Tour de France anyone?

[honeygirl]

Are DH and I the only ones watching the Tour de France? We are big fans and watch it every year (well at least the last couple of years). We cheer for Lance Armstrong and the American Team of course (Discovery), but enjoy the chases and back stories.

Tonight Lance got back into the yellow jersey, I can't imagine that he won't win again. His 7th in a row!

So ladies, am I the only fan? Anyone else cheering for someone besides Armstrong to win?

http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2005/1000/live_15.jpg

http://www.letour.fr/2005/TDF/LIVE/galerie/1000/galerie_09.jpg

17:41 - The New Top 10 Overall...
Even before Jens Voigt reaches the end of stage 10, we can report that Armstrong is back in the yellow jersey. The new top 10 is:
1. Lance Armstrong (USA) Discovery Channel - 1,6866.0km in 37h11’04" (44.92km/h)
2. Mickael Rasmussen (Denmark) Rabobank at 38"
3. Ivan Basso (Italy) CSC at 2’40"
4. Christophe Moreau (France) Credit Agricole at 2’42"
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spain) Illes Balears at 3’16"
6. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Gerolsteiner at 3’58"
7. Francisco Mancebo (Spain) Illes Balears at 4’00"
8. Jan Ullrich (Germany) T-Mobile at 4’02"
9. Andreas Kloden (Germany) T-Mobile at 4’16"
10. Floyd Landis (USA) Phonak at 4’16"
The new leader of the best young rider classification is the winner of stage 10, Alejandro Valverde.

[sportyj]

I am a HUUUGE FAN!!! Read everything I can get my hands on about Lance and other riders. I watch the entire 3-5 hours of coverage EVERY DAY (YAY for Tivo). I feel like I am the only person in America who knows what is going on, well DH and I! SOO GLAD to find another fan. Did you see the race today? Lance is so classy I love that he worked with Valverde and helped him get the stage. A little shocked about Vino and Ullrich, thought they would have hung in there a bit. I always feel bad for Jan, went through a windshield the day before the race. He has the worst luck! I could go on forever, so excited about tomorrows stage. TWO HC climbs, my fav!

Jen

[Scooter]

We've been watching it (DH looks forward to it all year!).

I am really getting tired of Lance, though. It felt like in his first few Tours he was really pushing himself forward and doing it all himself. It was exciting to watch.

Now it seems like Discovery has just assembled a great team for him so that he can sit back. It's like most of the time he's relying on his team to get him up to the front--makes it boring to watch. I'm sure this isn't a popular sentiment, though!

I end up cheering on some of the others from European teams. It's starting to get more exciting, as they finally hit the Alps today.

[boilermaker]

Edited out because I honestly didn't mean to upset people.

[solongtogo]

Didn't Lance's sponsor used to be the US Postal Service? What happened to that?

Oh and have you guys seen the commercial on discovery where Lance walks into a room and the monster garage guys are there and they turned his bike into a motorcycle looking one? Hilarious...

[annielynn]

Huge fans here. We watch everyday. My DH was an amateur cryclists back when he was in high school. He had even been invited to cycle in one of the competitions that I hold in the Rockys. I cannot remember the name right off, but to make a long story short because he was only 17 at the time he Dad told him that he couldn't go so he didn't. :( I could have been married to next Lance Armstrong.

This years race is really good. Lance looks really relaxed and ready to ride. I am also happy to see the other Americans that in the top 10. That is just awesome.

Didn't Lance's sponsor used to be the US Postal Service? What happened to that?

I think that they are still a sponsor but not the main sponsor. On the Discovery Channel's team jersey you can still see the USPS logo underneath the DC logo.

Now it seems like Discovery has just assembled a great team for him so that he can sit back. It's like most of the time he's relying on his team to get him up to the front--makes it boring to watch.

I would have to kinda disagree. Yes the team has been there for their captain but they cannot pedal the bike for him. Yesterdays stage Lance was the only one of his team in the lead group. He took the lead on his own and was the end all alone. There are a lot of the elite riders that have teams that are doing the exact same thing that Discovery is doing. I don't agree that Lance is just sitting back at all.

[jenn0911]

I have been glued to my seat! I love Lance! I think he is really inspiring!

[sportyj]

I used to be a big Lance fan and I did watch previous tours. But it turns my stomach to think that he couldn't even be man enough to divorce his wife first before sleeping with other people. So, no I am not watching this year and I am actually hoping someone else will win. I don't really care who....but an American would be nice.


Please do not speak of things that you are not familiar with. I do not appreciate GOSSIP being on a board just about the tour. If you have something to say about the tour then great. If you have something that has been emphatically PROVEN to not be true (if you knew anything about Lance you would KNOW that even his EX WIFE has denied this) so please, respect the man for what we are tlaking about not his personal life, especially when it is petty gossip like this. Pathetic.

[boilermaker]

Edited for same reason. Perhaps sporty will also edit out her post to allow this thread to remain on the track the initial poster desired.

[honeygirl]

Yay I'm not the only fan!

Yes, I thought Lance did well in yesterday's stage 10, it is more fun to watch when it is more of a "race", rather than a huge peleton (sp?) of riders coming in together.

I also prefer the mountain climbs, more interesting.

We watch the whole race every evening, but to be honest I often get confused about what is going on. My favorite part is the end when they all sprint to the finish, makes my heart rate go up up up!

So, if any of you more knowledgeable fans would like to share your info please feel free to do so.

ETA - Okay, I didn't want to get involved in the "gossip" part of this thread, but what does Lance's personal life/marriage have to do with the Tour de France? He is one of many riders and I started this thread to talk about the race, not about his personal life. Anyway, I guess I can understand in some ways boycotting something/someone b/c you don't like them, but why come and share that with people who do like the race and do like him? Seems like causing trouble to me. Can we please get on with the race part?

[annielynn]

They just finished stage 11! I will not post the result for those of you that want to watch it on tv tonight. But if you would like to see the result go to OLN (http://www.olntv.com/tdf) and click on stage 11. :p

[honeygirl]

Yes please to not post spoilers :) We only watch at night so DH and I try hard to avoid all news until after we've see the race replay.

[Noniitis]

My DH and I LOVELOVELOVE the tour. Our DVR is set! Is anyone else loving the exchanges prior to the race with Bob Roll and the other commentators? SO funny! I loved when they gave Bob Roll the Green Jersey for the fastest sprint to the pub after the race was over.

I love Lance and I love watching him ride however I told my DH next year is going to be really exciting to see who will win when it will be anyones game. Not that Lance has it in the bag yet but there is that expectation.

[numberlady]

Like others I love watching the Tour! I started watching it last year and didn't really understand a lot of the strategy and drafting that was involved, but with my hubby's help (who is a cyclist too) I understand a lot better and enjoy it a lot more.

Honeygirl the most important thing I have learned is that Lance doesn't have to be in the front during the entire ride in order to win the tour. If someone breaks ahead that is not a contender for the overall best time (the refer to this as the GC) they they are likely to let them go ahead. Anyone else they will not let get ahead by too far and will most likely speed up the pace of the peleton in order to "reel them in".

Another thing I have learned that I never knew is that there are really 4 "prizes" of the Tour. The yellow jersey is the overall best time. The white jersey is the for the up and coming rider with the best time. I think they have to be under 27 years old in order to quality. The green jersey is won based on points accumulated during the sprints and the polka dot jersey is won based on points accumulated during the mountains.

[annielynn]

I absolutley will not post spoilers. That isn't cool! :p It is a lot more fun to watch the race without knowing what the ending is going to be.

I agree that next year is going to be a fun year. Lance has dominated the Tour for 6 years (7years) next year it could be anyone!! Fun stuff man.

[honeygirl]

That was a great race! It amazes me how close those crazy fans get to the riders when their going up mountains. Maybe it is the camera angles, but it looks like they could knock them off!

I'm assuming it's safe to post the results, but if you haven't seen the race don't read any further.

I was surprised at first that team Discovery and the other leaders weren't chasing the breakout. However, at the end Lance said that it wouldn't have been worth the effort/wear on his body as they only gained 1min 15 sec. Makes sense I guess as there are a lot of days to go.

Did you guys see that one racer (forget which one) who rode right off the road/cliff? He somehow got back on the road, but man, how scary could that have been!

[dionysia]

L'enfer du Nord: Paris - Roubaix
La Cote d'Azur et Saint Tropez
Les Alpes et les Pyrennees
Derniere etape Champs-Elysees
Galibier et Tourmalet
En danseuse jusqu'au sommet
Pedaler en grand braquet
Sprint final a l'arrivee
Crevaison sur les paves
Le velo vite repare
Le peloton est regroupe
Camarades et amitie

Di

[Noniitis]

When the peleton was 3 minutes behind I was surprized but when they took that down to 1 minute I was thinking he still wasn't a threat. Ok what about the fan on the very narrow road way at the top of the climb? Scary! I want to go watch someday I think that would be so much fun.

[honeygirl]

When the peleton was 3 minutes behind I was surprized but when they took that down to 1 minute I was thinking he still wasn't a threat. Ok what about the fan on the very narrow road way at the top of the climb? Scary! I want to go watch someday I think that would be so much fun.

I'd love to go watch as well, although I think I'd avoid the scary ledge areas of the Alps! I have been to France a few times and love the country (doesn't hurt that I have friends who live there). I suggested it to DH for a trip next summer, we'll see. :)

Di - Thanks for the French ;)

[dionysia]

Di - Thanks for the French ;)It's not just French, it's German synth-gods speaking French. :D

Check out Kraftwerk's song Tour de France.

Di

[honeygirl]

Last night's stage was kind of boring I thought. Although it is interesting that the French try to win on Bastille day each year.

That's about it. Any other thoughts?

[annielynn]

I didn't get to watch the stage last night. I am kinda glad to hear that it was boring. Glad to see that Armstrong is still sitting first after yesterdays stage.

[honeygirl]

Yup, the finishers that were WAY ahead (10 min) weren't in contention for the yellow jersey. Armstrong is still in the lead, but the 2nd guy is only 38 seconds behind him.

One sad thing is an accident with one of the Discovery team members (forgot his name of course). He is out of the race and was one of the important "climbers". He hit his head and didn't know where he was. They admitted him to the hospital.

[annielynn]

OH man! I heard about him yesterday but I didn't realize that he was taken to the hospital. I must search the internet and see if he is ok. I certainly hope so!

[sportyj]

The "guy" who fell was Manuel Beltran, they refer to him as "Tricky" he is a great climber for the team and it is always tough to lose a member when they are such a cohesive team. But he is FINE according to Johan.

HOW about todays stage, and yesterdays? YAY GEORGE! I LOOOVE George he is always SOOOO loyal to Lance and the team and now he has a day in the sun. WELL deserved!

[sportyj]

Oh and one more thing. DH and I have been talking ALOT about next years, we are sooo excited. WHO do you want to win next year?

1 - Jan Ullrich, the poor guy has been 2nd so much i think it would be neat for him to win one again and then go into retirement.
2 - Ivan Basso, classy classy guy.
3 - George Hincapie, not too likely, but I really love the guy!

I would love for Tyler Hamilton to come back all cleaned up and make a run for it too, I really liked him.

PS - I hope the above was not a spoiler. I am on the west and watched the evening coverage so hopefully everyone knows by now. If not you can yell at me ;)

[honeygirl]

I don't think it was a spoiler, not for me at least. Today's race was great, how exciting for George. Hard to believe he's raced for 10 years w/out a stage win, what a team player!

As for next year's win, maybe Ivan Basso. I'm not a fan of Jan, not sure why but he rubbed me the wrong way last year.

Rest day tomorrow, we'll check in on tuesday.

[numberlady]

What an exciting weekend of racing. I was glued to the TV!

