CYCLING

[Cards13 9,117]

Froome to win the Tour by a record margin? No one can come close to him/sky.

[Macca 17,032]

Froome to win the Tour by a record margin? No one can come close to him/sky.

Yep, it was an ominous performance. Porte was great as well. We may well have an Aussie in the top 3 after all. Cadel has fallen about 4 and a half minutes behind and it didn't look like his team were much help.

But full marks to Chris Froome - he just blew the field away. Long way to go but Froome and his team are in the box seat now.

[Macca 17,032]

Here's a 10 minute audio podcast covering last night's stage ... Froome stakes his claim

And for a comprehensive summary of stage 8 ... Boom: Froome blows the race to pieces!

At the finish of stage eight in Ax-3-Domaines, it would seem that there was only one man who can win the title at the 100th edition of the Tour de France.

Not only did its leader win the stage, but the super-domestique Richie Porte came second and the pair are in first and second place overall at the end of the first day in the mountains.

But this was a day when the favourites absolutely dominated and all others faltered... or at least were made to look as though they had. It was domination by one team and survival by the rest.

[Macca 17,032]

Stage 9 ... live coverage from the official site

Jean Francois Pescheux's view ... Still in the mountains but a different race entirely...

The profile for the second Pyrenean stage is up, down, up, down... over and over and over again. There are five cols and, according to some who have ridden them, they get nastier the closer the peloton gets to Bagnère-de-Bigorre.

The descents will also test the nerve of everyone: the racers as well as the viewers who are likely to be on the edge of their seats while the watching what is bound to be a rollercoaster ride through the beautiful southern mountain range.

Map of the course and preview

Profile ...

[Macca 17,032]

Audio podcast from last night's stage (10 mins)

Comprehensive summary ... Dan Martin victorious on a day Froome is isolated...

Chris Froome found himself under attack from the Movistar and Saxo-Tinkoff teams who relished the fact that the race leader was isolated without help from his right-hand man, Richie Porte. It demonstrated that Froome will not have the same sort of support that Sir Bradley Wiggins enjoyed in his winning campaign at the Tour in 2012.

Chris Froome held his nerve, marked his rivals, and finished the stage in 14th place. He was forced to fend for himself and it reminds us that anything can happen in a race like the Tour de France.

[Cards13 9,117]

ANother interesting stage Macca, the Sky train struggled mightily. Froome didn't. He was again awesome. Just kept on the wheels he needed to while they dropped everyone else. Monitored who he needed to without killing himself and no one had the gas to really explode to see if they could break him down. Still his to lose. Sky losing a rider is intriguing too.

Cadel dropped but came back to hang on but he just doesn't seem to have any gas to provide his own break on a mountain. The desiel engine is running but the power looks to have dropped off for him.

[jazza 1,323]

do they still have alps?

will this be the deciding place

fell asleep last night at midnight, preparing for ashes

[Macca 17,032]

ANother interesting stage Macca, the Sky train struggled mightily. Froome didn't. He was again awesome. Just kept on the wheels he needed to while they dropped everyone else. Monitored who he needed to without killing himself and no one had the gas to really explode to see if they could break him down. Still his to lose. Sky losing a rider is intriguing too.

Cadel dropped but came back to hang on but he just doesn't seem to have any gas to provide his own break on a mountain. The desiel engine is running but the power looks to have dropped off for him.

Yeah, there were a few interesting and somewhat surprising developments. Just goes to show that it's all too easy to assume anything in this race. Biggest surprise was the lack of support that Froome got (this early) Given that there are still some tortuous stages to come, it ain't over yet. As you said, it's still his to lose but he's going to need help.

I can't help thinking about those last 3 stages (before the final stage) The 2nd or 3rd of those stages could be chaotic and it's my guess they will be.

Cadel did ok last night and he's always been one to bide his time. Whether he's got a 'big stage' in him or not remains to be seen. You never write off a champion. The next mountain stage isn't until next Sunday before we get to the 'triple header' in the Alps (Thurs/Fri/Sat - weekend after next)

The other surprise was Richie Porte. What springs to mind is that he was designated to help break up the field on the previous days stage. Left him without any petrol tickets but maybe the jobs done. There's little doubt that Porte will again be used prominently in the 'Alps' to help Froome.

Rest day today. Time to catch up on some sleep!

[Cards13 9,117]

do they still have alps?

will this be the deciding place

fell asleep last night at midnight, preparing for ashes

Yea mate see Macca comments above. 3 massive days in a row in the Alps will test all. Will be so interesting to see day 2 and 3 of that and who has gas in the tank.

[Macca 17,032]

Stage 10 ...

Jean Francois Pescheux's view ... Gentlemen: re-start your engines...

The antics of the GC riders that were on display in stages eight and nine – daring attacks and bold challenges on testing terrain – will seem like an eternity ago by the end of stage 10 for the cheers are likely to be loudest for the sprinters.

Map of the course, video and preview

[Cards13 9,117]

Back to the flat for the rest of the week. Ho hum.... kidding. Looking forward to a few sprint finishes, see if the Manx can take it to another level again now he has had a rest day.

