# Tour de France 2011 (spoilers) **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [July 2, 2011, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664 "2011-07-02T21:55:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![Boo\_Boo\_Foo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@Boo\_Boo\_Foo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boo_Boo_Foo)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/161 "2011-07-20T23:27:13Z")
> [@DragonAsh](#): > > Dude, are you serious!?! Boring? Are we watching the same Tour, or are you just bummed that your man-crush on Bertie is unfulfilled with him several minutes back? > > We have a 40km time trial on Saturday and an epic ride waiting in Friday going up Alp d’huez…and if the Tour ended today this would be one of the most interesting Tours to watch in years. Contrast this year’s Tour with Lance Armstrong’s final Tour in 2005. In that year, the opening prologue was a full distance 24km ITT - and Armstrong took ONE WHOLE MINUTE out of his next closest rider place - namely, Jan Ulrich. Every person I knew just sunk their head in their hands and said “Oh well, that’s this year’s Tour all over… thanks for coming…” And we were right. Ulrich didn’t have anywhere near the form to claw that back, and all Armstrong had to do from that moment onwards was stay upright. 2005? Now THAT was a boring Tour de France. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2011, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/162 "2011-07-20T23:58:52Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > …boring Tour… Do us all a favour next time and state at the outset that in your post you choose to define “boring” as meaning “AC not winning yet” and save us some reading. Having said that, I’m surprise at your high estimation of AS at this stage. I just can’t see him turning it around in the Alps to the degree you suggest given his performance to date. I agree there is a very good chance you are right about the relativities of AC, SS and CE, though. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/163 "2011-07-21T02:14:53Z")
> [@DragonAsh](#): > > Dude, are you serious!?! Boring? Are we watching the same Tour, or are you just bummed that your man-crush on Bertie is unfulfilled with him several minutes back? It was deadly dull until yesterday. Hushovd’s win in the Pyrenees was pretty cool, but other than that…_yawn_. The ending is potentially pretty epic though. ---
**Author:** ![Boo\_Boo\_Foo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@Boo\_Boo\_Foo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boo_Boo_Foo)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/164 "2011-07-21T02:30:29Z")
> [@Yookeroo](#): > > It was deadly dull until yesterday. Hushovd’s win in the Pyrenees was pretty cool, but other than that…_yawn_. The ending is potentially pretty epic though. An opinion disguised as fact, at it’s core, is still an opinion. And this is a messageboard, opinions are the major currency of worth on messageboards. Indeed, I watched a documentary the other day which posited that 85% of everything that human beings say is an opinion, and not a fact. Certainly, you’re entitled to yours, and that’s fine, others would argue that this is a true “purists” tour insofar as an unlikely bolter took yellow on Stage 9 and has held it much longer than his previous form would have predicted, and the remaining 6 or 7 protagonists are all in a very evenly matched tactical battle. My favourite race during the Armstrong era was 2003. See if you can guess why? ---
**Author:** ![2sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/2/e47774/32.png) [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/165 "2011-07-21T07:15:34Z")
There is so much going on in the Tour I rarely find it boring. Even if the GC is uncontested or relatively so there are the other jerseys and the individual stage wins as well. The only time I fast forward the DVR is during the long flat stages where the only drama is at the finish. And this year with the new midpoint sprint even those stages are a bit more exciting. ---
**Author:** ![footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9f8e36/32.png) [@footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/footballisplayedwithyourfeet)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/166 "2011-07-21T09:49:16Z")
I wouldn’t call this years tour boring either. From the first day favourites have been losing time/crashing/(helas) getting injured and the last few day have (surprisingly) seen a lot of attacking by the GC contenders. Can’t wait to see what happens in the real big stages today and tomorrow. **2sense** is right in the many, many things going on. I heard some tv commentators say that Movistar (who haven’t been that succesful yet) are planning to set a good pace in the climbs today (and maybe tomorrow) to try to get Cavendish outside the time limit. Especially on friday ths might actually work with the 100k ride with three huge climbs in it. So typically we can expect to see some group trying to stay away/contest the stage victory, the GC riders trying to gain time on each other, Movistar (maybe Lotto too) trying to ditch Cavendish and provided the right people are in the break, maybe a fight for the King of the Mountains jersey as well. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/167 "2011-07-21T13:54:44Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > …Having said that, I’m surprise at your high estimation of AS at this stage. I just can’t see him turning it around in the Alps to the degree you suggest given his performance to date… If you’re watching, you’ll note why I trusted Andy – if not exactly playing possum, I never thought he’d gone close to red-lining at all thus far. He is today…and should he be able to hold… ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/168 "2011-07-21T13:58:31Z")
