Official Tour de France discussion thread
- Thread starter Bibby_Is_Clutch
- Start date
I'm not saying to do away with the fans. But they could keep them a little further away from the riders. If you wait until someone is critically injured, then it's too late.
It gets worse every year, primarily because they don't make any effort to show there is a line spectators simply should not cross. You can be rowdy, cheering, yelling, etc. without getting so close that you jeopardize the racers and the race.
Just my three cents...
Last time I checked, I don't have any real pull with the people who run the Tour D'France.
It gets worse every year, primarily because they don't make any effort to show there is a line spectators simply should not cross. You can be rowdy, cheering, yelling, etc. without getting so close that you jeopardize the racers and the race.
Just my three cents...
Last time I checked, I don't have any real pull with the people who run the Tour D'France.
T
I don't know if you ever watch rally car races on t.v., but i watch a lot of them. This race is exactly like the car races with the fans on the track, it is out of control. Those people are hit by the cars all the time, yet they still come back. These events aren't controlled like what we are used to here in the states.
But what area would that be? On mountain roads, you not always much space to keep them away, and even so, if you put higher barriers (such as at soccer games), the real nutcases will *still* climb over them no matter what. The real problem is those nutcases, not necessarily the proximity crowds. The nutcases will still pretty much jump in front of the riders, and cause accidents.
And I would say that the riders can get huge adrenaline rushes from the crowds. They can carry them, even when they're done physically. The closeness does help in that regard.
That was incredibly odd. Word is, that Vino has had personal issues with some of the other teammates, but it is just a rumour. More likely is, that Vino was just trying to get away (because he does attack alot), and that the team captain thought that was a bad idea, and thus called Ullrich and Kloden to catch up. Nonetheless, that really looked weird.
I don't think it gets worse every year; it has pretty much stabilized the last decade or so. I just think it may just be because the US gets alot more coverage since Lance became a multi-winner of the Tour de France, that it may look worse.
It's actually not just the Tour, though. Some crazyness in the Vuelta, and the Giro as well.
And I would say that the riders can get huge adrenaline rushes from the crowds. They can carry them, even when they're done physically. The closeness does help in that regard.
That was incredibly odd. Word is, that Vino has had personal issues with some of the other teammates, but it is just a rumour. More likely is, that Vino was just trying to get away (because he does attack alot), and that the team captain thought that was a bad idea, and thus called Ullrich and Kloden to catch up. Nonetheless, that really looked weird.
VF21 said:
I'm not saying to do away with the fans. But they could keep them a little further away from the riders. If you wait until someone is critically injured, then it's too late.
It gets worse every year, primarily because they don't make any effort to show there is a line spectators simply should not cross. You can be rowdy, cheering, yelling, etc. without getting so close that you jeopardize the racers and the race.
Just my three cents...
Last time I checked, I don't have any real pull with the people who run the Tour D'France.
It gets worse every year, primarily because they don't make any effort to show there is a line spectators simply should not cross. You can be rowdy, cheering, yelling, etc. without getting so close that you jeopardize the racers and the race.
Just my three cents...
Last time I checked, I don't have any real pull with the people who run the Tour D'France.
It's actually not just the Tour, though. Some crazyness in the Vuelta, and the Giro as well.
Fortunately it was a motorcycle, and not a rider!
Nice work for Hincapie, who actually didn't do any work up front (Perreiro was incredibly strong today) but ended up sprinting away at the end. You would have had good odds for him, if you were betting on him to win the toughest stage in the tour.
Also nice to see him hug Lance. Those guys have known each other for two decades.
Rasmussen came back admirably, I think he was 1 min behind Ullrich at one point, and pretty much came back by sheer will on his own (and he didn't let Vino's constant demarrages make him crazy -- which was T-Mobile's tactic).
But, unfortunately for him, it might not be enough to end up in the top 3 in Paris. There's still a time trial ahead (stage 20), and he will lose quite a bit there to Ullrich (who could pass Basso as well). There is still a little bit of climbing to do though, there might be more time differences coming up in stage 18, which ends with a 3.1km climb at 10.1%.