It will be interesting to see what happens next year with Lance gone. This year Ullrich doesn't look like he has enough to keep up, but he has had a couple of falls that maybe are having a bigger impact than he is letting on. Basso definately looks strong.

The announcers seem to think that Vinokourov will move from T-Mobile to Discovery next year and I really like him. He is an agressive rider.

[honeygirl]

Anyone else think today's race was boring? Maybe it was b/c they kept cutting to commercials every 2 minutes! I guess Lance has it all tied up, wonder who'll end up with 2nd?

Also, how tragic about the women's Australlian team having an accident (in Germany while training). Interesting that throughout the race they kept saying that the Austrailan was racing for the memory of the women (he came in 4th), yet when asked he didn't give that impression at all. He said something about seeing an opportunity and taking it. Oh well. They make things so dramatic with sports!

[sportyj]

Yeah I do have to agree that the stage was slow. I am sad because the tour is pretty much over, the rest of the stages will be pretty dull. I do like that there is sort of a race for 2nd and 3rd.

[numberlady]

Sportyj I'm with you. The race is pretty much over. The only thing I am really looking forward to is the last time trial. Hopefully Lance will be able to pick up a little more time on his rivals!

[honeygirl]

It's OVER!

We were camping this weekend so taped saturday's race and hurried home to watch the tape and then the final Sunday night. We avoided all news, (papers and television).

The individual time trial was fun to watch, except for "poor old mike" (rasmussen sp?). They kept calling him that after he fell twice and had somewhere around 4-6 bike changes! It was hard to watch. He was passed by the two riders behind him (Basso and Armstrong I think). He managed to keep the poka-dot jersey at the end, which is surprising given all of his trouble that race.

Stage 21 was a bit boring with the rain and anticlimatic finish for the overall times. At least there was the stage win.

Well it's over till next year. My DH was sad last night, he wishes the race would go longer! Do they broadcast any other bike races? The TDF is the only one we've seen.

Thanks for participating ladies, see you in 2006!

[annielynn]

I am kinda bummed that it is over. I watched all of yeseterdays stage and at least there was a race to the stage finish. I think that it was kinda crappy that the riders were told that there would be not bonus' but at the end they still gave Vinokourov a bonus for winning the stage. This allowed him to move up a place in the GC and Levi ended up in 6. I think that had Levi known that there was going to be a bonus for the stage win that he wouldn't have stayed in the peloton, instead he would have been up in front with Vinokourov giving him a go. OH well.

I am very happy for Lance. He totally deserves this. He is definately the worlds greatest cyclist. Onto next year.... who will it be?

[hockeybrat]

Basso, maybe?

I didn't follow every race but caught most of the weekend event. Poor Rasmussen, I felt so bad for him on Saturday.:(

[numberlady]

I did a search and OLN does have a couple of bike races airing for those of you who loved the Tour action. I think one of them is tonight and there is another one within the next couple of weeks. I have my TiVo set for both.

[honeygirl]

Thanks, I'll try to look those races up, we're going through withdrawls over here :)

[honeygirl]

*bumping up for the 2006 tour*

We ordered the OLN channel from cable for this month so that we can watch the tour. Got to love DVR.

So who is everyone rooting for? I don't know just yet, we're watching day 1 right now. :)

[sportyj]

OH OH OH I am rooting for Jan Ullrich...oh crap nevermind.

So now I am rooting for Ivan Basso. Oh maybe not. :rolleyes:

No, really I am rooting for Georgie!!! GO HINCAPIE!!!

[honeygirl]

sportyj - You're up late too. :) AZ is in the house.

I'm for George too I think. I feel bad for the guy (Vinokuroff) whose can ride b/c most of his team was suspended. Bummer for him. I think he did pretty well last year too.

[numberlady]

Yay for Geroge getting those couple of bonus seconds to wear the yellow jersey. It would be so awsome if he could win the whole thing. I can't believe all the guys that were tied to that scandal.

[annielynn]

We are so excited that it is tour time again. We are routing for George at our house too.

It is only day three and already it has been an exciting Tour! :)

[ginadc]

Another huge George fan here! Love me some George. I think it would be such a classic story if he could win the whole thing. Sorry that he had to give up the yellow jersey today, but I know it was a strategic decision on Discovery's part. You have to admire Hushovd, coming back after that horrible injury yesterday (I know it looked much worse than it apparently was, but it has to throw you) and winning the yellow back.

Is Thomas Voeckler racing this year? I haven't heard a word about him. I loved his yellow-jersey stretch in the 2004 Tour.

[honeygirl]

What a tough day for some of the "big guys". Bummer to see the crashes and to lose those racers (I won't post spoilers just yet in case some of you are waiting for the night showing).

I'm still happy for George, getting the yellow jersey the other day was a great accomplishment. I hope that he does well, he's easy to root for. :)

One of my favorite parts of watching the tour is seeing all the lovely french (and border countries) countryside go by. Someday I'd like to see the tour in person.

[honeygirl]

Is Thomas Voeckler racing this year? I haven't heard a word about him. I loved his yellow-jersey stretch in the 2004 Tour.

I haven't much about him either, but he is racing. He's currently 87th overall. He's riding for Bouygues Telecom.

I got my info here: http://cbs.sportsline.com/cycling/riders/page/400249

[sportyj]

Gina - I too LOVE Voeckler and his adorable baby face! I hope maybe he has a stage win or something this year.

http://teemix.aufeminin.com/imworld4/stars/fan/D20050724/1473_620841621_thomas_voeckler_2_H233830_L.jpg

So cute!

Today was quite a day, this tour sure has started out with a bang! I opened my home page and saw "big name in tour crashes out" and my heart sank. I am on pins and needles ALL July worrying about Team Discovery.

Honey - You are an AZ girl right? We should have a tour party! :p

[honeygirl]

sportyj - Yup, I'm in AZ. Enjoying the air-cond as I type. ;) I'd be up for a tour party, but we haven't even had a GTG yet! Are you in Phoenix?

