Cycling Thread

[Gavster]

As for riders, Vingegaard is in better shape than the last couple of years, but I can’t see him trouncing Pogacar unless there’s a crash or Pogacar has an exceptionally bad day on one of the final stages.

I’m gutted Oscar Onley is not riding due to injury, because it would have been brilliant to see him along with Paul Seixas and Isaac del Toro in a grand tour. I suspect they’re all aiming for top 5 GC places. Well, maybe not del Toro, he’s surely at the service of Pogacar in terms of strategy, with the white jersey being a secondary goal.

I’ve given up with Remco as a challenger on grand tours. He always brings so much promise but sadly never delivers on these kind of races.

[8Ball]

I'd agree with that, especially the Remco bit. Three week races often seem too much for him when there's top level competition. I think Pogacar is probably favourite, but Vingegaard has had a much better build up this year.

[Gavster]

It’s weird because he’s up there in the top finishers, but it always feels like he’s not really delivered for some reason

[8Ball]

He's by no means a bad rider, he's even won the Vuelta, but I always feel he's got a bad day in him and ends up losing a chunk of time.

[Jobbo]

Yeah it's in Welsh, and I thought they only had selected stages?

The article said something about iPlayer having selected stages, but I read it as S4C having the full Tour, albeit in Welsh.

Ned Boulting and David Millar have started a Youtube channel so I'll be getting my fix of their voices at least: https://www.youtube.com/@loveofcycling

I did see someone on PH say Pogacar was crossing over to MotoGP. I think it was intended to be a joke that he wouldn't be changing his bike; it amused me anyway.

[JonMad]

Yeah it's in Welsh, and I thought they only had selected stages?

The article said something about iPlayer having selected stages, but I read it as S4C having the full Tour, albeit in Welsh.

Ned Boulting and David Millar have started a Youtube channel so I'll be getting my fix of their voices at least: https://www.youtube.com/@loveofcycling

I did see someone on PH say Pogacar was crossing over to MotoGP. I think it was intended to be a joke that he wouldn't be changing his bike; it amused me anyway.

I was just searching for when the Channel 5 shows start - I assume it's tomorrow night after the first stage and they don't have a preview show on tonight?
I then discovered that podcast above so am watching/listening to their preview show now.

[Jobbo]

Ch5 say on their website that their first show is on 4 July, so that'll be the highlights of the first stage I assume.

[Gavster]

Curious about how the TTT will play out today (starts around 4pm UK), the new format is quite interesting, because you go faster as a team, but get individual times. So it becomes quite tactical regarding how long you stay as a bunch and when you launch your leader. Looking at Netcompany Ineos, they’ve got Tobias Foss, Fillipo Ganna and Josh Tarling on their team, who are all TT specialists, so could put in a strong finish. Although the little kicker of a hill at the end won’t suit someone like Ganna.

[Jobbo]

Not particularly impressed with Ch5’s coverage. A big set but they spent a while talking about Pog, said it’s not all about Pog and mentioned Ving for a few seconds, then straight into the stage without saying the format, route, length etc. not great.

Oh, and the commentators were completely silent at one point

[Gavster]

That’s a bit rubbish Rob Hatch on TNT really is a great commentator.

The Aussie commentators on SBS were alright, albeit a bit, well, Aussie

[Gavster]

If the performance from del Toro today is a sign of things to come, then UAE are gonna be using the entirety of their deep pockets to retain him at the end of the season.

[Jobbo]

The commentary team on Ch5 aren't mentioned, I've realised - there are no closing credits for the show, just Rebecca Charlton saying that you can keep up with all the action on TNT. So I guess it's just the normal TNT commentators. Total lack of analysis at the end is sort of made up for by Ned Boulting and David Millar's Youtube channel; the downside is they release their video before the Ch5 highlights is on :laugh: I very much enjoyed Ned's first experience of watching as a normal spectator from the side of the road for the first time ever, after commentating on 24 Tours de France.

The stage was great anyway. Pogacar looked like he had plenty in reserve, and Vingegaard looked comfortable too - not to take anything away from del Toro's victory but I don't think either of the favourites is giving anything away just yet.

[Gavster]

Pogi especially was very clearly holding back at the end, I'm curious to see what today's stage has in store, seeing how it's a mountain stage already.

I've seen a few cycling races from the side of the road, including the Tour de France and gotta be honest, I can't see the point of sitting at the side of the road for a few hours, only for them to all whizz past in a few seconds. Seems like a terrible way to watch a race

Track cycling on the other hand is great irl.

[Jobbo]

I've seen a few cycling races from the side of the road too - like you I know it's pointless but it's good to have been there when you watch the highlights later on. Never been to a track or velodrome.

Mind you, I did say after attending the British GP at Silverstone that it was pointless being there; you never actually see the overtakes and can't tell who's in the lead as the cars flash past.

[JonMad]

Didn't watch the 5 highlights show but enjoyed the Ned et al pod on YouTube this morning, ahead of today's stage,

[John]

I've seen a few cycling races from the side of the road too - like you I know it's pointless but it's good to have been there when you watch the highlights later on. Never been to a track or velodrome.

Mind you, I did say after attending the British GP at Silverstone that it was pointless being there; you never actually see the overtakes and can't tell who's in the lead as the cars flash past.

I’ve already booked a campsite for the 2027 women’s TDF as it’s travelling through the Peak District which is fairly local to me

[IanF]

I've seen a few cycling races from the side of the road too - like you I know it's pointless but it's good to have been there when you watch the highlights later on. Never been to a track or velodrome.

Mind you, I did say after attending the British GP at Silverstone that it was pointless being there; you never actually see the overtakes and can't tell who's in the lead as the cars flash past.

I’ve already booked a campsite for the 2027 women’s TDF as it’s travelling through the Peak District which is fairly local to me

Pervert

[Jobbo]

I've seen a few cycling races from the side of the road too - like you I know it's pointless but it's good to have been there when you watch the highlights later on. Never been to a track or velodrome.

Mind you, I did say after attending the British GP at Silverstone that it was pointless being there; you never actually see the overtakes and can't tell who's in the lead as the cars flash past.

I’ve already booked a campsite for the 2027 women’s TDF as it’s travelling through the Peak District which is fairly local to me

What are you dressing up as?

[John]

Pervert

[John]

What are you dressing up as?

Dunno, any suggestions?