Stage 15 is where the heat gets turned up on the riders. The hills become alive with the whir of the cassette and the riders start to feel lactic acid build up in their legs.
Little climbers will go skyward and sprinters will abandon the tour. In fact, I'll check with race radio in a second to see if there really are 157 riders left in the Tour at the start of this stage.
Also, even with six stages left after today, the riders get one more rest day tomorrow and then it's north toward Paris.
If you've been slouching and not paying attention, the only think you've missed so far are two doping scandals, one team abandoning the race (an entire team), a rider from the UK winning FOUR stages and Australian Cadel Evans solidifying his hold on the overall lead.
This will be dual posted at JeffCutler.com and at TDF08.com. But if you're rabid for racing news, come on over to TDF08.com for regular stage updates.
As always, no spoilers until after 9PM EST.
Showing posts with label climbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label climbs. Show all posts
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
SPOILER - The Second Climb - Oh, boy!
Here are how the top eight riders came over the top of the col d’Aspin
1. Riccardo Ricco (SDV) 30pts
2. Sebastian Lang (GST) 26pts - at 35"
3. Bernard Kohl (GST) 22pts - at 1’15"
4. David De La Fuente (SDV) 18
5. Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ) 16pts
6. Oscar Pereiro (GCE) 14pts
7. Denis Menchov (RAB) 12pts
8. Luis Sanchez (GCE) 10pts
That's right. Ricco caught Lang and rocketed past him. Denis Menchov is in 7th and Oscar Pereiro was in 6th.
I'll let you know if people were blown off the back of the peloton in a second. More to watch and read. Back shortly.
1. Riccardo Ricco (SDV) 30pts
2. Sebastian Lang (GST) 26pts - at 35"
3. Bernard Kohl (GST) 22pts - at 1’15"
4. David De La Fuente (SDV) 18
5. Vincenzo Nibali (LIQ) 16pts
6. Oscar Pereiro (GCE) 14pts
7. Denis Menchov (RAB) 12pts
8. Luis Sanchez (GCE) 10pts
That's right. Ricco caught Lang and rocketed past him. Denis Menchov is in 7th and Oscar Pereiro was in 6th.
I'll let you know if people were blown off the back of the peloton in a second. More to watch and read. Back shortly.
SPOILER - 153KM into Stage 9 - Riders Dropped
At 153KM, the first of two category 1 climbs begins. The mountain - the col de Peyresourde - has been part of the Tour de France 59 times before.
The climb has an average gradient of 7.1% and goes for 13KM.
During today's ascent of the Peyresourde, some notables have been dropped including Eisel, Mark Cavendish and Robbie Mc Ewen.
Which is a bummer because I left Eisel in for my fantasy squad today. Blast!
More shortly.
The climb has an average gradient of 7.1% and goes for 13KM.
During today's ascent of the Peyresourde, some notables have been dropped including Eisel, Mark Cavendish and Robbie Mc Ewen.
Which is a bummer because I left Eisel in for my fantasy squad today. Blast!
More shortly.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Heinous climbs ahead
The peloton is approaching the first category 2 climb.
Climbs can be one of SIX levels. 5 is the easiest and they get more difficult all the way up to 1. THEN HC or beyond category is the most difficult.
I'm going to have to go silent for a little bit because I fear the peloton and the entire race will get ripped apart by the next two climbs and I don't want to spoil your enjoyment of the race.
Back in a bit OR look for the final wrap up around 9PM EST.
**Right now - before the climb - there are 24 riders at about 30 seconds ahead of the main peloton.**
Climbs can be one of SIX levels. 5 is the easiest and they get more difficult all the way up to 1. THEN HC or beyond category is the most difficult.
I'm going to have to go silent for a little bit because I fear the peloton and the entire race will get ripped apart by the next two climbs and I don't want to spoil your enjoyment of the race.
Back in a bit OR look for the final wrap up around 9PM EST.
**Right now - before the climb - there are 24 riders at about 30 seconds ahead of the main peloton.**
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