shape he will be in

Hopefuly we'll get a battle for the Malliot Jaune and not a procession

[Green Man]

Pogi is just head and shoulders above everyone else.

It sounds daft but he lost the last two TdF's because he failed to eat properly on one stage in each of those Tours

And I haven't seen if Vinegaard is even starting and if he does, what kind of shape he will be in

Jonas is training in the Alps just now, I think he’s hoping to ride TdF but is still recovering.

[Sloop67]

Roman Bardot in his Final tour wins stage one of this years TDF . An absolutely brutal stage to start the race .

[Ryan91]

Absolutely brutal day today, 35 Celsius temperatures, Cav was struggling big time and was apparently throwing up on the bike, just made the time cut off. Worth noting that a number of big sprint favourites were struggling today.

It's relatively rare that we can talk about Scots at Le Tour, but Oscar Onley, from Kelso is riding his first TdF, only 21, but certainly one to watch for.

[Sloop67]

Another win for The Breakaway , Frenchman Kevin Vauquelin won today's stage , Simon Yates was the first British rider home in 29 th with Tom Pidcock one place behind him , Oscar Onley finished the stage in 47 th place . Rather predictably Tadej Pogacar leads the race after 2 stages . Tom Pidcock is in 9 th , Simon Yates in 20th , Onley is in 34 th 2:31 behind the leader.

[Aldo]

Another win for The Breakaway , Frenchman Kevin Vauquelin won today's stage , Simon Yates was the first British rider home in 29 th with Tom Pidcock one place behind him , Oscar Onley finished the stage in 47 th place . Rather predictably Tadej Pogacar leads the race after 2 stages . Tom Pidcock is in 9 th , Simon Yates in 20th , Onley is in 34 th 2:31 behind the leader.

Indeed on another tough day of climbing. I think the Peloton were glad of the over cast conditions at times and the bit of wind, albeit it was a head wind for the chasing pack.

Onley used to ride for my local bike shop team, Spokes. It’s brilliant seeing a young Scottish cyclist in amongst them all.

Today’s stage is a 230.8km flat stage ending up in Turin. So it’s time for the sprinters to step up if they have anything left that is!

[Sloop67]

Indeed on another tough day of climbing. I think the Peloton were glad of the over cast conditions at times and the bit of wind, albeit it was a head wind for the chasing pack.

Onley used to ride for my local bike shop team, Spokes. It’s brilliant seeing a young Scottish cyclist in amongst them all.

Today’s stage is a 230.8km flat stage ending up in Turin. So it’s time for the sprinters to step up if they have anything left that is!

It was a scary looking finish yesterday and some sort of crash looked almost inevitable, at least this time Grimay managed not injure himself with a champagne cork this time after his win , unlike on the Giro .
Back to the mountains today

[Sloop67]

Pogacar won today's stage and claim the Yellow jersey . A day for the sprinters tomorrow

[Green Man]

Cavendish has done it! Him and his team rode the perfect race, got into position early and held it, then the final sprint was incredible, once he went there was no doubt that he had it. Superb!

[Aldo]

What can I say.

The Manx Missile with an outstanding stage win!

Chapeau Cav [emoji122]

[Godsahibby]

Unbelievable from Cav!

[Zorro]

Absolutely delighted for Cav! I really felt for him missing out on the record after his mechanical then injury last year. Just brilliant that he came back for one more tour and did it! Chapeau!

[Sloop67]

No doubt about it now, when it comes to sprinting Cav is The GOAT , and he broke the record with his chain hanging off , absolutely fantastic achievement

[Aldo]

No doubt about it now, when it comes to sprinting Cav is The GOAT , and he broke the record with his chain hanging off , absolutely fantastic achievement

This stage win should not be underestimated. This was manufactured by Cav himself in the last 1500 metres. Jasper Philipsen was his main rival today and he got it so so wrong. Cav picked his spot, had a wee look then exploded into the space leaving Jasper in his wake. By the time Jasper had realised it was too late.

Apparently it’s common for the chain to fall off during sprints. Going from 60 plus kph and 110 rpm to next to nothing.

I’m still buzzing for him.

Just think if he hadn’t been ill and had been selected he could and probably would have been over 40 wins.

[Sloop67]

Dylan Groenewegen won today's stage after a photo finish. No change in the GC with Pogacar still in the yellow jersey. Time trial tomorrow

[Sloop67]

Yesterday's Time Trail was won by Remco Evenepoel with Pogacar in second place and Primoz Roglic in third .Pogacar has a 33 second lead over Evenpoel with Jonas Vinegaard in 3rd place .

[Sloop67]

Away from The Tour the news about the death of Andre Dredge was absolutely tragic . The 25 year old was fatally injured in a crash during The Tour of Norway .

Stage 8 of Le Tour was won by Biniam Girmay who leads the green jersey completion

Pogacar still leads the overall race , with Evenapoel 33srconds behind in second place.
Adam Yates is the highest placed Brit in 11th

Syage 9 sees that riders head on to the gravel and white chalk with 14 sections for the riders to complete during the 199 Km , expect punctures galore

[Sloop67]

After a frantic day on the gravel Frenchman Anthony Turgis won today's stage which Britians Tom Pidcock in second place .
Tadej Pogacar retains the lead with Remco Evenepol 33 seconds behind in second. Adam Yates is the top placed Brit in 12th spot .Scotland's and Kelso's Oscar Onley is in 49th place . It's a rest day tomorrow

[Sloop67]

After yesterday's rest day Jasper Philipsen won today's stage . No change in the overall G C
Tomorow looks like a tough day with plenty of climbing

[Sloop67]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr5v00476po

[Sloop67]

