Tour de France 2025.

Cooclaret · Post by **Cooclaret** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 11:45 am

Tricky Trevor wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 09, 2025 11:31 pm
As mentioned by Robbie MacEwan on TNT, what was wrong with Vingegaards bike? He was slithering and sliding on his saddle, making his upper body rock n roll. Nothing like his normal TT position. Strange for a team that usually has everything just pat. He looked like he’d leased-a-bike.

Head winds, followed by cross winds…

Ruins your aero as you’re constantly readjusting.

RE is a master with his position and so doesn’t need to move as much.

I wouldn’t worry about V time gap, he’s defo riding into form for the back end of the Tour like Wout did in the Giro.

Cooclaret · Post by **Cooclaret** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 11:46 am

fatboy47 wrote: ↑
Tue Jul 08, 2025 3:44 pm
Pleased for you jdr. Having just watched a 6 minute commercial/trailer break followed by 3 minutes of cycling followed by another 4 minutes of crappy low budget commercials I find it barely watchable. If that's the price of it being on terrestrial tv then I'm out.
I'll just suck it up and pay next year.

TNT are annoying me with a stupid break in the highlights with 3km to go…

Ruins the whole run in and process…

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 4:22 pm

Just got back from a 101mile ride up to lofthouse, Masham, and Bedale. Absolutely boiling.

Just got back in time to see the final 30 mins. Looks like it’s been an interesting stage

[

: IMG_1872.jpeg (871.83 KiB) Viewed 1664 times

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 4:32 pm

Inchy wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 4:22 pm
Just got back from a 101mile ride up to lofthouse, Masham, and Bedale. Absolutely boiling.
Just got back in time to see the final 30 mins. Looks like it’s been an interesting stage

Tremendous effort solo. I knew you were fit from last years marathon but that is excellent.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 4:47 pm

Inchy wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 4:22 pm
Just got back from a 101mile ride up to lofthouse, Masham, and Bedale. Absolutely boiling.

Just got back in time to see the final 30 mins. Looks like it’s been an interesting stage

[IMG_1872.jpeg

Chapeau Inchy...much respect.

dandeclaret · Post by **dandeclaret** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:18 pm

dirtiest "sport" in the world

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:33 pm

Tricky Trevor wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 4:32 pm
Tremendous effort solo. I knew you were fit from last years marathon but that is excellent.

Cheers. I’m very much a fair weather cyclist and I only really do a lot of cycling when I’m injured from running (like now). I figure that I can do cycling at any age so I might as well do fell running until my joints give in

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:40 pm

dandeclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:18 pm
dirtiest "sport" in the world

Funnily enough I was listening to a podcast today with Greg LeMond who has been the biggest outspoken critic of doping, including being ostracised by the pro cycling community for highlighting his fellow countryman Armstrongs dodgy dealings.
He believes the tour is clean now, at least at the top end, as the power being put out is possible, compared to what the likes of Armstrong were doing, which was impossible.

He did highlight mechanical doping as an issue, however he doesn’t think that’s going on on the tour now as they X-ray all the bikes.

But I agree, they are probably either legally but unethically doping (like Wiggins), or just one step ahead of the testers with illegal stuff

karatekid · Post by **karatekid** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:46 pm

How is G doing?

Tufty · Post by **Tufty** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:51 pm

Well done Ben ! Love his attacking style...old school. And a Brit (pseudo Irishman ) to boot !

edison · Post by **edison** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 8:27 pm

Tufty wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:51 pm
Well done Ben ! Love his attacking style...old school. And a Brit (pseudo Irishman ) to boot !

Rob Hatch said "he represents Ireland" while we're happy to claim him. Jack Charlton would be proud. Great ride today. Really pleased for him and Dunbar too.

edison · Post by **edison** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 8:31 pm

A few really good wins from Healy last couple of seasons - Giro, Slovenia and and Basque country, all great too. Hope to see him on the attack again this tour

jaketurner5500 · Post by **jaketurner5500** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:31 pm

Just done the toughest finish on this years Tour de France, Col de la Loze. 16 mile or 26 km of continuous climbing. 1500m or 5000ft of elevation.

