Introducing the FGBC TdF pool

One week from today, it all begins. Kinda wish I were in London, but I'll be in Canmore, which will be fun too. The cable is hooked up and countless preparations are currently underway to transform my basement once again into the FGBC TdF HQ. Mrs. dr. is even painting the walls yellow, though this is perhaps more a happy coincidence than part of my well-orchestrated plan. I'll be up and watching every morning (broadcast schedule here). Feel free to drop by.

Since there's no honorary captain to root for this year, I've put together a little TdF pool (or rather borrowed one and modified it) to help make following the race a little more interesting.

Here's how it works:

1. Pick a team of nine riders from this list. Salary cap is $50. Note that not all the riders on this list will actually be take to the start line in London. For team by team startlists, go here. Never heard of any of the guys on the list? Don't be intimidated. It's a crapshoot. This year more than ever. Just like March Madness. Just pick 9 guys and submit a team. Do it. It's not like there's a whole lot at stake. Pick a theme and go with it, if need be. Choose 9 from the same team if you like. Or go with an all Basque, Aussie or German team. Just don't try an all Canuck team. Michael Barry got pneumonia at the Dauphine so he won't be there. Bummer. Maybe a team of former mountain bikers. Or perhaps 9 guys named Sebastien. Whatever. Just do it.

2. Points will be awarded per stage and also for the final general classification (see below).

3. Entry fee = zero.

4. Prizes? Maybe.

5. Submit rosters to fortgarrybikeclub at gmail dot com no later than Friday July 6, 9pm.

If you need help, go out and buy the Velo News Tour Guide at Olympia or McNally Robinson. Or, if you're cheap, go surf around at cyclingnews, pezcycling, or Podium Cafe:

Points per stage:

1) Overall

1st = 100 pts
2 = 80
3 = 60
4 = 50
5 = 40
6 = 35
7 = 30
8 = 25
9 = 20
10 = 15
11 = 10
12 = 9
13 = 8
14 = 7
15 = 6
16 = 5
17 = 4
18 = 3
19 = 2
20 = 1

2) Green Jersey (sprinters)

1st = 50 pts
2 = 35
3 = 30
4 = 26
5 = 22
6 = 18
7 = 16
8 = 13
9 = 10
10 = 5

3) Polka dot jersey (climbers)

1st = 15 pts
2 = 10
3 = 8
4 = 7
5 = 6
6 = 5
7 = 4
8 = 3
9 = 2
10 = 1


Final General Classification

1) Yellow Jersey

1st = 500 pts
2 = 450
3 = 400
4 = 375
5 = 350
6 = 325
7 = 300
8 = 250
9 = 200
10 = 150
11 = 100
12 = 90
13 = 80
14 = 70
15 = 60
16 = 50
17 = 40
18 = 30
19 = 20
20 = 10

2) Green Jersey

1st = 250
2 = 225
3 = 200
4 = 175
5 = 150
6 = 125
7 = 100
8 = 80
9 = 70
10 = 60
11 = 50
12 = 40
13 = 30
14 = 20
15 = 10

3) Polka dot jersey

1st = 150
2 = 125
3 = 100
4 = 90
5 = 80
6 = 70
7 = 60
8 = 50
9 = 40
10 = 30
11 = 25
12 = 20
13 = 25
14 = 10
15 = 5

OTT: Ryan Adams, Gimme a Sign