After a gruelling day in the saddle Jonas Vingegaar took his first win of this years tour as he won today's stage beating Pogacar on the line in a hill top finish . Pogacar is still in yellow with Evenepoel in second place 01:06 behind , Vingegaar is in 3rd place with Roglic in 4th , Adam Yates is the highest placed British rider in 8th place . Kelso wheeler Oscar Onley is in 39 th place 52:02 behind the leader and is in 10thplace in the white jersey competition

[Sloop67]

Biniam Girmay won his third stage of this years tour today . No change in the overall GC

[Sloop67]

Jasper Philipsen took a second stage wi in today's stage with Wout van Aert in second place . Pogacar still leads from Evenepoel
The race heads for The Pyrenees tomorrow , with 4,000 meters of climbing ahead of the riders , with The Col du Tourmalet first up , followed by Hourquette d'Ancizan then finally Pla dAdet . Expect some big gaps in the peloton , definitely not a sprinters day

[Sloop67]

Tom Pidcock has withdrawn from the race after testing positive for Covid

[Sloop67]

Tadej Pogacar won today's stage and remains in the overall lead of the race

[Sloop67]

Pogacar wins again . An awesome performance from Poggi on today's stage sees him head into the rest day with an impressive lead in the GC

[Sloop67]

After yesterday's rest it was a day for the sprinters today , Jasper Philipsen took his third win and kept the battle for the green jersey alive after Biniam Girmay crashed and finished well down the field . Pogo still leads by 3:09 minutes from Jonas Vingegaard . Back to the mountains tomorrow , could be fight to into the breakaway before the climbers take over

[Sloop67]

Richard Carapaz won today's stage , Simon Yates finished second with Kelso's Oscar Onley in fifth. Pogacar leads by 3:11 from Vinegarrd .

[Sloop67]

It was a day for the breakaway today as Belgian Victor Campenaerts won today's stage . No change in the overal GC with Pogacar still leading . Another two days in the mountains to come then a time trail on Sunday as the final stage

[Sloop67]

Another absolutely superb performance from Tadej Pogacar saw him claim today's stage and almost certainly guarantee his victory in this years TDF

[Sloop67]

Pogacar wins another stage and breaks more records doing so

[Sloop67]

Another day another stage win for Pogacar . People are running out of superlatives to describe the Sloveninian . A superb performance and a deserved win the guy is awesome . It's been a great 3 weeks of racing,with so many firsts , and so many records broken . Highlight of the tour, obviously The Manx Missile breaking the record for stage wins . But who's to say Pogi won't be aiming for that in years to come

[Sloop67]

Mark Cavendish's final pro race this morning in Singapore

[Aldo]

Mark Cavendish's final pro race this morning in Singapore

Nice touch this morning with a bike of honour for him prior to the start.

[Sloop67]

Cav finnishes his career with a win in the Singapore Criterium

[Lancs Harp]

Cav finnishes his career with a win in the Singapore Criterium

An amazing career. Enjoy whatever life brings you next Cav.

[grunt]

https://escapecollective.com/tnt-blows-up-cycling-tv-coverage-with-443-price-increase/


From February 28 the price of watching bike racing in the UK and Ireland via a TNT Sports subscription is going up from £6.99 to £30.99 a month, a 443% increase.

Don’t worry, you may be thinking; I get Eurosport for free through my Sky or Virgin Media TV package. Unfortunately, by the end of February that’ll be gone too.

Oh, and Warner Bros. Discovery (the parent company behind this whole heist) have confirmed that after buying the exclusive UK rights to broadcast the Tour de France from 2026, there will be no free-to-air live coverage.

[CropleyWasGod]

https://escapecollective.com/tnt-blows-up-cycling-tv-coverage-with-443-price-increase/

I currently pay £25 for it through my (what was) BT Sports, so not a huge jump. Effectively a fiver to watch the TdF (and all the other Eurosport stuff that I used to watch when it was free :greengrin).

[Ryan91]

News came out a couple of weeks ago that the 2027 Grand Depart of Le Tour is to be held in the UK, lots of outlets saying it's almost certainly going to be Edinburgh as host of the Grand Depart.

3 stages in the UK, one in Scotland (obviously), one in Northern England and another in Wales.

2 years time can't come fast enough!

[s.a.m]

News came out a couple of weeks ago that the 2027 Grand Depart of Le Tour is to be held in the UK, lots of outlets saying it's almost certainly going to be Edinburgh as host of the Grand Depart.

3 stages in the UK, one in Scotland (obviously), one in Northern England and another in Wales.

2 years time can't come fast enough!

:nanafunk:

[Greenbeard]

News came out a couple of weeks ago that the 2027 Grand Depart of Le Tour is to be held in the UK, lots of outlets saying it's almost certainly going to be Edinburgh as host of the Grand Depart.

3 stages in the UK, one in Scotland (obviously), one in Northern England and another in Wales.

2 years time can't come fast enough!

Prologue TT from Holyrood Palace, Regent Road, Princes St, Mound and finishing on the Castle Esplanade.

[s.a.m]

Is that confirmed?

[Greenbeard]

Is that confirmed?
Seulement un reve.

[Ryan91]

Is that confirmed?

The exact route is generally not revealed until a few months before, though start and finish locations are generally known a year out. Given it's a Grand Depart outside of France we may be privvy to the exact route of Stage 1 next year.

[s.a.m]

Seulement un reve.

Mais un très beau rêve! Je croise les doigts.:aok:

[s.a.m]

The exact route is generally not revealed until a few months before, though start and finish locations are generally known a year out. Given it's a Grand Depart outside of France we may be privvy to the exact route of Stage 1 next year.

:aok:

[s.a.m]

https://news.sky.com/story/tour-de-france-returning-to-the-uk-in-2027-13331780

:dancer: