Phil C
07-03-2006, 08:53 AM
No one here has been posting updates on this great 2006 event and shame on us all. :( Today is the second stage even though on Saturday they did have what they called a short time trial (just a little over 4 miles). For the next several days it is expected to be dominated by the sprinters until we get to the mountain stages.
I will report as I get information but alas, unlike last year, I have been unable to find live up to date reports. :( You can watch the tour in the mornings or wait till night at about 7 P.M. when the stages are reshown. The beautiful part is that you can see the country of France and its' beautiful cities as well as enjoy a great race which is wide open this year since Lance has retired.
On day 1 Tur Husshor of Norway won on the first day narrowly over American George Hincape who after Sunday leads the race. Mr. Hincape is considered one of the early favorites of the race and if he can finish the race he has a good chance because he is a good mountain climber. There are several Americans that are considered challengers who consist of Mr. Hincape who is wearing the yellow jersey. David Zambriski is in 3rd place but will probably fade out in the mountains and Floyd Landis who is a contender is in 9th place. It is very close right now between all the places so anything can happen.
Unfortunately, two favorites Ivan Basso of Italy and Jan Ulrich of Germany were forbinnen by the Tour because of implications in a Spanish Drug investigation. The comentators agree if they are guilty they deserve to be banned but if it turns out these men are not guilty then it will be one of the greatest injustices ever done and the Tour de France officials will lose credibility which has suffered much recently due to their unsuccessful attacks on Lance.
The French did get some glory when Jimmy Casper of France won the second stage. It is great for the French but I don't think he is a long term contender.
Yesterday Tur Hushovd was injured by a spectator who was holding out a big plastic hand. His arm was cut but hopefully he will be back today. Also fortunately it happened just a few feet from the finish line and he was able to finish yesterday's race. Spectators please do not hold things out in front of the riders and please stay off of the roads. It is ok to cheer and support the riders but safety must be first priority. Please do not through bottles, water or other things on the road. Remember the riders will be given water as needed by their coaches who follow behind in cars.
I don't have any information on the 2nd stage today yet since I can't find anywhere live so I will post later. Remember we get to enjoy this great event on OLN TV until July 23. Good times indeed! Vive le Tour!!
I will report as I get information but alas, unlike last year, I have been unable to find live up to date reports. :( You can watch the tour in the mornings or wait till night at about 7 P.M. when the stages are reshown. The beautiful part is that you can see the country of France and its' beautiful cities as well as enjoy a great race which is wide open this year since Lance has retired.
On day 1 Tur Husshor of Norway won on the first day narrowly over American George Hincape who after Sunday leads the race. Mr. Hincape is considered one of the early favorites of the race and if he can finish the race he has a good chance because he is a good mountain climber. There are several Americans that are considered challengers who consist of Mr. Hincape who is wearing the yellow jersey. David Zambriski is in 3rd place but will probably fade out in the mountains and Floyd Landis who is a contender is in 9th place. It is very close right now between all the places so anything can happen.
Unfortunately, two favorites Ivan Basso of Italy and Jan Ulrich of Germany were forbinnen by the Tour because of implications in a Spanish Drug investigation. The comentators agree if they are guilty they deserve to be banned but if it turns out these men are not guilty then it will be one of the greatest injustices ever done and the Tour de France officials will lose credibility which has suffered much recently due to their unsuccessful attacks on Lance.
The French did get some glory when Jimmy Casper of France won the second stage. It is great for the French but I don't think he is a long term contender.
Yesterday Tur Hushovd was injured by a spectator who was holding out a big plastic hand. His arm was cut but hopefully he will be back today. Also fortunately it happened just a few feet from the finish line and he was able to finish yesterday's race. Spectators please do not hold things out in front of the riders and please stay off of the roads. It is ok to cheer and support the riders but safety must be first priority. Please do not through bottles, water or other things on the road. Remember the riders will be given water as needed by their coaches who follow behind in cars.
I don't have any information on the 2nd stage today yet since I can't find anywhere live so I will post later. Remember we get to enjoy this great event on OLN TV until July 23. Good times indeed! Vive le Tour!!