Tour de France 2008 - Stage 21 - Paris

What an amazingly great Tour to watch and follow! I am so proud of our guys from Garmin putting it all out there and proving they are meant to be there. They most certainly earned some respect from doubters and as I keep telling them, I am a very happy and very honored fan.

I find myself glued to the Tour and this year the gift of watching everyday was granted after my apendicitis attack aftter Will's 2nd place in stage 3. Then when I got released from the hospital, I come home that morning to see C attacking on Super Besse! Amazing and thrilling stuff. I am more than thrilled for C. He just opened up an entirely new chapter in his career and I am super excited for him. He's mastered a transition from super domestique to overall GC contender. As the Versus' commercials says - he just served notice! Way to go C!!! Really honored by you and the team. You guys took back this tour and gave us fan one amazing ride!

This year was exciting. Even including some of the dumbasses that tried to cheat. They were caught and kicked out. There will always be someone trying and as long as we catch them and dump them, I will believe. Christian, Will, Danny, George, and so many others give us hope and allow us to believe that what we see is real and these guys step up and go beyond to prove they're clean. Kudo's men! Not only are you clean but you are winners in so many more ways than just being there at the finish line. Thank you for being you and doing what you do and giving this fan complete enjoyment and pleasure in knowing you and following you and this incredible sport!

Huge Kudo's to CSC as well! Wow. I love Jens!, Stuey, Fabian, Little Andy, and love seeing Carlos on top of the podium. I am really happy for them and love that each on that team do it for each other. The bond and dedication is real and awesome watching. They even had Jens! in full team mode this year and that says a lot. To watch him kill it on the front. To watch Stuey ride up and take over. To watch Fabian come out of a break to hammer nails in. To see Kurt win a stage. To watch little Andy attack time and time again for his brother Frank and Carlos - all while attaining the White Jersey. I love the team. I love the guys. I am thrilled for them and I believe they are the best Team out there. (I look forward to the day my garMEN give them a run for their money! Watch out as I may need help recovering from that battle! Tee hee hee.)

I can not wait for John to get back from Paris. I look forward to it on every visit but this year, this Tour - I am sitting on the edge of my seat with excitement. The first hand stories and pride and giddiness for C - you can't beat it. For years I've been a fan and this year, watching his confidence build day after day (just like his form) was inspiring once again. C is an amazing cyclist, an awesome guy, and an all around sweetheart! I can not wait for the stories and pictures to share in all the fun. Again, C - thank you and WAY TO GO!!! 5th!!! Overall!!!!

AmeliaBurton: Tour de France: How do they pee? And other interesting facts.
VN: How Garmin-Chipotle keeps its riders fresh for the Tour

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC1 - PdC2 - Post Race

Stage 21 - Sunday, July 27: Étampes - Paris/Champs Élysées, 143km
Results
1 Gert Steegmans (Bel) Quick Step 3.51.38 (37.04 km/h)
5 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
6 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
13 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
30 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.07
32 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
37 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
38 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
61 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.14
62 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
63 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
65 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
68 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
104 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.24
105 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
119 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
129 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
134 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.34
136 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.36
139 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank (broken seat <3k) 0.14
Final General classification
1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 87.52.52
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0.58
3 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.13
4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 2.10
5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.05
6 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.28
12 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 11.32
17 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 24.55
35 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 1.08.15
37 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.11.55
47 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.33.22
65 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.57.09
68 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.59.39
77 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.13.41
95 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.36.29
97 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.38.13
99 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.45.20
108 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 3.04.52
109 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.07.46
110 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.07.57
133 Will Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.30.47
134 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.31.30
144 Bernhard Eisel (Aut) Team Columbia 3.54.52
145 Wim Vansevenant (Bel) Silence - Lotto 3.55.45

Garmin: Tour stage 21: Dean 6th in Paris!
CSC-SaxoBank: ???
BruceHildenbrand: There is Only One You Know
ThroughThePrism: The Withdrawal Starts
PEZ: Carmichael Sez: The Long Journey to Yellow
TheEpochTimes: Carlos Sastre Wins the 2008 Tour de France
SpinninWheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 21: ???

