TdF Stage 14 - Rodez -> Mende **SPOILERS**
Comments
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Btw, as many of you Sky fans have no idea about the history of this sport, fans interfering in races and 'attacking' riders is not new. In fact it was a lot worse.
Let me just remind you that this comes from someone who found interest in the sport just a few years ago..0 -
Lol, just enjoying a nice Pinot Grigio myself, nice evening for a barbecue.Have you been drinking?
Oh, always. But never drugs, nasty things.Eddy Merckx EMX-3
Dolan L'Etape
Cougar Zero Uno
Genesis Core 50
Planet X TOR0 -
I'd love to see you posting when high on coke. I think you're funny anyway, but that would be amazing. (I would say though it's not the drug for you)Have you been drinking?
Oh, always. But never drugs, nasty things.Twitter: @RichN950 -
Frenchie, you literally have no shame.Maybe your parents didn't teach you all when you were younger but if you don't like something don't read it.
You seemingly can't stand whatever these whomevers say yet constantly rattle your cages in anger about it thereby providing them the juice on which they thrive.
I don't want to read that sh*t so don't. I literally could not name one of those English speaking morons on twitter. But then I care more about the racing and prefer to post about that or post some good photos or something interesting that other forum members may enjoy.
How about talking less about these people and start posting something interesting.Michelle Froome letting her emotions get the better of herself on twitter (surprise) then deleting the tweet.
Got to love how these people tweet then delete.0 -
Why then do you lot think Sky are getting this treatment now ? Do you really believe that it is purely down to a couple of commentators ?
There is some truth to what French Fighter says - Sky appear to be a machine crushing all beneath their wheels.
Whether true or not the public perception they have contributed to is contributing to the abuse they are getting now.
- Sky have a fleet of vehicles, other teams have a bus.
- They have a staff of sports scientists and nutritionists, other teams have a chef.
- They leave no stone unturned in the search for marginal gains - other teams go out and ride their bikes.
- They have a minimalist black kit and a set of team rules pinned up that everyone has to abide by, they even likened themselves to ants each with a role to fulfill while other teams have brightly coloured kits and are team mates.
I could go on but true or not Sky have only themselves to blame for some of this - it may not be right and I don't condone it but they have been very naive if they expected to be popular.
Add in that they are now dominating (nobody likes a winner if they win too much) and that Froome's personality has not really struck a chord even with the British public in the way Wiggins' did and the result is what we are seeing.
If it was a french or german team doing this they would not be reviled they would be admired. I'm afraid the only reason for anyone disliking Sky is because they are British. 250 years of us calling them wops, dagos and spangles has left an indelible mark on the collective euro soul. That we are disliked more than the Germans is telling, seeing as they invaded all their neighbours at gunpoint at least twice in the last century. Go figure!0 -
Yeah, everyone hates Sky blah blah blah blah.
Yes, they are winning. Good formula, plus good tactics. Some teams could learn a lot from the millionaires, like, erm Team Qubebka... Oh, hang on.
F***ing ace win, Steve C. Go, on fellah :PEcrasez l’infame0 -
Why then do you lot think Sky are getting this treatment now ? Do you really believe that it is purely down to a couple of commentators ?
There is some truth to what French Fighter says - Sky appear to be a machine crushing all beneath their wheels.
Whether true or not the public perception they have contributed to is contributing to the abuse they are getting now.
- Sky have a fleet of vehicles, other teams have a bus.
- They have a staff of sports scientists and nutritionists, other teams have a chef.
- They leave no stone unturned in the search for marginal gains - other teams go out and ride their bikes.
- They have a minimalist black kit and a set of team rules pinned up that everyone has to abide by, they even likened themselves to ants each with a role to fulfill while other teams have brightly coloured kits and are team mates.
I could go on but true or not Sky have only themselves to blame for some of this - it may not be right and I don't condone it but they have been very naive if they expected to be popular.
Add in that they are now dominating (nobody likes a winner if they win too much) and that Froome's personality has not really struck a chord even with the British public in the way Wiggins' did and the result is what we are seeing.
That's right. And the correct response is for the press to wind everyone up to the point where they're assaulting Sky's riders. And Sky only have themselves to blame. How dare they be successful and drag the sport out of the 19th century.