Btw, the Bask fans right 3-5 km before the finish were crazy. They've not had too many mountain stage winners these past years (Valverde isn't a Bask, I believe).
Nice work for Hincapie, who actually didn't do any work up front (Perreiro was incredibly strong today) but ended up sprinting away at the end. You would have had good odds for him, if you were betting on him to win the toughest stage in the tour.
Also nice to see him hug Lance. Those guys have known each other for two decades.
Rasmussen came back admirably, I think he was 1 min behind Ullrich at one point, and pretty much came back by sheer will on his own (and he didn't let Vino's constant demarrages make him crazy -- which was T-Mobile's tactic).
But, unfortunately for him, it might not be enough to end up in the top 3 in Paris. There's still a time trial ahead (stage 20), and he will lose quite a bit there to Ullrich (who could pass Basso as well). There is still a little bit of climbing to do though, there might be more time differences coming up in stage 18, which ends with a 3.1km climb at 10.1%.
Btw, the Bask fans right 3-5 km before the finish were crazy. They've not had too many mountain stage winners these past years (Valverde isn't a Bask, I believe).
Last edited:
VF21 said:
Come on, guys...
Couldn't you have at least waited until those of us who didn't get up at dawn had a chance to view the race? By the time I realized your posts were about the stage that I was really planning to watch this afternoon, it was too late.
Couldn't you have at least waited until those of us who didn't get up at dawn had a chance to view the race? By the time I realized your posts were about the stage that I was really planning to watch this afternoon, it was too late.
allez lance!
Whatever.
I find it pretty puzzling that someone will defend their right to ruin someone else's enjoyment of a sporting event, especially when it's going to be broadcast the same day. I avoided all those other sites you mentioned and haven't watched the news, simply so I would be able to enjoy watching the race without knowing the outcome.
If you want to ruin it for those of us who didn't get up at dawn, and you simply can't wait to discuss this, fine. I'll just quit posting in the thread.
Geez...
It was merely a simple request that you wait just a little longer. The race is being broadcast at 2 p.m.
Please excuse me for daring to ask a simple favor of a fellow Kings fan.
I find it pretty puzzling that someone will defend their right to ruin someone else's enjoyment of a sporting event, especially when it's going to be broadcast the same day. I avoided all those other sites you mentioned and haven't watched the news, simply so I would be able to enjoy watching the race without knowing the outcome.
If you want to ruin it for those of us who didn't get up at dawn, and you simply can't wait to discuss this, fine. I'll just quit posting in the thread.
Geez...
It was merely a simple request that you wait just a little longer. The race is being broadcast at 2 p.m.
Please excuse me for daring to ask a simple favor of a fellow Kings fan.
Kajun - I came to the thread because I thought we were continuing our discussion of yesterday. Silly me. I didn't think people would be so involved in their need to be the first post the results that they would show a total lack of consideration from people who hadn't watched it yet.
Both of you feel free to discuss the race all you like. It apparently doesn't bother you at all that simply showing a little consideration could have allowed me to enjoy the race without knowing the result.
Cool.
Have a nice day.
Both of you feel free to discuss the race all you like. It apparently doesn't bother you at all that simply showing a little consideration could have allowed me to enjoy the race without knowing the result.
Cool.
Have a nice day.
well its actually a summary show thats on at 2 of the last week.
but what do you expect to be said in this thread before later on this evening. the stage was done by 9am. what else is there to post about the "daily" tour de france? by the time youre done watching the replay, the riders have probably already woken up, eaten breakfast, and are warming up for the following stage. but if you dont want us to post it because youre the only one that has expressed that we're spoiling it, fine. youre the big boss around here
but what do you expect to be said in this thread before later on this evening. the stage was done by 9am. what else is there to post about the "daily" tour de france? by the time youre done watching the replay, the riders have probably already woken up, eaten breakfast, and are warming up for the following stage. but if you dont want us to post it because youre the only one that has expressed that we're spoiling it, fine. youre the big boss around here
Ouch. Hit a sore spot there?
