Tour de France

[ga2ski]

I would be psyched if George won it, but i doubt it.

 

[Marc]

I would be psyched if George won it, but i doubt it.

Yeah, well I think he's got a slight edge over Landis in the TT's, of which there are two long ones.

The big x factor is Hincapie's climbing. He won hard mountain stage last year, but he did none of the leading and it was just one stage of course. There are three mountain top finishes, one on L'Alpe D'Huez. I'm sure once again, those will be the stages to make or break a front runner.

It sure was cool to see him in yellow though, wasn't it?

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

Stage 2- July 3: Obernai - Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), 228.5 km

Stage 2- July 3: Obernai - Esch-sur-Alzette (Luxembourg), 228.5 km

www.cyclingnews.com is reporting the following Stage 2 Results
1 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto 5.36.14 (40.775 km/h)
2 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick-Step-Innergetic
3 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
4 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank
5 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Lampre-Fondital
6 Luca Paolini (Ita) Liquigas
7 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC
8 Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Francaise Des Jeux
9 Erik Zabel (Ger) Milram
10 Peter Wrolich (Aut) Gerolsteiner
11 Cristian Moreni (Ita) Cofidis
12 Inaki Isasi (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
13 Michael Albasini (Ita) Liquigas
14 Francisco Ventoso (Spa) Saunier Duval - Prodir
15 Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Francaise Des Jeux
16 Michael Rogers (Aus) T-Mobile
17 Andreas Klöden (Ger) T-Mobile
18 Cadel Evans (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto
19 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
20 Yaroslav Popovyvch (Ukr) Discovery Channel
21 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel
22 Eddy Mazzoleni (Ita) T-Mobile
23 David Millar (GBr) Saunier Duval - Prodir
24 David Canada (Spa) Saunier Duval - Prodir
25 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis
29 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Team CSC
30 Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak
37 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Davitamon-Lotto
38 Paolo Savoldelli (Ita) Discovery Channel
44 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
53 Egoi Martinez (Spa) Discovery Channel
62 José Azevedo (Por) Discovery Channel
67 Benjamin Noval (Spa) Discovery Channel
68 Christopher Horner (USA) Davitamon-Lotto
69 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner
76 Pavel Padrnos (Cze) Discovery Channel
78 José Luis Rubiera (Spa) Discovery Channel
119 David Zabriskie (USA) Team CSC
160 Viatscheslav Ekimov (Rus) Discovery Channel
DNS Danilo Di Luca (Ita) Liquigas – Medical

General classification after Stage 2
1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 9.54.19
2 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick-Step-Innergetic
3 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto
4 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel
5 David Zabriskie (USA) Team CSC
6 Sebastian Lang (Ger) Gerolsteiner
7 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
8 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC
9 Michael Rogers (Aus) T-Mobile
10 Paolo Savoldelli (Ita) Discovery Channel
11 Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak
12 Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra) Francaise Des Jeux
13 Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
14 Serguei Gonchar (Ukr) T-Mobile
15 Manuel Quinziato (Ita) Liquigas
16 Cadel Evans (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto
17 Christophe Moreau (Fra) AG2R-Prevoyance
18 David Millar (GBr) Saunier Duval - Prodir
19 Bert Grabsch (Ger) Phonak
20 Christopher Horner (USA) Davitamon-Lotto
21 Victor Hugo Pena (Col) Phonak
22 Patrik Sinkewitz (Ger) T-Mobile
23 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Lampre-Fondital
24 Joost Posthuma (Ned) Rabobank
25 Andreas Klöden (Ger) T-Mobile
29 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
31 Yaroslav Popovyvch (Ukr) Discovery Channel
33 Egoi Martinez (Spa) Discovery Channel
34 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Team CSC
35 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner
49 José Azevedo (Por) Discovery Channel
72 Benjamin Noval (Spa) Discovery Channel
85 Pavel Padrnos (Cze) Discovery Channel
97 José Luis Rubiera (Spa) Discovery Channel
99 Fred Rodriguez (USA) Davitamon-Lotto
151 Viatscheslav Ekimov (Rus) Discovery Channel