Do me a favour.
You are being silly because nobody has said the correct response for the press is to wind people up. The press have only contributed to atmosphere around Sky they have been sowing seeds on already fertile ground. Sky are free to act how they like but maybe they should have spent some of their budget on a better PR/image consultant. Winners are not always popular it's the perception of how you win - look at Djokovic for another example of a winner who has failed to capture the hearts of the public.[Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]0 -
Why then do you lot think Sky are getting this treatment now ? Do you really believe that it is purely down to a couple of commentators ?
There is some truth to what French Fighter says - Sky appear to be a machine crushing all beneath their wheels.
Whether true or not the public perception they have contributed to is contributing to the abuse they are getting now.
- Sky have a fleet of vehicles, other teams have a bus.
- They have a staff of sports scientists and nutritionists, other teams have a chef.
- They leave no stone unturned in the search for marginal gains - other teams go out and ride their bikes.
- They have a minimalist black kit and a set of team rules pinned up that everyone has to abide by, they even likened themselves to ants each with a role to fulfill while other teams have brightly coloured kits and are team mates.
I could go on but true or not Sky have only themselves to blame for some of this - it may not be right and I don't condone it but they have been very naive if they expected to be popular.
Add in that they are now dominating (nobody likes a winner if they win too much) and that Froome's personality has not really struck a chord even with the British public in the way Wiggins' did and the result is what we are seeing.
That's right. And the correct response is for the press to wind everyone up to the point where they're assaulting Sky's riders. And Sky only have themselves to blame. How dare they be successful and drag the sport out of the 19th century.
Do me a favour.
You are being silly because nobody has said the correct response for the press is to wind people up. The press have only contributed to atmosphere around Sky they have been sowing seeds on already fertile ground. Sky are free to act how they like but maybe they should have spent some of their budget on a better PR/image consultant. Winners are not always popular it's the perception of how you win - look at Djokovic for another example of a winner who has failed to capture the hearts of the public.
Can't remember anyone punching him or throwing urine in his face though.Eddy Merckx EMX-3
Dolan L'Etape
Cougar Zero Uno
Genesis Core 50
Planet X TOR0 -
+1 to that. Nice one.Why then do you lot think Sky are getting this treatment now ? Do you really believe that it is purely down to a couple of commentators ?
There is some truth to what French Fighter says - Sky appear to be a machine crushing all beneath their wheels.
Whether true or not the public perception they have contributed to is contributing to the abuse they are getting now.
- Sky have a fleet of vehicles, other teams have a bus.
- They have a staff of sports scientists and nutritionists, other teams have a chef.
- They leave no stone unturned in the search for marginal gains - other teams go out and ride their bikes.
- They have a minimalist black kit and a set of team rules pinned up that everyone has to abide by, they even likened themselves to ants each with a role to fulfill while other teams have brightly coloured kits and are team mates.
I could go on but true or not Sky have only themselves to blame for some of this - it may not be right and I don't condone it but they have been very naive if they expected to be popular.
Add in that they are now dominating (nobody likes a winner if they win too much) and that Froome's personality has not really struck a chord even with the British public in the way Wiggins' did and the result is what we are seeing.
If it was a french or german team doing this they would not be reviled they would be admired. I'm afraid the only reason for anyone disliking Sky is because they are British. 250 years of us calling them wops, dagos and spangles has left an indelible mark on the collective euro soul. That we are disliked more than the Germans is telling, seeing as they invaded all their neighbours at gunpoint at least twice in the last century. Go figure!Ecrasez l’infame0 -
Anyone whose initial reaction on hearing about people being punched, spat on, and having cups of urine thrown at them is to write a post justifying the punching, spitting, and urine throwing really needs some help.0
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Good stage, great finish. Loved the way Cummings just went straight round the other two.
Got to love Valverdes guts even if the guy divides option. Contador looking a beaten man.
Shame this too much chatter about the usual crap, but you can't have everything.0 -
Changing the subject... the other day we were trying to figure out how to beat Sky / Froome.
I had an idea in the night which I meant to post earlier today!
I think Movistar did today what they should have done on Plateau de Beille. Basically, use your two strong riders to attack the race and put time into all of the other second string riders like Contador / TJVG / Nibali etc... even G. Inevitably it would have been at the risk of losing more time to Froome (he'd likely follow any attack and put in a counter).
So, the intended result would be a solid second place, maybe further back from Froome than they actually were. Then from there Quintana would be in a better position to throw in a hail mary attack in the Alps with Valverde poised to serve as insurance policy for a potential podium place.
Best I can come up with. BMC might be able to try the same next year with Porte and TJ.0 -
But what is wrong with this. This all seems to be standard fare for a highly functioning sports team.Whether true or not the public perception they have contributed to is contributing to the abuse they are getting now.
- Sky have a fleet of vehicles, other teams have a bus.
- They have a staff of sports scientists and nutritionists, other teams have a chef.
- They leave no stone unturned in the search for marginal gains - other teams go out and ride their bikes.
- They have a minimalist black kit and a set of team rules pinned up that everyone has to abide by, they even likened themselves to ants each with a role to fulfill while other teams have brightly coloured kits and are team mates.
If you want to go back to the days when cycling was about plucky farm boys giving their best under the advisement of their local club coach and Belgian soigneur/pill dispenser then buy a DeLorean.
Sky would be more popular if they appeared a bit more in step with the traditions of the sport - whether they actually are or not is immaterial but they could try and pay lip service rather than celebrating the very things that are making them unpopular.[Castle Donington Ladies FC - going up in '22]0 -
Why then do you lot think Sky are getting this treatment now ? Do you really believe that it is purely down to a couple of commentators ?
There is some truth to what French Fighter says - Sky appear to be a machine crushing all beneath their wheels.
Whether true or not the public perception they have contributed to is contributing to the abuse they are getting now.
- Sky have a fleet of vehicles, other teams have a bus.
- They have a staff of sports scientists and nutritionists, other teams have a chef.
- They leave no stone unturned in the search for marginal gains - other teams go out and ride their bikes.
- They have a minimalist black kit and a set of team rules pinned up that everyone has to abide by, they even likened themselves to ants each with a role to fulfill while other teams have brightly coloured kits and are team mates.
I could go on but true or not Sky have only themselves to blame for some of this - it may not be right and I don't condone it but they have been very naive if they expected to be popular.
Add in that they are now dominating (nobody likes a winner if they win too much) and that Froome's personality has not really struck a chord even with the British public in the way Wiggins' did and the result is what we are seeing.
That's right. And the correct response is for the press to wind everyone up to the point where they're assaulting Sky's riders. And Sky only have themselves to blame. How dare they be successful and drag the sport out of the 19th century.
Do me a favour.
You are being silly because nobody has said the correct response for the press is to wind people up. The press have only contributed to atmosphere around Sky they have been sowing seeds on already fertile ground. Sky are free to act how they like but maybe they should have spent some of their budget on a better PR/image consultant. Winners are not always popular it's the perception of how you win - look at Djokovic for another example of a winner who has failed to capture the hearts of the public.
Was I being silly when I used your own phrase 'Sky have only themselves to blame for some of this'?
In no way are Sky to blame for the vitriolic press and social media reaction they're getting. You'd think they were sacrificing children and drinking their blood, instead they're just being relatively successful using proper science rather than just quackery and half-assed training methods.It's only a bit of sport, Mun. Relax and enjoy the racing.0 -
Winners are not always popular it's the perception of how you win - look at Djokovic for another example of a winner who has failed to capture the hearts of the public.
Good point. Tell me about it. I can't stand the guy, not least because he seems to think it is a good idea to bounce the ball 5-8 times before he serves; very annoying for those watching.Contador is the Greatest0 -
Ok. But what are these traditions of the sport? Please tell us.Sky would be more popular if they appeared a bit more in step with the traditions of the sport - whether they actually are or not is immaterial but they could try and pay lip service rather than celebrating the very things that are making them unpopular.Twitter: @RichN950 -
Just before the end of the GIF, Cummings is still freewheeling and it looks like Pinot can easily close. Did he wait for Bardet there?...a rare 100% loyal Pro Race poster. A poster boy for the community.0 -
But what is wrong with this. This all seems to be standard fare for a highly functioning sports team.Whether true or not the public perception they have contributed to is contributing to the abuse they are getting now.
