2022 TdF -

[find_bruce]

I liked the final sprint, going all out at what looked like 6 km per hour, Thinking they were knackered at the end.
Couldn't have scripted a better last 30 km

You're not wrong - I am a bit crook so had gone to bed early, happened to wake up as they were starting the Col de Val Louron-Azet - cracking effort by Bjerg before McNulty inflicted much pain. To ride everyone but the top 2 off your wheel was a remarkable effort. Surely it's too much to think that they can put in that sort of effort again.

It was nice to see Caleb finish comfortably in the grupetto 10 minutes inside the cutoff. Glad I stayed up to see Fabio's effort to make it up that brutal pitch with just 15 seconds to spare. Bet he's not looking forward to tonight.

With no flat roads in the last 90km, Is Pog going to go early & attack on the Col d’Aubisque?

[davehirst]

Froomdud not froomdog, still i wish i could ride like such a dud.
Like valentino r, just going round for the money and the wisdom they can pass on

[foo on patrol]

Froomdud not froomdog, still i wish i could ride like such a dud.
Like valentino r, just going round for the money and the wisdom they can pass on

Many have hated on me for say that but I'm a realist when it comes to age and severe injuries when at the top level. He is still many levels above us mere plebs but his focus should be on the shorter events and being able to stay with his crew for passing on wisdom.

Foo

[am50em]

I am sure Froome will give your opinion due consideration.

[Mr Purple]

Top effort by McNulty.

Fun fact is that apparently the first and only American holder of the Yellow Jersey is still Greg Lemond.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/racing/th ... hievements

Turns out the four who held it since him have all since been disqualified.

[DavidS]

That last climb . . . brutal is the only word for it: 16%.

Great finish for the stage and being a shorter stage they were still going by the time they hit the last climb. Well designed stage.

DS

[MichaelB]

Damn, that was a close one for Jack Bauer !!

Still a nasty stack, but could have been MUCH worse !!

[davehirst]

Generally been waiting gcn, but watched some sbs tonight, and they interupt to show pictures of #tour cats, you are kidding, cats !!!

[warthog1]

How is everyone doing with the ads.
That Alianz one is my most annoying

[warthog1]

Well deserved win.

[Warnesy]

Yeah well done by JV. Very nice of him to wait when Pog came off.

[davehirst]

A fantastic stage, warmed my heart to see such sportsmanship.

[MichaelB]

Great stage and great sportsmanship.

Feel for Geshcke though

[am50em]

Gaudu looking good as is Thomas.
I think Van Aert is the most impressive all round rider of the Tour.

[MichaelB]

Damn, that was a close one for Jack Bauer !!

Still a nasty stack, but could have been MUCH worse !!

https://www.eurosport.com/cycling/tour- ... tory.shtml

Sheesh !!

[stevenaaus]

Yeah well done by JV. Very nice of him to wait when Pog came off.

Good insurance for the last two stages too. Pog will look absolutely awful if he doesn't return the favour if Jonas has a mechanical / fall.

WvA ripping up the climb start... !

[am50em]

Froome back again next year. And Vuelta this year. We will see.
https://www.eurosport.com/cycling/this- ... tory.shtml

[Cyclophiliac]

The usual Australian news blackout of one of the biggest and toughest sporting events in the world. Even the Guardian barely mentions it. I've been watching the highlights, and wishing I was back in the French Alps or Pyrenees, haven't been there since 2019 (for obvious reasons).

[AUbicycles]

In Europe you hear more... on the radio they provide some updates and also on the main news of the night (like ABC news) but it is still only basic. The heat created more attention.

No spoilers, I haven't watched as much as I wanted but it has been exciting and it is not over yet....

[Cyclophiliac]

In Europe you hear more... on the radio they provide some updates and also on the main news of the night (like ABC news) but it is still only basic. The heat created more attention.

No spoilers, I haven't watched as much as I wanted but it has been exciting and it is not over yet....

I have good memories of getting back to my cycling B&B from a day spent riding in the Pyrenees, and sitting back on the sofa watching the afternoon TdF live coverage. Now *that's* my ideal cycling day.

[davehirst]

I have been a wva fanboy ever since i watched him in a paris Roubaix quite a few years ago.
He had a mechanical, got back on and chased, had a crash got back on and chased, puncture got back on and chased.
He showed so much heart and courage, i was in awe.
Of course he ran out of legs, but his efforts were outstanding and it seems nothing has changed.
Heart like phar lap i reckon

[warthog1]

He is my favourite current rider too after watching a bit of this tour.
I don't generally watch a lot of cycle racing.
I find motorcycle racing far more interesting/exciting and watch that in preference.

This tour has had some great moments though

[foo on patrol]

And that's a wrap.

Foo

[MichaelB]

I'd have to rate that as one of the best TdF's in quite a while.

Great GC battles, some stellar stage wins, and not too many nasty stacks that ruled out some contenders.

Covid aside, there was also some great sportsmanship, a real ding-dong battle for the top step, and whilst LJV won 3 jerseys and 5 (?) stages, it wasn't the domination by trains in the mountains of some past years.

Loved it.

Mind you, some teams though went home very empty handed !

[AUbicycles]

Wout didn’t contend the final sprint… maybe he has racked up enough jerseys but though the team would have still kept up the pace.

Also Vinegaards lead also drops if they finish behind the pack. His jersey was not in danger but not sure about letting time slip off the margin is right. But photo ops and strong team effort I get.