[sportyj]

Honey - I know we just did a little BBQ for the 4th but I am skipping fireworks this year I would rather stay in the AC and watch on TV HA! I know! SHEESH no GTG I am in East Mesa. I know JenInAZ is up for a GTG where are you again?

[honeygirl]

Yesterday's race was so exciting at the end, then end is always my favorite part of course. I was rooting for the break-away to make it first, especially since a Discovery Team member was in it. Oh well, maybe next time. Did anyone else yell out when they saw that one rider go down at the end? I was so surprised, it looked like a horrible crash, I can't believe no one else fell!

I'm still cheering for George. :) Does anyone know if he is the leader of Discovery? I heard something about it not being clear who was the leader.

[Runnergrl]

I'm still cheering for George. :) Does anyone know if he is the leader of Discovery? I heard something about it not being clear who was the leader.

Honeygirl- What I've heard is that the Discovery was playing it "close to the vest" as to who the leader of the team was. I do believe that based on George's great ride in the prologe and having the yellow jersey the next day that he his the leader. I don't believe for one second that Johahn Burnel (total genius in the way he leads that team if you ask me) would go into the Tour de France without a clear leader, I think he just wasn't telling anyone else who it was.

I'm loving this years Tour- very exciting finish yesterday and the end parts of the sprint finishes are always my favorite too.

I can't wait to see what happens in the Mountains this year, should be interesting.

[honeygirl]

Thanks Runnergrl and welcome to CC!

I'm just watching the race right now (DVR) so no comments about today's race yet. :)

[sportyj]

George is wearing #1 which means he is the team leader for Discovery. I too LOVE Johann Bruneel!

Poor Dekker, did you hear he lost all his front teeth in that crash a few days ago? And I hate to see our Discovery guys go down like tonight, but he got back up, those guys are amazing. I mountain bike and when I crash, on dirt and going about 1/10 that speed, I rarely get back on my bike. :)

[honeygirl]

Wow, no I didn't know that he lost all his front teeth. Yikes! When they crash it looks like they fall really hard so I'm not surprised. I was surprised to see that 20 yrs ago the racers didn't wear helmets. I wouldn't want to see the crashes today w/out helmets!

Does anyone know why they took out the team time trial? I miss it.

Happy watching ladies!

[Runnergrl]

Does anyone know why they took out the team time trial? I miss it.

honeygirl- Well I watched "Lance on the Team Time Trial" last night on OLN and according to him it's because the Tour organizers brains went numb.:)

But the real reason according to the experts (which I am not) is that the Tour organizers felt that the Team Time Trial gave the stronger teams (Discovery, CSC, Team Mobile) a chance to get their leader into a strong position on the yellow jersey early. Which in turn made the race "not as interesting" in the late stages. I personally loved the Team time trial, because I love the team work aspect of cycling anyway and thought that displine show cased it well.

I didn't know Decker had lost all of his teeth either-ouch! Those crashes do look hard and tough.

It's been fun watching the Tour thus far! Very much looking forward to the Time Trial tomorrow. It's my second favorite part of the Tour- I love the Mountain top finishes the best! I always say wait until the mountains and then we'll see what's what.

Sportyj- Thanks for the #1 wearing update on George- I hadn't noticed that.

Happy Tour watching Ladies!

[ginadc]

What in the world happened to George today? :: sniffle :: I was surprised enough that he wasn't in the attack led by T-Mobile, but then when he got dropped off the back of the second group with the yellow jersey...I'm just shocked. Apparently he's in 40th now and something like 9 minutes back. I'm so bummed. If he were riding well I'd still say he could come back from that, given how crazy this Tour has been, but other than the brief day in yellow on the first road day, he really hasn't been doing all that well (e.g., the time trial). Discovery just doesn't seem to be hanging together well; I wonder if Bruyneel's "race to replace" strategy was such a good idea after all?

But all props to Floyd Landis. Dude was amazing today. I can't believe he's doing this on a virtually dead hip!

[honeygirl]

Hello Tour ladies! I haven't been posting in here but I have been watching the tour each day (except rest days ;) ).

I can't believe that cute Tom Boden is out, I think that he's never finished a tour.

I'm bummed about George being so far back, hopefully he can finish at least one more stage in a good spot.

Let's see, I'm also sad about Floyd Landis. I had moved all my rooting energy to him the last few stages and then yesterday he dropped so much!

I guess it was good for Rasmussen, but to be honest that guy creeps me out a little. I think it's b/c he's SO skinny. Maybe I'm jealous. ;)

Happy watching!

[sportyj]

Have to be honest, please don't shoot me, but its time someone other than an American wins it after the Lance domination. I knew Landis didn't have it in him. I LURVE Cadel Evans tho...

The skinny guys creep me out too! Remember Tyler Hamilton! OMG EEEEW! He'll be back next year by the way (if a team picke him up!)

[Runnergrl]

Hello Tour Ladies-

Yes I've been watching every stage too, but not posting. :)

I felt soo bad for Floyd yesterday- bonking is not a good thing.

I totally love Cadel Evans and if he ends up being the winner that's all good with me.

It's definitly been a different exciting tour!

Happy Tour watching!

[honeygirl]

Have to be honest, please don't shoot me, but its time someone other than an American wins it after the Lance domination. I knew Landis didn't have it in him. I LURVE Cadel Evans tho...

I won't shoot you. :) Maybe you're right, another country should have a chance at winning so they don't give up trying. ;)

The skinny guys creep me out too! Remember Tyler Hamilton! OMG EEEEW! He'll be back next year by the way (if a team picke him up!)

Yes, creepy! Is it bad that I root for the cute guys? ;)

[ginadc]

So...who was watching yesterday? I think that was possibly the most incredible thing I've ever seen a single athlete achieve. Go Floyd! I loved watching this morning when they kept playing back Phil Liggett's comment: "Can Floyd come back and win this race?" "No." In fairness to Phil, who would have ever believed it? That, my friends, was sports history in the making. Beautiful!

