Paris-Nice

[RICHARDH]

Okay punters place your bets first major euro stage race of the season whos going to win. And lets not all pick Contador shall we Im thinking that F Schleck might be a chance, Rogers if his it there for Columbia.

[ni78ck]

sorry, i polled and then read your post. i do think contador is the goods though

[RICHARDH]

I wrote that and then realised that i then couldnt in good faith pick Contador shot myself in the foot seeing as his got the most to ride for considering Armstrong just waiting in the wings for a bad performance.

[toolonglegs]

Going to pop over (fingers X'd) and watch the stage to St Etienne...has a few good bumps near the end and is only 70km away...might ride over but want to take my camera as well...way to heavy to have on my back

[brendancg]

Evans' team has got to stand up here and help him. They need to make a statement to the rest of the teams. I am going for the Aussie.

[toolonglegs]

Might be a cold start to "the race to the sun"...it is snowing here again today ..can't wait for my first race tommorow....freezing!!!.

[lukas]

So what happened to Evans to put him back at 10 mins 33?

[toolonglegs]

More is the question...

[RICHARDH]

I know Cadel was impressed with that effort, my first reaction was that i thought he was sending a message to Johan and Lance. His been isolated on todays stage and the team theyve sent isnt strong, thought there are some injuries to Levi and Horner. Will be very intresting to see how he goes when the road starts to point upwards.

[lukas]

CONtador.

Not implying anything there are you?

[toolonglegs]

Implying...moi...non! .
The race goes with in 100km of here today...but pretty chilly and damp,fine for me but not to drag two 5 years off to watch them wizz pace...maybee tommorow but unlikely..shame!.

[toolonglegs]

I know Cadel was impressed with that effort, my first reaction was that i thought he was sending a message to Johan and Lance.

I am sure he was sending a message....but I am sure Wiggins is wondering how he could get spanked by so much by a climber!...he is probably also wondering how a 17 year old in the US just about broke his 4000 world record as well thou .

[sogood]

Cadel doesn't look to be in contention. It'll be interesting to see who has the form on those climbs.

[Chuck]

Contador took back nearly 1/2 a minute from Chavanel on the final 5k climb of stage 4. Weak team or not he seems determined to send a message....

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2009/ma ... risnice094

[sogood]

Tomorrow has some big climbs and Contador seemed to have the legs to finish everyone off.

[Chuck]

The battle to establish the #1 at Astana is already very interesting, and only likely to get better

[sogood]

Interesting stage 7 with Contador bonking out near the finish and handing the yellow jersey to Sanchez (1:50 down on GC).

Read about it while at the club post ride cafe and saw LA's tweets...

Unfortunate day for Alberto. Amazing talent but still a lot to learn.

and then followed by,

Appears Alberto "bonked". Not that uncommon in endurance sports. It's miserable. He'll be back fightin' tomorrow.

Hint, hint, I (LA) am still the old master come TdF time.

Can't wait to see Cycling Central's video footage.

[Redbull]

I find the bonk excuse a bit puzzling.

Food intake is monitored. Plus you don't get to win the type and number of races he has by doing rookie mistakes and forgetting to eat.

[sogood]

I find the bonk excuse a bit puzzling.

Food intake is monitored. Plus you don't get to win the type and number of races he has by doing rookie mistakes and forgetting to eat.

Well, not that surprising. After all, they are still human. As for being monitored. Well, I doubt it. A seasoned pro should know how to look after his/her intake.

[toolonglegs]

Watching live now and Contador is on a mission,Sanchez is having a lot of bad luck as well....Saxo and Cas are on the front suffering but they are a minute back...makes for a good finish!.

[RICHARDH]

Yes will be very intresting couple of months, having been waiting for a comment from LA that didnt include "his the best cyclist in the world" in it. Look out Bertie the minds games have started. Very intresting race, shame poor old Alberto didnt have a stronger team but thats the way the cookie crumbles I suppose. Sanchez seems to have done alot of work in the off season, and Schleck was there abouts so all the TdF contenders are exactly where they want to be.

[sogood]

Very interesting final stage and obviously Contador had something to prove.

It just shows how much more human he is when he isn't protected by his team. Strong yes, superhuman he isn't.

[RICHARDH]

I dont know that was an amazing TT, testing conditions and not much of a team to speak of, wonder if a certain other rider could have managed much better. Contador will be pushing even harder to race with Armstrong sooner rather than later.

[toolonglegs]

Cadel didn't look good in the final stage...tried to put in an attack and then Schleck just rode away.

[RICHARDH]

So about right for Cadel no matter what time of year it is Mick Rogers is the best placed aussie to go the podium in this years TdF