[Macca 17,032]

Back to the flat for the rest of the week. Ho hum.... kidding. Looking forward to a few sprint finishes, see if the Manx can take it to another level again now he has had a rest day.

Was thinking today about the Sky team and the fact that they didn't have one rider who could go with Froome on Sunday. There were 5 difficult climbs and Froome was on his own sometime on the 1st climb.

Maybe this is further evidence that the sport has been largely cleaned up. You couldn't blame anyone for losing a bit of interest in the cycling tours after the whole Armstrong affair but even he admitted (if you can believe him) that since the blood passports have become part of the sport, it's very difficult to cheat anymore.

If we see a repeat of more riders 'blowing up' on the mountain stages, then maybe that's a further indication that the cyclists aren't getting any 'help' (so to speak)

We got so used to that U.S Postal team just marching up one mountain after another in a decent sized group. Day after day. Didn't most of them get done in the end?

[Macca 17,032]

Kittel wins his 2nd stage (audio podcast)

Comprehensive summary ... Kittel ahead of Greipel in sprint finish.

One of Marcel Kittel's lead-out men, Tom Veelers, looked right, then left to see where his sprinter was and he bumped shoulders with Mark Cavendish and thumped onto the tarmac. That took the wind out of the sails of the British champion just as he was poised to start his sprint; he ultimately trailed two Germans to the line... Kittel and André Greipel were mixed up in a drag race

[H_T 3,049]

Enjoy the posting again on Le Tour in this thread, great work Macca on the Climbs.

Agree with your recent posts re: cleaning up of the cheats. Evans remarked it was bizarre the lack of support for Froome in the climbs. Evans might be buoyed by this if it continues on upcoming climbs. There may be a chance to catch up time somewhat.

It will be fascinating either way what unfolds.

[Macca 17,032]

Stage 11 ... live coverage from the official site (time trial tonight)

Jean Francois Pescheux's view ... Tony Martin's date with Mont-Saint-Michel...

Tony Martin may have crashed on day one but he admitted that his wounds are healing, that he could finally sleep on his bike without pain from the road race sustained near Bastia on day one, and that his confidence is high. This appraisal of form by the time trial world champion adds up to one conclusion: everyone else is likely to be racing for second place...

Map of the course, video and preview ...

There's little doubt this will be one of the most stunning stages of the race, assuming the weather cooperates. The riders will almost be able to see their final destination as they head off down the start ramp. Over to the west lies the tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel with its monastery and abbey.

[Cards13 9,117]

Was thinking today about the Sky team and the fact that they didn't have one rider who could go with Froome on Sunday. There were 5 difficult climbs and Froome was on his own sometime on the 1st climb.

Maybe this is further evidence that the sport has been largely cleaned up. You couldn't blame anyone for losing a bit of interest in the cycling tours after the whole Armstrong affair but even he admitted (if you can believe him) that since the blood passports have become part of the sport, it's very difficult to cheat anymore.

If we see a repeat of more riders 'blowing up' on the mountain stages, then maybe that's a further indication that the cyclists aren't getting any 'help' (so to speak)

We got so used to that U.S Postal team just marching up one mountain after another in a decent sized group. Day after day. Didn't most of them get done in the end?

Yup good to see, in the past as you said it was the top guys from the GC and Postal/Discovery at the front before Liar took over. Now it looks like it is a pot luck in a sense. Also you notice there is less of that explosive ability to ride away from the pack on the climbs. They are able to grind but not day after day of explosive ride always.

Individual TT tonight, come on Cadel!!! Big one tonight brother!!

[Cards13 9,117]

Well that was 1 way traffic for the GC.... Froome adds more time to his lead, 3.25 to his nearest rival. He looks super strong and would be very very very tough to beat from here on out. In fact I think it will take a crash or major issue for him to not win it as I think he is stronger than Valverde, Mollema and Contador.

Cadel, well all you can say is great career good sir, you are a champion and love the way you keep fighting. Keep punching towards Paris and see if you can snatch a stage.

[Macca 17,032]

Well that was 1 way traffic for the GC.... Froome adds more time to his lead, 3.25 to his nearest rival. He looks super strong and would be very very very tough to beat from here on out. In fact I think it will take a crash or major issue for him to not win it as I think he is stronger than Valverde, Mollema and Contador.

Cadel, well all you can say is great career good sir, you are a champion and love the way you keep fighting. Keep punching towards Paris and see if you can [censored] a stage.

I tend to agree Cards, although if Froome is isolated on stage 19 or stage 20 (or both) then it could get very interesting. It's his to lose and in previous years the margin he has now would be hard to bridge. If he does crack he could lose a lot of time on any of the 4 remaining mountain stages. I'm not quite prepared to call him over the line just yet. Want to see what his team does to support him in those tough remaining stages.

Anyway ... Stage 12 ... live coverage from the official site

Jean Francois Pescheux's view ... Cavendish's time for some revenge...?