VN: Fresh Korn - The world's most beautiful stretch of cobbles
WillFrischkorn: First This: & And now This:

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 21
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 21 race highlight.
Stage 21: Post race w/ Garmin-Chipotle's David Millar.
Stage 21: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 21: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean.

Versus:
The Phinney Family: Part 2
White Jersey Podium for Andy Schleck
The Stage Winners of the Tour de France: Part 1 & Part 2
Making Sense of the Tour - The Feed Zone
Jonathan Vaughters: Close-up
Carlos Sastre - The Road to Yellow
Christian Vandevelde Interview
Andy Schleck Interview
George Hincapie Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):


Other Videos:
Tour2008_TV2.dk: Jens Voigt (must love Jens! - see middle of the page)
YouTube_pbandfiona: Jens Voigt Interview (2008 TdF - Making others suffer on his wheel)

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 20 - ITT

What a terrific day! I was up early and watched and enjoyed the TT today. Way to go C!! Great ride by him moved him into 5th overall. :-) Plus he finished in front of the 5 on GC in front of him! I am so happy for him. Huge kudo's to Millar, Hesjedal, and Pate too! Awesome riding and it's great to see them in the top 15 of today's stage - after 3 weeks of hard racing no less!!! After some banter Peg gave John a quick call and there's great excitement over there. I am so proud of the team for their great efforts these past 3 weeks. Underdogs no more. :-) I can't wait to hear all about it! Also nice congrats to George for finishing in the top 10 today too! I can't imagine the added pain he had from his crash the other day. Great to see him finish in a good note.

Other congrats go out to Carlos! I am happy to see him in Yellow going to Paris. After cheering and pulling for him for 3 years with C as part of his support, it's nice to see him on top. His ride up the Alpe d'Huez and his solid TT today - well earned. Little Andy also hung on to his White Jersey with a solid ride. I love my garMEN but there will always be a soft spot for the men of CSC. Guys like Stuey, Jens!, and Fabian to name just a few that I will always cheer for! Great job by them all on this Tour. They look to have Yellow, White, and the Team classification and they have - as a team - most certainly earned that last one.

I am looking forward to tomorrow. Getting to watch the smiles on the lead up to Paris. Seeing the guys a little more relaxed until they hit the city. It will be a welcomed site for all I am sure. Huge Kudo's to Will, Pate, Ryder, Lowe, and Martijn! Their first tour and they are all finishing. And they all get to do so holding their heads high for a great first Tour. They helped C and C's finishing in 5th overall - 5th! I am really happy. I hope that they all take the next few days to just soak it all in and enjoy the moments. Really good stuff. :-)

CN: Christian Vande Velde's Garmin-Chipotle Felt DA
ESPN_B.Julich: Evans in driver's seat heading into Saturday's time trial

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC1 - PdC2 - Post Thread

Stage 20 - Saturday, July 26: Cérilly - Saint Amand Montrond (ITT), 53km
Results
1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 1.03.50 (49.817 km/h)
2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.21
4 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.05
5 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.37
10 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 2.28
12 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.34
13 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.36
14 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.54
15 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.58
18 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 3.07
30 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.02
34 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.12
54 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 5.38
61 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 5.52
120 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.37
122 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.58
123 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 9.06
127 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 9.21
133 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 9.34
145 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 11.19
General classification after stage 20
1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 84.01.00
5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.12
6 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.28
12 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 11.32
17 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 25.02
35 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 1.08.22
37 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.11.55
47 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.33.12
65 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.57.23
67 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.59.19
77 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.13.31
95 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.36.19
96 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.38.03
99 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.45.34
108 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 3.04.59
109 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.07.46
110 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.08.11
133 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.30.47
134 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.31.08

Garmin: Tour stage 20 ITT: Millar, Vande Velde top 5; Christian moves to 5th overall!!
CSC-SaxoBank: Carlos Sastre Enters Paris Dressed in Yellow
TimesOnline_P.Kimmage: Back fomr the abyss (great article on Garmin)
ESPN_B.Julich: Sastre's deserved success a humbling experience
VN: Andrew Hood's TdF Notebook: Schumacher surprised; Vande Velde pleased
PEZ: Tour de PEZ: Following Mr. Hansen!
BruceHildenbrand: Sastre!

VN: Fresh Korn - The end is in sight

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 20
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 20 race highlight.
Stage 20: After the time trial w/ Garmin-Chipotle's Christian Vande Velde.
Stage 20: Inside the team car and post race interview with Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 20: Post race with CSC-SaxoBank rider Jens Voigt.
Stage 20: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.

Versus:
The Phinney Family of Cyclists: Part 1
Christian Vandevelde Interview
Fabian Cancellara Interview
Garmin-Chipotle's New Technology
David Millar Interview
Interview with Christian Vandevelde
Danny Pate Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
George Hincapie discusses his stage 20 TT.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 19

What a stage! Should be a kinda easy transition like stage but nope... all hell breaking loose causing mucho stress and high speeds! Being one of the very last stages for teams to pull out a victory, everyone wanted the break. When 4 got away, it didn't include a couple key teams so the chase continued. Then two got away and of those, Chavanel scored the victory! (Really happy for Sarah being her favorite!)

Other tidbits from the stage include 3 that won't make it to Paris for missing the time cut. Flecha, Feillu, and Wegmann. They pedaled to the finish but missed the time by a large gap. On another note, Bernhard Eisel has taken over the lantern rouge position that Wim Vansevenant had been holding steady. Watch to see if who gets the finaly spot for Paris... LOL :-)

ESPN_B.Ford: Can you say leader? Vande Velde finally breaking out of cycling shell
CN: Adam Hansen's Tour Diary - Putting the 'tour' in Tour de France
Garmin: Out of the Alps and on to the final race of truth
Garmin_Lim: Growing Up
Garmin_Reichlin: Our special "anti-inflamatory" diet
CSC_SaxoBank: Three-Year Extension with Fabian Cancellara
TheWallStreetJournal: Cycling's Thousandaires (cycling salaries)

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC - Post Thread
PdC_Crashdan: Pithy Title: Exploring Stage 19

Stage 19 - Friday, July 25: Roanne - Montluçon, 165.5km
Results
1 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 3.37.09 (45.73 km/h)
8 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 1.13
10 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
14 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
20 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
26 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
30 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
31 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
35 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
38 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
45 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
46 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
52 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
62 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
76 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
81 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
109 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
114 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
116 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
135 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.35
General classification after stage 19
1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 82.54.36
2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.24
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.41
12 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 10.04
18 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 24.29
36 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 1.08.28
38 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.11.31
49 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.33.10
67 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.59.36
68 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.00.16
75 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.07.07
92 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.29.18
97 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.35.59
98 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.39.02
108 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.01.11
109 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 3.01.41
113 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.06.08
131 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.24.21
132 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.24.44

Garmin: Tour stage 19: Kiwi Guy 10th, Martijn 14th
CSC-SaxoBank: Chavanel Tricked the Sprinters
NYVelocity: 2008 tour day schmalz stage 19
SpinninWheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 19: A Word For Our Sponsors
NYT_M.Barry: In a Time Trial, Drama Occurs When the Clock Stops
MoChassid: Four Miles
CW: Millar tips Evans for Tour de France victory

VN: Fresh Tour Korn - The most painful day

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 19
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 19 race highlight.
Stage 19: Pre-race w/ Garmin-Chipotle's Christian Vande Velde.
Stage 19: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 19: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean.

Versus:
Danny Pate Interview (pre 19)
Athlete Profile: Stuart O'Grady
Famous Tour de France Stage Wins
Team Garmin-Chipotle Argyle Jersey
George Hincapie's Character

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Cyclist Village member Alpine gets in a question for Jens.
TT specialist Fabian Cancellara chats about the tomorrows TT and the Olympics.
Christian discusses the stressful flat stages and tomorrow's TT.
Danny Pate explains his role for the TT.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 18

Okay, I openly admit... I slept in this morning. I was tired and the cat was on the alarm clock so I didn't hear it go off the 2nd time. I was up to watch the last hour or so and the finish was entertaining. All the cat and mouse games. I'm happy for Team Columbia. And I loved watching Andy go after the attack to keep his White Jersey. I hope he can keep it through the TT on Saturday. That kid is crazy talented and is by far (next to my garMEN and Jens! of course) favorite of this tour to watch.

BikeRadar: Inteview: Dave Zabriskie
Garmin_Millar: From purgatory to pure bliss, that's the Tour
PEZ: Interviews: Adam Hansen

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC - Post Thread
PdC_Crashdan: Did you think it was over? Exploring Stage 18

Stage 18 - Thursday, July 24: Bourg d'Oisans - Saint Étienne, 196.5km
Results
1 Marcus Burghardt (Ger) Team Columbia 4.30.21 (43.61 km/h)
10 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 6.39
13 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 6.50
23 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
29 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
31 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
36 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
37 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
38 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
40 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
41 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
48 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
75 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
83 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
91 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
93 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
134 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 7.44
137 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 8.11
140 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.30
143 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.37
General classification after stage 18
1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 79.16.14
2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.24
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.41
12 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 10.04
18 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 24.29
37 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 1.08.28
39 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.11.31
52 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.33.10
69 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.57.14
71 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.00.16
78 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.07.07
95 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.29.18
100 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.35.59
101 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.39.02
111 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.01.11
112 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 3.01.41
116 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.06.08
138 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.24.21
139 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.24.44

Garmin: Tour stage 18: Saint-Etienne status quo
CSC-SaxoBank: Andy Schleck Defended White Jersey and Teams competition
BruceHildenbrand: Hanging with the Pros
SpinninWheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 18: Back In The Saddle

VN: Fresh Tour Korn - Last chance to gas it before Paris

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 18
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 18 race highlight.
Stage 18: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 18: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean.

Versus:
Will Frishkorn Interview (post 18)
Matt White Interview (pre 18)

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Stuey discusses the previous days work and what lies ahead for CSC.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 17

What another great stage! I really do love watching the mountain stages. Great riding and great scenery shots from the helicopters! Today was great to watch. The leaders hung tough and together into Alpe d'Huez and once it hit the bottom, Carlos took off, all the way to the line! He grows on me and today - way to go Carlos! I love seeing him go after it. I think he needs a little more time than what he has going into Saturday's TT which could add some good excitement on the next two stages. And maybe open up some opportunity for C to gain back a little time.

C road great today! He didn't bumble a bit and I was cheering the whole time! He hung tough, stayed positive, and even made some attacks himself. So great to see! Go C!!!!! The Schleck duo is impressing me to no end in the mountains. Mostly - little Andy! I so wish he had not lost the minute earlier in the race as I believe he'd be the favorite to be in Yellow for Paris. Youngin' has just been hammering it on the climbs and I am looking forward to years of following him. He even made it look easy during some parts. Amazing. The sad thing is though even if he hadn't lost time, he still probably would've buried himself for big bro Frank and Carlos. He's good like that and we've seen him do it before. Free Andy!!!

The next two stages could get animated with teams trying last minute tactics to gain some more time or they could be status quo. I think the first as Carlos knows he could use some extra time come Saturday. I'm hoping the games play into C's favor and he too can gain back some time. The man can TT with the very best and I would love to see him score a podium spot come Sunday. Again - GO C!!! You aren't out of this yet!

CN: John Vande Velde proud of his son
CN: George Hincapie: Still going strong

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC1 - PdC2 - PdC3 - Post Thread
PdC_Crashdan: The Godzilla Stage: Exploring Stage 17

Stage 17 - Wednesday, July 23: Embrun - L'Alpe d'Huez, 210.5km
Results
1 Carlos Sastre (Spa) CSC-Saxo Bank 6.07.58 (34.32 km/h)
3 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.03
5 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.13
9 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.15
22 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 6.08
42 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 18.19
47 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 22.13
65 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 24.18
72 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 28.02
79 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 28.05
81 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 38.00
102 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
117 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
118 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
131 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
135 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
136 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
137 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
139 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
General classification after stage 17
1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 74.39.03
2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.24
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.41
12 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 10.15
19 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 24.29
37 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 1.08.28
39 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.11.31
54 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.33.10
69 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.56.20
71 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.00.16
79 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.07.07
93 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.27.57
99 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.34.12
102 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.39.02
112 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.01.11
113 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 3.01.41
117 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.06.08
139 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.22.41
140 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.24.44

Garmin: Tour stage 17: Christian 9th on The Alpe; holding steady at 6th overall
CSC-SaxoBank: Carlos Sastre Happy in Yellow
PEZ_Jered: TDF'08 St. 17: Carlos Conquers Alpe D'Huez!
CN: Vande Velde rides strong after tough day
BruceHildenbrand: l'Alpe d'Huez
SpinninWheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 17: Random
TeamGarmin: Vande Velde perseveres on L'Alpe-d'Huez
ESPN_B.Jullich: Sastre makes big statement, but all Tour roads lead to final time trial.

VN: Fresh Korn - The Alpe
WillFrischkorn: Top of the Alpe

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 17
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 17 race highlight.
Stage 17: Beyond the finish line wtih Garmin-Chipotle's Christian Vande Velde.

Versus:
Christian Vandevelde Interview (post 17)
Frank and Andy Schleck
Matt White Interview
Christian Vandevelde Interview (pre 17)
Push Beyond (Trent Lowe)
Ryder Hesjedal Interview (pre 17)

CV TV (formerly TBR):

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 16

And once again the mountains do not disappoint. There was some amazing climbing, crashes, fast descents, and riders putting it all out there for us fans to watch! I love the mountains.

The start did not appear to be easy for anyone. So many trying to get into breaks and the pack not letting any of them go. Finally a group got off and Pate and Ryder were in there. :-)

Christian lost touch with the leaders going up the last climb but he was still with in reach. The cameras and race radio's lost touch with where he was but I exepected to see him come in with in a minute or of the leaders. The man can descend and I figured he'd keep things close. When he came in -2.35 behind the leaders I worried about what could've gone wrong. It didn't take too long to find out he crashed on the descent. At the top he was just -35 seconds so my thoughts were sadly confirmed. Hopefully it didn't shake him up too much. Tomorrow is a new day and he is not out of anything. Even if nothing changes, the stud has a solid hold on his top 10 goal and how is one, not proud as hell of him and the team? Here's to a great recovery tonight, and some butt kickin' tomorrow!!! Go C!!!

And I have to add a note to John for when he checks in. You are DOPE! (LOL!) I call to leave a quick message as talking while he's over there is expensive. He answers the phone. He threw me for such a loop I forgot what I was going to say. Now he's answered on the golf course, while out riding, and while in meetings so I should know better than to call when I know he's up and about. Such a hoot! Note to John - voice mail is okay, although it brings smiles that he answers knowing its just me. LOL!

Garmin_Millar: Dodging wildebeest on our way to the Alps
JulianDean: Stage 15 & Rest Day
WillFrischkorn: Chillin in Italy
SouthtownStar: Tour de France: Vande Velde still in contention
VN: Vande Velde ready for the ride of his life
PEZ: Rest Day Talk: Garmin DS Matt White!
PEZ: Rest Day Talk: Stuart O'Grady!
TheGazette: Frischkorn: Tour 'moving forward' after doping busts
TheChristianScienceMonitor: David Millar tries to clean up cycling form inside the peloton

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC1 - PdC2 - PdC3 - Post Race
PdC_Crashdan: Alpine Madness: Exploring Stage 16

Stage 16 - Tuesday, July 22: Cuneo - Jausiers, 157km
Results
1 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 4.31.27 (34.70 km/h)
5 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 0.24
9 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28
12 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
15 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
18 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 1.32
24 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.21
26 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.04
30 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.27
43 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 7.50
84 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 24.19
87 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
93 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 28.32
94 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 31.56
108 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
114 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
120 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
144 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
145 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
147 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
General classification after stage 16
1 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 68.30.16
4 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.49
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.15
14 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 9.01
22 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 19.10
37 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 44.18
38 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 44.59
56 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.15.40
65 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.23.05
76 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.34.56
78 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.36.08
88 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 1.50.46
94 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.57.01
98 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.01.51
111 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.24.00
112 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 2.24.30
115 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.28.57
138 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.45.30
139 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.47.33

Garmin: Tour stage 16: Christian holds on to 6th overall
CSC-SaxoBank: Schleck Still in Yellow - Sastre in Fourth Place
PEZ_Jered: TDF'08 St, 16: Dessel's Day in Jausiers!
VN: Vande Velde crashes, loses time
BruceHildenbrand: Big Day in The Mountains
SpinninWheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 16: Yes, Bobby, It Is
ESPN_B.Jullich: A speedy, harrowing descent this late in the Tour? It shouldn't have happened

CW: Vande Velde to fight on despite losing time in TdF
TheCanadianPress: Riders unhurt in scary Tour crashes (comments from Millar)
SI_A.Murphy: Vande Velde may be Mr. Clean, but doping still haunts Tour

VN: Fresh Tour Korn - Rest days rock
CN: Stuart O'Grady's Tour Diary - Game on leads to pain on
ChicagoTribune_CVV: ???

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 16
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 16 race highlight.
Stage 16: Garmin-Chipotle team manager Jonathan Vaughters talks about Christian Vande Velde's ride.
Stage 16: Team Columbia's George Hincapie talks post race about the extreme descent into Jausiers.
Stage 16: Pre-race with Garmin-Chipotle team manager Jonathan Vaughters.
Stage 16: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 16: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean.

Rest day w/ Christian Vande Velde, part 1: Rating his Tour and his GC rivals.
Rest day w/ Christian Vande Velde, part 2: The critical stages to come.
Rest day w/ Christian Vande Velde, part 3: Assessing his Garmin-Chipotle team.

Versus:
Jon Vaughters Interview (pre stg 16)
Christian Vandevelde Interview (post 16)
George Hincapie Interview (post 16)
Interview with Christian Vandevelde (pre 16)

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Big George recaps his stage 16 to Jausiers.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 15 - Go Pate!

What an exciting stage! So happy to be home this morning to follow! Great stuff today. Pate gets in the breakaway that sticks. He finishes 3rd on the stage and like Will, he melts my heart in the post-stage interview wishing he would've won it. I wish he would've too for him, but Danny - you finished 3rd in a stage of your first ever Tour. WOW! Way to go!

The stage had some falls to keep us focused. Oscar Pereiro fell on a downward hairpin. Went over the guardrail and fell proably 30 feet to the road below. Ouch. He has at the very least some serious shoulder injuries. There was also an almost slow motion wipe out around a roundabout and the strange sight was to see riders slide out on both sides of it as they went around. It took out most of the Garmin guys but they all appeared to be okay. Will landed and slid on someone's bike but will be sore. C has some new road rash from it. Never good. Menchov also slid out going up the final climb. That's not a sight one see's too often but he was attacking and there was a slight drizzle and then add in a hairpin turn and presto. He got right back on and finished the climb in front of many.

The climb into the finish was exciting to watch. I feel for the riders giving it at the end of the stage. I was cheering for C with smiles and enjoying seeing him there with the "favorites" doing his thing. I love seeing him stay in check with his limits so that he deosn't bomb out. He does his tempo and is just always there. Love it! The Schleck brothers and Carlos were working well. Little Andy buried himself for big brother Frank and in the end it paid off - Frank is now in Yellow. I like those guys and I am happy for Frank. I personally think him wearing Yellow though is a reward to soon set up Carlos for the final podium. We'll have to see how it plays out. :-) Great job today by the Garmin Guys. Great ride by Pate and score for C for a solid finish! Can't wait for Tuesday!

TimesOnline_P.Kimmage: Christian Vande Velde: Christian soldier
Garmin: Jerobaum Jollies
VN: A conversation with Matt White: 'Christian Gets Better and Better'

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC1 - PdC2 - Post Thread
PdC_Crashdan: Of Lambs and Snowy Meadows: Exploring Stage 15

Stage 15 - Sunday, July 20: Embrun - Prato Nevoso, 183km
Results
1 Simon Gerrans (Aus) Crédit Agricole 4.50.44 (37.77 km/h)
3 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.10
6 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.03
9 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.41
10 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.43
14 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.58
31 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 7.46
48 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
55 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 14.03
59 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 16.29
63 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
96 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 20.46
104 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 21.25
105 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 21.57
115 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 25.33
120 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
126 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
136 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
137 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
139 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
DNF Stijn Devolder (Bel) Quick Step
DNF Oscar Pereiro Sio (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
DNS Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia
General classification after stage 15
1 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 63.57.21
5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.39
6 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.49
17 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 9.01
25 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 19.06
41 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 42.25
46 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 46.03
51 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 52.37
68 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.12.05
69 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.12.41
71 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.13.17
89 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.29.57
90 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 1.31.23
103 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 1.44.24
110 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.53.22
111 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 1.54.02
114 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.58.29
138 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.15.02
139 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.17.05

Garmin: Tour stage 15: 'The Pate' 3rd after epic battle; Vande Velde 10th on stage, moves to 5th overall
CSC-SaxoBank: Frank Schleck In Yellow
BruceHildenbrand: The Alps Baby!
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France Stage 15: Mix of Sun and Clouds
VN: Stage 15 was a mixed bag for the Garmin gang
ESPN_B.Ford: Tour takes on new sense of urgency as riders head for Alps
ESPN_B.Julich: Stage 15, not controversy, shows what cycling is all about

VN: Fresh Korn - Into the Alps
ChicagoTribune_CVV: ???

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 15
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 15 race highlight.
Stage 15: Pre-race comments from Garmin-Chipotle's Christian Vande Velde.
Stage 15: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 15: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean.
Stage 15: Garmin-Chipotle's Ryder Hesjedal talks about the crashes during the stage.
Stage 15: Garmin-Chipotle's Danny Pate talks about being in the break and finishing 3rd on the stage.

Versus:
Christian Vandevelde Post-Stage 15 Interview
Danny Pate Post-Stage 15 Interview
Big Crash In Peloton (roundabout slide out)
Vandevelde Pre-Stage 15 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Danny Pate talks about getting in the right moves and his long day in the break.
George discusses Team Columbia's cards as the tour enters the Alps in this pre stage 15 interview.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 11

Today's stage was sort of what was expected. Solid break got away. KAA won the stage which brought smiles. I'm happy for him! The top contenders pretty much stayed the same. I hope to watch the ending a little more closely tonight as I missed it with the trip to the hospital for a check on the leg. I will have viewing pleasure while up there but the internet connection is in question... :-(

ChicagoTribune_CVV: Burrito break a welcome relief
SouthtownStar: Mettle to the pedal
VN: Vande Velde off the radar
Slipstream_Millar: Onward Christian's soldiers
WillFrischkorn: Le Burrito!
BruceHildenbrand: Rest Day Antics
BruceHildenbrand: More Rest Day Musings

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC - Post Thread

Stage 11 - Wednesday, July 16: Lannemezan - Foix, 167.5km
Results
1 Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Nor) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.58.13 (42.19 km/h)
13 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 14.51
19 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
26 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
28 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
30 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
35 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
37 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
40 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
42 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
45 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
70 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
104 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
105 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 15.56
131 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 22.14
143 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
144 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
147 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
156 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
159 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
General classification after stage 11
1 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 46.42.13
2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.01
3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.38
6 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28
22 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 8.34
31 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 16.02
41 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 27.00
50 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 35.22
57 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 39.51
68 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 51.06
71 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 55.07
80 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 59.35
91 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 1.10.32
112 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 1.27.05
117 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 1.31.03
118 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.32.31
121 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.32.59
123 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.34.11
147 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.48.16
149 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.49.13

Garmin: Tour stage 11: Vande Velde 19th on stage and holding steady
CSC-SaxoBank: Kurt-Asle Arvesen Won in Foix


VN: Fresh Korn - Ch, ch, ch, changes
JulianDean: Stage 11
ChicagoTribune_CVV:

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 11
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 11 race highlight.
Stage 11: Garmin-Chipotle's Ryder Hesjedal sports a new haircut.
Stage 11 Pre-race interview with Christian Vande Velde.
Stage 11: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 11: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean.

Versus:
Jens Voigt Post-Stage 11 Interview
Christian Vandevelde
George Hincapie Pre-Stage 11 Interview
Jens Voigt Profile
Matt White Pre-Stage 11 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
George gives his take on Team Columbia's Tour de France.
Christian Vande Velde describes the surprisingly difficult post-rest day stage.

Quick Update

Took a small break from the Internet today to get some rest and follow up with the docs. Things seem to be going okay in recovery but filled with hiccups. Started with the collapsed lower lungs the day after surgery which entitled me to another day in the hospital. Then there was the anemia thing that has landed me on iron pills for a month or two. THEN, this past weekend I was blessed with some severe soreness in my legs and lovely swelling of my left leg and foot.

I passed off the soreness on Saturday as just being muscles telling me they are bored. I've been working out 6 days a week with either a trip to the gym, the elliptical at home, or bike riding. Then for more than 5 days I was unable to do anything. I was sore and tired and I think I slept for about 20 of the 24 hours that made up Saturday. Sunday I got up feeling pretty good and the sleep certainly was needed and a very good thing for me. But then the leg pains slowly came back and the swelling fun began. Both legs have it but its clearly worst in my left leg. I had hoped being up and about and assisting friends helping with my yard work (such sweeties - thank you guys!) would help but it only seemed to make it worst.

Monday I gave in and called the doc. My regular doc kind of blew it off when I saw him and said it was just muscle fatigue and that I should work on getting back into working out. No intensity, just go through the motions basically for a few days and that should help. He says the lymph nodes that control the swelling and such are probably just irritated themselves from everything this past week. But that I will probably now have this issue the rest of my life. Not fun to hear but I relaxed a bit.

Today I had my follow up with the surgeon and he wasn't so sure my regular doctor is correct. He's concerned a little bit on possibly it being small blood clots. Lovely. He wasn't seriously worried as the right leg is also sore and slightly puffy and said he'd worry a lot more if the left leg was insanely painful and swollen but then noted (with a smile) that I seem to have a higher pain tolerance than most and possibly my "discomfort" might have others screaming. I just smiled and then he jokingly asks me how bad the pains were Monday night that I sucked up and blew off (the start of the appendicitis attack) and I could only smile some more. (Okay I will lightly admit - they really sucked but I was not about to cry over what I thought was a funky flu bug or even more depressing some unknown female cramping. I don't let much get to me. Just can't.)

So he has set up a Doppler test in the morning (ultra sound for the leg) to have it checked out for sure. He wanted it tonight but scheduling at the hospital was an issue. So it's tomorrow. Hopefully it's just the lymph node thing and I will just deal with it and work at getting it better. If it is some clot I will be admitted on the spot so I am really hoping that isn't the case. Really hoping...

My plans (before my fun adventure in the ER last week) were to go up to WI tomorrow for a couple days and visit with my godson and his big sister and of course mom while dad is on a motorcycle trip. Now one would think we know better when we make plans. It seems that every time (and I am serious with the every part) we make plans there is an ER visit involved. When I went up to meet my godson a couple days after he was born, that day he got put in ICU from a virus he got. Then another visit his big sister was in the ER. Another trip, yep he was at the doc again. And even another it was big sister's turn again. By then we had hoped we met our quota and we're done with ER visits and we simply declared no more were allowed. Well then I go and blow that with my December roll over accident putting me in the ER. (I was en route to see them at the time to BBQ and watch the Packer game.) We are not having any luck here.

Well the call to Miss Tam last week to update her had all of us just shaking our heads and smiling at the irony of it all - we should just know. It apparently is just going to be our thing. Plan a trip to see each other and just know, with out doubt, an ER visit is looming. And then to boot on this one, the little guy also went in last week with an ear infection. Poor little munchkin.

SO... I am praying(!) the leg thing is just the node issue and there are no clots. I want to get up to see my kiddies and spoil on them for a few days and seriously, the boost from seeing them is such amazing medicine. I am living on a high watching C in Le Tour right now but he's got nothing on how quickly these two cuties make my heart melt! The surgeon is not thrilled with the driving and it is off the table if they don't like the look tomorrow. If they don't see anything, I am going to be going but I am supposed to stop every hour or so and get out and walk around a little bit to help keep the swelling down. (Sorry Jane, I lied about not telling the doc, just didn't really ask, kind of said, well I have to travel...)

So that's the update so far. I am on medical leave until - get this and smile - at least Monday the 28th! Yep! I, being the very dedicated fan that I am to my guys, planned this whole appendicitis thing so that I can be home to watch and cheer on the guys for the rest of the Tour. Total fan dedication if you ask me. I think I should get a prize of some sort don't you? Tee hee! :-) (Now if only I was enjoying every minute of it with out pain and such.) But, I'm still off and what a way to work on recovering. Cheering C on in the Tour of his life! Go C! And Will! And the whole Garmin Team! And my other favorites like Jens!, Tony, Stuey, George!!! Watching them certainly brings smiles so good luck guys!!!