Let's Stalk Biking! ...I mean let's Talk biking!

Cold and Chilly Weekend

2008-11-16T22:21:00.002-06:00

First - GO PACK!!! Woo hoo! 37 to 3. ha ha. Work is going to be fun tomorrow with Mgr back from Hawaii! YEAH!

Man, has it been chilly lately. Seems even colder right now with Wieser once again with DA. This time if he comes back home, he stays here and there are no more nights like Friday realizing he's not here to snuggle up with. Sometimes trying to be nice just sucks.

Perdy misses Wieser too.

Friday night was a bummer packing up Wieser again. Called it an early night. Saturday was busy. Got up and got a work out in (yeah!) and then figured I should really attempt some yard work. Of course the lawnmower wouldn't start. As a last resort I called DA and he just made me feel worst. I will learn. I really will. So the grass didn't get cut and the leaves just got moved around, but many of the plants and such got cut back/down like they needed. I would still really love one more nice weekend to get more done but that would be needed in December as the next couple I am up in WI.

I woke up this morning to a pretty sore back but looked forward some fun Cross. Called Nads on my way out to find out she was still chillin' with her Dad and Kim. Of course I can't blame her for getting in as much of a visit as she can. Gave her some crap and told her to get in the shower and drive quickly. She missed the 3's but hung on in the cold until the start of the last race. Such a trooper! Afterwards we chilled and watched Transition 2. Good stuff.

Quick minute to drop a shout out to Brad Huff! Nice win today! That following his win of Stage 3 the other day. Way to go! The Jelly Belly guys have been racing the Tour of Hainan in China this week and have been doing pretty well. Kiel got a top 10 the other day too! Keep it going guys! Just 3 more stages to go.

The cross race today was down right chilly. Started out pretty nice (considering the day seemed colder as it went on). There was some good sun, just a light wind. Then the sun went away, the wind picked up, and it snowed! The snow didn't stick until tonight on the ground and was just flurries during the day but still. I'm not sure I'm ready for this just yet.

I've checked the site but there aren't many results up yet. There's a chance Mike got a top 10 again. That would rock with as flat as the course was. Last week he got his 1st top 10 in the 3's and you can read his write up on the team site.

Here's a few pics:

Greg making it look easy down the middle.

Mike chooses to run as he passes the guy who tried to ride the pit.

Run Eileen - Run!

My flickr account with more pics.
xXx Racing Team Site.

Chilly Cross and Fun

2008-11-09T22:27:00.003-06:00

I have no idea where this weekend has gone but it was at least a fun weekend from start to finish. Fun game night Friday night with the gang. Got my ass kicked in Scene It and realized I held my own during the 80's movies and failed miserably with the more current ones. Oh well. The rematch in December is so on!

Saturday was great getting to sleep in a bit. Saturday night was just what was needed with a visit with some old friends and some good wine. Maybe a bit too much wine but very worth it. Not sure what I was thinking though as Friday everyone was at my house and I didn't drink a drop yet Saturday night I had like 5 glasses of wine. Oops. At least I sobered up before I drove home.

Today started way to early for my slightly hungover self and it was flippin' cold. Headed out in search of some caffeine after picking up Nads for the Cross race and then attempted to prepare for some mind over coldness to cheer on the riders. It wasn't too bad at first but it took no time to realize the wind was going to chill us to the bone. We headed over for the hill after saying hi to Mike and wishing him some good lucks. It was chilly today to say the least but wasn't too bad out of the wind. Or we got numb and it didn't matter. Not sure which. I cracked up laughing at how bundled up Nads was but she enjoyed the last laugh as my cold fingers opted for less picture taking to keep the hands a bit warmer. Still a good fun time.

After we left the race we headed to warm up with some lunch and then went to say hi to Theresa and see little Ryan. Such a cutie. Both Ryan and mom are doing great and he's already up to 8 pounds. Yeah! After that it was a trip to Nads and we watched a Cross video. Looking forward to the next one with a few more riders that I know. That first wasn't bad but not as interesting only knowing 2-3 guys in it.

Here of course are a few pics of the day with the link below for some more.

Rebecca taking the corner.

Heck leading Parker down the hill.

Jeff tackling the stairs.

Matt tries to scare Mike around the corner and almost lost his footing.

My flickr account is here and xXx Racing is here. Enjoy!

Stay warm this week and have some fun!

GO Nads GO! ha ha ha!

2008-11-02T21:56:00.002-06:00

Another fun weekend has come and gone. Such a bummer.

Spent most of the weekend de-exing the house which was way over due. Certainly feels good with the progress made in the basement. For now there are several boxes out in the garage awaiting pick up on Tuesday. Still a few more things than need to be gone through but the progress made was pretty awesome. Thank god for awesome college roomies that know me better than I know myself sometimes. With out them I am not sure how the past couple years would've turned out. Huge thanks to Ames and Nads for sure. :-) Love you both!

Dizziness is still a bit of an issue. Latest from the doc is that I have to do my best to hang on for another couple weeks. Apparently the labrynthitis can stick around for 6-8 weeks. I'm just ready for it to be gone but the meds are keeping most things in check. Saturday's cleaning certainly set things off a couple times but never too badly. Blood work done earlier in the week has all come back and there's still signs of inflammation but good news was the iron was finally in check so I'm down to one of those a day, and after a month, I get to go every other day. Good news for sure. I hate those things.

After all the work yesterday it was some fun time today. Nads and I headed to the Cross race and we had the best time today. We usually don't stay for all the races but we were there until the end. Since she couldn't watch the Packer game, she was all for staying so we did. And we're glad we did. It was a lot of fun and tons more people were there through out the day.

Below are some pics so enjoy!

Of course more can be found here.
And Newt's got a fun write up on the team site.

More Wind. More Cross. :-)

2008-10-26T21:25:00.002-05:00

Another fun day at the races. :-) Today started out pretty nice. Sun was out, mid 50's, races to watch. Then the wind picked up and yikes! It was windy today but a lot of fun. We met more riders (probably way too many in one day) and had another fun day. I think we've got the names but putting them back to faces will be interesting next weekend for sure. This afternoon we watched it rain/snow(!?!?) while we watched a movie. It was a quick shower but man, it's not even November yet. I'm so not ready for the cold snow stuff yet.

Here's a couple pics from today...

There's more out on Flickr and make sure to check out the xXx Racing site for more.

Got home tonight and had a message from my Aunt. Mike is off at boot camp in San Diego and we're heading out there for graduation in January. His dates kept moving back but now graduation is going to happen the weekend of my birthday and I'm thrilled! It should be a great weekend. It looks like we'll fly out Wednesday and be there until Sunday. I am already looking forward to the sun and the anticipated break. Winters are chilly here and work is already picking up so a long weekend seeing Mike graduate will be an awesome birthday present. I can't wait! I got to read his letter and letters his way are welcome along with goodies but no candy. Power bars are okay. I think I might try sending him some Jelly Belly Sport Beans. Ha!

Things this week were pretty quiet. I was sent home early everyday to make sure I didn't overdue things. Monday included a flickering light above my desk which drove my head insane. Tuesday they wanted me to head home way earlier than I thought was needed. Apparently I was looking rather "white" so it's no wonder I went to bed early. The week got better for sure but this dang virus thing is still hanging on. Tomorrow it's a call to the doc. I'm all for letting a virus running it's course, but over 3 weeks? Really? Hopefully it's nothing but since the light headedness and dizziness came back after the meds were gone, it's worth checking out - again.

This next week is going to be packed. Work is starting to pick up and the small lull we had the past couple months looks to be gone. Month end at the end of the week and Mgr leaves for HI so there's a lot to tie up before he heads out. Very jealous and I have only myself to blame since Tim is there and a visit would take nothing more than a phone call and a plane ticket. We also have our volunteering afternoon on Tuesday. We're headed over to the Chicago Food Bank to bag food and help out. Always a feel good day when you can get out and help someone.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!

Another Fun Cross Day

2008-10-19T23:16:00.004-05:00

Another week has come and gone and I have little idea where to. Checked in with the docs again a couple times through the week and now we are on a high dose of meds which seem to be eliminating all of the symptoms of the dizziness but what a roller coaster. The meclizine makes me pretty tired and I'm on 150mg of that and the predinsone pretty much wires me up and I'm on 60mg of that. The kicker is that he has me on it for 5 days and then off cold turkey. I'll be calling him on day four as I know the med well enough with all the years of my dad being on it that it is not one to just stop taking, even if for only a few days. But in the meantime I just wait to see which one hits me first through the day. I'm either wired to go and running around doing stuff all over the house, or I'm snuggled up with a blanket wondering if I should take yet another nap. The good thing is that at least now there are no spinning rooms, no dizzy spells, and I went the entire day today with out feeling light headed or feeling like I just lost my balance. So that is great.

After not sleeping much last night (took a dose of predinsone too late and it stayed with me till the wee hours of the morning) I was running later than I wanted to today. But, still got up to see the Cross race in Carpentersville. It was another enjoyable day outside and it seems like every week we are meeting a few more people and we're having fun cheering on Mike and the xXx Team riders. After the race Mike came over and he said he finished 10th. Great stuff. He moved up to Cat 3 a couple weeks ago and it seems each week he's moving up in the placings so that is cool. We think it must be with the help of the cheering of course. :-)

A couple pics from today...

The guys were going along the side of the hill giving it full gas to the flatter part of the course.

There were two lovely barriers to hop over on the way up the incline.

Mike fully exerted himself with this climb. ha ha!

Fun sand pits. Kids playing on both sides cheering for mom's and dad's as they rode through the play area.

More pics can be seen HERE.

After the race we grabbed some lunch. Jane and I both thought pizza sounded good so pizza, with a salad for our appetizer, it was. Good stuff on a chilly day. From there we went baby clothes shopping and headed over to say hi to Theresa. The "IBS baby" is still in the hospital getting well enough to come home but Mom & Mike were both home and doing well. The baby's room is painted and cute and tons of planning is being worked on. Nothing like being told you have IBS and then go into the ER from pains and getting told you're having a baby - today. He is a cute little thing and we can't wait to meet him when he gets home and they all get a little settled. Huge congrats Theresa on the cute little one!

Spinning Rooms and Cross Fun :-)

2008-10-12T21:26:00.002-05:00

It's been a few weeks since I've updated the blog but I've racing and life certainly hasn't stopped, which is a good thing. :-)

Just over a week ago, I ended up in the doc's office suffering from extreme dizziness, headaches, loss of balance, and unreal nausea. The doc called it labyrinthitis but I say it is the worst hang over feeling in the world. And as I joked later in the week, the worst might just be, never getting to enjoy the party that might lead to such a hang over the night before. It sucked.

I spent several days just hoping the spinning rooms would stop moving and that I might be able to eat a lunch versus sticking to shakes as at least those I knew I was keeping down. I feel for anyone that's had vertigo and I really feel for those that have it over a week. It hasn't been any fun. All the doc recommended was sleep and Bonine. Thanks. I ate 2 boxes of the motion sickness pills over three days in attempting to keep the spinning to a minimum. It helped but never took it away. And for sleep, I think I slept more in the last week than I have in the past six months - seriously. I generally don't sleep much for many reason so to find myself sleeping close to 20 hours in one day was off to say the least.

Things have been getting better everyday but things still aren't "normal". I'm finally able to watch TV, be in the computer, and I'm sleeping more normal hours. I still have some bad dizzy spells and I get bad headaches following it but laying down seems to help it go away. I've been off work a week and will be working from home for a day or two. When I last spoke to the doc she said it could be a few more days. I'm hoping it just goes away.

Last Sunday, with out realizing how bad things were, I headed out to a Cross race with GG and Theresa. Woke up and waited for the dizziness to stop and then I was feeling okay so I figured why not. :-) We headed up to DeKalb for the 2nd Chicago Cyclocross race. We got there and unlike a majority of the road races where I've met great riders like those from Jelly Belly and Garmin, we knew no one. So it was a little odd. We cheered on the riders but GG and Theresa were not having quite the fun I had hoped they would. Between races we were walking around and I saw one of the riders from xXx Racing and he looked somewhat familiar so I went up to say hi. Turns out he was at Downers and that's where I had seen him before. It was fun meeting Mike and it now gave us someone specific to cheer for so GG and Theresa had much more fun during the 2nd race we watched. And it didn't hurt that Mike came in 2nd in the race so that was exciting too. :-)

Mike avoiding a fallen rider on a down hill section at DeKalb.

In a rare event, I handed over my keys after the race for GG to drive as I was just not up to it. There were a few times during the race that if someone didn't know me, they might've thought I was drunk. The whole balance thing started to give me issues and just a step up or down a hill bothered me. I was ready to be home. We stopped for a bite to eat and headed back to GG's where I laid down and slept for awhile. When I got up I felt good enough to get home and that's what I did. Went home and straight to bed.

Once I got my pics uploaded into my flickr account I dropped an email to xXx to share the fun of meeting Mike and cheering him on and to let them know I had some pics they were welcome to. Luke emailed back and so did Bob. I also got an email from Mike and I shared that with Theresa and Jane. It was fun to meet a rider to cheer on and the girls had a good time and we planned future races to check out.

This weekend Theresa was busy but Jane and I were looking forward to going again. So we headed out to Hawthorne. In the email from Mike, and per his entry on the team site, he was moving up to the cat 3's so we went earlier. We found a spot near the nasty ass hill the riders had to go up twice on each lap for pics and cheering. As Mike came by he had a huge "Hi Nikki" which was fun that he knew us. We cheered him and the team on and then moved up to the top of the hill and cheered for even more riders as the hill wasn't easy. The view from the top was great as we got to see them come up twice and could see the whole course. On a beautiful 80 degree sunny Sunday, it doesn't get much better. :-)

The dreaded hill the riders had to go up twice each lap.

Almost to the top for the 2nd time, after jumping the barrier at the bottom.

Of course I got light headed before too long so we left a little earlier than planned but still had a good time. As we drove out I saw a rider with an xXx tee on and tonight, per his email, it sounds like the good luck Jane shouted to him as we passed, it was Bob. His first Cross race today and he said he lost it in the mud pit so we are bummed we didn't check that part of the course out. :-) All good stuff and xXx Racing has new fans for sure as thus far, starting back at Downer's when I met John and Nico, the whole team seems very friendly and fun. We look forward to meeting more and cheering them on at more races. I love the guys I've met this past year and to now be getting to know a local group is just loads of fun. No reason for the season to end when we have some many fun people to meet and cheer on. :-) Check out the pics I've shared at the team site. They're on flickr and on the team's main page. Good stuff.

Some Cycling Updates...

2008-10-12T20:45:00.001-05:00

So I know it's been a little while since I've blogged but life has been busy for sure. Since it's been a bit, I wanted to put up some good reads and huge congrats to some...

HUGE belated CONGRATS!!! to Daniel Holloway! I started following him earlier this year and had a chance to meet him at Elk Grove. Then got to see him again at Downer's and at the Tour of Missouri. He recently had a pretty awesome time on the track and rode to a few medals. Huge congrats to one of our great younger talents and newer rider for Garmin. He's very friendly and very talented! I hope you check out his site and if you get a race - cheer him on! Both the Garmin site and Lyne's Podium In Sight site had write ups so I hope you check them out. Back at Elk Grove, I had told John that Daniel was one to keep an eye on for great things and he most certainly has made it look like I had a clue as to what I was talking about. Huge thanks and even bigger congrats Daniel! Way to go!!!

In Cross news, since I'm new to following this year - huge thanks to Drew and Jeremy - check out Jeremy's new diary at VeloNews - Crackin' a curse and kickin' it with Clinton. Jeremy had a pretty good weekend as well - (VeloNews) Powers and Compton win in Cincinnati and Compton and Powers win in Ohio. And for those of us that like pictures - (CycleCross magazine) Powers and Compton Repeat in Ohio. Great racing Jeremy!!!

The Garmin guys have also been doing well over in Europe. Make sure to check out the team site and read up. For many, the season is pretty much done but for guys like DZ, Meatball, Euser, and Farrar (to name just a few) there are still races to be done. I have to admit that Facebook has been pretty fun to follow riders and friends but I must say, I hope it doesn't keep the guys from writing diaries and updating their blogs. Most of those are directly from them from their views and are great for some laughs from time to time.

You know I love reading stuff from Michael Barry. This is from last week but I'd hate for you to miss reading from him - Attacks, crashes and goodbye kisses. And before that diary, Will had a diary as well - Sometimes off the bike can be more tiring than riding...

And of course, I have to mention the GREAT job that Maggie is doing on Christian's Fan Club site. I'm trying help with links to older results and the many diaries that he's written over the years but my help is nothing to the work that she has put into it. Being the long time fan that I am of C's, it's a pretty awesome site to have out there. I'm thrilled she's letting me be a part of it! Make sure to check it often for updates, great photos, and entries!

Sad call to get...

2008-10-12T18:38:00.002-05:00

Two weeks ago I got into work and had an email to call my cousin. Sadly it was with news that my Grams had passed away. The funeral was nice and I think because she was 89 and lived a pretty full life, I was really okay with her moving on to a better place. The next day at the cemetary was a bit harder for me. Having dad buried in front of her and Grandpa certainly didn't make for an easy morning. Miss them all. God bless us all to live life to the fullest with few regrets...

Esther (Janko) Gosse, born May 20, 1919 daughter of the late Charles and Olga Janko, formerly of Kohler and currently residing at Morningside Health Center returned to her Lord on Thursday, September 25, 2008.

Esther married the late Marvin Gosse on August 26, 1939 at Trinity Lutheran Church Town of Wilson. He preceded her in death on April 16, 1978.

She worked for the Kohler School System until retiring in June 1984.

She is survived by a son, Roger of West Virginia and a daughter, Rogene (Kenneth) Bruckner of Kohler. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Virginia Janko of Sheboygan and Betty Gosse, of Oostburg.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her son Robert, and one grandson and one great grandson, three brothers and two sisters and three brothers-in-law.
Esther was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Kohler. Esther had been active in several organizations at the Church.

Funeral services for Esther will take place on Monday September 29, 2008 at 7:00pm with Rev. Robert Steele from Bethany Lutheran Church in Kohler officiating. Family and friends may call at the Novak-Ramm-Ziegler Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan on Monday from 3:00 until the time of service. Burial in the Woodland Cemetery, Kohler.

A Memorial fund has been established for Bethany Lutheran Church.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Morningside Health Center for the excellent care provided during her residency.

Catching up and the ING Direct DC Crit

2008-09-22T21:44:00.004-05:00

Still working on the TOM stuff including the write ups I didn't have time to do that week and going through hundreds of pics trying to label and edit them the best I can. I worked a lot of hours last week coming back from the week off so this weekend was going to be a weekend of catching up. And it was, for the most part.

This past weekend included having today off which would've been sweet had I not twisted my ankle while working out yesterday morning. And I'm not even sure I twisted it as the pain is pretty low in the area. It is getting a little better though. It'd probably be doing a lot better if I had not gone for a ride yesterday but I couldn't pass up having the time and perfect weather to do so. I had a 3 hour ride planned but that cut in half with the ankle finally having enough. Still felt great to be out there. Today it hurt more to drive to the path but felt almost good riding. Again, probably not the best idea but time outside is limited these days and I hope to take advantage when I can. :-)

I got the siding fixed today. I noticed it before leaving for TOM but needing to be here to talk to them pushed the repair to today. Took him all but 10 minutes and no charge so that was sweet. Got some much needed cleaning done today too. Thankfully nobody could see me hopping around while vacuuming.

The past week has been a lot of fun. Enjoyable emails with some of the riders and fans I met at TOM. Sharing some great pics. Looking forward to finishing my pics this week. I have reloaded the TT pics from stage 3 onto my flickr account with labels and such. I also found a few pics that me and the gang were in at DailyPeloton.

Yesterday was fun watching the ING Direct DC Crit that C and company were in. (Start list 1 and list 2) Will started the race but had to pull out as the knee is still on the mend. C animated things for awhile. Took a flyer off the front for several laps and had Bahati with him so they weren't going to get too far. Danny Pate and Mike Friedman were also seen flying up front. In the end the race was won by Hilton Clarke. Full results can be found HERE.
Check out our chat during the race on Podium Cafe.
Also check out pics from some of the gang that was there: JFS_PGH and Sui Juris
I also found some more pics - Luke Pingel's Pics

In other random chatter, Blake Caldwell is back home and recovering from his crash during the TT at TOM. He took a horrible spill but sounds to be doing much better. Check out his Blog and see his update on the Garmin site. Also, Jeremy Powers has started off his Cross season with a bang! Way to go Jeremy! Check out a chat with him and Tim Johnson too. They didn't do too badly on Sunday either. Sweet start for sure. Being pretty new to Cross this year, I am already looking forward to getting to a race or two this season. My PT rides and it by far has to be his favorite time of year. So with him selling me on it all year already and then to know Jeremy rides and so does Alex, it's time to check it out. Doesn't hurt that everyone I talk to about it, smiles from ear to ear and says it really is the best time of year. We shall see! :-)

Reads:
DistrictCycling.com: I'm Stupid for the Capitol Crit (part 1). Interview with Bobby Lea.
NewYorkTimes_M.Barry: Cycling in America Is One Big Exchange Program

2008 TOM - Stage 6

2008-09-13T23:56:00.002-05:00

I'm starting to think sleep is just not going to happen this week. I guess that's what Monday is for. :-) Tonight we were talking and remember different things this week and it has me almost floored with how quickly the days all melded together. Thank goodness I have pics to trigger reminders on what day was what. Several jokes with the Tour and I am not convinced there is no way the riders have any idea after like day 5 or so. I think I was good until Thursday and tonight, it's all one big mush of memories. Hopefully I can pull better write ups for the earlier days when I get back.

