[ire]

wow, what a boring stage. I like Zabriskie's comment

Sure, the finishes are always dangerous. Not just at the Giro. It's the riders who make the race dangerous.

 

[sanjuro]

When it comes to Euro cycling super-powers, looks likes Lance comes from the Dick Cheney school of diplomacy:

Giro d'Italia race director Angelo Zomegnan expressed his anger at "older riders" for leading the rider protest which eventually neutralized the ninth stage in Milan. The Italian dismissed claims made by several riders that the course was too dangerous, and speculated that the true reason for the revolt was that certain older riders lacked the power to handle the course's many turns.

"This circuit required explosive bursts. It required riders to get their butts up off the seats of their bikes, and some riders who are not so young anymore apparently don't feel like doing that," Zomegnan told the Associated Press. "Instead, it seems like their legs have become shorter and their tongues longer."

When asked if he was referring to Lance Armstrong, Zomegnan refused to specifically name the rider who the race had invested so heavily in attracting as the culprit. "I never name people who have disappointed me, just like I don't name girlfriends that have snubbed me."

Several riders acknowledged that the American was behind the move and many agreed with his reasoning. But Katusha's Filippo Pozzato thought the decision to raise objections mid-stage led to chaos.

 

[golgiaparatus]

Of course the big rumor is this was an F-you to Kazakh because Brunyeel has new sponsors lined up to create a new team. The bigger shocker is that they may not invite Contador to the party.

Let's see whose involved that could sponsor a team... Trek, Livestrong, Sram, HED, Nike, just to name a few big names associated with Lance alone.

As for Contador... I think he's kind of a dousche, could care less about wether he's invited or not.

 

[Westy]

Let's see whose involved that could sponsor a team... Trek, Livestrong, Sram, HED, Nike, just to name a few big names associated with Lance alone.

As for Contador... I think he's kind of a dousche, could care less about wether he's invited or not.

You certainly don't want to have more than one douche on a team, especially when one of them is king douche.

 

[golgiaparatus]

You certainly don't want to have more than one douche on a team, especially when one of them is king douche.

Well I certainly see your point... I guess, if I have to choose, I'll pick American vinegar.

 

[Westy]

Tomorrows TT will be interesting, will be some huge time gaps. I expext to see some interesting gear choices too.

 

[ire]

Tomorrows TT will be interesting, will be some huge time gaps. I expext to see some interesting gear choices too.

Menchov said he is riding his normal road bike..I will be up at 5:30 streaming the video

 

[Cant Climb]

Pretty impressed with Lance's collarbone so far.....

 

[Heidi]

Horner is out

 

[James]

Good stage, good to see M****** take it, I was rooting for him last year. Of course, last year he was riding a product I worked with, this year I just want to see him do well.

 

[Cant Climb]

Good stage, good to see M****** take it, I was rooting for him last year. Of course, last year he was riding a product I worked with, this year I just want to see him do well.

Good one by Menchov....he still has plenty of time to choke though.

 

[ire]

Good stage, good to see M****** take it, I was rooting for him last year. Of course, last year he was riding a product I worked with, this year I just want to see him do well.

I predict a lot of Vodka will be consumed by Russian cycling fans...hopefully not so much by Menchov

 

[James]

Updated James' Dream Podium
Menchov
Basso
CVV (magically back!)

12th: Levi

I'd like to see Menchov take it to the line this year. He looked so strong last year, and that terrible slip/fall when he was trying to get a gap on that climb kind of popped his balloon.

 

[ire]

Damn, Cavendish is killing it! 13 turned out to be lucky for him!

 

[ellbiddy]

Killer stage today, all those attacks on the final climb made for some entertainment

 

[sanjuro]

On a day when the thermometer soared to 100 degrees, Armstrong was riding with the race favorites up the final climb of the 16th stage of the Giro d'Italia on Monday when he realized that fellow Astana rider Levi Leipheimer had dropped behind.

Armstrong looked over his shoulder to see where his teammate was and slowed to escort Leipheimer to the finish.

Once again...

 

[ire]

I was hoping Sastre and Basso would put time into Menchov/Di Luca today. I don't think anyone is going to be able to challenge Menchov, he put on a great display of power today

 

[James]

I was hoping Sastre and Basso would put time into Menchov/Di Luca today. I don't think anyone is going to be able to challenge Menchov, he put on a great display of power today

It was great, this is the Giro he wanted to ride last year. I LOVED that sprint to the line to take 2nd place, and the time bonus over Di Luca. Take that killer!

Also, did anyone see glimpses of the Lance of old on that climb? Yeah he eventually got dropped/waited for Levi (I'm not sure which, probably a bit of both), but he was out of the saddle with that familiar kick I'm used to seeing. And he kind of ditched out on Levi in his time of need. I think the Tour this year just got a bit more interesting, I think if he thinks he has a chance then he's going to go for it. I wonder if the implosion of Astana will mean Contador will go elsewhere?

Who could take him at this point in the season, as it's quite obvious that the new team would be a Bruyneel/Lance thing, with Lance as the leader. Any guesses? Caisse d'Epargne maybe, as I've heard rumors of Valverde getting the boot if this doping case goes any further. He already can't race the Tour, and it is a Spanish team, adding a great Spanish rider must be interesting to them...

