Something's missing from the TdF...
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beads1985 posted 8 weeks ago.
I agree it doesn't seem to have the excitement of years past.
I think some of it has to do with the past few years of scandals and no apparent contender from the USA.
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
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UFTriGator posted 8 weeks ago.
What are you guys talking about? The opening week is usually pretty dull. However, the first three stages have all been exciting finishes so far.
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theShiba posted 8 weeks ago.
I think it's that Garmin/Chipotle has less argyle now...
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diluzio123 posted 8 weeks ago.
I'd still liked to have seen Contador be able to defend his title but that's how the chips fell for him. The finishes have been amazing, but I agree, I'm just not into it as much this year. I'm looking forward to the TT tomorrow.
"To some extent, we are all labeled by what we're able to achieve. But more importantly, we are defined by what we attempt." --Scott Tinley
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theShiba posted 8 weeks ago.
tri-ac wrote:
i like the lack of a favorite...keeps it interesting!i'm still coming to grips with the sudden team name changes.
I thought Valverde was supposed to be a "favorite"?
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beads1985 posted 8 weeks ago.
UFTriGator wrote:
What are you guys talking about? The opening week is usually pretty dull. However, the first three stages have all been exciting finishes so far.
I think the event is great, and amazing to watch.
I feel that in the past years there was more hype and promotion.
That seems a little lackluster this year.
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
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ChunkyB posted 8 weeks ago.
UFTriGator wrote:
What are you guys talking about? The opening week is usually pretty dull. However, the first three stages have all been exciting finishes so far.
+1. Especially since they aren't doing a prologue time trial. Also, since there aren't any bonuses for winning stages, it kind of makes the sprints feel less urgent.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
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tri-ac posted 8 weeks ago.
theShiba wrote:
tri-ac wrote:i like the lack of a favorite...keeps it interesting!i'm still coming to grips with the sudden team name changes.
I thought Valverde was supposed to be a "favorite"?
yeah, he's A favorite, but not THE favorite. there's also cadel evans, denis menchov, frank schleck, damino cunego, carlos sastre. in the individual jersey races, there are a few names there too. Hushold & McEwen don't have to worry about Boonen, for instance, and there are others capable of getting green jersey points, too.
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iamtb13 posted 8 weeks ago.
I want the team TT to come back! I loved those rides.
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jonovision_man posted 8 weeks ago.
UFTriGator wrote:
What are you guys talking about? The opening week is usually pretty dull. However, the first three stages have all been exciting finishes so far.
Agreed! Yesterday's stage was fantastic, I love having guys at the front who are having the ride of their career, they appreciate it so much more. :)
The only thing the Tour de France is missing: swimming and running. ;)
jono
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Leroy Bonkers posted 8 weeks ago.
The "missing" part is that our local cable co. doesn't carry versus at all.
And a predominatly American team with an American rider in serious contention for a win. "GO USA!" has become "come on USA, don't give up"
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beads1985 posted 8 weeks ago.
Leroy Bonkers wrote:
The "missing" part is that our local cable co. doesn't carry versus at all.And a predominatly American team with an American rider in serious contention for a win. "GO USA!" has become "come on USA, don't give up"
I think because of that the media in the USA is not making it as accessible as they have in the past.
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
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Anton posted 8 weeks ago.
Only 4 Americans in the TDF this year. True to form, if something isn't dominated by Americans, we don't hear about it. There were only 8 Americans last year.
If you follow cycling all year and not just for on Grand Tour, you learn about who's strong and who isn't ,who's favored and who's not... You get stoked about riders that most Folks here have never heard of but who have been riding for years. This has never been a race that's had an "American" Team.
Sure, during the LA years there were teams owned by American companies (Disco, Postal) but most of the riders were from someplace else...They bought the best riders and didn't care where they came from...LA wouldn't have won without Columbians and Russians and a number of other nationalities working for him.
This year, I'm excited! The Tour has been set up like it was in the 50's and 60's...There is a Frenchman in Dots again and Yellow is up for grabs...The TTT is gone which always favored Big Money anyway..Will miss seeing "Bertie" though, while Jens always delights and Sastre hasn't raced all year but has shown up looking super fit...
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
My Blog: http://anton.trifuel.net
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Leroy Bonkers posted 8 weeks ago.
Anton wrote:
This has never been a race that's had an "American" Team.
Sure, during the LA years there were teams owned by American companies (Disco, Postal) but most of the riders were from someplace else...They bought the best riders and didn't care where they came from...LA wouldn't have won without Columbians and Russians and a number of other nationalities working for him.
Yeah, but in the late 90s when there was a US owned team, led by an American rider, with more Americans on it than any other team, that was dominating, ... that's was a pretty sweet time to be an American cycling fan.
I mean, it's not like the Canadian Mounted Police have ever had a team.
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gfd posted 8 weeks ago.
I have enjoyed the tour tremendously so far. Can't help but root for the Garmin Chipotle guys. The final sprint yesterday was amazing. It's kind of odd not hearing Al Trautwig doing the prime time coverage.
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dollfin04 posted 8 weeks ago.
I'm loving it! Esp loved the sprint at the end of stage 1 and the lead guys sticking it out in stage 3. I haven't been watching much tv recently, but this I can't seem to stop watching!
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"No Pain, No Gain!" ;)
Is it just me or do you miss Al Trautwig? I miss Lance and Levi,too. It is kind of gross,but I miss Jan. It just isn't the same this year. Maybe things will pick up after the TT. Go George,go!!See- it's just not the same:)