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

Stage 3-July 4: Esch-sur-Alzette - Valkenburg (Netherlands), 216 km

Stage 3-July 4: Esch-sur-Alzette - Valkenburg (Netherlands), 216 km

www.cyclingnews.com is reporting the following Stage 3 Results
1 Matthias Kessler (Ger) T-Mobile 4.57.54 (43.605 km/h)
2 Michael Rogers (Aus) T-Mobile
3 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Lampre-Fondital
4 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick-Step-Innergetic
5 Erik Zabel (Ger) Milram
6 Luca Paolini (Ita) Liquigas
7 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank
8 Eddy Mazzoleni (Ita) T-Mobile
9 Georg Totschnig (Aut) Gerolsteiner
10 Fabian Wegmann (Ger) Gerolsteiner
11 Alexandre Botcharov (Rus) Crédit Agricole
12 Mirko Celestino (Ita) Milram
13 José Luis Rubiera (Spa) Discovery Channel
14 Cadel Evans (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto
15 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel
16 Marcus Fothen (Ger) Gerolsteiner
17 Riccardo Ricco (Ita) Saunier Duval
18 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
19 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC
20 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R-Prevoyance
21 Walter Beneteau (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
22 Stefano Garzelli (Ita) Liquigas
23 Xabier Zandio (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
24 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner
25 Patrik Sinkewitz (Ger) T-Mobile
26 Egoi Martinez (Spa) Discovery Channel
28 Paolo Savoldelli (Ita) Discovery Channel
29 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Team CSC
35 José Azevedo (Por) Discovery Channel
36 Yaroslav Popovyvch (Ukr) Discovery Channel
44 Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak
72 David Zabriskie (USA) Team CSC
77 Benjamin Noval (Spa) Discovery Channel
80 Pavel Padrnos (Cze) Discovery Channel
95 Viatscheslav Ekimov (Rus) Discovery Channel
159 Christopher Horner (USA) Davitamon-Lotto
DNF Fred Rodriguez (USA) Davitamon-Lotto – CRASH Broken Collarbone

General classification after stage 3
1 Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick-Step-Innergetic 14.52.23
2 Michael Rogers (Aus) T-Mobile
3 George Hincapie (USA) Discovery Channel
4 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
5 Paolo Savoldelli (Ita) Discovery Channel
6 Daniele Bennati (Ita) Lampre-Fondital
7 Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak
8 Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears
9 Serguei Gonchar (Ukr) T-Mobile
10 Matthias Kessler (Ger) T-Mobile
11 Cadel Evans (Aus) Davitamon-Lotto
12 Christophe Moreau (Fra) AG2R-Prevoyance
13 David Millar (GBr) Saunier Duval
14 Patrik Sinkewitz (Ger) T-Mobile
15 David Zabriskie (USA) Team CSC
16 Andreas Klöden (Ger) T-Mobile
17 Marcus Fothen (Ger) Gerolsteiner
18 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R-Prevoyance
19 Bobby Julich (USA) Team CSC
20 Eddy Mazzoleni (Ita) T-Mobile
21 Yaroslav Popovyvch (Ukr) Discovery Channel
22 Egoi Martinez (Spa) Discovery Channel
23 Christian Vandevelde (USA) Team CSC
24 Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra) Francaise Des Jeux
25 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner
28 José Azevedo (Por) Discovery Channel
50 José Luis Rubiera (Spa) Discovery Channel
59 Benjamin Noval (Spa) Discovery Channel
72 Pavel Padrnos (Cze) Discovery Channel
130 Viatscheslav Ekimov (Rus) Discovery Channel
143 Christopher Horner (USA) Davitamon-Lotto

Too bad about Freddie Rodriguez...hope he can race in the Tour of spain as Davitamon-Lotto's protected sprinter...

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

http://cbs.sportsline.com/cycling is reporting that Freddie Rodriguez, of the Davitamon-Lotto team, injured his shoulder and wrist, the doctor said. His team said he sustained a concussion but broke no bones. Rodriguez rode into a big hole in the road, teammate Robbie McEwen said. "I heard a huge crunch," McEwen said. "It was just such a horrible crash because he just went straight down."