Jay

Cooclaret · Post by **Cooclaret** » Thu Jul 10, 2025 10:10 pm

Inchy wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:40 pm
Funnily enough I was listening to a podcast today with Greg LeMond who has been the biggest outspoken critic of doping, including being ostracised by the pro cycling community for highlighting his fellow countryman Armstrongs dodgy dealings.
He believes the tour is clean now, at least at the top end, as the power being put out is possible, compared to what the likes of Armstrong were doing, which was impossible.

He did highlight mechanical doping as an issue, however he doesn’t think that’s going on on the tour now as they X-ray all the bikes.

But I agree, they are probably either legally but unethically doping (like Wiggins), or just one step ahead of the testers with illegal stuff

Genetic doping…

The pros are better because carbs are better and more carbs = better and more consistent fuelling = < performance

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:51 am

And the equipment. The bike is lighter and faster with gears for the course, did you see the dinner plate that Evenepoel used as a chain ring in the TT. The jerseys are super slick and lightweight. The feet are clipped in instead of strapped down.
Different game altogether now.

burnley007 · Post by **burnley007** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:44 am

What they do is beyond normal, the average speeds they achieve for 200km+ are mind blowing.

As a cyclist I can't imagine doing what they do, day after a day, for 3 weeks.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 10:17 am

burnley007 wrote: ↑
Fri Jul 11, 2025 8:44 am
What they do is beyond normal, the average speeds they achieve for 200km+ are mind blowing.

As a cyclist I can't imagine doing what they do, day after a day, for 3 weeks.

Fair comment 007.. and these lads are all phenomenal athletes and "enjoy" suffering.
It's worth bearing in mind though that cycling in a fast moving peleton is really about skill when its not going up biggish hills....from about 3 riders back the physical effort is massively reduced and it's all about staying with the bunch...once you've been dropped then life gets very hard. The top climbers and sprinters are a different animal altogether..incredibly strong and tough.

Cooclaret · Post by **Cooclaret** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 11:16 am

Not one person in that peloton enjoys suffering.

It’s horrible. The mental stress is as much if not more to the physical.

It is a superhuman effort to ride a GT no matter podium on a stage.

edison · Post by **edison** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 12:44 pm

karatekid wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 5:46 pm
How is G doing?

He's in the breakaway today, which is probably doomed

edison · Post by **edison** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 3:35 pm

I enjoyed that stage today

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 3:36 pm

No spoilers for the winner but a super day for Oscar Onley. Team leader of Picnic PostNL at 22, he’s got a great career in front of him.

edison · Post by **edison** » Fri Jul 11, 2025 3:41 pm

Onley is an exciting talent

Chester Perry · Post by **Chester Perry** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 12:07 pm

Should be a very interesting day today - is this where the leading two really go into battle

there are some that think that Pogacar is now clearly better than Vingegaard

from The Times

Are Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard still rivals? This week will tell all
After nine days this Tour has reached a crossroads and the signpost directs riders to the Massif Central, where will we learn whether the Slovenian really is on a different level
https://archive.ph/fqqqE

Pogacar can set a new record today of a third win on Bastille Day while in yellow though French eyes will be on Kevin Vauquelin - which is a lot of pressure for those young shoulders

edison · Post by **edison** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 12:07 pm

I was settling down yesterday for a lazy day with an uneventful sprint stage on in the background - but my goodness, it was great.

edison · Post by **edison** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 5:01 pm

Today was great. So much going on.

Kebsclaret · Post by **Kebsclaret** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 5:03 pm

I’m in Toulouse looking forward to seeing it live for a change.

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 5:15 pm

What a stage. Recommended viewing.

karatekid · Post by **karatekid** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 6:47 pm

Are the highlights on normal telly in the evening?

Chester Perry · Post by **Chester Perry** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 7:01 pm

karatekid wrote: ↑
Mon Jul 14, 2025 6:47 pm
Are the highlights on normal telly in the evening?

just started

claret wizard · Post by **claret wizard** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 7:44 pm

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:08 pm

Delighted for Healy and Yates. I still think that Vingegaard has a couple of mountain punches to throw.

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:13 pm

jdrobbo wrote: ↑
Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:08 pm
Delighted for Healy and Yates. I still think that Vingegaard has a couple of mountain punches to throw.

The loss of Almaeda will hurt Pog but he just looks so comfortable, even when isolated. As long as he doesn’t get in an isolated position with a puncture or needing a bike swap he could do it solo, just following Visma wheels.

