OT - TDF stage 16 (Wednesday)
So, after a dull stage 15 and a rest day (and the departure of F. Schleck), it's hopefully time for the some race-related fireworks. The course for Wednesday promises to offer them:
If Bradley Wiggins is to have the jersey snatched away, it's realistically going to have to happen today or Thursday. The question: when to attack?
The first HC climb is a familiar one, the Col d'Aubisque:
It's not the steepest peak but quite long and offers few chances to catch a breather.
Following a gradual descent, the Tourmalet makes its appearance:
Following a "mere" Cat. 1 climb up the Col d'Aspin comes the final climb of the day:
Finally, a pretty steep descent to the finish. We know about Nibali's descending skills . . . can he start descending with time to spare?
Somehow everything Johan Bruyneel gets involved in turns into a chemistry experiment
...what will remain of RSNT after this tour.
Or it could go haywire like the climb to La Toussiere. I hope so.
will keep me from watching until probably 10 tonight, but looking forward to it then and the whole prime time coverage tomorrow.
It seems Wiggins doesn't try to catch the wheel of every valid attack. Rather he counters with steady work with the help from his great team (and teammate Froome). Whether Nibali, Evans and Gilbert work together or not over the next couple days, the effect will be the same.... Regular attacks from qualified competition with in an effort to crack Wiggins. Does he change tactics and try to stay with each attack or does he continue to ride Sky's race?
Looking forward to it.
...about Michelob Ultra as I usually do about RO*TEL in September.
The only way I could ride my bike up those hills was if I was on steroids.
Chapeau to Voeckler for that performance. I wonder if he can keep the jersey tomorrow. Last time he was spent by his effort winning it and finished way back the next day. Will Europcar ride for him or Rolland tomorrow?
Good effort by Nibali. Going one-on-two is pretty tough. I wish Froome and Wiggins weren't on the same team. This would be really dramatic if they were rivals.
The French magazine LÉquipe is asking readers to vote for the "queen" of the podium girls in this year's Tour:
http://www.lequipemag.fr/EquipeMag/Glamour/PORTFOLIO_elisez-la-reine-de…
I think I would vote for:
1st-Emmanuelle
2nd - Marie-Alixie
3rd - Célia
Definitely a tough call. I'll say:
1. Magalie
2. Aurélie
3. Emmanuelle
The white-jersey girls need better dresses than that. They look like they're wearing aprons.