A total of six riders were hurt in three crashes.

Christopher Horner, another American on McEwen's team, also was injured in a crash. He finished the stage but it was unclear if he would ride Wednesday. Also injured were Casar and another Frenchman, Sebastien Joly.

Seems like professional cycling is as dangerous as playing football...

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

McEwen Wins Stage 4-Boonen stays in Yellow

McEwen Wins Stage 4-Boonen stays in Yellow

www.VeloNews.com is reporting that Australian Sprinter Robbie McEwen (Quick Step-Innergetic) handily won stage 4 of the Tour de France. He uncorked a perfectly timed sprint with 200 meters to go in St. Quentin, France, to score his 10th career Tour de France stage victory in dominating fashion.

The 34-year-old Australian they call "the pocket rocket" shot away in a tough, uphill sprint through a sweeping left turn to beat Spanish sprinter Isaac Galvez (Caisse d'Épargne-Illes Balears) by two bike lengths, while an exasperated Tom Boonen (Quick Step-Innergetic) came through in fifth shaking his head in frustration but retaining the maillot jaune.

McEwen knighted Gert Steegmans, a big, bushy-headed Belgian, to be his new pilot in the peloton. "He almost went too soon," said McEwen, who dedicated the win to Rodriguez. "I said, ‘Hang back and let the others pull the sprint.' I told him to imagine your finish line is at 200 meters. He did exactly as I said and he made it simple for me.... It was like riding behind a TGV [express train]."

Before Wednesday's stage start in Huy, American Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto), with his right wrist bandaged up, needed help from a team soigneur to slip on his gloves after feeling the pain from his crash Tuesday, which left him with a sprained hand. "It should be okay, I just hope it's not too bumpy," Horner said. "It's definitely not going to be easy."

Stuart O'Grady (CSC), who cracked a vertebra in another Tuesday's pileup, grimaced in pain as he swung a leg over the saddle. Both riders would grit through the pain, however, and finish the stage with the main bunch.

Stage 4 Results
1. Robbie Mc Ewen (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto
2. Isaac Galvez (Sp), Caisse d'Epargne-I.B., 00:00
3. Oscar Freire (Sp), Rabobank, 00:00
4. Thor Hushovd (Nor), Credit Agricole relegated
4. Tom Boonen (B), Quick Step-Innergetic, 00:00
5. David Kopp (G), Gerolsteiner, 00:00
6. Daniele Bennati (I), Lampre, 00:00
7. Francisco Ventoso (Sp), Saunier Duval, 00:00
8. Michael Albasini (Swi), Liquigas-Bianchi, 00:00
9. Bernhard Eisel (A), Francaise des Jeux, 00:00
10. Jimmy Casper (F), Cofidis, 00:00
11. Michael Rogers (Aus), T-Mobile, 00:00
12. Anthony Geslin (F), Bouygues Telecom, 00:00
13. George Hincapie (USA), Discovery Channel, 00:00
14. Laurent Brochard (F), Bouygues Telecom, 00:00
15. Arnaud Coyot (F), Cofidis, 00:00
16. Stefano Garzelli (I), Liquigas-Bianchi, 00:00
17. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr), Discovery Channel, 00:00
18. Andréas Klöden (G), T-Mobile, 00:00
19. Gert Steegmans (B), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:00
20. Alexandre Botcharov (Rus), Credit Agricole, 00:00
21. Marzio Bruseghin (I), Lampre, 00:00
22. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak, 00:00
23. Eduardo Gonzalo Ramirez (Sp), Agritubel, 00:00
24. Nicolas Jalabert (F), Phonak, 00:00
25. José Luis Rubiera (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:00
35. Christopher Horner (USA), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:00
39. Bobby Julich (USA), CSC, 00:00
40. Pavel Padrnos (Cz), Discovery Channel, 00:00
54. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:00
55. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Gerolsteiner, 00:00
56. Viatceslav Ekimov (Rus), Discovery Channel, 00:00
57. Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:00
60. Paolo Savoldelli (I), Discovery Channel, 00:00
75. Azevedo José (P), Discovery Channel, 00:00
90. Christian Vande Velde (USA), CSC, 00:00
120. David Zabriskie (USA), CSC, 00:00
145. David Moncoutie (F), Cofidis, 00:00
146. Rik Verbrugghe (B), Cofidis, 00:00
147. Inigo Landaluze (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, 00:00