Another enjoyable stage today. Started down in Hermann and for me a search for some coffee as last night was a wee bit of a late one trying to get caught up on a few things. (Tonight's not looking much better.) We had some rain as we left the hotel. As we pulled out onto the highway the Jelly Belly crew was there. As we all turned for the off ramp I found myself in with their cars. Janann and I thought T might be going a little crazy seeing them. I think it would've been a treat to have seen her in the middle of the cars. Hopefully no crashes would've been had but I have to think it would've been cute.

Jelly Belly in front of me, the truck behind, and the camper behind that. Light drizzle and what felt like back country roads. Fun morning trip to the start. :-)

At the start the first priority for me was coffee. Usually I grind and brew mine (bring coffee pot and all when on a driving trip) but choosing 30 minutes more sleep this morning meant no making coffee. Once that was taken care of we walked around in downtown Hermann. Went and chatted with Jelly Belly and dropped off some cookies and some good coffee beans with Brad. (Serious apologies guys as the cookies this race were not the good ones from back by me.)

Walking around we ran into Luis again. Wished him happy birthday (which was yesterday) and teased him about Janann being married. Good laughs and all good fun. When he got the email he even noted - MARRIED on it. So funny. After that we ran into Kurt again. I've been seeing him at races the past couple months. Then at Downers we joked around with him. Now here at TOM it's becoming a fun part of the day to stop and catch up. Some smiles when he walked up and says he has a favor to ask. Luckily it was simple and not a problem at all.

The past couple days I've been running into Neil from Road as well. Being a fan of the DZ interviews one has to check in to see what the new laugh will be. Still waiting for the one he thought he might get I think on Tuesday or Wednesday but the chamois cream one got some laughs when we watched yesterday for sure. Make sure to check it out.

Once the riders got going we headed out with plans to watch the 3rd KOM. Our plans got yanked though when the road got closed well over a 1/2 hour before the race came through. No other day gave us any issues but the gang said last year this area had the same issues. So we watched them turn onto the road from that point and then opted to skip the KOM since we were now behind them instead of 40 minutes in front. Just as I took a couple pics of the guys coming around John called to see what was happening. He was headed to pick up Leah. Tonight looking at pics I got one of at that stop which was pretty cool.

The entire drive today kept us awake. It was loaded with rolling hills. In a lot of spots it was the kind with the roller coaster feel where you push to get to the top and unable to see anything until you hit the top and then you roll down and head back upwards. Good stuff. Although on the way to the start in the Jelly Belly cars, more than once I wondered how the camper managed that with out making the guys sick. They all seemed good when we saw them so maybe it's not as bad as I think it would be.

We got really sweet parking at the finish. We were parked right off the course and only a couple blocks from the line. We headed to the jumbo trons to get some updates. The GPS locks on a signal and my blackberry was pretty sweet in keeping us updated from the CN live report but cell service was touch and go through all those hills. The jumbo trons were great to sit back and watch the race until the riders arrived. We got a spot on the fence about 50-100 meters from the line too which was nice. While waiting I located John and called him. Told him to wave. Little Uma was so cute and grandpa certainly was enjoying the time with her.

The riders had a straight shot at the finish today. No circuits through town. The pack came flying by us and Cav won the sprint. Usually we wait and watch the riders all come in and the finishers ride around but we headed to the podium area as there were tons of people with this being a weekend (and the rain holding off). Once everyone started filling in that area, the sun peeked out and winds slowed and we all got baked. It has been humid all week. Today didn't feel nearly as bad as yesterday but it was still sticky.

The podiums were great. Rollin is having some good fun with this KOM. Cav got back the sprint jersey after having lost it on the course with sprint points. Eisel got the most aggressive. And C looked great in yellow! It was pretty fun having the Vandevelde family down here today. The cheers and excitement were clearly stepped up. Being a weekend also jumped up the crowds. Everyone seems to be loving the riders and C is getting great warm welcomes from all watching.

After that we hoped for some wind to cool us off a bit. Lyne came walking by and pushed me! I couldn't believe her nerve. LOL!!! We ran into Kurt so he and I headed to my car so he could get his pics. I walked back then and saw Brad after his press interviews. Got to give him a hug and congrats on his 3rd place. Then I headed to find the gang. We located a smoothie stand and we were ready for something. I'm not sure Janann and I ate anything more than a small bar all day and in the heat the cold drink was great. We decided to head to the cars. On the way we saw C doing some press interviews too so we stopped and listened. He was asked about next year and he said he wants to come back and he loves the race. He would come back as long as his schedule would allow it. He then says - and his schedule WILL allow it. Smiles and laughs all around. As he headed out I gave him a hug too and congratulated him on a great day.

With Garmin having gotten bigger and C having the best year in cycling ever, getting to say hi to C is pretty rare. He stopped over earlier in the week on his way back from sign in and Janann and T got to get his autograph at sign in one day. I was enjoying seeing the kids go nuts on the teams and got some fun pics. T and Janann got the close ups of the guys coming by. Tag teaming the fun has been great for us all week.

After we checked in tonight we were all starving so he headed for dinner. As we're eating I noticed Neil walk in with his girlfriend. I comment to Janann that it was him and T tries to figure out what we're talking about and we lie and say some guy looked like Neil that walked in. (Good laughs and if you know T, you know we did this for her health and safety... maybe Neil's too. ha ha!!! We love you sweetie!) After dinner we were up in the lobby and Neil and Joy came up so we all said hello's and talked for a quick bit. I headed outside for a bit and the gang headed up to the rooms.

Neil and Joy came outside and we chatted for a bit. Talking to them about this past week reminded me of some of the hillbilly stories we have had this week. I'm hoping Alan and Janann see him tomorrow to fill in some of it but the jist was still funny. I kid you not on this one... Thursday was like the day from a Jeff Foxworthy comedy. The best over the top part for me was walking past this group next to their car trying to figure out changing the tire. The women is on the phone saying they have a flat and they need the person to bring them a spare. She then proceeds to tell them that the spare is in the front yard! Janann and I just look at each other. We get about a block down and we bust up laughing. After the many other things that happened Thursday, that just sent us into pure laughter.

Once I got back to the room I uploaded some of my pics. I've decided I will probably work on some edits on the computer and then will reload the stages on flickr again and delete the other files from this week. On stages like the TT, I think I have most of the riders labeled on my computer but the upload took so long that I didn't wait to add it. Oh well. I also worked on loading up T's pics for her onto her web spot.

All good stuff but now I am totally due for some sleep. Tomorrow looks like we could have no rain during the race and high humidity or up to 6 inches of rain possible. Gosh help us! VIP tent tomorrow is looking pretty darn sweet. The course is a 14 mile city course and I think they make the loop 5 times. It doesn't start until like 2 pm so sleeping in and chilling tomorrow morning is going to feel pretty good.

Some of my stage 6 pics are up.

Linkies:
CN: Live Report - Stage 6
CN: Cavendish back to winning ways in Missouri
VN: TOM: Cav tops again, Vande Velde holds lead
Garmin: TOM Stg 6: Christian Vande Velde One Stage Closer!
JellyBelly: TOM - Stage 6

2008 TOM - Stage 5

2008-09-12T23:47:00.000-05:00

Well somehow we have already flew through the week and it is now Friday night. I remember thinking on Tuesday night I was so tired and I could not believe it was ONLY Tuesday. Tonight, I sit here, thinking, oh my... it's Friday night already?!?

So far this week has been pretty much a blast. Take out some issues with the ex and it might just be one of the best week's I've had in a really, really long time. It's been enjoyable seeing the riders and I have to say some of the guys truly have moved up into my favorites. Others have come down a few steps and for no other reason than watching things through the week. Of course C is still my favorite though and I love him in yellow!

C put on the jersey and brushed the shoulders. It got the crowd laughing.

The Jelly Belly guys have put up with hello's and small talk all week and I hope they can kick some butt. Their efforts today were huge but it didn't quite work. Nick and Bryce were pretty cute "racing" to the line. I'm hoping Sunday might be a great stage to see Brad up on the podium. I've been watching them all week and it's a shame more riders don't do what these guys are doing. They spend time signing autographs, almost always smiling before the starts, and truly impressing the people that meet them. I keep saying it but really guys - you and the team are making a lot of people's days enjoyable with the sweet time you spend being so great. (Not biased at all here. They're great guys and it's a great team.) Go say hello!

Bryce and new guy Kiel signed authographs on Thursday.

There's been a lot that's gone on this week and I think I might have time to type more but for now this little bit will have to do. So tired tonight and lot's to do tomorrow. We are heading to the start and then off for the 3rd KOM and then to the finish. The course crosses over the paths we need to use to get to the finish so moving around is tricky. Hopefully the rain will hold up while the guys race. Prayers out to the guys if it doesn't as it will make for slick roads and I for one hate crashes.

More later!

Some of my stage 5 pics are up.

Linkies:

CN: Live Report - Stage 5

CN: Young Rabobanks show-up sprinters in Missouri

VN: Boy Van Poppel, 20, outsprints the field in Missouri's capital city

Garmin: TOM Stg 5: Farrar 7th in sprint, Vande Velde comfortable in yellow

JellyBelly: TOM - Stage 5

Good Reads:

TheNewYorkTimes_M.Barry: Pedaling His Way Back to His Passion

2008 TOM - Stage 4

2008-09-11T22:26:00.003-05:00

Finally had a night where I chilled out here a bit. It's helping too that tomorrow's stage starts much later so some sleeping in tomorrow will be in order. :-)

Today started out with a trip down to the start. We ended up parking near the Batman Marshall Van so I found Clydesdale (knowing him only from his PdC sign on, asking for Clydesdale was odd to say the least - hello Marvin) and said hello. From there it was a trip over to the Jelly Belly guys with the peanut butter filled pretzels Danny said the guys could have. Talked to Bryce Mead for a bit and I think we need to find him a few primes to win to get the house fixed from the tree. But married life is treating him well so things are good. :-)

At the start this morning there had to be like 200+ kids. It was great to see them all in their yellow shirts and had signs for each of the teams. Looked like they hit up the tents as they all had oodles of goodies. I watched them walk around to find their teams and wondered how much sugar some had. Heading over to Jelly Belly again, I got some pics of the guys signing the kids signs, cards, and even shirts. Talking with some of the adults with the kids - hands off as they were really excited and so thrilled the Jelly Belly guys were being so nice to all the kids. The guys made sure they were all taken care of. Danny and company made sure they all had Jelly Belly Sports Beans. Good stuff. We got a couple riders and couple of the classes in group shots. It was pretty fun. The kids loved it, the adults were ever so thrilled and just loved the team, and the riders I think had some fun with it. The smiles by all were cool.

