*THIS* Is Le Tour de France Thread

MetroBass · #1 07-04-2010, 10:19 AM

Prologue was yesterday and a dog caused an accident today. Haven' finished watching the first stage but it definitely has my blood pumping as always. The greatest race on this planet.

If you've never checked it out please tune into VS (HD) and check out the photography and the commentary, both some of the best you'll see. Great stuff! Happy 4th!

elgecko · #2 07-04-2010, 11:12 AM

I'm watching...after NBA basketball, the Tour is my favorite sporting event. VS does need to bring Kristen Gum back though!

The $64,000 question...does Lance pull it off one last time?

L-A · #3 07-04-2010, 11:49 AM

It'll probably be discussed in the cycling thread if you ask me.

vene-nemesis · #4 07-04-2010, 02:13 PM

On the DEA forums.

spade2you · #5 07-04-2010, 02:23 PM

Yes, it was recently brought up in the Biking '10 Part II.

I really have no predictions until after they get out of The Netherlands. Too much carnage.

spade2you · #6 07-04-2010, 02:29 PM

Before people start having Lance Pharmstrong debates, I don't think we'll ever be able to have solid proof either way. Landis' accusations might be true, but the man simply has zero credibility these days. Like anything else, there's simply too much money to be had, so it's quite possible that certain riders might get tagged if they start beating the "wrong" riders or perhaps they might have a free pass to dope.

Jazz Ad · #7 07-04-2010, 02:35 PM

It will go through my street on wednesday, right under my balcony.

spade2you · #8 07-04-2010, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

It will go through my street on wednesday, right under my balcony.

Pics please!!!

Jazz Ad · #9 07-04-2010, 02:45 PM

I think I'll be at work when it happens.

Number27 · #10 07-05-2010, 12:04 AM

had no idea this was even happening until i accidentally found it on the viewing guide. i guess without Lance it really slips from the sports pages..

**Pacman** · #11 07-05-2010, 06:12 AM

Lance is a favorite this year

spade2you · #12 07-05-2010, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number27

had no idea this was even happening until i accidentally found it on the viewing guide. i guess without Lance it really slips from the sports pages..

Meh, the US is fairly fickle with coverage. I believe there are 8 decent US riders this year. Lance? I won't go there. Levi, Horner, VDV, Farrar, etc.

I'm not bashing soccer, but when was the last time the US cared about that??

Fortunately there's cable, DVR, interw3b feeds, etc. While it may not be getting the most coverage, I didn't have cable as a kid, so the fact that I'm getting to watch the bigger races is a very nice improvement.

TheBass · #13 07-05-2010, 06:35 AM

Well ... I guess that due to all this doping issues related to the 'Tour de France', it has lost a lot of public interest during last two years. A lot of sponsors cancelled their contracts and - at least in Germany - there's only very limited reporting on TV. Of course FIFA world cup get's a lot more public interest in the moment, but I doubt that there will be more public interest for the Tour the France afterwards.

spade2you · #14 07-05-2010, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBass

Well ... I guess that due to all this doping issues related to the 'Tour de France', it has lost a lot of public interest during last two years. A lot of sponsors cancelled their contracts and - at least in Germany - there's only very limited reporting on TV. Of course FIFA world cup get's a lot more public interest in the moment, but I doubt that there will be more public interest for the Tour the France afterwards.

With any sport, officials will turn a blind eye to get increased performance and ratings. It's ugly, but too much $ for poeple to be honest.

i_got_a_mohawk · #15 07-05-2010, 07:03 AM

Have to admit, I love the concept and the sheer endurance these guys have.

But I tend to find any racing based event dull to watch

spade2you · #16 07-05-2010, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Have to admit, I love the concept and the sheer endurance these guys have.

But I tend to find any racing based event dull to watch

Most races are only interesting for the last 20km. For the most part, you almost need to be an avid cyclist to "get it". I'd almost assume that most people who follow professional cycling are fairly avid cyclists.