Overall, after Stage 4
1. Tom Boonen (B), Quick Step-Innergetic
2. Michael Rogers (Aus), T-Mobile, 00:01
3. George Hincapie (USA), Discovery Channel, 00:05
4. Thor Hushovd (Nor), Credit Agricole, 00:07
5. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:10
6. Robbie Mc Ewen (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:12
7. Paolo Savoldelli (I), Discovery Channel, 00:15
8. Daniele Bennati (I), Lampre, 00:15
9. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak, 00:16
10. Vladimir Karpets (Rus), Caisse d'Epargne-I.B., 00:17
11. Serhiy Honchar (Ukr), T-Mobile, 00:17
12. Matthias Kessler (G), T-Mobile, 00:17
13. Cadel Evans (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:20
14. Christophe Moreau (F), Ag2r Prevoyance, 00:20
15. David Millar (GB), Saunier Duval, 00:21
16. Patrik Sinkewitz (G), T-Mobile, 00:23
17. David Zabriskie (USA), CSC, 00:23
18. Andréas Klöden (G), T-Mobile, 00:24
19. Marcus Fothen (G), Gerolsteiner, 00:25
20. Oscar Freire (Sp), Rabobank, 00:25
21. Cyril Dessel (F), Ag2r Prevoyance, 00:25
22. Bobby Julich (USA), CSC, 00:25
23. Eddy Mazzoleni (I), T-Mobile, 00:26
24. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr), Discovery Channel, 00:27
25. Christian Vande Velde (USA), CSC, 00:28
27. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Gerolsteiner, 00:28
30. Azevedo José (P), Discovery Channel, 00:31
50. José Luis Rubiera (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:45
59. Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:49
72. Pavel Padrnos (Cz), Discovery Channel, 00:57
129. Viatceslav Ekimov (Rus), Discovery Channel, 04:55
143. Christopher Horner (USA), Davitamon-Lotto, 08:22

Overall "Sprint" Points
1. Robbie Mc Ewen (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto, 100 Pts.
2. Tom Boonen (B), Quick Step-Innergetic, 89 Pts.
3. Daniele Bennati (I), Lampre, 85 Pts.
4. Oscar Freire (Sp), Rabobank, 80 Pts.
5. Thor Hushovd (N), Credit Agricole, 62 Pts. reflects adjusted points, after relegation in Stage 4
6. Erik Zabel (G), Milram, 59 Pts.
7. Luca Paolini (I), Liquigas-Bianchi, 57 Pts.
8. Bernhard Eisel (A), Francaise des Jeux, 52 Pts.
9. Jimmy Casper (F), Cofidis, 50 Pts.
10. Michael Rogers (Aus), T-Mobile, 50 Pts.
14. George Hincapie (USA), Discovery Channel, 40 Pts.
19. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 22 Pts.
38. David Zabriskie (USA), CSC, 10 Pts.
44. José Luis Rubiera (Sp), Discovery Channel, 8 Pts.
51. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak, 5 Pts.
59. Bobby Julich (USA), CSC, 3 Pts.

Overall King Of Montain
1. Jérôme Pineau (F), Bouygues Telecom, 21 Pts.
2. David De La Fuente (Sp), Saunier Duval, 17 Pts.
3. Fabian Wegmann (G), Gerolsteiner, 14 Pts.
4. Aitor Hernandez (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, 10 Pts.
5. Unai Etxebarria (Vz), Euskaltel-Euskadi, 7 Pts.
6. Luis Jose Luis (Sp), Ag2r Prevoyance, 6 Pts.
7. Christophe Laurent (F), Agritubel, 6 Pts.
8. Jens Voigt (G), CSC, 6 Pts.
9. Laurent Lefevre (F), Bouygues Telecom, 5 Pts.
10. Matthias Kessler (G), T-Mobile, 4 Pts.
12. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 2 Pts.