- Sky have a fleet of vehicles, other teams have a bus.
- They have a staff of sports scientists and nutritionists, other teams have a chef.
- They leave no stone unturned in the search for marginal gains - other teams go out and ride their bikes.
- They have a minimalist black kit and a set of team rules pinned up that everyone has to abide by, they even likened themselves to ants each with a role to fulfill while other teams have brightly coloured kits and are team mates.
If you want to go back to the days when cycling was about plucky farm boys giving their best under the advisement of their local club coach and Belgian soigneur/pill dispenser then buy a DeLorean.
Sky would be more popular if they appeared a bit more in step with the traditions of the sport - whether they actually are or not is immaterial but they could try and pay lip service rather than celebrating the very things that are making them winners.
Bolded the one bit in your post I changed. Why would they not celebrate that which makes them successful?0 -
Winners are not always popular it's the perception of how you win - look at Djokovic for another example of a winner who has failed to capture the hearts of the public.
Good point. Tell me about it. I can't stand the guy, not least because he seems to think it is a good idea to bounce the ball 5-8 times before he serves; very annoying for those watching.
And is that a rational reason to not be able to stand the guy? This is exactly what we're seeing, a completely irrational response to something. Both in the public when punching riders and throwing piss over them, and in the press who are winding everybody up to it.It's only a bit of sport, Mun. Relax and enjoy the racing.0 -
I seem to remember Nibali and his team crushing everyone last year, and Astana as a team bossing the Giro this year. Neither of those events seemed to invoke the journalistic hysteria we're seeing now.
There were certainly a lot of comments made on this forum. The reaction to those comments was quite different though which I've always simply put down to this being a British forum. It does amuse me though when the same people who throw endless mud at Astana religiously defend Sky.0 -
Changing the subject... the other day we were trying to figure out how to beat Sky / Froome.
I had an idea in the night which I meant to post earlier today!
I think Movistar did today what they should have done on Plateau de Beille. Basically, use your two strong riders to attack the race and put time into all of the other second string riders like Contador / TJVG / Nibali etc... even G. Inevitably it would have been at the risk of losing more time to Froome (he'd likely follow any attack and put in a counter).
So, the intended result would be a solid second place, maybe further back from Froome than they actually were. Then from there Quintana would be in a better position to throw in a hail mary attack in the Alps with Valverde poised to serve as insurance policy for a potential podium place.
Best I can come up with. BMC might be able to try the same next year with Porte and TJ.
As redundant as it sounds, I think the only way to beat Froome is to outclimb him. Attacks aren't going to make him panic and blow himself up; we've seen what he does, he'll let someone get 10 seconds, then he'll drag them back at his own speed. The only time he truly responds to rivals is in the final few km - and by then it's too late.0 -
Maybe your parents didn't teach you all when you were younger but if you don't like something don't read it.
You seemingly can't stand whatever these whomevers say yet constantly rattle your cages in anger about it thereby providing them the juice on which they thrive.
I don't want to read that sh*t so don't. I literally could not name one of those English speaking morons on twitter. But then I care more about the racing and prefer to post about that or post some good photos or something interesting that other forum members may enjoy.
How about talking less about these people and start posting something interesting.
Remind me, how many people have you on block?0 -
Ok. But what are these traditions of the sport? Please tell us.
Staying in the hotels provided.0 -
I seem to remember Nibali and his team crushing everyone last year, and Astana as a team bossing the Giro this year. Neither of those events seemed to invoke the journalistic hysteria we're seeing now.
There were certainly a lot of comments made on this forum. The reaction to those comments was quite different though which I've always simply put down to this being a British forum. It does amuse me though when the same people who throw endless mud at Astana religiously defend Sky.
Of course there's a British bias, but let's be honest Astana have massively more reasons for doubt - Vino, 3 positives in 6 months, and so on.It's only a bit of sport, Mun. Relax and enjoy the racing.0 -
Winners are not always popular it's the perception of how you win - look at Djokovic for another example of a winner who has failed to capture the hearts of the public.
Good point. Tell me about it. I can't stand the guy, not least because he seems to think it is a good idea to bounce the ball 5-8 times before he serves; very annoying for those watching.