Well as of right now the GC bunch are letting Andy get away on the second last big climb. It always amazes me when someone manages to get off the front and then the bunch behind all just look at one another as the escapee peddles away. Andy is two minutes up as I watch. Can’t believe it. The GC group are just gambling on being able to chase Andy down in the flat before the final climb. If they don’t, it’s game over. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/169 "2011-07-21T14:01:42Z")
PS-“Manlove” – well known fact around here that I suffer from said condition when it comes to sports & Spain. Guilty as charged. Speaking of, here’s hoping my crush’s knee holds up the Galibier. Naw! Make that _propels him up it_! Vamos Conta! ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/170 "2011-07-21T14:07:48Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > Well as of right now the GC bunch are letting Andy get away on the second last big climb. It always amazes me when someone manages to get off the front and then the bunch behind all just look at one another as the escapee peddles away. Andy is two minutes up as I watch. Can’t believe it. The GC group are just gambling on being able to chase Andy down in the flat before the final climb. If they don’t, it’s game over. Doesn’t look like it’s happening. Andy’s _gaining_ on the descent! Now this is what I call entertainment! ---
**Author:** ![drm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e57/32.png) [@drm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drm)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/171 "2011-07-21T14:33:39Z")
Looks like I owe Andy a massive apology. Nice move, whether it works or not. Bold. He has done these long sustained efforts before though. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/172 "2011-07-21T15:10:45Z")
Fork in them all, they are done. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/173 "2011-07-21T15:11:25Z")
The yellow jersey group is totally disorganized. I think it’s going to turn out that Andy Schleck made a brilliant move today. Only Evans is pushing the tempo at the moment, but he doesn’t look like he has the power to really take back very much. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/174 "2011-07-21T15:20:38Z")
Well, I might be wrong; Evans is doing pretty well for the moment, taking back almost a minute. But can he keep it up? Will Contador go? Or Basso? This is a pretty exciting finish! Sanchez is off the back. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/175 "2011-07-21T15:27:07Z")
They won’t get much back now. ---
**Author:** ![Cumbrian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@Cumbrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumbrian)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/176 "2011-07-21T15:27:08Z")
I don’t like Evans much but this is strong work from him - no one else wants to help and he is towing the chasing group himself as a result. Pulling a minute back has been big - needs to keep it going now though. ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/177 "2011-07-21T15:32:37Z")
Contador is cracking! Evans’s pursuit is too difficult for him. And Voeckler is hanging on! ---
**Author:** ![Knorf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/58956e/32.png) [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/178 "2011-07-21T15:42:53Z")
Contador is cooked. Great riding from the Schlecks, Evans, Basso, and especially Voeckler (just to hold on). But it’s still not all sorted out. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/179 "2011-07-21T15:52:19Z")
Looking back at the previous ITT times Evans/ASchleck that I posted at #130, you’d have to think AS has it in the bag, most probably. He has only once in the last few years lost to Evans by more than the current gap. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2011, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664/180 "2011-07-21T15:52:36Z")
Classic – the kind of stage that makes The Tour the world’s undisputed best cycling event. Magnificent effort by Andy if only the Galibier was 500 mts too long for him. And massive effort by Evans taking the race in his hands – may have won himself The Tour through sheer willpower. Frank in the mix as well. This is The Tour I grew-up loving! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tour-de-france-2011-spoilers/587664.md?page=10)