Best Young Rider
1. Marcus Fothen (G), Gerolsteiner
2. Benoít Vaugrenard (F), Francaise des Jeux, 00:03
3. Philippe Gilbert (B), Francaise des Jeux, 00:11
4. Thomas Lövkvist (Swe), Francaise des Jeux, 00:17
5. Bernhard Eisel (A), Francaise des Jeux, 00:20

Lastly, the word on Fast Freddie
McEwen Wins Stage 4-Boonen stays in Yellow

www.VeloNews.com is reporting that Australian Sprinter Robbie McEwen (Quick Step-Innergetic) handily won stage 4 of the Tour de France. He uncorked a perfectly timed sprint with 200 meters to go in St. Quentin, France, to score his 10th career Tour de France stage victory in dominating fashion.

The 34-year-old Australian they call "the pocket rocket" shot away in a tough, uphill sprint through a sweeping left turn to beat Spanish sprinter Isaac Galvez (Caisse d'Épargne-Illes Balears) by two bike lengths, while an exasperated Tom Boonen (Quick Step-Innergetic) came through in fifth shaking his head in frustration but retaining the maillot jaune.

McEwen knighted Gert Steegmans, a big, bushy-headed Belgian, to be his new pilot in the peloton. "He almost went too soon," said McEwen, who dedicated the win to Rodriguez. "I said, ‘Hang back and let the others pull the sprint.' I told him to imagine your finish line is at 200 meters. He did exactly as I said and he made it simple for me.... It was like riding behind a TGV [express train]."

Before Wednesday's stage start in Huy, American Chris Horner (Davitamon-Lotto), with his right wrist bandaged up, needed help from a team soigneur to slip on his gloves after feeling the pain from his crash Tuesday, which left him with a sprained hand. "It should be okay, I just hope it's not too bumpy," Horner said. "It's definitely not going to be easy."

Stuart O'Grady (CSC), who cracked a vertebra in another Tuesday's pileup, grimaced in pain as he swung a leg over the saddle. Both riders would grit through the pain, however, and finish the stage with the main bunch.

Stage 4 Results
1. Robbie Mc Ewen (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto
2. Isaac Galvez (Sp), Caisse d'Epargne-I.B., 00:00
3. Oscar Freire (Sp), Rabobank, 00:00
4. Thor Hushovd (Nor), Credit Agricole relegated
4. Tom Boonen (B), Quick Step-Innergetic, 00:00
5. David Kopp (G), Gerolsteiner, 00:00
6. Daniele Bennati (I), Lampre, 00:00
7. Francisco Ventoso (Sp), Saunier Duval, 00:00
8. Michael Albasini (Swi), Liquigas-Bianchi, 00:00
9. Bernhard Eisel (A), Francaise des Jeux, 00:00
10. Jimmy Casper (F), Cofidis, 00:00
11. Michael Rogers (Aus), T-Mobile, 00:00
12. Anthony Geslin (F), Bouygues Telecom, 00:00
13. George Hincapie (USA), Discovery Channel, 00:00
14. Laurent Brochard (F), Bouygues Telecom, 00:00
15. Arnaud Coyot (F), Cofidis, 00:00
16. Stefano Garzelli (I), Liquigas-Bianchi, 00:00
17. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr), Discovery Channel, 00:00
18. Andréas Klöden (G), T-Mobile, 00:00
19. Gert Steegmans (B), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:00
20. Alexandre Botcharov (Rus), Credit Agricole, 00:00
21. Marzio Bruseghin (I), Lampre, 00:00
22. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak, 00:00
23. Eduardo Gonzalo Ramirez (Sp), Agritubel, 00:00
24. Nicolas Jalabert (F), Phonak, 00:00
25. José Luis Rubiera (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:00
35. Christopher Horner (USA), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:00
39. Bobby Julich (USA), CSC, 00:00
40. Pavel Padrnos (Cz), Discovery Channel, 00:00
54. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:00
55. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Gerolsteiner, 00:00
56. Viatceslav Ekimov (Rus), Discovery Channel, 00:00
57. Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:00
60. Paolo Savoldelli (I), Discovery Channel, 00:00
75. Azevedo José (P), Discovery Channel, 00:00
90. Christian Vande Velde (USA), CSC, 00:00
120. David Zabriskie (USA), CSC, 00:00
145. David Moncoutie (F), Cofidis, 00:00
146. Rik Verbrugghe (B), Cofidis, 00:00
147. Inigo Landaluze (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, 00:00

