Tour de France 2016

I was just getting to like the new Cav, but then the nationalism emerged in this thread and I dislike him again. Thanks, Obama,

I've always thought he's a ballsack but then I might be prejudiced so idk how that sits.

Kitty's got far nicer hair, that's incontrovertible.

Just heard on the radio that the little climb near the finish is more difficult than the roadbook would suggest. Sagan's my choice for today

Alright, Hex it is on Thursday for Ventoux: https://www.lfgss.com/events/1987/

If anyone would like to come along and talk me through all the nuances of pro cycling please do - alternatively, there will be TV, coffee and a beer fridge for those that way inclined.

Go kristoff! He's been saying all along that his chances are better on hard days when everyone's legs are more tired. If that's the case then today is a perfect opportunity for him with a big climb up front. Really want him too win but my hopes aren't too high..

I wish radio commentary was available for the whole stage rather than a couple of hours at the end.

Coquard>

No, it's just the the way these trousers hang

Superb!

Lovely timing... did I just manage to tune in as the Eurosport broadcast began? I think I did :)

I paid for a month's Eurosport access to watch the climb and then found that their coverage doesn't start till now.

Does it normally cover the whole race or only from about 1pm onwards?

The break group:

• DUMOULIN, Samuel (ALM)
  
• NIBALI, Vincenzo (AST)
  
• VAN AVERMAET, Greg (BMC)
  
• CARUSO, Damiano (BMC)
  
• BOASSON HAGEN, Edvald (DDD)
  
• CUMMINGS, Stephen (DDD)
  
• CHAVANEL, Sylvain (DEN)
  
• COSTA, Rui Alberto (LAM)
  
• GALLOPIN, Tony (LTS)
  
• IZAGIRRE INSAUSTI, Gorka (MOV)
  
• DURBRIDGE, Luke (OBE)
  
• IMPEY, Daryl (OBE)
  
• MATTHEWS, Michael (OBE)
  
• LANDA MEANA, Mikel (SKY)
  
• SAGAN, Peter (TNK)
  
  

That is a strong group. They've only got 3 minutes lead, but Kirby thinks this one is going to go the whole way.

sadly, most if not all tv-coverage of (stage) races only starts with about 3 hours/100-120km to go, while the start of the stage is about the most exciting thing you can get to watch with all (so inclined) riders trying to get in the break

Occasionally it covers entire stages, but generally not.

edit ^ what he said.

they're going to have to watch out for this Cummings guy ;-)

Merde.

Still, Eurosport Player is HD and ITV4 isn't (on my TV).

I prefer Millar to Kelly though, purely in terms of voice and input.

But has Millar ever won a cow?

Strong breakaway group. This stage has Sagan all over it

Not to my knowledge, but Robbie McEwen has and he's often in the commentary box too!

I'll be cheering for him but it will be tight if they stay together and out front, as Van Avermaet is there too, and Matthews, and Bo Hagen...

"I just stopped for a comfort break. What are you doing? You enjoy onanism"

What's your problem with onanism?
I don't like it
Well don't do it

Very strong break, lots of previous stage winners in there. It's good, what could've been a dull transitional stage is now a now holds barred fight for the win.

IAM Cycling being punished by their DS for missing the break.

Virgin Media site is looping and lagging. Can't watch it like that :(

Win from breakaway looking likely again - guess presence of EBH and Gallopin in break and that bump at the end means there's less impetus in the peloton.