 

[ire]

I think the Tour this year just got a bit more interesting, I think if he thinks he has a chance then he's going to go for it. ?
...
Who could take him at this point in the season, as it's quite obvious that the new team would be a Bruyneel/Lance thing, with Lance as the leader. Any guesses? Caisse d'Epargne maybe, as I've heard rumors of Valverde getting the boot if this doping case goes any further. He already can't race the Tour, and it is a Spanish team, adding a great Spanish rider must be interesting to them...

Lance did look yesterday, still lacking the full punch but he is looking better day by day. As for Contador, I'm just going to throw it out there: Rock Racing :biggrin:

 

[Westy]

I didn't think it was a big secret that Contador has been talking to CasaDePorn.

 

[ire]

I didn't think it was a big secret that Contador has been talking to CasaDePorn.

Really? Do you have a source? I hadn't heard about it (not that I'm in know)

 

[Westy]

Really? Do you have a source? I hadn't heard about it (not that I'm in know)

Well it has all been rumours but from several sources.

http://community.active.com/blogs/BruceHildenbrand/2009/05/13/armstrong-and-bruyneel-to-form-new-professional-cycling-team

 

[ire]

Well it has all been rumours but from several sources.

http://community.active.com/blogs/BruceHildenbrand/2009/05/13/armstrong-and-bruyneel-to-form-new-professional-cycling-team

Wow, thanks for the link. I think it would be better to have Armstrong and Contador on different teams...then we will have a real show down of champions! There will be 4 Tour winners racing against each other...it should be a good race

 

[golgiaparatus]

Also, did anyone see glimpses of the Lance of old on that climb? Yeah he eventually got dropped/waited for Levi (I'm not sure which, probably a bit of both), but he was out of the saddle with that familiar kick I'm used to seeing.

Well it's obvious that he's starting to feel more confident in his ability to climb. Saw that spark for just a sec today when he first started to bridge to Pelezotti. Quickly faded, but it's there. Curious to see how he progresses come Friday. Every mountain stage he seems to be better. I bet he attacks more on Friday.

 

[James]

Well it's obvious that he's starting to feel more confident in his ability to climb. Saw that spark for just a sec today when he first started to bridge to Pelezotti. Quickly faded, but it's there. Curious to see how he progresses come Friday. Every mountain stage he seems to be better. I bet he attacks more on Friday.

I think he's just testing the legs, shaking off any bit of rust that may be left on there. July will be rad.

 

[OGRipper]

I'm giving Armstrong the nod to win the final time trial. He's been steadily improving and with Levi pretty much out of the GC fight, he'll be able to conserve a bit between now and then. It won't be easy, that's for sure, but I wouldn't bet against him.

 

[CBJ]

I think he's just testing the legs, shaking off any bit of rust that may be left on there. July will be rad.

Like him or not if he can do it again or even put in a good fight it will be rad.

 

[James]

I'm giving Armstrong the nod to win the final time trial. He's been steadily improving and with Levi pretty much out of the GC fight, he'll be able to conserve a bit between now and then. It won't be easy, that's for sure, but I wouldn't bet against him.

That's a good point. Plus, who is really left who is a great time trialist? Levi? Dave Z hasn't been anywhere yet, Millar either, Spartacus dropped out...

 

[ire]

I bet he attacks more on Friday.

Armstrong will win the Tour of Italy on Friday....you heard it here first

 

[-dustin]

I can't find any mention of it, but did anyone else notice that Menchov appeared to have a little mechanical issue ~200m from the end of the stage today (Wed)?

 

[sanjuro]

Armstrong will win the Tour of Italy on Friday....you heard it here first

Because he is going to kick ass on the last mountain stage or because his rivals will be booted out?

 

[ire]

Because he is going to kick ass on the last mountain stage or because his rivals will be booted out?

He will magically fly up the mountain while all of his rival pop

 

[James]

I can't find any mention of it, but did anyone else notice that Menchov appeared to have a little mechanical issue ~200m from the end of the stage today (Wed)?

I think I read that he was in too big of a gear to jump, and also completely at the limit.

 

[Leethal]

It will be really interesting to see what plays out with Astana and if a new team minus Contador emerges, would the team even be eligible for the tour?

 

[ire]

It will be really interesting to see what plays out with Astana and if a new team minus Contador emerges, would the team even be eligible for the tour?

Eligibility isn't determined by a single rider...they are a pro tour team and have shown that they have resolved their issues with doping (mostly)

 

[Westy]

Anyone who was discounting Sastre's win at Le Tour last year may be rethinking things.

 

[James]

Eligibility isn't determined by a single rider...they are a pro tour team and have shown that they have resolved their issues with doping (mostly)

ProTour status doesn't matter for the Tour, they kind of just do what they want. I'm sure they would make sure that Lance's team was there, it's too good for publicity.
And I'm sure that Bert would end up on a team with an invite...

 

[ire]

ProTour status doesn't matter for the Tour, they kind of just do what they want. I'm sure they would make sure that Lance's team was there, it's too good for publicity.
And I'm sure that Bert would end up on a team with an invite...

Well aren't you mister know it all Sastre kicks a**, I like him because he always looks like he trying his hardest....the guy gives 110%

 

[James]

Well aren't you mister know it all Sastre kicks a**, I like him because he always looks like he trying his hardest....the guy gives 110%

Why yes, yes I am.


It looks like someone said "cheese!" right before that picture was taken...all it needs is Horner grinning away.

 

[OGRipper]

Yeah I like Sastre too. In a peloton full of arrogant pricks he just quietly goes about his job, waiting for the right moment and then riding everyone off his wheel. A true pro.