And is that a rational reason to not be able to stand the guy? This is exactly what we're seeing, a completely irrational response to something. Both in the public when punching riders and throwing piss over them, and in the press who are winding everybody up to it.
No, its one of many reasons. But then sport is about being entertained. And each person is entertained in different ways. So what may seem irrational to you is irrelevant to another.Contador is the Greatest0 -
I seem to remember Nibali and his team crushing everyone last year, and Astana as a team bossing the Giro this year. Neither of those events seemed to invoke the journalistic hysteria we're seeing now.
There were certainly a lot of comments made on this forum. The reaction to those comments was quite different though which I've always simply put down to this being a British forum. It does amuse me though when the same people who throw endless mud at Astana religiously defend Sky.
Why? One have 6+ doping cases this year, the other doesn't?0 -
Possibly, but I can't remember the journos doing what they are doing now as much, also bearing in mind Astana's proven track record on drugs compared with Sky'sI seem to remember Nibali and his team crushing everyone last year, and Astana as a team bossing the Giro this year. Neither of those events seemed to invoke the journalistic hysteria we're seeing now.
There were certainly a lot of comments made on this forum. The reaction to those comments was quite different though which I've always simply put down to this being a British forum. It does amuse me though when the same people who throw endless mud at Astana religiously defend Sky.Eddy Merckx EMX-3
Dolan L'Etape
Cougar Zero Uno
Genesis Core 50
Planet X TOR0 -
+1 utter bollox as usual wtf has working class got to do with being an ignorant pig? The french just hate loosing they are the same with other sports, great when they are winning and nasty as fook when they loose. By the way since when was cycling only for the continent, bikes been here in UK just as long.I don't condone punching or spitting or anything else of that nature but I struggle to see how you all are so surprised at anti-Sky sentiment. I have said for ages (and you keep telling me I'm wrong) that very, very few people like Sky or Froome. And it is not hard to understand why.
You have cycling that is in the blood of these Europeans, it's tied closely to their culture and people have been riding bikes in these countries before UK public even knew how to use them properly. The sport of professional cycling has been developed from scratch in these countries and they provide the infrastructure, race organization and beautiful landscape for these races to take place. The majority of people watching are from working class backgrounds. There is broadly a way of racing which they all race too.
Then you get Sky come along who try and boss this scene, who throw money at their team, who employ methods and approaches alien to the spirit of the sport, alien to the history of the sport and alien to the fans of the sport. You get a team who has and is changing the face of GT cycling, making it much less interesting, bland, corporate, lacking in respect for the history of the sport, eschewing traditions, and they are seemingly able to develop half a team worth of riders who are able to crush the best of the rest at will.
It really is not hard at all to understand why Sky are not liked.
Even by your standards that's utter codswallop0 -
Got to dash so I will leave you with this.
If anyone finds in car footage or post stage celebration from MTN please post up, cheers.Contador is the Greatest0 -
I don't condone punching or spitting or anything else of that nature but I struggle to see how you all are so surprised at anti-Sky sentiment. I have said for ages (and you keep telling me I'm wrong) that very, very few people like Sky or Froome. And it is not hard to understand why.
You have cycling that is in the blood of these Europeans, it's tied closely to their culture and people have been riding bikes in these countries before UK public even knew how to use them properly. The sport of professional cycling has been developed from scratch in these countries and they provide the infrastructure, race organization and beautiful landscape for these races to take place. The majority of people watching are from working class backgrounds. There is broadly a way of racing which they all race too.
Then you get Sky come along who try and boss this scene, who throw money at their team, who employ methods and approaches alien to the spirit of the sport, alien to the history of the sport and alien to the fans of the sport. You get a team who has and is changing the face of GT cycling, making it much less interesting, bland, corporate, lacking in respect for the history of the sport, eschewing traditions, and they are seemingly able to develop half a team worth of riders who are able to crush the best of the rest at will.
It really is not hard at all to understand why Sky are not liked.
In Belgium sky are largely looked on positively and they love Stannard, Thomas and Wiggins. You're confusing what you want to be true with what is true"In many ways, my story was that of a raging, Christ-like figure who hauled himself off the cross, looked up at the Romans with blood in his eyes and said 'My turn, sock cookers'"
@gietvangent0