Before the 100th Tour de France, the most prolific stage winner of his generation, Mark Cavendish declared that there were seven sprint stages on the route of the 2013 edition. So far there have been six days where a bunch of riders have contested the finale and ‘Cav' has won but one.

Map of the course, video and preview

[Cards13 9,117]

I tend to agree Cards, although if Froome is isolated on stage 19 or stage 20 (or both) then it could get very interesting. It's his to lose and in previous years the margin he has now would be hard to bridge. If he does crack he could lose a lot of time on any of the 4 remaining mountain stages. I'm not quite prepared to call him over the line just yet. Want to see what his team does to support him in those tough remaining stages.

Anyway ... Stage 12 ... live coverage from the official site

Jean Francois Pescheux's view ... Cavendish's time for some revenge...?

Map of the course, video and preview

Hmmmmm he just looks a class above this year. Agree things may change and this year you can see the riders are not able to just keep going, ie not on the gear.

I think they may need to look at reducing the length of it going fwd if they are tight on the drugs.

[Macca 17,032]

Hmmmmm he just looks a class above this year. Agree things may change and this year you can see the riders are not able to just keep going, ie not on the gear.

I think they may need to look at reducing the length of it going fwd if they are tight on the drugs.

I guess I'm holding out hope that there's a few twists in the tail. Can't remember the last time the tour had 3 finishing days that are as tough as this year's. (before the final stage)

It's almost like the first 17 stages are like the 'home and away' season then there's 3 tough finals awaiting! The other factor is that if the tour is really clean, the ability of the riders to back up is that much harder (in theory)

Last Sunday's stage was a fair bit different to what we've seen in the past (in terms of Sky protecting Froome and the yellow jersey)

Of course, Froome could just waltz away with the whole thing without much threat

[Macca 17,032]

Stage 13 ... live coverage from the official site

Jean Francois Pescheux's view ... After Kittel's triple: will the shock of the new continue?

Marcel Kittel has arrived ... The winner of stage one backed up his effort in Bastia by beating a surprised André Greipel in St-Malo; and the Argos-Shimano speedster did the same again in Tours against Cavendish.

If anything the 100th Tour has an added element of suspense again... ‘Cav' no longer wins on a whim. He has a rival who is showing no sign of slowing down.

Map of the course, video and preview

[Cards13 9,117]

I guess I'm holding out hope that there's a few twists in the tail. Can't remember the last time the tour had 3 finishing days that are as tough as this year's. (before the final stage)

It's almost like the first 17 stages are like the 'home and away' season then there's 3 tough finals awaiting! The other factor is that if the tour is really clean, the ability of the riders to back up is that much harder (in theory)

Last Sunday's stage was a fair bit different to what we've seen in the past (in terms of Sky protecting Froome and the yellow jersey)

Of course, Froome could just waltz away with the whole thing without much threat

True true Mac, would it to come down to the last mountain stage and someone have to pull out something special to get up and it is the Tour so anything could happen.... Bring on Sunday night!!!

[Macca 17,032]

Froome loses over 1 minute to his rivals in the GC! (12 minute audio podcast)

Comprehensive summary ... Cavendish's 25th win after epic GC bout

Yes, Mark Cavendish won. Of course he did. But this was far from a standard sprint stage. It was a huge bout by the GC rivals.

This was a day when a sprinter won, but many of the GC specialists lost. Froome keeps his overall lead but it was anything but an easy task. He is now 2'28» ahead of second, Bauke Mollema with Alberto Contador edging closer to the overall lead, just 2'45» behind the Sky team's leader.

Sunday should be a cracking stage but tonight could spring a few surprises as well. It's another one of those up and down routes and we could expect a few attacks. It's rare to see the yellow jersey lose over a minute on a flat route at this stage of the tour. Froome is definitely vulnerable and it's far from over just yet.

I'll post the previews, course map and preview video later on, but here is tonight's profile ...

[Jack Jack 415]

Nice work Macca.

Last night was an incredible stage. The crosswinds causing havoc in what seemingly looked like a pretty tame day.

Valverde the big loser of the day, after puncturing a tyre he lost time on the peleton, got back to within 10-20 seconds, but eventually lost nearly 10 minutes.

The Sky team blowing up and Contador making up some time certainly makes the race more interesting. Froome doesn't look so invincible.

[Macca 17,032]

True true Mac, would it to come down to the last mountain stage and someone have to pull out something special to get up and it is the Tour so anything could happen.... Bring on Sunday night!!!

Nice work Macca.

Last night was an incredible stage. The crosswinds causing havoc in what seemingly looked like a pretty tame day.

Valverde the big loser of the day, after puncturing a tyre he lost time on the peleton, got back to within 10-20 seconds, but eventually lost nearly 10 minutes.

The Sky team blowing up and Contador making up some time certainly makes the race more interesting. Froome doesn't look so invincible.

Agreed. Sunday night will tell a tale but so could tonight's. The Sky team aren't the team from last year ... and that's a bit of a surprise because pre race, they were being talked up quite a bit.