Tour de France 2012

Why can't I warm to Tommy Voeckler? He attacks all the time, is clearly demented and he's French - I like all those things. But something in me always wants him to lose.

^^ why u no read guardian?

don't know if anyone else has read this article from the telegraph today, in which Wiggins basically says he's the anointed one for this year, and then after that he's at the disposal of whomever Sky put up as team leader. Interesting lack of ego there, if he's to be believed..

Wiggins said: "What we do well is we race as a team. That's why we're in this position now. I am surrounded by incredibly talented bike riders - including Chris Froome.
"The guy is capable of winning the Tour for sure, otherwise he wouldn't be second overall, and he will win this race one day and I will be there to support him doing that.
"We've proved on the road that there isn't a problem."
"Whatever happens, I am part of this team and always want to be part of it to the end of my career,"

linky link here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/9407694/Tour-de-France-2012-Bradley-Wiggins-vows-to-help-Chris-Froome-win-yellow-jersey-at-future-Tours.html

Yes - but it is a summary of his presser yesterday. Good video footage somewhere, with Cav and Froome sat alongside impassively.

Got a tweet reply from Vaughters, which made my day.

And, according to Cyclingnews, Wiggins did not write his celebrated blog piece in the Guardian either.

which bike rider has the best nickname?

Fausto Coppi - il Campionissimo
Laurent Fignon - Le professeur
Bernard Hinault - le Blaireau

but of course the one true king of everything, including nicknames, is

Eddy Merckx - Le cannibale

So much better in the old days ;)

@ T-V, was the press conference one of those where the talker looks supremely confident and poised whilst those who he's talking about look on trying not to pull faces, and show their discontent?

Some of it in the link here:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/video-wiggins-plays-down-froome-rivalry

And, according to Cyclingnews, Wiggins did not write his celebrated blog piece in the Guardian either.

I am shocked. And saddened.

Where does the deception end?

Is that even Wiggo riding the bike?

I thought it was Paul Weller

I reckon that's the KoM sorted then. Tomorrow's stage likely to go to a GC contender. Looking at the stage profile and working out how early Cuddles will need to attack to put 10 minutes into Wiggins to even stand a chance of winning and I reckon Liege should do it.

Where does the deception end?

I know, I mean, what next? Some kind of alias?

Or even a new start?

Never works

all elite cyclists 'prepare' they dont cheat.

Or even a new start?

Never works
It's doomed to fail.

Is Ireland part of Britain?

Riveting stage today. I'm inspired to go and beast some climbs.

lays on sofa

Riveting stage today. I'm inspired to go and climb some beasts.

lays on sofa

Fixed.

I beasted Clapham Road about half an hour ago and made a couple of faces while I did it in honour of Voeckler. It seemed to improve my performance slightly but it does mean people keep their distance so you can't practice slapping them. Swings and roundabouts.

Raphael Geminiani had a great nickname 'le grand fusil'.

On another theme, was Shlecks positive a result of pre-tour testing or not? Seems that positives are more frequent during the tour, but without evidence this is simply an observation. Would be interested to see stats on this. If they are statistically more frequent then why? Testing shouldn't be any more frequent or rigorous.

Schleck was positive (A sample) in a test taken during the race. In-competition testing is more frequent because a lot of the drugs are most effective during competition.