Having joined fellow BCC'er Chris O, Jay's time in the FGBC Tour de France Pool hasn't exactly been memorable so far. At least not in a good sense. He's been languishing close to the bottom for the last several stages. If it weren't for the Fraggle having misunderstood the rules--she thought higher numbers were better--he might have been in contention for the lanterne rouge. But Jay made up for his lacklustre start today. He picked up points from Sanchez, Efimkin, Chavanel and Andy Schleck, and took the stage win with 290 points. That almost doubles his point total from the first seven stages. Well done Jay. His performance is all the more impressive considering the rather large group of teams who had performances they'd just as soon forget. 19 teams were held scoreless today, and over half the field scored just 15 points or less. But it wasn't all bad. Another rookie, John L, was second on the day with 250 points. And Rachel's 175 point showing was good enough for third.
In the overall race, Brad the Impaler strikes back. It seems he was unimpressed by Mike's little muscle-flexing move yesterday. "That wasn't really to the plan," explained the Impaler. "But I didn't expect him to go by the plan, so it was no surprise." Ever the team player, he was content to follow wheels and ride defensively yesterday. But he made the most of his opportunity today. His 170 points move him back onto the podium. He now sits 60 points ahead of his so-called teammate. Clearly trouble is brewing in the RRR camp. This should be interesting to watch.
Meanwhile, Melissa has moved back ahead of Andy for the overall lead thanks to Casar's second place finish. A very impressive debut in the FGBC Tour de France Pool.
In the real race, Luis Leon Sanchez won the stage ahead of his breakaway companions Casar, Astorloza, and Efimkin. Rojas led home the field. A good day for Caisse d'Epargne. But unfortunately, they lost Oscar Pereiro, who abandoned earlier in the day. That's bad news for a number of teams in the Pool. As always, Pez has the rest.
Results and standings here.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
Hey kids. I've come across a couple of blogs with some good tour coverage. A warning to all those in the cult of LA love: you may not enjoy these as much as the Livestrong/Versus network...
http://www.sportsscientists.com/2009/07/tour-2009-first-mountain-stage-report.html
http://cyclingfansanonymous.blogspot.com/
Wow did this years tour sour fast. Boring mountian stages, who'd have guessed?
I have to admit Miley and I were watching the stage today screaming at Pellizotti to drop the frogs ass and then I realize he's not on my team. Damn italias. Pellizotti-Pozzato it all sounds the same to me.
Dallas " Sigurbjornsson, Sigurdson, Suguffsen.......whatever" Sigurdur
I'm pretty sure the only entertaining part of the tour so far has been Dallas's comments.
It'll be a snooze till the next mountain top finish, when Bert shows LA who's the boss, and Cadel, Sastre and one of the Schlecks will have to attack.
Boring, just like the Disco/Postal days when they controlled the race to the point that it sucks. At least some breakaways are succeeding.
BTW, Paddy that's the best profile picture. Ever.
Best tour stage I ever watched............stage 17, 2006.
Next best was stage 12 , 2003.
Dallas " Jan, I miss you man." Sigurdur
I don't think it can get any better than Stage 17. That, to me, is the gold standard.
wv: mensobso
Being a 38 year old plumber I'd just like to throw it out there that I have no idea what the gobble-d-gook letters at the bottom of the postings of late mean. If anyone would like explain I'll promise not to post my subtle feelings for a day or two.
Dallas " Astana will look different when vino comes back." Sigurdur
word verification
oumac
2006 Stage 17? Was that Floyd's miracle ride? I just wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then.
Just back from reconnoitering Whites(H)ell. That is going to be one very long day...
Post a Comment