I know we generally have a ban on haters on these threads. But, even though my heart absolutely yearns for the Tour De France, after so many drug scandals last year, my head tells me...... this event is waaaay too discredited to bother with.
It really pains me to say that, too, with the possible exception of The Ashes, I've never watching enjoyed a sporting event as much as the Tour.
I am an optimist and I like to think that last year was the turning point. I know there have been many turning points and things aren't perfect. I'm sure there will be further bad things happening but I love it.
Even though last year was terrible in many obvious ways it was still utterly gripping and compelling.
QUOTE: I am an optimist and I like to think that last year was the turning point. I know there have been many turning points and things aren't perfect. I'm sure there will be further bad things happening but I love it.
Even though last year was terrible in many obvious ways it was still utterly gripping and compelling.
I tried explaining this in the office today - no joy I'm afraid - looks like I'll have to battle for the remote come July 5th in our office!
I've got money on McEwen for green despite Lotto's claim that they'll be concentrating on Cadel in GC - 5/1 seem like decent odds, especially if Cadel doesn't live up to early expectations.
There's another fantasy TDF game on a site called Velogames.
With this one, you can't set up a mini-league. But if you pay £1.50 for the premium content and win any of the competitions, you get the choice of a replica shirt or a cycling magazine subscription.
McEwan not getting any team support shouldn't make any difference to be honest. He doesn't really have a lot of support (last year's stage to Canterbury being a rare example of the contrary). He does his own thing and doesn't ride like an Italian sprinter or like Boonen. He doesn't use a train really.
Jaune - it's a climber's course all over. Cunego.
Vert - Boonen
Pois - David De La Fuente
Blanc - I can never remember who's eligible. Thomas Lovkvist if he is, otherwise Remy Di Gregorio.
Oh, and it's been a great couple of days on the cleaner sport front. Floyd Landis has lost his final appeal, while Michael Rasmussen's got a two-year ban. Get in!
Polka = Soler (unless he goes for the G.C., in which case De La Fuente.)
White = Gesink (He will win the G.C. within 5 years)
I wouldn't entirely rule out Cadel Evans. If it wasn't for his his knee-nack, he might have won it this year. Curnego is bound to have one bad day, and when he has a bad one, it's generally v.bad.