Macca
Life Member
-
Joined
Everything posted by Macca
-
Seether with 'No Resolution'... Macca 9.4 [media=] -
The 'endgame'. Stage 18... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX Many elements may be decided but glory is still on offer.. "For days now, the focus has been on how the Pyrenees would influence the race for overall honours but stage 18 is different. Even the race leader Bradley Wiggins allowed his mind to wander in the closing kilometres of stage 17 because, finally, he dared let the thought that he was actually going to win the Tour de France enter his mind. Sky has effectively been on the front of the peloton most of the way for the 1,520km from La Planche des Belles Filles to the final summit finish of the 99th edition. The team of the GC leader has to take that responsibility and Wiggins and his colleagues won't be idle in the race from Blagnac to Brive-la-Gaillarde but they can allow themselves the luxury of a little bit of rest as their thoughts turn to the final time trial... and the journey to Paris as it seems that the title winner has indeed been decided. The final Friday of the 2012 Tour might have a few hills but the mountains are behind the peloton. The prize jerseys have all effectively been decided but there's still the glory of a stage win on offer. The profile begs for a sprint finish and tired legs will limit the number of candidates for an escape but 14 teams are still without a victory. This is a day for them to seize one of the few remaining chances that are on offer in this year's race..."
-
You've just got to wonder whether a 2 year ban is enough of a deterrent . There seems to be a flagrant disregard of the rules of fair play . I reckon a lot of people are getting tired of hearing about these cheats . For the sports sake , Lance hopefully will be found not guilty or absolved of all charges . If he's guilty , what happens then ? ... A tipping point could be reached where masses of people just stop watching . I know I'm watching with less interest and it's not because of Cadel's position . I'd like Nibali to make a break tonight but there's a possibility of some cynicism on my part if that happens (unfortunately) . As for the Sherpa's .
-
Quite a fascinating list . More than a couple of 'Notables' with high points too .
-
Seems academic now but there may be a twist . A bit of drama on the last of the climbing stages would be good . Nibali's last chance you'd reckon . The climb to 'Port de Bales' will commence sometime after 11pm . Stage 17... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX Loads of points up for grabs "Short (143.5 km) but tough! We designed a Pyrenean counterpart to the Alpine stage between Albertville and La Toussuire. But now that we are a mere three days from the finish, if the general classification has not been decided yet this will be the last chance for climbers to build a buffer. There will also be loads of points up for grabs for the mountains classification... The course offers no respite. The first climb is the Col de Menté, famous since 1971, which will be followed by the Col des Ares and the Port de Balès. This will be the first time that the finish is decided on the Plateau de Peyragudes, a ski resort in the Hautes-Pyrénées."
-
And who's to say it wouldn't be equally as popular ! You might then have to bring in drug 'limits' so as to ensure a level playing field . Then there would be the 'Limit' cheats - or if there aren't any limits we could have ...... 'Bodybuilders on Bikes' ! I can see it now . Then of course , we could 'Contrive' it like on those mindless reality shows . 'Evil' Alberto could be a star attraction. I like the idea of amateur sport staging a revival though . The 'Idea' of amateur sport in an event like 'Le Tour' is perhaps antiquated and from a bygone era but for the purists (and there are many) it might be a godsend . Ya see , the evils of the almighty dollar ....................ah , forget it , just keep bustin' 'em and give 'em tougher penalties !
-
Frank reckons he's been 'Poisoned' . I thought I'd heard every 'Reason' for testing positive over the years but this is a new one . From the 'Steroids in the steak' to the 'Mum's slimming tablet' . What's next ? I sometimes think these drug cheats have got the 'Excuse' thought up before they do the deed . One famous track star tested 100 times over the limit for Nandrolone and continues to deny any drug taking to this day . Anyway , 'Le Tour' goes on regardless . And so it should .