[honeygirl]

That was an exciting race, this whole Tour is very up and down (no pun intended)!

I did get a bit tired of hearing the announcers talk on and on and on some more about Floyd the WHOLE entire RACE. It's all they could talk about. My DH thought that was fine but it started to bug me.

Sorry sportyj, looks like the US is taking over again. ;)

So has anyone been motivated to bike ride since the tour started?

[ginadc]

I did get a bit tired of hearing the announcers talk on and on and on some more about Floyd the WHOLE entire RACE. It's all they could talk about

Well, really, what else was there to talk about in yesterday's stage? From everything I've read/heard, you have to go back literally decades in the tour to find someone accomplishing something like what Floyd did yesterday. It was just extraordinary.

[honeygirl]

Well, really, what else was there to talk about in yesterday's stage? From everything I've read/heard, you have to go back literally decades in the tour to find someone accomplishing something like what Floyd did yesterday. It was just extraordinary.

I don't know, maybe some more stories about the countryside. ;)

[sportyj]

BOOO FLOYD! ;) Really cannot stand the guy, but do not want that to get in the way of anything so I will keep my mouth shut. :D

I am bored out of my goard with this race this year, other than some of the pretty horrific crashes, OMG did you see that one where those dudes went over the barriers? OUCH! That was harsh!

[chortles]

Best Floyd article EVER (no spoilers) :D

http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/10513.0.html

[honeygirl]

Best Floyd article EVER (no spoilers) :D

http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/10513.0.html

That's hilarious, thanks for sharing chorles!

[numberlady]

Floyd did awesome in the TT yesterday and I can't believe an American is going to win again this year! I wonder how long it will take for the French to accuse him of doping?

[honeygirl]

It's over. Yay for Floyd Landis. I am proud to say that we watched the entire tour (although some parts were ff ;) ) and overall it was pretty exciting. I hope that someday I can see parts of the tour in person! I wouldn't be one of those fans standing in the middle of the road though! Yikes, that guy yesterday (in Paris) was nuts. My favorite part of the last race was when Levi rode ahead of the group then got off his bike and clapped on the side of the road like a fan. Too funny! :D

See you all next year for the 2007 Tour!

[udsweetpea]

I'm so excited for Floyd! He's from Lancaster, PA, which is right in my area. And BF used to race with him way back when in the 90s. Go Floyd!

[Runnergrl]

Yeah for Floyd!! That's the never give up determination that is so wonderful!

I loved this Tour very exciting and unpredicatable all the way to the finish.

I'd love to see the Tour in person too some day HONEYGIRL. But not from the middle of the road- so crazy and nuts.

Have a great rest of your summer ladies.

[cosmic]

Just in from Associated Press:

LONDON (AP) -- The Phonak cycling team says it has been notified
of a positive doping test by Tour de France winner Floyd Landis.

[msnicolea]

Unbelievable--cycling is going down a shame spiral. I am really disappointed and saddened by this news.

[honeygirl]

Hmm, I wonder if there is any medical explanation (besides actually doping) to explain the elevated testosterone levels in his blood. Maybe a medication for his hip problem? That or he's a drug user. Shrug.

[numberlady]

Well that only took a week:eek: I heard that Floyd has requested that he not be tried in the court of public opinion until another test is done. From what I have read, there is a second test that needs to be done to even verify the results and it is more expensive to do. I would think that the facts should be straight before this stuff starts leaking to the public.

[basianov]

I agree, numberlady!

Personally, I really hope that it this was just a fluke. I would be extremely disappointed if it turns out that he was cheating. :(

However, now, even if he's ultimately exonerated and is 100% innocent, his win will forever be tainted by doubt. I think that's terrible.

[honeygirl]

Update:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/31/AR2006073100867.html

The Associated Press
Monday, July 31, 2006; 9:47 PM


NEW YORK -- Tests show that some of the testosterone in Floyd Landis' system at the Tour de France was synthetic and not naturally produced by his body as he claimed, according to a newspaper report.

The French antidoping lab testing the American cyclist's samples determined that some of the hormone came from an external source, The New York Times reported on its Web site Monday night, citing a person at the International Cycling Union with knowledge of the result.


There is still 1 more test to go and the results aren't official yet, but it doesn't sound good. :( I'll wait till the results are conclusive before I comment more.

[numberlady]

PARIS -- Floyd Landis was fired by his team and the Tour de France no longer considered him its champion Saturday after his second doping sample tested positive for higher-than-allowable levels of testosterone.

The samples contained synthetic testosterone, indicating that it came from an outside source.

"I have received a text message from Chatenay-Malabry lab that indicates the 'B' sample of Floyd Landis' urine confirms testosterone was taken in an exogenous way," Pierre Bordry, who heads the French anti-doping council, told The Associated Press shortly after the "B" sample results were released.

Landis had claimed the testosterone was "natural and produced by my own organism," and once again maintained his innocence.

"I have never taken any banned substance, including testosterone," he said in a statement. "I was the strongest man at the Tour de France, and that is why I am the champion.

"I will fight these charges with the same determination and intensity that I bring to my training and racing. It is now my goal to clear my name and restore what I worked so hard to achieve."

The Swiss-based team Phonak immediately severed ties with Landis, and the UCI said it would ask USA Cycling to open disciplinary proceedings against him.

"Landis will be dismissed without notice for violating the team's internal Code of Ethics," Phonak said in a statement. "Landis will continue to have legal options to contest the findings. However, this will be his personal affair, and the Phonak team will no longer be involved in that."

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Landis no longer was considered champion, but the decision to strip him of his title rests with the International Cycling Union.

"It goes without saying that for us Floyd Landis is no longer the winner of the 2006 Tour de France," Prudhomme told the AP in a telephone interview. "Our determination is even stronger now to fight against doping and to defend this magnificent sport."

Prudhomme said runner-up Oscar Pereiro of Spain would be the likely new winner.

"We can't imagine a different outcome," Prudhomme said.