I don't think anybody is trying to "ruin" anybody's enjoyment. I think you asking us to not post anything with spoilers would be akin to european fans asking you not to post outcomes of basketball matches, which we will not able to follow live, but the other day, during day time. Maybe a little less extreme, since you have many more basketball fans, but the principle is still the same, I think.
I don't understand what's the deal; if you can avoid news sites, why not this thread? It's not as if you can see spoiler in the thread already.
But gee, if you feel that bad about it, I will post the day after (since during your US broadcast it's night here).
I don't think anybody is trying to "ruin" anybody's enjoyment. I think you asking us to not post anything with spoilers would be akin to european fans asking you not to post outcomes of basketball matches, which we will not able to follow live, but the other day, during day time. Maybe a little less extreme, since you have many more basketball fans, but the principle is still the same, I think.
I don't understand what's the deal; if you can avoid news sites, why not this thread? It's not as if you can see spoiler in the thread already.
But gee, if you feel that bad about it, I will post the day after (since during your US broadcast it's night here).
I'm not speaking as a moderator. I'm speaking as a long-time member of this forum, simply asking a favor of other members... Since you choose not to honor my request, that's fine. I don't understand why you have to attack me for a simple request... but apparently it's easier for you than simply saying something, "Oops. Gee. I didn't think people might be wanting to watch the race before reading about it. Sorry..." Would that have hurt so badly?
Regardless, what's done is done. Again, I'm truly sorry if I actually had the nerve to request that a fellow member of this forum show some consideration for those who might not have gotten up early to watch the race live.
Regardless, what's done is done. Again, I'm truly sorry if I actually had the nerve to request that a fellow member of this forum show some consideration for those who might not have gotten up early to watch the race live.
You really don't have a horse in this race. You're in Europe. You're seeing the race in the daytime - and not having to worry about either getting up very early or avoiding news broadcasts so your enjoyment isn't negatively impacted.
And, as I explained previously, I came to the thread solely because I was expecting to see a continuation of the interesting discussion you and I and hoopsfan were having earlier about spectators, etc.
Again, why is it so offensive to you for me to make a request that people not spoil the race, not only for me but for anyone else that hasn't seen it yet?
We have a tradition around here of respecting each other and NOT spoiling something. Look at the movie threads, for example... And the reality show threads.
MOST people don't like spoilers. They would rather see something for themselves and not read what someone else has to say because they saw it before anyone else.
I'm done explaining. I made a simple request and rather than honor it, you and jon e. chose to argue about it. Fine. It's over... I won't be reading this thread in the future until I've calculated the proper time in Europe, determined whether or not anyone could possibly be posting something to spoil the results, etc.
EDIT: As far as your example of us not posting basketball results because you might not have seen the game, it's not the same at all and I think you know that. You come to this site for information about the games because most of them aren't broadcast in Europe. Just about all of our members come to this site to get the latest information about games, INCLUDING following the play-by-play threads. That doesn't equate to the Tour De France in any way, shape or form.
And, as I explained previously, I came to the thread solely because I was expecting to see a continuation of the interesting discussion you and I and hoopsfan were having earlier about spectators, etc.
Again, why is it so offensive to you for me to make a request that people not spoil the race, not only for me but for anyone else that hasn't seen it yet?
We have a tradition around here of respecting each other and NOT spoiling something. Look at the movie threads, for example... And the reality show threads.
MOST people don't like spoilers. They would rather see something for themselves and not read what someone else has to say because they saw it before anyone else.
I'm done explaining. I made a simple request and rather than honor it, you and jon e. chose to argue about it. Fine. It's over... I won't be reading this thread in the future until I've calculated the proper time in Europe, determined whether or not anyone could possibly be posting something to spoil the results, etc.
EDIT: As far as your example of us not posting basketball results because you might not have seen the game, it's not the same at all and I think you know that. You come to this site for information about the games because most of them aren't broadcast in Europe. Just about all of our members come to this site to get the latest information about games, INCLUDING following the play-by-play threads. That doesn't equate to the Tour De France in any way, shape or form.