General Competition after Stage 4
1. Tom Boonen (B), Quick Step-Innergetic
2. Michael Rogers (Aus), T-Mobile, 00:01
3. George Hincapie (USA), Discovery Channel, 00:05
4. Thor Hushovd (Nor), Credit Agricole, 00:07
5. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:10
6. Robbie Mc Ewen (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:12
7. Paolo Savoldelli (I), Discovery Channel, 00:15
8. Daniele Bennati (I), Lampre, 00:15
9. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak, 00:16
10. Vladimir Karpets (Rus), Caisse d'Epargne-I.B., 00:17
11. Serhiy Honchar (Ukr), T-Mobile, 00:17
12. Matthias Kessler (G), T-Mobile, 00:17
13. Cadel Evans (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto, 00:20
14. Christophe Moreau (F), Ag2r Prevoyance, 00:20
15. David Millar (GB), Saunier Duval, 00:21
16. Patrik Sinkewitz (G), T-Mobile, 00:23
17. David Zabriskie (USA), CSC, 00:23
18. Andréas Klöden (G), T-Mobile, 00:24
19. Marcus Fothen (G), Gerolsteiner, 00:25
20. Oscar Freire (Sp), Rabobank, 00:25
21. Cyril Dessel (F), Ag2r Prevoyance, 00:25
22. Bobby Julich (USA), CSC, 00:25
23. Eddy Mazzoleni (I), T-Mobile, 00:26
24. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr), Discovery Channel, 00:27
25. Christian Vande Velde (USA), CSC, 00:28
27. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Gerolsteiner, 00:28
30. Azevedo José (P), Discovery Channel, 00:31
50. José Luis Rubiera (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:45
59. Benjamin Noval Gonzalez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 00:49
72. Pavel Padrnos (Cz), Discovery Channel, 00:57
129. Viatceslav Ekimov (Rus), Discovery Channel, 04:55
143. Christopher Horner (USA), Davitamon-Lotto, 08:22

Overall "Sprint" Points
1. Robbie Mc Ewen (Aus), Davitamon-Lotto, 100 Pts.
2. Tom Boonen (B), Quick Step-Innergetic, 89 Pts.
3. Daniele Bennati (I), Lampre, 85 Pts.
4. Oscar Freire (Sp), Rabobank, 80 Pts.
5. Thor Hushovd (N), Credit Agricole, 62 Pts.
6. Erik Zabel (G), Milram, 59 Pts.
7. Luca Paolini (I), Liquigas-Bianchi, 57 Pts.
8. Bernhard Eisel (A), Francaise des Jeux, 52 Pts.
9. Jimmy Casper (F), Cofidis, 50 Pts.
10. Michael Rogers (Aus), T-Mobile, 50 Pts.
14. George Hincapie (USA), Discovery Channel, 40 Pts.
19. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 22 Pts.
38. David Zabriskie (USA), CSC, 10 Pts.
44. José Luis Rubiera (Sp), Discovery Channel, 8 Pts.
51. Floyd Landis (USA), Phonak, 5 Pts.
59. Bobby Julich (USA), CSC, 3 Pts.

Overall King Of Mountain
1. Jérôme Pineau (F), Bouygues Telecom, 21 Pts.
2. David De La Fuente (Sp), Saunier Duval, 17 Pts.
3. Fabian Wegmann (G), Gerolsteiner, 14 Pts.
4. Aitor Hernandez (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, 10 Pts.
5. Unai Etxebarria (Vz), Euskaltel-Euskadi, 7 Pts.
6. Luis Jose Luis (Sp), Ag2r Prevoyance, 6 Pts.
7. Christophe Laurent (F), Agritubel, 6 Pts.
8. Jens Voigt (G), CSC, 6 Pts.
9. Laurent Lefevre (F), Bouygues Telecom, 5 Pts.
10. Matthias Kessler (G), T-Mobile, 4 Pts.
12. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, 2 Pts.