-
As you can see , the cyclists will spend most of their time climbing tonight . The first climb will start sometime after 8.10pm and the last climb will be after midnight (12.15 - 12.30am) Stage 16... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX Mastery of all aspects of cycling "Pau, a stronghold? Pau, a strategic place? On today's menu, a 197 km classic succession of great Pyrenean cols: the Aubisque, Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin and Peyresourde. As Christian Prudhomme said, a mere four days from the finish, this stage will turn the thumbscrews on the peloton! Moreover, such a course is exactly my idea of a true mountain stage: not with a summit finish, which tends to lock up the race a bit, but an up-and-down course which calls for a mastery of all aspects of cycling. Two years ago, Andy Schleck vacillated somewhat on the descents..."
-
Rest day tomorrow before some big climbs on Wednesday and Thursday . Stage 15... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX A strategic place "A tip of the hat to provincial France, the France of the Tour. Our caravan will set off from Samatan, a large town with 2,200 inhabitants which is the main town of the Gers canton. It will probably be a calm start, as the stage is not particularly tough. A sprint finish would be the logical outcome, and I actually hope it happens, because pure sprinters will not get many chances to shine in this Tour. The finish in Pau will be beautiful, like always. This is the 64th time that the Tour visits this city, which is almost a record. Let us pay homage to this city, which we see as a stronghold and a strategic place."
-
It's tricky getting the times right though JJ . It's at best a semi-intelligent guess ! I just know there's many like me who just love those big climbs . Wednesday and Thursday's stages present some more big climbs (I think) I haven't given up on Cadel , mainly because he isn't going to give up on us . He's a champion .
-
The Pyreness . The 1st big climb to the 'Port de Lers' will commence soon after 10.40pm , whilst the 2nd big climb to the 'Mur de Peguere' will happen sometime after 11.40pm . Stage 14 ... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX An appetiser "We have reached the Pyrenees! But this is more of an appetiser than a mountain stage proper. Things will get going at kilometre 116 with the ascent to the Port de Lers, with 11.4 km at 7%. Then comes the Mur de Péguère, which is making its Tour debut and could deal some serious damage too: some sections are close to an 18% gradient, with 10.8% at the finish! Nevertheless, the distance to Foix will make great climbers hesitate. In my opinion, this is more of a stage for all-rounders such Voeckler and Chavanel. Or maybe a 50 man strong group with the freshest riders in it...
-
-
My favourite memory of Brett Lee was the Boxing day Test at the G in 1999 . It was Lee vs Tendulkar (plus various other duels) . Brett took a 5er and Sachin got a ton in India's 1st innings . Lee was seriously quick in that Test .
-
Another picture-postcard stage where 'Le Tour' hits the Mediterranean later in the night . Stage 13 ... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX Not a piece of cake "Another long stage. This one stretches 217 km from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux to Cap d'Agde, where the bunch will embrace the Mediterranean. A treasure trove of beautiful TV pictures... and the prospect of a sprint finish, at least among those fast men who have managed not to lose contact on the climb up the Mont-Saint-Clair, 23 kilometres from the finish. In other words, the stage is not a piece of cake and the race could go crazy. Moreover, the wind is always a menace near the Mediterranean, and we already saw what it can do when the Tour visited La Grande Motte in 2009..."
-
Here's the story ... http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/bradley-wiggins/9399306/Tour-de-France-2012-Bradley-Wiggins-burnt-by-flare-as-rowdy-spectators-mar-the-closing-stages.html
-
Latest hit from Jack White Macca 9.2 [media=]
-
Bewdy ! Good pick up . Corrected original post .
-
Early start for 'Le Tour' today . In fact , they've started the 1st climb as I'm posting this . SBS coverage starts at 10pm (as usual) but you can watch it live at SBS online . They've gotta be a bit weary after yesterday's stage ! Stage 12 ... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX Many will get fidgety "Yet another strategic stage, one which could tip the balance in the points classification on its own. Why? Because we have adorned the first part of this long stage (226 km) with the Col de Grand Cucheron and the Col du Granier. The latter will be climbed on its most difficult side. A high pace will knock out the sprinters, favouring riders who are fast and capable of hanging onto the bunch on climbs. We will insist that time limits be applied strictly, so I bet many riders will get fidgety, and some of them will not forget the finish in Annonay any time soon..."