If stripped of the title, Landis would become the first winner in the 103-year history of cycling's premier race to lose his Tour crown over doping allegations.

UCI lawyer Philippe Verbiest said Landis would officially remain Tour champion pending the U.S. disciplinary process, which involves a series of steps:

Documentation from the positive tests will be forwarded to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which gives the evidence to a review panel. The panel will make a recommendation to USADA, which would decide if a penalty -- likely a two-year ban -- is appropriate. That decision is forwarded to USA Cycling, the UCI and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Landis can accept the decision or begin an appeals process, which can take up to six months.

"Until he is found guilty or admits guilt, he will keep the yellow jersey," he said. "This is normal. You are not sanctioned before you are found guilty."

The results of the second test come nearly two weeks after he stood atop the winner's podium on the Champs-Elysees in the champion's yellow jersey.

Testosterone, a male sex hormone, helps build muscle and improve stamina. The urine tests were done July 20 after Landis' Stage 17 victory during a grueling Alpine leg, when he regained nearly eight minutes against then-leader Pereiro -- and went on to win the three-week race.

The tests turned up a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 11:1 -- far in excess of the 4:1 limit.

"It's incredibly disappointing," three-time Tour winner Greg LeMond said by phone from the starting line at the Pan Mass Challenge in Sturbridge, Mass. "I don't think he has much chance at all to try to prove his innocence."

The case is expected to go to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency; the process could take months, possibly with appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"It doesn't end here," said Landis' Spanish lawyer, Jose Maria Buxeda. "What matters is the concept. A prohibited substance has been found in the samples, but no immediate sanction comes into effect yet. The rider will defend himself."

Landis, a 30-year-old former mountain biker, says he was tested eight other times during the three-week tour and those results came back negative.

Landis has hired high-profile American lawyer Howard Jacobs, who has represented several athletes in doping cases.

Jacobs plans to go after the UCI for allegedly leaking information regarding the sample testing.

Earlier this week, a New York Times report cited a source from the UCI saying that a second analysis of Landis' "A" sample by carbon isotope ratio testing had detected synthetic testosterone -- meaning it was ingested.

Jacques De Ceaurriz, the head of the Chatenay-Malabray lab, said the isotope testing procedure involving a mass spectrometer is totally reliable.

"It's foolproof. This analysis tells the difference between endogenous and exogenous," he told the AP. "No error is possible in isotopic readings."

Landis spokesman Michael Henson disputed that.

"There is no conclusive evidence that shows that this test can show definitively the presence of exogenous testosterone," Henson said.

But World Anti-Doping Agency chief Dick Pound said the tests were scientifically valid.

"The overwhelming scientific consensus would hold these tests are reliable and what they found is what they found," he told the AP. "Had there been any scientific difficulties or technical difficulties we would have heard about it."

Pound said confirmation of the synthetic testosterone finding would undermine any Landis defense.

"It's probably a very good preemptive move to close down yet another avenue of complaint or argument," he said. "The science is pretty well accepted. The history of these tests are pretty well established."

Since the Phonak team was informed of the positive test on July 27, Landis and his defense team have offered various explanations for the high testosterone reading -- including cortisone shots taken for pain in Landis' degenerating hip; drinking beer and whiskey the night before; thyroid medication; and his natural metabolism.

Another theory -- dehydration -- was rebuffed by anti-doping experts.

"When I heard it was synthetic hormone, it is almost impossible to be caused by natural events. It's kind of a downer," said LeMond, the first American to win the Tour. "I feel for Floyd's family. I hope Floyd will come clean on it and help the sport. We need to figure out how to clean the sport up, and we need the help of Floyd."

In Murrieta, Calif., where Landis lives, an AP reporter was asked by police to leave the gated community when she attempted to approach his house. Several cars were parked in front, and the blinds were drawn.

A man who said he was a friend of the family, but didn't want his name used, answered the phone at the Landis' house and confirmed the cyclist was there.

"We're drinking some coffee, and that's about it," he said.

Despite the latest test results a sign at a nearby freeway exit said, "Welcome Home Floyd Landis, 2006 Tour de France Winner."

In Lancaster County, Pa., where Landis was raised in a conservative Mennonite home, neighbors vowed their support.

"All he has accomplished, he has attained through his hard work and discipline. We are very confident he will prove his innocence. It is very unfortunate that these tests were revealed before he had a chance to do so," said Tammy Martin, a longtime family friend.

Paul and Arlene Landis, who have supported their son since the doping scandal broke, were out of town on a previously scheduled vacation.

A note posted in their yard said, "God Bless, Went Camping."

From ESPN http://http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/cycling/news/story?id=2539409

[sportyj]

DH and I stopped watching after that stage, we knew something was "up" for someone to come back after such a devastating day and blow the whole field out of the water like that. What a disgrace. I feel horrible for Pereiro, just terrible, he is the true winner and he will not get to experience the feeling of riding onto the Champ Elsysees because of a CHEATER. What Landis did was low, this sport is so many people's LIVES and he treated it like a game to them - he deserves the strictest of penalties. I am very saddened by this. As a HUGE cycling and tour fan - this is a MAJOR blow.

[TriSigmaNC]

Don't flame me here, but I'm actually a supporter and think this is the same crap they gave Lance, just because he's an American. Either way it sucks.

[sportyj]

Not flaming you AT ALL its just that Lance's B samples NEVER came up postive AND Lance's OWN team never called him out (isn't it s a bit odd that PHONAK was the one who started this when they had just won the TOUR??? Do you realize how much money is in this for a team when they win?).

