2021 TdF - A really open year again ?

[warthog1]

I'd be happy for a bogan to record the most wins ever.
Will annoy some who like to deify those in the history of sport.

[stevenaaus]

police-raid-bahrain-victorious-hotel-at-tour-de-france/

Not even a mention from Chris Horner in his stage recap. See no evil, hear no evil.... from him.
Here's hoping the police have something concrete though, and aren't just puffing up their chests again.

[AUbicycles]

The raid was well covered on other media and maybe with US there is still a love affair with high profile pros who cheated… in other places, some riders redeem themselves (with positive contribution, some stay on the wrong side and some seem to hang about despite a shady past)

But it was an unusual sign on the finish line, very easy to interpret in many ways.

Would still like to see more action .. but the other podoum Places will still be under the spitlight in the TT.

[warthog1]

Strangely I find myself hoping that Cavendish doesn't surpass Merckx's record I'm thinking he should do a Tubby and retire unbeaten.

Just saw a short of Merckx congratulating Cavendish.
That was pretty good.
Yeah don't mind if it stays the same number.

[warthog1]

Been looking at the wheels in the peleton this year.
Deeper carbon is widespread.
Dunno if such a thing as a shallow aluminium rim exists anymore.
Maybe Ineos with rim brakes are?

[AUbicycles]

Maybe on top of the Shiamano Nuetral Support and the kids (sized) bike they have

[foo on patrol]

I have no problems with there being raids done, just so long as there is "full" disclosure of the outcome. Riders shouldn't be tared with being a "drug" cheat and no proof or clearance given after the raids and testing!

Foo

[AUbicycles]

I have no problems with there being raids done, just so long as there is "full" disclosure of the outcome. Riders shouldn't be tared with being a "drug" cheat and no proof or clearance given after the raids and testing!

I don't disagree with having outcomes and clarity... in the case of other police investigation, it is more common to hear about news of prosecution, charges, convictions than to have announcements of 'we made a raid, but there was nothing wrong'... those things tend to just slide and this is what I guess we have in these cases where the outcome remains grey because there is little news about it.

[foo on patrol]

I have no problems with there being raids done, just so long as there is "full" disclosure of the outcome. Riders shouldn't be tared with being a "drug" cheat and no proof or clearance given after the raids and testing!

I don't disagree with having outcomes and clarity... in the case of other police investigation, it is more common to hear about news of prosecution, charges, convictions than to have announcements of 'we made a raid, but there was nothing wrong'... those things tend to just slide and this is what I guess we have in these cases where the outcome remains grey because there is little news about it.

Yep.

Foo

[fat and old]

Channel 10 had 25 seconds of TDF update tonight. Started with Ben O’s ride in the TT, then WVA’s win, and closed with the suspicions re Pog’s motorised rear wheel. Yep.

[Warnesy]

Good finish to an enjoyable Tour. Sure Pog had it sown up pretty early, but the Cavendish comeback was great, Vinnegard was strong in the third week and there were some enjoyable solo break wins, none better than O’Connor’s one. Last stage topped it off with maybe my favourite rider winning.

[Retrobyte]

Last stage topped it off with maybe my favourite rider winning.

Amazingly versatile to win a mountain stage, TT and a sprint finish in the same tour.

[MichaelB]

Good finish to an enjoyable Tour. Sure Pog had it sown up pretty early, but the Cavendish comeback was great, Vinnegard was strong in the third week and there were some enjoyable solo break wins, none better than O’Connor’s one. …..

Agree with the snipped above.

Think it was fitting for Cav to finish equal but still get the green, and pity Matthews didn’t score a bit more earlier.

Good podium, and brilliant for Ben, hope he keeps going and gets a better contract extension from AG2R

Now onto the Vuelta and see how far behind Froomedog can finish this time

[AndrewCowley]

Highlight was Ineos riding tempo for Pogacar. Not just once, but over and over.

[g-boaf]

Looks like the fan who held out the sign for grandma and grandpa could end up in prison for up to a year:

https://www.news.com.au/sport/cycling/i ... dbc7e51d43

Edit: she avoided prison and the huge fine.

[MichaelB]

...
* Can Movistar work as a team and live up to their potential for a change?
...

The 2nd Season of 'The Least Expected Day' is on Netflix, and it doesn't change the above view....

Yep, I watched the whole series last weekend, hence the comment.

Looks like there will be a 3rd Season of "Least Expected Day" - https://www.velonews.com/news/road/http ... -in-march/

Despite my feelings re the team, it's been a great series and refreshingly open.

[fat and old]

Incredibly open I reckon. Apparently Lopez has a bit to say about his exit in this one.

[fat and old]

Not such good news for Bernal….poor young fella smashed himself up badly it seems.

[MichaelB]

Not such good news for Bernal….poor young fella smashed himself up badly it seems.

Yep, think that amongst the fractured femur and back issues, it'll be a while before he's back riding.

Apparently rode into the back of a parked bus