-
Ta mate . Yeah that profile looks damn tough tonight ! Who knows what's going to happen ? 'Spose the beauty of it is we don't know what Cadel or Bradley are thinking . Froome is the red herring in all of this . Just how good is he ? Evans could continue to bide his time but you'd reckon that the BMC team will have at least one prolonged attack in them . Hope SBS show the conclusion of the 1st climb . Should be done by 10.20pm (ish) . I like Gabriel's dish of the day but happy to miss one night ! As an aside , I really like Wiggins anti drugs stance . It's great to see a top sportsperson speaking out in such a way .
-
The 40 minute 1st climb to the 'Col de la Madelaine' will commence sometime after 9.40pm . The 40 minute 2nd climb to the 'Col de la Croix de Far will commence sometime after 11.10pm and the 30 minute final climb to 'La Toussuire' starts sometime after 12.40am . Must viewing tonight . THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX A tough one "One of the shortest stages in the 99thedition. But riders beware, it is a tough one! The course is simple: after the first thirteen kilometres from Albertville, the peloton will be hard pressed to find a single inch of flat terrain! The cyclists will tackle La Madeleine, La Croix de Fer and Le Mollard one after the other before the final climb up La Toussuire. Let me tell you, the final podium will start to take shape on the finish line here! Those who falter in this stage will get no second chances. The winner will not be known yet, but the losers certainly will."
-
The climb to the 'Col du Grand Colombier' should start sometime after 11.30pm tonight . Stage 10 ... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX Break away and come together "Back to the mountains. On paper, the Grand Colombier is a monster. In my opinion, it is the toughest mountain in France, with sections at 12%. Nevertheless, its location 43 km from the finish changes the story altogether. Rather than a single devastating attack, I see a group of five or six strong riders break away and then come together before the finish. This is a classical but always exciting scenario, especially if one of the big names is missing from the breakaway. Look out just before the riders reach Bellegarde-sur-Valserine: we found a small bump which could very well make things easier for the finish line judge..."
-
It's never over till it's over . A lot can happen in the next 2 weeks , a crash , an injury , 'Hitting the wall on a grueling climb' . I wouldn't wish any of the first 2 things on Wiggins - that wouldn't be right . But those big climbs are a different story . Wiggins and his team have laid down the gauntlet and do look very strong but ... Cadel ain't gonna give up . He's largely had to do things on his own before so that bit isn't a problem . The next 2 stages will tell a story - some big climbs .
-
Time trial tonight . Wiggins is away at 12.39am . Evans shortly beforehand . Just a heads up - Rest day tomorrow but the stage's on Wednesday and Thursday have some big big climbs . Stage 9... THE VIEW OF JEAN-FRANCOIS PESCHEUX A clearer picture "How shall I put it? A crucial stage riddled with heritage sites and tourist landmarks. I mention heritage and tourism because it starts from the Royal Salt Works, which date from the time of Louis XV. The stunning pictures will be broadcast in 190 different countries. And I say it is a crucial stage because, after ten days of racing, the time trial will give us a much clearer picture of the state of affairs. The beautiful course is similar to the stage around the Lac de Vassivière a few years ago. We chucked in a climb which will no doubt sap cyclists' legs. We chose this terrain to make it easier for strong riders to prevail."
-
Ha ha ! Roger just far too good . He's just an absolute class act . Long may his career continue . Be interesting to see where Andy's career goes to now . He needs a slam and I hope he breaks through sometime soon . I like the idea of a 'Big 4' .
-
One set all . We could be in for a long night !