In a nutshell it was MEDIA source (ie newpapers) that accused Lance of doping NOT WADA (Word anti doping agency), French national anti-doping laboratory, LNDD or HIS OWN TEAM!!! A newspaper claimed in 2006 that they had EVIDENCE from a masseuse and other word of mouth sources that they had seen syringes of EPO (that would NO DOUBT show up in atheletes DAILY urine test like the synthetic testosterone did in Floyds urine) during the 1999 tour. YES we are talking 6 years later. PHONAK came out the DAY after Landis blew the field out of the water because they knew if they did not they would FOREVER be banned from racing had LNDD come up with the results on their own accord. FWIW the lab had the B samples still frozen and they were tested just as we have been waiting for Landis's this week, and yep you guessed it- NEGATIVE just like Lance's tests have always been. This is a COMPLETELY different sceanrio.

And while I am not flaming I am just being particular to point out that you can IN NO WAY say this is a SIMILAR situation to Lance Armstrong constant witch hunt. I could get way into the details of the whole Lance deal because I have followed the Lance story in depth but it is not necessary. Please look more into it - you will see it is a COMPLETELY different situation.

ETA - You are right though - either way it totally sucks, all this doping is such BS, biking, track, baseball. Why do people do this? Its hard to trust anything anymore....

[numberlady]

Tour de France champion Floyd Landis tested positive for high levels of testosterone, but experts tell WebMD that there could be many reasons why.

Wire reports say that 30-year-old Landis tested positive for what is being called "an unusual level of testosterone:epitestosterone" during the three-week race.

"This is huge news," says steroid law expert and former body builder Rick Collins of Carle Place, N.Y.

But Collins is quick to add Landis is innocent until proven guilty.

"Don’t draw any conclusions yet and certainly if he didn't, in fact, consume testosterone, Landis should mount a very vigorous defense," says Collins, author of Legal Muscle.

For starters, the test looks at the ratio of testosterone to epitestosterone and is highly likely to yield false-positive results. The initial results must be confirmed by further testing and it is not yet known when this will occur. Until then, there is no conclusive evidence of doping, he says.

In the interim, Landis has been suspended. If Landis is found guilty of doping, he could be stripped of the Tour title and Spain's Oscar Pereiro would become champion, wire reports say.

"When balance between testosterone and epitestosterone are sufficiently far enough apart, it is deemed to be positive for doping," he says. But there are other reasons that this ratio can be off, he says. For example, studies have shown that a spike in testosterone can also result from certain circumstances occuring either before or after winning games, he says.

Testosterone Effects Not Immediate

At one point in the three-week race, it seemed as though Landis was petering out. But "an injection of testosterone is not some sort of miracle, immediate boost like an amphetamine or stimulant," Collins says. "Athletes who use testosterone use it over a fairly long course and the benefit accumulates over a period of time."

Testosterone would not account for his comeback, Collins stresses.

"A single shot of testosterone would provide little or no benefit."

John Eliot, PhD, a professor of human performance at Rice University in Houston, and the author of "Overachievement," agrees with Collins.

"The likelihood [that he used illegal substances] seems small to me," he tells WebMD. "Landis is a pretty straightforward guy and personality-wise he does not want to take the easy route," he says.

Could Hip Condition Be a Factor?

Landis is known to have a degenerative, painful hip condition.

"His body, in an attempt to recover, will naturally release more testosterone as part of the recovery process," Eliot says. Also "who knows what he is taking for the pain and this too could interfere with the testing results."

On the other hand, "if his hip was really falling apart, maybe the only way to finish the race was to take testosterone to block the pain," he suggests.

Exactly when he tested positive is also somewhat suspicious, says Eliot. The test was done at stage 17, which coincides with one of the most intense parts of the race.

"The more heavily we exert ourselves, the more naturally our body releases testosterone," he says.

"Fans assume guilt until innocence is proven, but there are a lot of reasons to believe he could be innocent," he says.

Carlos R. Hamilton Jr., MD, professor of medicine and an endocrinologist at University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston, and a member of the health, medical, and research committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency, is also reserving his judgment.

"The fact that it is strictly a testosterone level does not mean it came from outside of the body, it could have been produced internally," he says. "It's a perfectly normal occurring hormone."

He says that there is a large variation in what they consider normal on this test and no one knows exactly how Landis scored. "Were his results within normal limits or just out of sight?" he asks.

The bottom line is that the information was released too prematurely, he says. "Wait until we get the final answers. If he cheated, it will be recognized; if he did not, this does him a great disservice."
Source http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,206001,00.html

[TriSigmaNC]

His lawyers said they're going to try the more in depth test and come out with more information this week, we'll see.

[numberlady]

BURBANK, California (AP) - TV show host Jay Leno didn't let Floyd Landis off easy, and the embattled Tour de France champion responded with yet another theory as to why he flunked a drug test.

Questioned by the "Tonight Show" host on Tuesday, Landis said he may have unknowingly ingested something that made him test positive for a high testosterone ratio.
"I see you on these shows and I do want to believe you and evidence seems - I don't know if it's overwhelming - but it seems pretty conclusive, right?" Leno said.

Landis said yes, if one goes by the tests, and Leno shot back, "Why should we not go by the tests? Tell me why."

Landis responded that there were several possibilities, saying, "The tests and the people doing the tests would like you to believe that the only possibility is that I essentially took some drugs and that's why the test is that way."

He offered still another new theory: "Now there's also the possibility, and it's an argument that has been used by other people. At this point, I don't know if it's somehow or some way I ingested something that caused the tests to be that way."

Landis went on to repeat some possibilities he and his defense team had floated earlier, that there was some type of natural occurrence in his body that caused the positive tests.

He added, "And I'm beginning to wonder about this myself after the way the situation's been handled, is that after the (sample) leaves my hands ... after I give them the sample, I don't know where it goes."

After falling out of first place and back into the pack at this year's Tour de France, Landis came roaring back to win stage 17 in the Alps with one of the more remarkable rides in cycling history.

Both of Landis' "A" and "B" samples taken after that stage turned up a testosterone/epitestosterone ratio of 11:1 - far in excess of the 4:1 limit. Further tests also showed that the samples contained synthetic testosterone, indicating that it was from an outside source.

Landis has maintained his innocence throughout.