Last edited:
France 9+ hours
sorry vf, im just a really avid tour de france follower. i didnt come on this thread nor post anything about todays results to "spoil" the fun for anyone. i love this race so much, and have been watching it for over 5 years now and im in love with it. I know the areas in France they are in, me being an American and a fan of good sports love watching armstrong race. I love this race so much that even if i spent a night out and came home at 3am, i still wake up at 5 to watch the tour. By comming onto this thread, i want to talk about the things that happened, that i just saw with some others that may be on at that time. there is nothing negative about that. thats one sports fan being passionate about the game, just as all of us here are about the kings and other sports. why else would we be here? this post was previously titled tour de france one and only thread. well if theres no play by play, where can i share my excitement about the race? i just dont understand why everyone else takes a backseat to those who cant get up early to watch a sport they "truely" love
sorry vf, im just a really avid tour de france follower. i didnt come on this thread nor post anything about todays results to "spoil" the fun for anyone. i love this race so much, and have been watching it for over 5 years now and im in love with it. I know the areas in France they are in, me being an American and a fan of good sports love watching armstrong race. I love this race so much that even if i spent a night out and came home at 3am, i still wake up at 5 to watch the tour. By comming onto this thread, i want to talk about the things that happened, that i just saw with some others that may be on at that time. there is nothing negative about that. thats one sports fan being passionate about the game, just as all of us here are about the kings and other sports. why else would we be here? this post was previously titled tour de france one and only thread. well if theres no play by play, where can i share my excitement about the race? i just dont understand why everyone else takes a backseat to those who cant get up early to watch a sport they "truely" love
You have to understand, after a race just ended, that's really the moment to post, because your head is still in there at that time (which is like you posting directly after NBA games or whatever sport you're interested in). And again, for me to post after your broadcasting -- which would be the day after; which would mean discussing the previous' day results for me (with the current race going on). So you could see why I would want to post directly after the race.
Maybe it was "offensive" because it sounded a bit like "what about me???", which, would probably be your conclusion after reading my previous paragraph as well. That led to my reaction. But, I apologize if I spoiled things for you. I guess it's 3 europeans versus alot more americans here (naturally), so I will refrain from posting afterwards. I automatically assumed people would avoid this thread before seeing the coverage, and I was wrong about that.
Maybe it was "offensive" because it sounded a bit like "what about me???", which, would probably be your conclusion after reading my previous paragraph as well. That led to my reaction. But, I apologize if I spoiled things for you. I guess it's 3 europeans versus alot more americans here (naturally), so I will refrain from posting afterwards. I automatically assumed people would avoid this thread before seeing the coverage, and I was wrong about that.
Now that I know there are going to be "spoilers," I'll simply avoid the thread. I haven't been a bicycle racing enthusiast for a long time. It is my admiration for Lance Armstrong that has me watching something I used to pretty much ignore. For the rest of the race, I'll just wait until afterwards to check out what's been posted.
It's pretty simple -- as with just about every country (Asia seems to be a sole exception for certain sports) -- if you don't have a countryman doing well in that sport, it's not that interesting for most to follow.
Having said that, that "amazing comeback story" around Lance definitely makes it that much more interesting. Greg Lemond certainly didn't draw that attention 15 years ago. He certainly has the charisma to go along with it, as well. Interestingly, people in Europe seem to either love him or hate him.
People who like or love him, will point out to the amazing comeback, his dominance, his sheer will etc.
People who hate him, will probably point out to the "fact" that it's suspicious how he got back ("Must be doping! That gave him cancer in the first place!"), how annoying he is as a person etc.
Personally, I like him, and he generally comes off as classy champ. Is an ambassador for the sport, without a doubt.
Having said that, that "amazing comeback story" around Lance definitely makes it that much more interesting. Greg Lemond certainly didn't draw that attention 15 years ago. He certainly has the charisma to go along with it, as well. Interestingly, people in Europe seem to either love him or hate him.
People who like or love him, will point out to the amazing comeback, his dominance, his sheer will etc.
People who hate him, will probably point out to the "fact" that it's suspicious how he got back ("Must be doping! That gave him cancer in the first place!"), how annoying he is as a person etc.
Personally, I like him, and he generally comes off as classy champ. Is an ambassador for the sport, without a doubt.
Last edited:
