Oh yes, we're up at dawn to watch on TSN - eagerly awaiting
the hills so our local boy can show 'em what he's got.


After being at a stage of the Giro in May I have a different
view of the race - having a helicopter hovering right above
my head was a little disconcerting.

Going to be interesting to see what Cavendish does tomorrow!

Did you see the Dutchman who completed Tuesday's leg with a broken hip! He fell halfway through, but got back on his bike. By then end he could only pedal with his right foot, but he completed the course. Only later when he couldn't get up put of a chair did they realise just how serious it was. He was operated on this morning at our local hospital, which specialises in cycling injuries.

Quite a spill today, as well...

yes, poor Frank Schleck amongst others was counted out of contention.

being entirely selfish, Bradley kept nicely out of trouble, though Cav got caught up in it. He's having such a bad time that I wouldn't be surprised if he said sod it and came home to concentrate on the Olympics.

not sure why the crashes are happening on straight stretches.

any theories?

Unfortunately it seems the tour is having a repeat of serious accidents which they had last year early in the race. Too bad. I hate to see some of the good riders or, for that matter anyone who has qualified to do the tour, having to exit the race or having their chances of winning a stage or even the tour diminished.

annhig,

Not entirely sure as to causes but possibly anxiety, lack of focus,even a bit of stupidity.

or possibly poor route choice?

how do the organisers choose where the tour goes?

Good question for Ask Bobke.

The falls were mainly in straight areas. I think what happens is that the cyclists are all working at their top ability. Even the tiniest lapse by one cyclist in the midst of the peloton can cause a whole bunch of others to fall together, like dominoes. I shudder to think what it must be like riding a bike at 50 kph shoulder to shoulder and wheel to wheel.

I shudder to think what it must be like riding a bike at 50 kph shoulder to shoulder and wheel to wheel.>>

they did an interview with one rider who said that he'd been more frightened than he'd ever been in a crash, because of the speeds they are going at.

in a way it's surprising that more of them aren't hurt.

I thought that from some of the shots, the bikes looked like they were made of paper clips. They are so light weight (to speed things up) that they just collapse and the wheels come off.

Another massive straightaway crash today took out half the peloton. The Tour is turning into a demolition derby.

...many riders down and one Ryder out. Sigh.

fortunately no-one killed as one rider was in the giro last year - the first thing i saw/heard when I turned on the local TV on my trip to Tuscany last year was about this tragedy.

Great ride from Team Sky today. Froome looked very strong and thrilling to see Wiggy get the Yellow. Lots of mountains to come this week. Love it.

yes, that was a thrilling last half hour. Those crashes seem to have had a very big impact on a no. of potential winners.

and weren't the pics of the Voges lovely?

the ITV 4 commentators are very good too unlike the ones on BBC radio who make it pretty boring to be honest, so I try to time my afternoon cup of tea to co-incide with the end of every stage. I've no idea why I like watching it so much - I've never been on a cycle for longer than an afternoon's gentle ride.

Its a great speactacle Ann and ITV4 have really got the coverage nailed. Knowledgable commentators and loads of great wee snippets about the towns they're passing through. Like a big French postcard.

didn't get to watch much today as there is a tennis match to watch! [Murray v Federer, as if you didn't know].

looked like it was an exciting day again - shame about Sammy Sanchez though.

I had a good time.

http://tinyurl.com/d29vbtv

One reason that they offered for the crashes was that with all the technology, including the radio in the helmet, it could be just that little bit of inattenion--like driving while distracted.
No excuse for the accident last year where the media car took them out--or this for the dumb cameraman who stepped into the road--duh!! Cyclists coming that you were taking your picture.
Great stage today.
Love Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwin. I don't know how they can talk so immediately and constantly!!

Thomas Voeckler said that the radio is putting too much pressure on the riders, making them all try to rush to the front just as the road is narrowing.

Thomas Voeckler said that the radio is putting too much pressure on the riders, making them all try to rush to the front just as the road is narrowing.>>

I heard the aforementioned commentators saying that the radios may be going at the end of this year - I'll believe that when I see it!

Yeah, that isn't likely. Do you remember the stage last year or the year before where they took away the radios? It was hard on them, not that is a bad thing. But I think there is safety in it also. AND of course, a LOT of coaching.
The coach today wasn't using the radio--hanging out the window and yellin "Allez Allez"!!! Great race. the climbs didn't seem to faze any of the leaders.

Thanks for your photos kerouac. DH and I rode our bikes during the Pyrenees and Alps stages in 2004 and I loved it. I would watch the race "live and in person" every year but he prefers to view it from the couch. There is NOTHING like seeing it live!
Ann Marie

I have been watching most days for the past ten days... mostly on DVR though. Allez Wiggo!

Did anyone hear about the women who were riding the entire Tour, one day ahead of the riders?

https://twitter.com/muddylegs