TheFamilyCat · Post by **TheFamilyCat** » Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:23 pm

Strange tactics from Visma. Fair play they got the stage but by letting Yates go they lost another weapon to attack Pogacar with. Though having said that, Pog looked so comfortable i don't think he would have made much difference.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Tue Jul 15, 2025 6:19 am

jdrobbo wrote: ↑
Mon Jul 14, 2025 11:08 pm
Delighted for Healy and Yates. I still think that Vingegaard has a couple of mountain punches to throw.

Really hope you're right jdr.
Clutching at straws maybe, but Pog likes to take time out of Vin on just about every climb...and he didn't do that yesterday even though he had a good dig...I just hope it's not all merèly a formality after the Hautecam.

jaketurner5500 · Post by **jaketurner5500** » Tue Jul 15, 2025 12:22 pm

jaketurner5500 wrote: ↑
Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:31 pm
Just done the toughest finish on this years Tour de France, Col de la Loze. 16 mile or 26 km of continuous climbing. 1500m or 5000ft of elevation.

Jay

I wasn't able to upload my pic last week. Going back out on Sat to watch a couple of stages.

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Wed Jul 16, 2025 6:40 am

Is Healy a genuine threat to the GC?

I’m a novice to watching this so I don’t really understand it all

I’m off work today but with school drop off/pick up I’m limited to how far I can go.

Up to Ripon I think taking on Norwood edge climb just north of otley

Winstonswhite · Post by **Winstonswhite** » Wed Jul 16, 2025 7:35 am

Once it gets really high with long days and excessive elevation he’ll probably haemorrhage minutes. I think there’s a big day tomorrow?

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Wed Jul 16, 2025 8:40 am

He should keep the yellow today on a rolling stage but the race could explode tomorrow with a finish up the Hautacam.

edison · Post by **edison** » Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:18 pm

Inchy wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 16, 2025 6:40 am
Is Healy a genuine threat to the GC?

I’m a novice to watching this so I don’t really understand it all

I’m off work today but with school drop off/pick up I’m limited to how far I can go.

Up to Ripon I think taking on Norwood edge climb just north of otley

Laughed at TNT saying "enjoy your day in yellow" to Healy this morning. He may well stay in it until the high mountains

edison · Post by **edison** » Wed Jul 16, 2025 4:24 pm

Yet another great stage. A friend was at it and I'm insanely jealous

KellyClaret · Post by **KellyClaret** » Wed Jul 16, 2025 11:49 pm

edison wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:18 pm
Laughed at TNT saying "enjoy your day in yellow" to Healy this morning. He may well stay in it until the high mountains

So tomorrow then. He'll be dropped on Hautacam.

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 10:16 am

Hautacam always takes me back to our night on the mountain in 2000. Decisive stage won by Javier Ochoa, in a solo break. The following February Javier and his brother Ricardo were knocked off their bikes on a training run and Ricardo sadly died. Javier was in a coma for a month but although he survived his career never reached the same level again. Armstrong cracked Ullrich in the race for yellow and led to Paris but we all know how!
Our accomodation. We were above the finish line but security wanted everyone off the road for the "caravan" to get through. Note the boulders under the tyres, that was a scary drop in front of us.

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Woke up to this and never heard a thing.

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Mrs T at the last bend.

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edison · Post by **edison** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 10:16 am

KellyClaret wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 16, 2025 11:49 pm
So tomorrow then. He'll be dropped on Hautacam.

100%

TheFamilyCat · Post by **TheFamilyCat** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 4:13 pm

Visma have proper bollocksed this up today.

TheFamilyCat · Post by **TheFamilyCat** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 4:40 pm

Although there are no tactics that could have stopped this.

theduke · Post by **theduke** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 4:47 pm

That is mental. A proper destroying

Winstonswhite · Post by **Winstonswhite** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 4:48 pm

Vingegaard looks absolutely cooked!

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 5:52 pm

Pog is simply unreal

edison · Post by **edison** » Thu Jul 17, 2025 6:12 pm

That was phenomenal. I only caught the last 20k because the rest of ones on work wanted to watch the Open, but it was great

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Fri Jul 18, 2025 8:17 am

Just had a look at today’s route. 11km time trial of which 8km is straight up. Seems a bit mental.

Should be interesting as it’s a different test to the usual big climb after already cycling 60km. It’s just and eye balls out blast