So brider, regarding the upcoming time trial. Do you think Ullrich can make up for the 67-seconds, ultimately moving from second to first; thus, being able to wear the coveted yellow jersey?
Or how about Hamilton? Can he move ahead of Vinokourov?
And I’m trying to figure out my vote for Cliffbar’s “Best Domestique”.
sigh Whatta Tour this has been so far.
I think the TT is going to be one of the most tense times I’ve ever known (and dammit I’m going to be in a seminar at the time). In light of the last TT, Uhlrich could take it. But Lance is going to be 1000% (no, not a typo – one thousand percent) on top of his game. It’s going to be tight.
brider, you can bet that I’ll be watching this tomorrow. Well, I’ve been watching EVERY morning so far.
Anywhoos, all of placings are up in the air until Saturday or Sunday. Wild. Totally wild.
I have no doubts about Armstrong. But Ullrich has been ultra confident, too.
Lance has had a coupla “rest” days now to prepare for the TT, and i think (hope) hes gonna stomp it.
Hes never lost a final TT and said he wont start now - and i believe what this man says. his pure will on after falling on the stage 15 climb was the shit. absolute determination.
and the CLASS of Hamilton and Ullrich to not attack and hold off until Lance caught up.
(what do NBA and NFL players do to a disadvantaged opponent - another rant)
these guys show great class and sportsmanship - TRUE athletes.
not bitching about the money or a sore toe or some shit like Shaq. No, they go out and ride, and Hamilton with the best ride of his life with a broken collarbone!
I am greatly impressed by this yrs tour. im definately jumping off the sofa while watching everyday.
and Phil Liggett’s commentating- classic Brit wit. Love it.
heres to Lance putting it away on Saturday!
I’m just going completely nuts here, I want it to be Saturday so bad. I should go home and take some Tylenol PMs and sleep all day and night so when I wake up the last ITT will be on, this waiting is killing me.
Ullrich picked up a 2 second bonus on the first intermediate sprint, so now Lance’s lead is 65 seconds.
It will be hard for Tyler to make up large amounts of time on Vino. There’s going to be a tailwind, so it will be hard to have big time gaps on anybody. They’ll be using these ridiculously big chainrings. They’ll look like Star Trek collectible plates.
The question is whether dehydration cost Lance a minute and a half. If it did, a healthy Lance should be even with him.
I’d guess Lance a healthy Lance, in cooler rainy conditions, at the end of a long Tour will be faster than Ulrich by a minute. If he loses, he’ll be pissed.
Finally, I can breath again.
I don’t want to post a spoiler in case anyone is planning to catch it later.Did anyone else watch?
Did you see the look on Lance’s face as he came to the line?
maybe next time ullrich…GO LANCE!
YEAH BABY!!! FIVE IN A ROW!
I’ve tried to explain to people who don’t understand the Tour or bicycle racing just how monumentally huge this accomplishment is, and I can’t do it.
Winning a single Tour de France in a lifetime is a major achievement. Winning 5 of them is something only four other men have done, and only one other has ever won five in a row.
Way to go Lance!
Most people disregard the sport of cycling as easy because they believe they’re able to jump on a bike and hammer up mountains or do 45+mph in a sprint to the finish, or even ride 5+ hours in the saddle…not likely. I’m glad Lance joined the Spainard in winning 5 consecutive victories.
The quest for SIX continues next july 2004. I can’t wait.