Best Young Rider
1. Marcus Fothen (G), Gerolsteiner
2. Benoít Vaugrenard (F), Francaise des Jeux, 00:03
3. Philippe Gilbert (B), Francaise des Jeux, 00:11
4. Thomas Lövkvist (Swe), Francaise des Jeux, 00:17
5. Bernhard Eisel (A), Francaise des Jeux, 00:20

Lastly, the word on Fast Freddie Rodriguez has a separated shoulder and received a concussion. He should be able to return to racing this season.

 

[jplynch019]

Live Internet Audio of the Tour

mms://vipeurosport.yacast.net/eus_liveaudio03

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

For the past few years I've followed the Tour de France coverage on OLN and various internet sites. Now that Lance won't be in it I kinda doubt I'll have the interest this year. How about you guys?

Boy was I wrong when I posted that. Floyd sure is making things interesting.

 

[jplynch019]

So ah. Its been good so far?

I've been glued to it. The audio from the UK has helped me keep up. :flag: :flag:

go Floyd!

 

[bruno]

i've posted this elsewhere, but i believe--i truly believe--that floyd landis has at least--at least--3-maybe 4 testicles. brass.

and sheryl crow has him on speed dial.:flag: :flag: :flag: :grin:

 

[Marc]

Hell yes.





Good job Floyd! Can't wait to see him in yellow tomorrow.

 

[thaller1]

Landis took the tour 2006!! Way to go!!!

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

Landis took the tour 2006!! Way to go!!!

It's not over yet....152km stage on Sunday to go...

 

[jplynch019]

Stage 20: Ceremonial or for keeps?

I always wondered if someone got T'eed off at the leader would they go for it on this last stage? Is this how it used to be in this race? Or was this last stage always "ceremonial"? Anyone?

 

[awf170]

I always wondered if someone got T'eed off at the leader would they go for it on this last stage? Is this how it used to be in this race? Or was this last stage always "ceremonial"? Anyone?

The last stage in totally flat, and the leaders team would instantly chase. The only hope for this IMO is for the whole t-mobile team to go because they are the strongest, but the chances are it working are still slim to none. And anyone it is pretty much an un-said rule to never go on the last stage.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

In 2005 Vinokourov (T-Mobile) attacked the final day to beat Leipheimer for 5th place...it's not about the "Maillot Juane" there is $575,000 on the line for the winner and if any REASON Landis were to fail the peleton pace, others will be sure to attack...

 

[Marc]

Unless Landis crashes and has to abandon, Pereiro will never go for the win. It just isn't done.

 

[Charlie Schuessler]

According to www.cyclenews.com, "Today's final stage is traditionally - although not always - a ceremonial parade into Paris, followed by several laps of a circuit on the Champs Elysees. Usually, it's a stage for the sprinters, but sometimes it's not. Last year, Alexandre Vinokourov won with a late attack, while in 1979, Bernard Hinault and Joop Zoetemelk (1st and 2nd on GC), broke away and fought out the final stage between them! Hinault won in the maillot jaune, while Zoetemelk was second and of course kept second overall. Could Floyd Landis and Oscar Pereiro do that today? Yes, but unlikely."

 

[Marc]

According to www.cyclenews.com, "Today's final stage is traditionally - although not always - a ceremonial parade into Paris, followed by several laps of a circuit on the Champs Elysees. Usually, it's a stage for the sprinters, but sometimes it's not. Last year, Alexandre Vinokourov won with a late attack, while in 1979, Bernard Hinault and Joop Zoetemelk (1st and 2nd on GC), broke away and fought out the final stage between them! Hinault won in the maillot jaune, while Zoetemelk was second and of course kept second overall. Could Floyd Landis and Oscar Pereiro do that today? Yes, but unlikely."

I'll buy you a six of your favorite brew if Pereiro tries to take the tour from Landis today-

We'll know in a couple hours.

 

[skibum1321]

I was also very wrong saying that I would have no interest in it. I watched a whole lot of the Tour this year.