He and his defense team initially claimed that any of numerous factors could have led to the high testosterone readings, including cortisone shots taken for pain in his degenerating hip; drinking beer and whiskey the night before; thyroid medication; his natural metabolism; and dehydration, a theory rebuffed by anti-doping experts.

Making the round of American TV shows this week, Landis has said his early reaction to the case led people to believe that he was just trying to come up with new excuses.

Tour de France officials no longer consider him the champion, and Landis' Swiss racing team dismissed him. He likely will try to keep his champion's yellow jersey by appealing, a process that could take months.

If he eventually is stripped of the championship, he would be the first rider to lose the title in the race's 103-year history.


From http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/5856990?FSO1&ATT=HMA

[honeygirl]

It's that time again! Who is watching this year? Who are you cheering for? DH tends to root for the US cyclists, but I'm not so sure. So far I'm just enjoying the ride. :)

I hear that Landis wrote a book about his experience. Has anyone read it?

[numberlady]

I meant to bump this up last weekend, but I forgot. I am tuning in again this year. I am like your DH, I always want someone from the US or Discovery to win, so this year it would probably be Levi, but I don't know if he can really do it. I really to like Alexandre Vinokourov, but he has been injured pretty badly in a crash a couple days ago.

I love it when they are in the mountains, so I can't wait for tomorrow's race!

[honeygirl]

Poor Vinokourov lost half his jersey! He was very bandaged up in yesterday's race. We haven't watched today's race yet, we DVR the 2hr rather than the 3hr version.

[skb]

Sorry honeygirl. Between the tour and football...DH is driving me nuts! ;)

[honeygirl]

We're really enjoying the tour this year! I love that Discovery has 2 in the top 5 right now! Interesting time-trial yesterday, bummer about the rain. When they crash they really crash! I get a little confused with the announcers though since they keep jumping around and switching who they're talking about!

So any favorites yet?

[numberlady]

I was really disappointed that Levi didn't attack today. He said that the Pyrennes were where he planned to win the race. It didn't seem that way today. There are a couple more days in the mountains, but he didn't show me that he could do it. I was skeptical in the Alps, but holding out hope.

Rasmussen did great today and yesterday, when he wasn't expected to do well. I didn't hear anything on the Versus airing, but there are allegations swirling around about doping and Rasmussen. It seems that nobody can get through this race without tons of media hype about doping.

Contador, Wow! I couldn't believe that he held on to that lead after pacing the group out. I wonder if Discovery will get behind him now, or if they will stick with Levi.

[honeygirl]

It seems that nobody can get through this race without tons of media hype about doping.

Ain't that the truth! I can't believe what came out today! A whole team dropping out. :eek: I'm surprised at how much the Tour is affected by doping of one sort or another. Is this normal in other bike races? Sheesh, you'd think these guys would follow the rules since they're tested so much. Or is it a big conspiracy to weed out certain individuals/teams?

I'm still rooting for team Discovery, especially now!

[Runnergrl]

I was shocked about what came out today. You would certaintly think Vino of all people would know better. He's no rookie- he's a seasoned Tour professional.

I think cycling gets more doping charges because they are tested far more than any other sport out there.

Go Team Discovery!!

[numberlady]

I was in shock when I found out about the Vino doping charges. It is sad really, because to me these guys are idols and I don't know how they could be so stupid as to believe that the won't get caught. Obviously Vino was out of the running to win it and Kloden was unlikely to gain the time he would have needed to win, but still, why do it?

As for Discovery, I was happy to hear the director say basically that the team was behind Contador and he went out and had another amazing day Tuesday. I don't know if he can pick up any time in the time trial, but 2.5 minutes is a long time to make up.

[ginadc]

Wow...it just keeps getting crazier:

Tour Leader Rasmussen Taken Out of Tour de France by Rabobank Team (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/cycling/wires/07/26/2080.ap.cyc.tour.de.france.1st.ld.writethru.1005/index.html)

And the Cofidis team has withdrawn after Moreni failed a drug test. Ai yi yi. What a mess.

[honeygirl]

Well that was a strange tour. I thought Stage 20 was pretty boring and kept hoping that one of the top 3 would try to shake it up. Oh well, there's always next year.

Yay for Team Discovery! I hadn't realized that Lance was a part owner of the team. I really didn't see/hear him at all this tour until today's stage.

[numberlady]

Wow, what a crazy tour! I'm glad Discovery had 2 in the top 3. Any word on who will replace Discovery as the team sponsor?

[kdotp]

Yay for Team Discovery! I hadn't realized that Lance was a part owner of the team. I really didn't see/hear him at all this tour until today's stage.
He spent the majority of last week on RAGBRAI (http://www.ragbrai.org/) (an annual bike ride across Iowa) and only decided to go to the Tour when they realized the Discovery team was doing so well.

Very cool for the Discovery team and the Tour, but sad for RABGRAI because he had planned to ride the entire week. The rest of his [rather large] Livestrong team finished, though.

[honeygirl]

Anyone excited about the tour? Is it possible to have the race without drug scandal for once?

Not sure who we'll root for yet, but we'll be watching.

[Rosebud]

We'll be watching, too. I love the Tour de France. We were just looking at the tour map this morning, actually. I always get excited when they ride through areas of France that I've visited.

Yes, I really hope we can have a year without a doping scandal. It just makes the whole thing so sad.

[numberlady]

I will be tuning in again this year, but probably not as much as prior years. It is just so sad that doping has become such a big issue in this sport. I really want this to be a scandal free year.

[Scooter]

We watch every year, but I didn't follow it as closely the last couple years. It was just too depressing with all the doping scandals. When pretty much all the top names are disqualified it really takes the fun out of it...

It looks like the 2 US teams are being tested by standards even higher than the regular international ones, so I feel very hopeful that at least those teams will be drug free.

I hadn't heard ahead of time about the changes to the time trials--I was so confused when I turned it on and they showed them just starting to ride down the road. I was fastforwarding because I figured it was old footage! Much better this way, I think the time trial days are pretty boring and it's not a great way to start the race.