I headed over to the Garmin guys and dropped off some more coffee for C. I had hoped Eric was there as these guys must just laugh at fans. Hopefully C is enjoying the beans. As I walked around the kids outside the Garmin bus had me cracking up. They were chanting Garmin over and over. Then they started yelling at the bus as they could see riders moving around. A few girls by the door were just screaming at the guys that they had to come out and right now. DZ added to the fun by throwing out gels from the window. The kids went nuts. God bless Steven Cozza who dared to come out the door first. He was so great with the kids and I think he really had some fun with it but man was it kind of funny seeing it. Tyler Farrar was the next one to come out and face the screaming girls. Hats off to the guys that faced these kids today.

Once the riders got sent off, we headed out to catch some spots on the course. The first was an overpass. We got there and George Hincapie and Tony Cruz had like a 5 second gap on the group and were just hauling ass. We took off from that spot to head over to the 2nd KOM spot. It was a relaxing and pretty enjoyable. Meeting people and talking away as we wait for riders. The actual KOM spot was a bit further from us but it flatted out so we stayed on the incline a bit earlier. I've got my blackberry so we are able to keep up with the race from Cycling News until the radio announcer truck pulls through. The guys coming up the hill were still kickin' a good pace. We can't help but crack up with watching Rollin come flyin' up to get some more KOM points. There's just some good humor in him having that jersey. I think many of us are hoping he keeps it all week. He certainly has been a treat up on stage.

After the KOM we headed to a sharp turn on the course. A lot of people there. We heard and read about some more crashes happening. The trooper at this corner was kind of an ass but the one from the hill going up to the TT finish yesterday was so fun we forgive today's guy. The huge break (with Christian, George, Barry, Danielson, etc) flew around the corner and were high tailing it. The announcer truck had pulled in for a bit waiting for the guys. They had time gaps and rider info. I went up to the driver and handed him my blackberry for the CN update as he was missing a couple riders and his time gap info was old. With smiles, they updated, and then headed back on the road. At the time the gap was only like a minute or so but by the time the pack finally came around, it was over 5 minutes, possibly even reaching closer to 6. The difference of the break making that corner at speed and the pack just kind of riding along was enjoyable to watch. There was a kid down from us with a Go John Devine sign. One of the Columbia riders pulled over to see if they were family to let them know John had crashed and was en route to the hospital.

After that we needed to get to the finish. Some unexpected construction traffic hurt a bit but all was still good. We got to a parking lot and headed over for the finish. We got to see Barry come around the corner to do his last laps and then got to see him win! I like Michael Barry a lot and I think most do so I think just about everyone was thrilled to see him get the win. Then the rest of the break came in and it was great to see C going for the time bonuses on the finish. He came in 4th but it was still exciting.

After all that fun, it was a good 10 minutes before the pack came in. And they were totally taking it easy. The guys were talking away, smiling, goofing around. Not typical but certainly could be expected once the break got free with the top GC guys in it. As the podium stuff got underway the rain drops started. Michael Barry was adorable up on the stage. C was too and I have to admit, his smiles are contagious and I hope he keeps them coming!

Tomorrow has a chance of rain so it could be a wet one. I told the Bryce I'd bring him and the guys cookies so hopefully the rain will hold off a bit. The stage doesn't start until like 2 so there is some nice free time in the morning. I think we might try to get to a sprint point possibly. The start and finish for sure but weather will probably run the plans for the day.

Hope everyone is having a good week. I hope to update the previous days soon, maybe in the morning. I should be hurt with not having a pic of C up but I'm sure he understands. Maybe I can use the coffee beans as a bribe for now. LOL! Later!

I've been able to upload all of my pics but I haven't had anytime to do any kind of editing. To top that off, the TT pics I went through and labeled were already in the process of loading last night so I need to redo those notes on the flickr ones and edit them. Right now flickr is getting pretty frustrating with it taking so long and the editing taking forever to get in and out of so that might need to wait until I get back home. BUT... here is a link to my photo sets so you can take a look. If you go through them and recognize riders and such, please feel free to comment to help identify them. I know several but there are many I don't by just looking at them.

Some linkies:
CN: Live Report - Stage 4
CN: Stage 4 - September 11: Lebanon - Rolla, 95 miles
VN: Barry solos to stage win in Missouri; Vande Velde holds lead
Podium In Sight - Race notes, pics, and comments.

Garmin: TOM Stg 4: Vande Velde 4th on stage, hangs on to yellow; Danielson 5th overall
JellyBelly: TOM - Stage 4

2008 TOM - Stage 3 TT

2008-09-10T23:58:00.001-05:00

Okay - another really late night here.

The TT was awesome today! Way to go C!!!

I have a bunch of pics but uploading is giving me a headache. Tomorrow night I look to have a good chunk of time open so I can upload and write more.

2008 TOM - Stage 2

2008-09-09T23:27:00.002-05:00

What a fun flippin' Day!!! Huge thanks to Lyne, Janann, Alan, and T for the encouragement on the stops through the stage today. It was so much fun. Huge thanks also to the team cars Lyne and I ended up in a train with on the way to Springfield as going that fast most certainly has me thankful I wear a damn seatbelt - holy crap!

The weather today was great. With a few ramp closings from construction the trip to the start was a bit off. Thank god for GARMIN though as that damn little unit has more than once eased stress of getting places this week. Other than the ramp issues, seeing dogs at the side of the road (just roaming around) while booking it at a pretty high speed got the pulse up a bit. I was happy to see them head back towards the field instead of their course in my path.

The start appeared to be pretty relaxed and the weather most certainly put everyone in a better mood today. Tony Cruz stopped over for a chat. C stopped to sign some autographs of fans and it was good to see him smiling with some hellos. Rory stopped to talk to Neal at Road again today and we said hello's to them as well. I ran into Luis when the riders took off. The guys this morning were pretty much smiles and ready to go. When T yelled to DZ looooove you" the look on his face was priceless. I wish I had caught in on camera - and thankful I was a few feet down. She is so much fun to hang around as she fears nothing and truly does love the riders.

Once the guys took off, we headed down to just before the first feed zone. It was a turn from one road to another with a small roller. As the break passed us we watched and waited for the peloton which was about 3 minutes back at that point. As the field turned the corner Columbia was in control with Garmin directly behind. C saw us as they came up and I am bummed to great shots were out of focus (especially as those before and after were great - ugh!). The guys all looked great and it was fun to be out on course as there were few people around. When Danny Van Haute of Jelly Belly went by we all got some good laughs. One has to wonder just what he thinks of us.

From there we headed out to another point that had them turning a corner. When we got there, Lyne pulled in too. The break was still going strong and Columbia was still heading the back. There were boatloads of Brad Huff fans out and about too which was great. This year instead of the "I heart Brad Huff" shirts they had on the "GO BRAD HUFF" shirts. Great stuff. (Brad came in 6th today!)

Once the guys passed us there, Lyne and I headed to Springfield. Having the team cars on the same route was pretty interesting and I have to say speeds are well... pretty damn impressive. Too bad who ever was leading their group thought they possibly missed a turn or something. Very odd.

The finish was pretty awesome. I found a spot right on the rail about 10 feet from the line. When the guys flew by - OMG were they flying. I've been to races and up close like that but it still was impressive and caused most to take a step back. Mark Cavendish won. Tyler came in 4th. Brad came in 6th.

After the stage we walked around and checked out the stuff they had going on. We met a cute little dog names Goo - sunglasses and all. We saw Danny and Brad after the press conference. From there, Lyne and I headed down to Branson to our hotel.

More to share for sure but for now, it's super late and with some ex issues going on tonight, it's time for me to call it a night. For the couple of you looking for the pics, I will try once more tonight and then it will need to wait until tomorrow.

*I'm having some issues with flickr tonight and it could just be the hotel connection. If I get the pics up check them out using yesterday's link. If not, check back tomorrow as I should have time tomorrow night to get them loaded.

2008 TOM - Stage 1

2008-09-08T23:38:00.000-05:00

Down at the Tour of Missouri this week and so far enjoying it. I could do with out the storms we had this morning though. They were so bad that our hotel and the team hotel all lost power. Fun way to start out a morning - not.

We headed up to the start and it was chilly and windy. Many of the teams stayed in vehicles to stay warm. Can't blame them for that at all. While Lyne worked on getting some of her interviews and media stuff covered, I walked over and said hi to the Jelly Belly guys. Bernard and Brad were sweet and I got to meet their young guy Kiel. (I'm starting to think that Jelly Belly might have some of the nicest guys around. I think some teams could take a lesson as I've seen some riders actually be almost rude to fans trying to say hi. Not enjoyable to watch. So kudo's JB guys as you set high bars for fans.)

The rain we had early this morning held off for the start but the guys found it again on the way. And it followed them to the finish. Made for a damp and chilly finish for sure. There was a crash in the last lap but I'm not sure who was all in it just yet. Hopefully all the riders are okay and it was something minor. Tyler Farrar gave Cav a run for the finish today and I for one loved the head on competition. Mark won the stage but didn't blow Tyler away as he was right there at the line with him. Cavendish now leads the points, young rider, and is the overall race leader.

Better weather is in store for tomorrow but a lot of driving so it will be a long day for sure. Looking forward to catching up with some folks and once at the hotel tomorrow night I hope to work on the pics a little more. I am way too tired tonight to upload pics here as it takes time to get them to look right but feel free to check some out that I dumped in flickr tonight. I also loaded with some captions on my Facebook page. Here is the listing of the results. Check out Cycling News for a write up and results as well.

Lyne has a couple updates from today on her site - Podium In Sight as well so make sure to check it out.

PopUp started a thread at Podium Cafe that I'm sure once video is up for viewing will be more active during the week. Feel free to join them in the chats this week.

Team Garmin's 2008 Tour Highlights

2008-08-25T22:16:00.002-05:00

Huge Thanks Guys to a great Tour!!!

Slackerville

2008-08-24T17:54:00.004-05:00

Thought I should maybe drop a note here since I've really been slacking since the appendics set back. Funny how a couple weeks off from work has actually set me behind closer to month or more with everything else. Work is really keeping me busy right now but it's one of those needed evils - well, at least the paycheck is needed for sure. In hopes to be down for the TOM in a couple weeks and taking advantage of not being in the office for a few other days, the hours have been piled on pretty hefty. I plan to update with races and such but looking at my drafts, I still have several to finish. I think it fell apart when I realized video links changed so I tried to update those which just pushed the other fun stuff behind. At some point it will all be updated and my inbox (still maxing out daily at work) will be clean.

I'm thrilled to share that Maggie has started a CVV Fan Club site. She's already got several pics and video's up and it should be a fun place for reads and follow up on how C is doing. Thanks for taking that one on girl! Make sure to check out her other site - Andy Schleck: The Best Bike Racer of the Universe. It's filled with some great stuff. And if any of you like CSC and love the guys there, you'll really enjoy her site. Make sure to check it out!

For the most part things here are quiet. Working way too many hours than a person should and trying to find some time between to do everything else life related. Not always easy. Yesterday I decided to go make some purchases that I've been looking at in honor of my weekend off. I have to say for the first time - in a long time - the sales guy was really helpful. One of my goodies was my GPS unit. Knowing I "wanted" a Garmin - for obvious team support of course - I wasn't sure which model. I had researched other brands and looked a few models so Garmin was it for sure but the model choice was still looming. After figuring out which options I was really interested in and which ones I cared less about he helped me narrow it down to two. And - as a surprise to those that know me - I was able to decide pretty quick.

From there it was on to look at cameras. I like my cheap Kodak for the ease of sharing pics with family but it is not all that sweet for taking sports pics or pics of the adorable kids in my life when we're out running around and having fun. Nothing says fun like asking a 3 year old to stop and stand still while playing. I had price ranges and options in mind and surprisingly, the guy helping me (at least sounded like) he knew what he was talking about. I've narrowed it down to a Cannon a step up from point and shoot but certainly not as pricey as an SLR.

From there it was off to update the cellphone as my update was due. Having looked at many before and thinking a blackberry might be the way to go I was pretty sure it shouldn't be too hard to decide. Never think things are easy. Ha. I did end up with a new phone which has been pretty cool so far but I'm not sure the plan he upgraded me to is needed or if all the features are necessary. I like things somewhat simple but having web abilities for traveling (especially up to mom's) was a solid goal. I have yet to figure it out but I hope to play with it next weekend when I head North. The real test to my patience I am sure. :-)

I'm off to continue my house cleaning and laundry and to dare log into work for some stuff. Then it's a night and a new week begins. Luckily it should be a short 4 days but the days themselves are most likely going to be extremely long. Small price for a good 4 day weekend back home though! Hope everyone had a great weekend and here's to a quick week to hopefully another great weather Holiday weekend coming up! Enjoy!

Downers Grove - National Criterium

2008-08-17T11:52:00.001-05:00

What a totally fun weekend! Meeting Theresa, Janann, Cat, Dan Schmatz and family, and Tony Cruz was just a blast. Seeing Brad and Jelly Belly and of course seeing C again were true treats. Today started off again with a work out but this time with me being super tired from Saturday. Once done I headed up to get the girls and it was off to the race for another great weather day.

Tony Cruz was nice as could be to all who stopped to say hello.

I had gotten a pic of T and Brad on Saturday and sent it off to be printed as an 8x10. Janann and I disappeared for a bit so we could have Brad sign it for her to surprise her with it later. It worked out great and she loved it. Brad was even a sport and signed her smaller one I gave her when she saw him later. Thanks Brad! I also dropped off some cookies and bars for the guys so hopefully they enjoyed them after the race.

While we were doing our sneaky work, John and C showed up. It was great seeing C and being able to congratulate him on such a great year so far in person. I often wonder how loaded down his blackberry gets as I know I send my share of good lucks and congrats. C put together his bike and then hung out low key with the Jelly Belly guys. When Janann and I got back T was sure we had to run into someone as we were gone for quite some time. When I told her it was C she was not happy with us. I told her to go say hi before the race as I was pretty sure it would be hectic once people knew he was there. Off they went.

When they come back I hear how she saw Danny Van Haute and then realized that C was in the car and she screamed his name. I was sort of hoping it wasn't quite like that but it turns out it was. C is great and I'm hoping the fun wasn't too much in his laying low before the start. When I wave hi and go to talk to Bobby, they tell me he was the one who took their picture with C. I think Janann and I are going to be enjoying some laughs for years to come on the weekend's fun. Huge thanks to C, John, and Bobby for their sweetness in helping T in meeting one of her favorite riders.

Janann, C, and Theresa.

When Janann and I went to put the pictures and some goodies in the car, I ran into Harriet and Grandma Mary Vandevelde. It was great to see them again. Val and Harriet were at Elk Grove and I love talking to them. Mary looks great and sometimes its pretty easy to see why they all call her Hamster. That girl is just always moving! :-) When the race started she wanted to see C so I told her to go up to the front. It's great how big men will quickly and smoothly make room for grandma to get a picture of her grandson!

Harriet and Grandma Mary Vandevelde.

The race got ready to start and several riders got calls up before the start. Brad, Tony Cruz, and Christian just to name a few. C got huge cheers from the crowds and it was great. Even if some of the riders think little of him being there, the fans loved seeing him and I'm thrilled he did the race to connect with so many that followed him. I still find it mind boggling that they use Boulder as his home though. C's not there anymore and hasn't been for quite a while.

Brad smiling waiting for the start of the race.

The race started and it had some odd laps with speed and the pack seemed like they were in warm-up mode. Several times riders tried to get off the front. We were cheering on Bernard Van Ulden as he got away for some laps from the break he was in. There was a nasty crash right near the Mavic tent that left some serious road rash on a couple of the guys. There was a slow down at one point and we weren't sure if it was for others to get on or if something was going on in the pack.

Breakaway is formed with Bernard included.

Janann and I walked around to get out of the sun for a bit and to get some water. As we head back I stopped and said hi to the Vandevelde family and then we get treated to watching C fly off the front and he got a nice gap. I think he was out front for 5-6 laps and it was fun and exciting hearing the crowd cheer him on. A few people were talking about him winning it and they looked at me funny when I said he looked to be doing it for fun and he'd stay totally clear of the sprint at the end. No way he'd risk that. And he did. He likes to liven things up and crits are not his racing but it truly was fun to watch him take off and get the sizable gap.

C flies off the front for several laps getting loads of cheers from the fans.

It was interesting watching the pack too through out the race as different riders were talking to each other. Guys would move up and then you'd see them further back saving some energy talking with others. By the end the pack was together and it was flying. Being further down we couldn't see the lead into the finish. I hope for some more info on Brad's pedal. I was wishing him a great race this weekend as his form is back and I wished he could get the jersey back. Sounds like a mechanical but not sure on any details. Hope all is okay Brad!

Thanks to all the riders for giving us great races to watch this weekend. VeloNews has a small write up. CyclingNews has small write ups on both days of races. Hopefully the Downers Grove Cycling site will have results up as well. Check out my small blip I put up at Podium Cafe with some pics of the races too.

Downers Grove - ProAm

2008-08-16T23:29:00.003-05:00

What a totally fun day today. I got to meet Theresa and Janann on Friday and it has been a just a great weekend since. Today Cat met us as Downer's for a pretty enjoyable day of race watching. I'm not sure better weather could be hoped for as it's just been beautiful. Sunshine, light breeze, and live racing - does a weekend get much better?

Cat, T, & Janann :-)

Today was a lot of fun walking around. We met some great riders from xXx Racing today and I hope to put up a post on them and the team. Great stories and John and Nico were absolutely great guys who were so friendly and ready to share insights on the team. They even enjoyed the good laughs we had with what exactly did the "xXx" stand for. I really hope to shed some more light on the guys and the team in the coming days. I got to help Theresa meet many of the guys she's been following including Daniel Holloway of Garmin. She met the boys from Jittery Joe's and I again got to see Amy during the race. Cycling's a small world and it's great getting to know different ones from race to race.

Chad Hartley and the Jittery Joe guys happily take a pic with T.

Nico Westlund with xXx racing and T.

We also of course stopped by the Jelly Belly Team and I have to say Thanks for boss man Danny keeping us really entertained before the guys even got to the race. The laughs were enjoyable and the story of Nic Sanderson's missed flight last night was priceless. Thankfully he made it in this morning but I have to say - next time wait and go on the plane! I had brought cookies for the team and Danny was more than happy to take them to put in the cooler for after the race. I said it during the Elk Grove race but again, these guys are great. To put up with us wanting to try to get to know them better with smiles is a lot of fun and they make it really easy to be fans.

I also got to finally meet Dan, Myriam, and adorable little Samuel Schmatz tonight as well. I'm looking forward to talking them some more tomorrow. Dan has by far been one of the friendliest riders I've followed the last couple years. I'm so happy that he is doing so well and that Samuel and Myriam are the center of his life and he's loving life not being a full-time rider now. I'm sure he misses some of it from time to time but I'd imagine little Samuel fills any of that pretty quickly. The little guy is even more adorable in person than in all the pics Dan has shared. Great family and it was really enjoyable meeting them in person. Make sure to check out Dan's blog too with the little guy at the airport. Sorry on the bikes Dan as that just bites but I'm glad you, Myriam, and Samuel made it here safe and sound!

ProAm race start.

Sorry for the blurr but the guys were flyin'!

There was racing all afternoon and I am hoping the site puts up results to share. We watched just about every race and rang the cow bells through out. I still have the headache from that as well as those things are LOUD. They are so loud but certainly beat yelling at every lap although I think we all still have sore throats because you can't help but to want to cheer on riders.

Rock Racing took 1st and 2nd tonight with Jittery Joe's getting 3rd. Brad ended up with a flat front tire in the under 5 laps to go so no free lap - race done. :-( There was a crash on the other side of the course with just a couple laps to go that many riders got caught behind. I think the field started with over 160 riders. They were moving too!

My pics were not the greatest today partly because I just didn't take nearly as many as I usually do. Much more fun visiting and cheering on the riders than snapping pics. Tomorrow I do hope to get more pics of the race. With the National Jersey on the line it will be intense with stress levels pretty high. Christian should be there riding with Daniel. I'm looking forward to seeing him and John. John had me almost in tears laughing when I talked to him this afternoon. Always a good time!

Hopefully the race site will have results up - HERE - shortly. There was great racing by the riders today and tomorrow should be even more intense. Hope if you're in the area you come and check it out.

2008 Olympics - Cycling

2008-08-15T09:55:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I was one of many that pulled an all nighter Friday night to watch the Men's RR which was shown live on NBCOlympics.com. There were many variables to play with which added to many of us wanting to see it.

Over at Podium Cafe, I think we hit a new record with the # of threads and comments for a one day race. You can find and follow along with the fun here -
PdC1 - PdC2 - PdC3 - PdC4 - PdC5 - PdC6 - PdC7 - PdC8 - PdC Post Race
PodiumCafe_Chris: Hail to the Heroes
CN: Live & Results

The racing was exciting to watch but it was weird not seeing fans up and down the sides of the roads. The weather looked brutal. The riders looked hot. It was thrilling to watch the last lap of the race. When watching Fabian TT to the chasers and then watching them take off and catch the leaders - awesome. I felt so bad for Andy not being able to get a medal but it was hard not to be thrilled for Tony getting the bronze. Our US guys raced really well with the conditions. JMac was out front pulling early on. We got to see Dave up front and it was great seeing him back. George, Levi, and C all had great shots and all looked spent at the line. Levi finished 11th, C 17th, and George 40th.

Then of course, like we didn't get enough Friday night, many of us stayed up and watched the TT from start to finish.
PodiumCafe - Women's TT - Post Race Men's TT1 - Men's TT2 - Post Race
CN: Live - Women's TT Results Live - Men's TT Results

It was awesome watching Fabian pass Schumi. I'm not sure why, but I don't like the guy so seeing him get passed by Tony was great. He rode so well and put it all out on the road. I was thrilled for Larsson as he was so thrilled to be up on the podium. Huge congrats to both Kristin and Levi for their rides and awesome medals!

2008 Olympics

2008-08-15T09:03:00.001-05:00

I am starting to feel bad that I am not updating this as often as I used to. Seems that the appendics thing put in a dent in my life that I have yet to get back from. My email inbox is still on the border of "over its size limit" on a daily basis at work. I get through 100 and then a fire pops up and I get 200 more. Not winning the battle. :-(

The only somewhat valid excuse I can offer on my limited postings are the 12-13 hour days I've been putting in since returning from my break after surgery. Nothing says we missed you like a work load that has yet to be controlled. I at least like what I'm doing or it could be very bad but it was pretty nice spending 2 1/2 weeks at home following the Tour and not thinking about work much. Just wish it wasn't so much to come back to. But we're almost caught up - I hope.

Any who... on to good stuff!!! I love the Olympics and I'm not sure much compares. They only happen every 4 years (2 if you're looking at both winter and summer but each only happen every 4) so there is something really special about those wins, those records that get broken, those medals, and certainly all the athletes.

I am not sure there is an event that I don't get sucked into once the TV is finally turned on late at night but I certainly have ones I like to watch for sure. Cycling is an obvious one but then I love watching most of the swimming events, especially relays. Add in some diving, highlights of gymnastics, some beach volleyball, and finally some track and field, and chilling out at night is great.

Before the events got under way there was much media attention brought upon some of our cyclists choosing to wear masks as they got off the plane in Beijing. I think at this point the census is that the timing might not have been the best but I don't hear too many bad mouthing them anymore for the decision. I support them as I feel it should be their choice and thought that the USOC looked bad for not supporting them when the masks were issued in the gear supplied by them.

With a visit to Beijing last December, the cyclists had an idea as to what to expect upon their arrival. Lea ended up with an infection (if I recall) on the last trip and with what Mike has worked through to get to this point - how does one not respect their decision to protect themselves? One bad thing I've gotten from reading is that we may not truly not know just how bad things are. Many have said that the media is making the air sound worst than it is yet I've also been reading the athletes have been told NOT to discuss it in a negative way.

Here are some links to articles on it and the air quality in Beijing:

8/06_TheNewYorkTimes: U.S. Cyclists Are Masked, and Criticism Is Not
8/06_PodiumCafe_Chris: Meatball & Co. Apologize for Mask-gate
8/06_MikeFriedman: 5 Minute World Wide Fire Works
8/06_Telegraph.co.uk: Beijing Olympics: American cyclists apologise for 'smog masks'
8/06_BikingBis: How Olympic cyclists are dealing with Beijing's air pollution
8/08_EnvironmentNewsService: Beijing Olympics Open But Air Does Not Clear
8/09_TheHealth&WellnessPost: The Smog in Beijing And Its Affects On Our Athletes
8/11_Bicycling_LizReapCarlson: Divine Inspiration
8/12_TheNewYorkTimes: When It Comes to Masks, Cyclists Are Still Apologizing
8/13_DenverPost: Phinney can't mask his excitement

Elk Grove Crit

2008-08-03T22:48:00.003-05:00

Stage Podium - Yeah Brad!

What a great weekend! Today's stage was won by Brad!!! Yeah!!! I could not be happier for him and it was a great win.

Poor Chris Horner was involved in the crash yesterday at the end of the stage and he broke his collarbone. Ouch! But the trooper and sweetheart was at the race today and he was talking through out the race up on the stage. It was good to see him back but he also looked sore by the end.

Chris Horner talked through the stage - broken collarbone and all.

Peg and I saw John and Diane on our way over to say hi to the Jelly Belly guys. He told us Val and Harriet VanDeVelde were coming to the race too! Peg knows the whole clan from years ago and we were both looking forward to seeing them!

We stopped over to wish Brad, Bryce, and the team good luck. Bryce was warming up and waved as we walked over. Brad was chillin' a little bit before the race so we tried to catch up on what happened in yesterday's stage. Matty Rice was pretty funny and clearly at home with us visiting. If these guys only knew what it's like growing up with brothers and working with mostly men. Little shocks us. But Danny Van Haute tried to keep it clean. We all enjoyed the laughs.

More pics with Brad, this one before today's winning stage!

From there we walked over closer to the start and got to meet Fast Freddie and Tyler Hamilton. Enjoyed seeing many other riders too and then headed to find John and Diane. We found Val and Harriet and from there the real fun began. I can't say enough about how great the family is and how much of a pleasure it is to spend time with them. John came over and he managed to get us all into the VIP area. What a treat! It offered a nice break in air conditioning, up top offered a great view of the start finish line, and the drinks had certainly made for a lively and laugh filled afternoon!

John and Diane are on the right along with friends of their's from Belgium.

Peg and I took a break from that and walked around some too. We ran into PopUp Rolan from Podium Cafe and it was great meeting him. I also got to talk to Amy (Chad Hartley's g/f) again. We took some more pics and then headed back for some water. John was then onto the stage for an interview and we all had some good fun making fun of the waves he should do to the crowd. With about 10 laps to go we all went down to the ground level and cheered on the riders somemore. They cheered really loudly for Daniel Holloway and John was his typical enthusiast cheering on the guys and Tyler. I of course cheered on Daniel but had to cheer for Bryce in the breakaway and Brad and Chad in the field.

As the laps counted down we were pretty much in non-stop laugh mode. John shared some awesome stories of the France visit. If you get a chance and have Stage 21 on tape, make sure to check out Christian blowing apart the QuickStep train on the Champs!!! He lead going into the tunnel and on then dropped back. Millar is seen leading coming out and what a great story. As David Millar said - what GC leader takes it upon himself to make some noise and disrupt a train like that for their guy Julian!!! Way to go C! He's off to Beijing tomorrow and Leah, Uma, and good ol' Jake are coming here. Safest travels to you all!!!

As we watched the breakaway get sucked up we were all cheering for the guys. On the last lap we all prayed they'd make it through that last tight corner and they did. As they came flying up to the line I saw Brad fly off the front for the win and I was screaming for him. I was so happy. They gang was like who was that - and I was like THAT was BRAD!!! Yeah!!! Brad even impressed John and we were all happy for him.

The gang took off and Peg and I headed over to get pics and cheer for the winners. Once that was done we walked around the back and saw Chris Horner and Fast Freddie. We got to congratulate them and wish Chris a speedy recovery. He was such a trooper! We then saw Brad being interviewed and I went to congratulate him and we helped him carry his flowers and nice big check back to the team. We ran into Amy again and Daniel Holloway so I officially got all the pics I had with signed which was pretty sweet. And all the guys are going to be back for Downers! Yeah!!!

Overall winner's podium.

A huge congrats to Brad on a great win today! I was so excited for him and I seriously can not say enough about him and the entire Jelly Belly Team. The entire team is just a great group of guys who were super friendly and took time to chat and made us feel very welcome in stopping by and saying hi. They have set a very high bar for others and I only hope others are a fraction as friendly as they were!!! Again, thanks guys for a really great weekend of racing!

My race post at Podium Cafe can be found here.
My Flickr pics can be found here.
And CN's race write-ups for the weekend can be found here.
PodiumInSight: Huff wins final stage and Veilleux takes overall at Tour of Elk Grove
Tailgate: Elk Grove to Glencoe
ChadHartley: First time, and third times the charm
DanielHolloway: (Elk Grove Recap)

Elk Grove TT

2008-08-02T23:43:00.002-05:00

Brad Huff in the start house.

I wanted to put a quick post up on the Elk Grove TT from Friday night. I had a really good time and I got to meet some of the guys I've been following. Brad Huff wins hands down for being really friendly and easy to talk to. It was more like catching up with an old friend than being star struck in meeting him which was pretty cool. It was fun to finally meet The Bird too. I figured he'd be easy to spot but didn't figure on Matty Rice being so tall too. All together the group looks like most other cyclists until you stand an average height person next to them or meet them in person and you realize just how tall they are. The entire Jelly Belly Team was nice and it was fun to stop over and say hi. :-) I recommend anyone there to stop over and meet them. It's a great team with some pretty cool guys with great talent.

Bryce Mead (aka The Bird) in the start house.

Matty Rice in the start house.

Meeting Chris Horner.

Chris Horner from Astana was at the race and he is one of the sweetest guys to meet. Very fan friendly and easy to talk to and really takes time with the fans which was great. I also got to meet Daniel Holloway from Garmin. It was his first race I think in the team kit. I had asked Alex about him a little and it was cool to pass along hello's between them. They're both great guys.

Daniel Holloway takes off for his ride.

There are some big names at the race and awesome talent. I love seeing cycling live as you really appreciate what they do and how they prepare and the tactics that go on. When you hear the TT bikes go by and you hear the power they're producing it can give you goosebumps. And not much beats cheering them on as groups when they fly by you. The wind they create is an experience all should check out.

Fast Freddie in the start house.

Here is a link to a thread I posted on Podium Cafe:
Race Rpt - Elk Grove TT.

Here is my Flickr account with a few more pics.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 21 - Paris

2008-07-27T21:44:00.001-05:00

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

2008-07-26T15:18:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-25T23:09:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-24T21:42:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-23T22:48:00.003-05:00

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

2008-07-22T20:36:00.005-05:00

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!

2008-07-20T22:52:00.004-05:00

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

2008-07-16T14:17:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-15T23:48:00.002-05:00

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!!!

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 10 Go C!!!

2008-07-14T23:46:00.003-05:00

Printed in the AP on Sunday -
Vande Velde, of the Garmin Chipotle team, called Sunday's ride a warmup for Monday. "It will be a very hard day," he said. "It will be epic."

And oh my enjoyable goodness - it was!!! I am so excited for C today!!
What a super fantastic stage! It was total craziness from the start. 20+ riders up in the break? WHAT? And then Milram and Garmin make the decision to haul ass and pull them back? I joked a bit with the break hearing Garmin wasn't in it - Where the hell is Will? And I meant that as sweet as could be as he has that special knack for getting in those. A few minutes later we see him pulling up front with the boys to help pull it back.

They get them and a few are off up front yet. Then the climbs hit and holy crap! Did you get a chance to see Jens!???? Jeezus that man was just incredible today. I keep joking but really - who screwed with his breakfast? He was just killing it! Fabian was up in the break and then you find out he's sat up to come help Jens! And help he did. Nothing like shredding the field apart by putting the World Champion Time Trialer on the front. Rotated with Jens! and gosh help the guys behind. Just amazing.

And through it all - there was C hanging tough! God I love it! Watching him today left me smiling ear to ear. I kept watching him and he looked so damn smooth and in control of his efforts. He was keeping a solid eye on those around him and looked so comfortable. Frank Schleck and two SDV riders got off the front and C opted to stay with Cadel and Menchov which ended up not the best move but you can 2nd quess shit all day. The key - he stayed with them and showed very little signs of being out of his limits! Frank missed Yellow today by 1 second to Cadel. C is in 3rd (!!!!!!!!!) overall and looking awesome!

I have been a long time fan and today was probably one of the coolest days ever to watch him ride. I am really partial to some inspiration I got from him last year during the Vuelta where I loved the line - "The CVV Towing Company" has he buried himself in support of getting Carlos up on the podium. Today, he got to show the big guys that he meant business last Fall when he decided to focus on a new role and new goals! Here's to you Mr. C in attaining those goals you've been setting with spectacular style! Rest well tomorrow guys!

WillFrischkorn: A bit of sun on the morning of Hautacam
PdC_Crashdan: Pyrennees Part Deux: Exploring Stage 10
EuroPeloton: Christian Vande Velde Targets Tour de France Overall, Cycling World Falls on Floor Laughing

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC1 - PdC2 - PdC3 - PdC4 - Post Thread

Stage 10 - Monday, July 14: Pau - Hautacam, 156km
Results
1 Leonardo Piepoli (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott 4.19.27 (36.08 km/h)
3 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.28
7 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.17
10 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
25 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 7.34
28 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 8.59
43 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 14.05
49 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 16.23
53 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 22.36
63 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 24.28
69 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
74 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
75 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
99 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 27.57
121 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 33.14
132 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
138 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
153 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
158 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
161 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
General classification after stage 10
1 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 42.29.09
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
29 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 16.02
38 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 27.00
48 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 35.22
57 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 39.51
70 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 51.06
74 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 54.02
80 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 59.35
97 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 1.10.32
115 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 1.23.40
116 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.25.08
119 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.25.36
121 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.26.48
123 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 1.27.05
149 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.40.53
151 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.41.50

Garmin: Tour stage 10: Christian finishes 10th, holds onto 3rd overall!
CSC-SaxoBank: Frank Schleck One Second from Yellow
BruceHildenbrand: CSC Superb
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France Stage 10: I Will Possess Your Heart
VN: Vande Velde frustrated by Evans-Menchov lockdown
CN: Vande Velde emerges a Tour contender

VN: Fresh Tour Korn - In the cave
ChicagoTribune_CVV: He's climbing... in standings too

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 10
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 10 race highlight.
Stage 10: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie. - ???
Stage 10: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean. - ???

Versus:
Push Beyond (Will and C on pain and motivation)
Transition From Rider To Manager (on JV)
Christian Vandevelde Pre-Stage 10 Interview
Christian Vandevelde Post-Stage 10 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Christian Vande Velde Describes His Great Ride Up Hautacam
Trent Lowe Discusses His Role In The Mountains Before Stage 10.
Carlos Sastre Before The Start Of Stage 10.
Tour De Georgia Winner Kanstantsin Sivtsov Before The Stage To Hautacam.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 9

2008-07-13T23:07:00.001-05:00

Ricco slithers up for another stage in this year's Tour. And I don't mean that as bad as it sounds. The little Cobra was pretty impressive to watch dart off the front of the field and just pedal his legs off to the finish line. More exciting for me of course was watching C up in the lead group - all day! Man is he hot right now. I am so thrilled and excited watching him with the confidence he has. It just looks great on him. I've been a fan for a long time and to get to see him continue to get better and better is totally delightful! :-) Woo hoo! Go C!

On a worrisome note, Cadel Evans crashed hard earlier on in the stage. There are tons of pics of him at the doctors car and his sides and jersey were pretty ripped up. I'm hoping he's okay and that he is good to go come morning. I don't want him to win but I don't want to lose riders from crashes either. Have I said yet, how much I hate those damn things. Crashes suck. I hope he is okay come morning.

CN: Vande Velde disappointed in Beltran
CN: Adam Hansen's Tour Diary - Working hard for the coffee!
CN: American invasion of the Tour de France

Live Chatter: CN - VN - DP - PdC1 - PdC2 - Post Race
Awesome preview of stage - PdC_Crashdan: On to the Pyrenees: Exploring Stage 9

Stage 9 - Sunday, July 13: Toulouse - Bagnères de Bigorre, 224km
Results
1 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott 5.39.28 (39.59km/h)
16 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.17
20 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
27 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
33 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
36 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
42 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.57
55 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.34
60 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 6.27
66 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 9.04
78 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
89 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 16.57
118 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 18.55
119 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 24.02
122 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
142 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 28.11
147 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
159 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
161 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
167 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
General classification after stage 9
1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 38.07.19
3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.44
10 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.34
11 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.56
12 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.58
25 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.31
39 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 10.51
50 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 15.18
55 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 17.46
69 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 30.53
82 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 37.30
87 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 40.02
102 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 48.27
115 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 54.35
117 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 55.57
119 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 56.14
124 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 59.34
128 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 1.01.35
147 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.10.02
149 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.10.59

Garmin: Tour stage 9: Vande Velde climbs to 3rd overall
CSC-SaxoBank: Andy Schleck in White
BruceHildenbrand: Rider Nicknames (great shot of C and Will)
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France Stage 9: TLC
VN: Inside the Tour, w/John Wilcockson - Hautacam is this Tour's first major challenge
TimesOnline: Allen Lim rides the sliptream

VN: Fresh Tour Korn - The gruppetto calls...
ChicagoTribune_CVV: He's climbing... in standings too

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 9
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 9 race highlight.
Stage 9: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 9: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Julian Dean.

Versus:
Christian Vandevelde Post-Stage 9 Interview
Carlos Sastre Profile
Vandevelde Pre-Stage 9 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
(Great Columbia video's, I'll try to link some tomorrow.)

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 8

2008-07-12T22:28:00.004-05:00

And Cav wins another sprint! That kid is so impressive to watch. This morning watching him it was like he was eyes all over watching everyone else's move while he tried to hook onto Ciolek's wheel. Then to see him come around and power off to the win with Ciolek getting 2nd was pretty cool. Not sure what was going on with the lead out but hopefully they will iron that out and the next one will be impressive and in tune. But regardless, way to go Cav. That man has some serious power in those legs!

The past couple of nights watching the prime time coverage on VS has been enjoyable while I recover. It's time to just get to sit back and enjoy the race. With stage 3 (Will's huge break away day) they had JV in the booth. Tonight they have Bob Stapleton sitting in talking with them. I love it. Hearing their takes and good praise on their riders makes for a good night. I hope they continue that with some other teams.

Tomorrow starts the mountains and I hope to be up a little earlier to be ready for the start. Still nowhere near 100% and the muscles ache and breathing really sucks in the morning. So hopefully, an earlier wake up, hot shower, and good coffee and we will be set. Go C and Garmin!!!

Garmin_Maggy: What happened yesterday I still can't explain
CN: Vande Velde gambles on himself
DenverPost: Chasing the peloton at 70 mph (a ride along in Garmin car)
Bicycling_Millar: He Who Dares Wins

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

Stage 8 - Saturday, July 12: Figeac - Toulouse, 172.5km
Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia 4.02.54 (42.61km/h)
9 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
19 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
26 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
44 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
45 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
56 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
57 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
65 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
66 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
77 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
84 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
85 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
118 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
123 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
148 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.01
149 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 1.07
151 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 1.09
156 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.06
163 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.42
General classification after stage 8
1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 32.26.34
4 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.44
7 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.14
12 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.34
13 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.56
14 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.58
41 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 7.31
51 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 10.51
55 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 12.36
75 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 21.33
85 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 24.22
91 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 29.20
93 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 29.43
97 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 30.13
103 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b 32.40
105 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 33.12
119 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 36.57
127 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 38.50
134 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 43.08
137 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 44.05

Garmin: Tour stage 8: Dean 19th in sprint; Vande Velde & Millar holding steady
CSC-SexyBack: Rainy but Quiet Stage
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France Stages 7 & 8: You Can Count On Me
TheHerald: American leading breakaway for sport's future, with Millar in Slip

VN: Fresh Tour Korn - A constant battle

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 8
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 8 race highlight.
Stage 8: David Millar reaction to Beltran positive.
Stage 8: Garmin-Chipotle's Martijn Maaskant - first week of his first Tour.
Stage 8: Frank Schleck responds to Kirchen's Luxembourg comments.
Stage 8: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 8: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt - time cut.

Versus:
Julian Dean Post-Stage 8 Interview
Reactions To Beltran's Removal From TDF

CV TV (formerly TBR):
(Great Columbia video's, I'll try to link some tomorrow.)

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 7

2008-07-11T22:54:00.006-05:00

Still trying to get caught up and will be going back this weekend to include links to all the articles on previous days. Finding that real rest is pretty much full on needed as I have little left after being up for a couple hours. I think if it was just the appendicitis I would be doing well but having it still hurt when I breath is a little harder to suck up quickly. Hoping it keeps getting better.

Today was another great stage to watch unfold. Attacks from the gun by Will and then Millar (more than once) and the day started out - all out. I'm not sure how anyone can not say this is one pretty thrilling and exciting Tour so far. We are now 1/3 of the way through it and everyday seems to have something new. Right now C is sitting in 4th (4TH!!!!!!!) place overall and today, the man comes in 9th on the stage. And to top that off, he looks pretty calm and pulled together. I have to say the confidence he is finding is just awesome to see sinking in and seeing him believing that he can do well. Keep it going C!!!

These last two stages have been great to watch. Some climbs but not like those coming up. Pretty clean roads (usually), some okay weather, and just all out great racing by the riders. There are attacks and teamwork tactics and ridings pushing themselves. Just really enjoyable viewing. Hard not to cheer for almost every rider there to ride well and have a good day. :-) One sad note today though for the garMEN - we lost Maggy after today's stage as he did not make the time cut. I haven't seen anything as to what caused it as I would've thought he could've hung with the grupetto. Bummer. Rider Diaries will be missed too...

I was talking to John this afternoon for a little bit and it was pretty funny as we were both watching the afternoon replay on VS and C was in and out of view. Seeing someone you know and have followed for a long time, being at this level and doing so well and looking so good and just seeming to really be taking hold of this new role - awesome!

CN: Vande Velde ready for overall

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

Stage 7 - Friday, July 11: Brioude - Aurillac, 159km
Results
1 Luis Leon Sanchez Gil (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 3.52.53 (40.964 km/h)
9 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.06
10 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
16 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
18 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
24 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 0.33
50 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
64 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 2.30
82 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.36
89 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 10.57
93 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
95 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
99 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
100 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
107 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 15.15
130 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 21.53
144 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
150 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
160 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
165 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
HD Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 32.25
General classification after stage 7
1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 28.23.40
4 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.44
7 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.14
12 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.34
13 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.56
14 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.58
42 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 7.31
52 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 10.51
56 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 12.36
76 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 21.33
86 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 24.22
88 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 25.31
92 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 28.13
94 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 28.42
107 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 32.40
109 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 33.12
115 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 34.51
127 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 37.41
140 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 43.08
144 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 44.05

Garmin: Tour stage 7: Vande Velde finishes 9th, holds onto 4th overall; Millar 7th overall
CSC-SexyBack: Team CSC Saxo Bank Added Pressure
VN: Vande Velde: 'The strongest I've ever felt'
Examiner_Chicago: Stage 7: American Christian Vande Velde Steps Up to Leadership Role at Tour de France
Jake'sJournal: French lessons wtih Team Garmin

VN: Fresh Korn - Ouch!
CN: Stuart O'Grady's Tour Diary - All out warfare

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 7
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 7 race highlight.
Stage 7: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 7: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt.
Stage 7: Post race with CSC's Jens Voigt.
Stage 7: Post race with Garmin-Chipotle's Julian Dean.
Stage 7: Before and after the stage with Garmin-Chipotle's Christian Vande Velde.
Stage 7: Pre-race with CSC's Carlos Sastre.

Versus:
David Millar Post-Stage 7 Interview
Christian Vandevelde Post-Stage 7 Interview
Christian Vandevelde Pre-Stage 7 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
(Great Columbia video's, I'll try to link some tomorrow.)

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 6 Go C!!

2008-07-10T22:17:00.005-05:00

What a morning to get to come home to!?! John had called me this morning so I got to catch up while at the hospital. I was hoping to be released this morning and it was great getting home and finding C on the attack up Super Besse! I love the new confidence he has found and it was almost too exciting to watch. He has now moved up into 4th overall. That is so awesome and we're almost a 1/3 way through. Way to go C!!!

DailyProgress: A long, tough road to the Tour (interview with Carl Frischkorn)
Garmin: Our Super-Besse strategy
MagnusBackstedt: Tour de France

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

Stage 6 - Thursday, July 10: Aigurande - Super Besse, 195.5km
Results
1 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott 4.57.52 (39.38 km/h)
4 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.04
8 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.07
19 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.23
37 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.45
39 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.51
43 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 1.08
45 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 1.20
48 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.45
51 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 1.56
53 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.04
95 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.30
96 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
105 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 13.14
121 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 14.35
124 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 17.46
137 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
157 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
159 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
162 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
167 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
General classification after stage 6
1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 24.30.41
4 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.44
5 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.47
12 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.34
15 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 1.45
17 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.56
18 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.58
27 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.01
46 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 6.26
50 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 6.55
59 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 8.27
83 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 13.31
93 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 14.40
99 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 15.54
111 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 19.42
123 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 21.06
126 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 21.21
129 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 21.49
132 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 22.18
133 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 22.21
159 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 26.23
Teams classification
1 Garmin Chipotle 73.34.10
2 Team CSC Saxo Bank 0.19
3 Team Columbia 0.20

Garmin: Tour stage 6: After gutsy attack, Vande Velde 19th on stage, 4th overall, Millar 5th overall
CSC-SexyBack: Fourth Place for Frank Schleck in Super-Besse
CSC-SexyBack: Andy Schleck Very Annoyed by Time Loss
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 6: Confidence Game
DenverPost: It's all about the argyle
BruceHildenbrand: Christian Vandevelde

Garmin_CVV: All for a chance at the yellow jersey
ChicagoTribune_CVV: Stage 6 a blur... but in a good way
VN: Fresh Korn - Gruppetto!
WillFrischkorn: Loony Bin?
JulianDean: Stage 6

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 6
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 6 race highlight.
Stage 6: After the finish with Garmin-Chipotle's Christian VandeVelde
Stage 6: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 6: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt.
Stage 6 pre-race with Garmin-Chipotle team manager Jonathan Vaughters.

Versus:
George Hincapie Profile
Christian Vandevelde Profile
Jonathan Vaughters Pre-Stage 6 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 5

2008-07-10T21:17:00.001-05:00

This one was one missed as I did what I could to recover after surgery. I've yet to watch the entire stage yet but I have checked out the highlights and am happy for Cavendish and his win. Looks like George had a mechanical and still made it back up to the front to help with the team. The garMEN group all finished with the same times with it being a sprinter's stage and Julian got a top 10. :-)

Garmin_Millar: Looking after our yellow numbers

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

Stage 5 - Wednesday, July 9: Cholet - Châteauroux, 232km
Results
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia 5.27.52 (42.45 km/h)
4 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
10 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
17 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
43 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
50 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
55 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
59 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
79 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
81 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
83 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
99 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
105 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
109 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
112 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
115 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
131 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
139 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
152 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
156 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
175 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 1.41
DNF Mauricio Soler (Col) Barloworld
General classification after stage 5
1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 19.32.33
3 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.12
5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.33
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.37
7 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 0.41
12 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.13
18 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.29
23 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.43
28 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.08
51 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 3.36
57 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.51
66 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.19
71 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 4.46
74 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.48
75 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.51
83 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 5.23
85 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 5.26
106 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 6.26
123 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 7.35
125 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 7.40
142 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.53
Teams classification
1 Garmin Chipotle 58.37.35
2 Team Columbia 1.44
3 Team CSC Saxo Bank 2.35

Garmin: Tour stage 5: 'Kiwi Guy' Dean 10th in mass sprint
CSC-SexyBack: No Major Changes after Fifth Stage
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 5: Take One For The Team

VN: FreshTourKorn - Stage 5
JulianDean: Stage 5: Bugger.

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 5
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 5 race highlight
Post race with Team Columbia's George Hincapie & Mark Cavendish.
Stage 5: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 5: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt.

Versus:
George Hincapie Post-Stage 5 Interview
Bob Stapleton Profile
Danny Pate Profile

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Stuart O'Grady discusses the TT and the coming stages in this pre-stage 5 interview.
Where is Jens? Find out in this interview before the start of stage 5.
Adam Hansen, George Hincapie and Thomas Lovkvist recap the team Columbia stage win.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 4

2008-07-10T20:17:00.001-05:00

This stage is a bit of blur to me as I was in a bit of a bother. Ha. I was focused on something for work and trying to suck up my not feeling too great. I have had a chance to go back and rewatch most of it. Very happy to see Danny Pate put in a solid ride. To see him have the lead for awhile was great. Then watching Jens! power in and watch Tony cross the line but not having put his typical stamp on it was a bummer. I really thought this was his day to kill it. But it helps remind us that even he's human. :-)

David Millar was having a good solid ride out there and came in third for the day, just missing his goal of yellow. Watching C out on course before Millar was great. He finished the TT in 8th place and moved into 6th overall. Many seem to doubt his abilities and it surprises me a little as he's been getting better and better. And his confidence that he is getting is doing wonders for his results and in great ways! Then watching Will roll off the start ramp 3rd from the end was pretty cool. His small smile before going was great. After his ride in stage 3, he earned a slight break to take this one easy. :-)

CN: Stuart O'Grady's Tour Diary - Rain, rain, go away
CN: Garmin-Chipotle aiming high

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

Stage 4 - Tuesday, July 8: Cholet - Cholet (ITT), 29.5km
Results
1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 35.44 (49.534 km/h)
3 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.18
5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.33
7 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.35
8 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.37
9 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 0.41
14 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.10
20 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.29
28 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.43
36 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.54
46 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.14
56 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.34
68 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.53
78 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 3.03
106 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 3.28
111 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.34
112 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
116 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 3.36
138 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.54
139 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 3.57
141 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.01
General classification after stage 4
1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 14.04.41
3 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.12
5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.33
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.37
7 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 0.41
12 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.13
18 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.29
23 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.43
28 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.08
51 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 3.36
57 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.51
66 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.19
71 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 4.46
74 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.48
75 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.51
84 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 5.23
86 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 5.26
99 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 5.59
109 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 6.26
126 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 7.35
144 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.53
Teams classification
1 Garmin Chipotle 42.13.59
2 Team Columbia 1.44
3 Team CSC Saxo Bank 2.35

Garmin: Tour stage 4 ITT: Millar 3rd on stage, 3rd overall; Vande Velde 6th overall
CSC-SexyBack: Fifth and Seventh Place for Cancellara and Voigt
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 4: I love A Parade

VN: FreshTourKorn - The race to relax
CN: Stuart O'Grady's Tour Diary - Time trials equal tough times
CN: Adam Hansen's Tour Diary - Coffee problems on Le Tour

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 4
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 4 race highlight
At the finish line with World Time-Trial Champion - CSC's Fabian Cancellara.
Finish line press scrum with Garmin-Chipotle's David Millar & Silence Lotto's Cadel Evans.
Stage 4: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 4: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt.
Garmin-Chipotle Sports Physiologist, Dr. Allen Lim talks about technology he has developed for the teams riders.
Rider Poll: Thoughts on the stage 4 ITT.

Versus:
David Millar Post Stage 4 Interview
David Millar TT
Fabian Cancellara TT
Jens! Voigt TT
Fabian Cancellara Profile
Danny Pate's TT and Interview
David Millar Profile

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Garmin Director Matt White chats with Jim Fryer before the start of stage 4.
Christian shows he has the form with his stage 4 TT ride. Find out what he had to say.
David Millar amongst the finish line chaos at the tour!
Team Columbia's George Hincapie talks about his stage 4 TT performance.

Recovery: apendicitis

2008-07-10T19:17:00.003-05:00

Just dropping a hello before I try catching up on the last couple stages. I had Stage 4 close but then got side lined. Here's a quick run down of the past couple days...

Monday started out awesome with Will's incredible breakaway! Then that night I started getting a bad headache and serious nausea. Overnight the nausea got so bad I thought for sure I had some odd flu bug and then the pains hit and I could not get comfortable. Lost most of the night being in a lot of pain so no sleep. I did what I could though to suck it up really thinking it just had to be a flu bug of sorts. At one point I wish I could be sick so the nausea would go away. Then another I just wanted to be in the fetal position but it hurt so bad I could barely lay down at all.

Tuesday morning I had to get up early to work on some actual work and struggled through that. By the time I was done with that and some calls, the pains all started to settle into my lower right side. I tried to keep an eye on the TT and saw C have a great(!) ride finishing in 8th but by then I was really not feeling so hot so it was rough keeping in touch with it. I opted to try to lay down and decided if it wasn't any better when I got up, I would call the doc.

It wasn't any better a few hours later so I called and the doc could see me at 3:45. So I showered and headed in. Had to wait once there and didn't see him until just after 5 but it took him all but 2 minutes to tell me to get an overnight bag and head to the ER. He was most certain it was my appendix and wanted me admitted right away. So I got home and made arrangements for my girls and grabbed a couple things and headed to the new hospital. Walked in and already in an ER room by 6 or so.

The ER doc came in and also had his decision made in under 2 minutes. Ordered CT scans and full blood work up. Luckily I was so nauseous I didn't eat since early the night before so I was pretty much ready to go for surgery. The doc already was calling a surgeon before I even left the CT scan room. Apparently my appendix was a wee bit swollen and they didn't think it would last much longer.

By 11 I was in surgery had my appendix removed. Must say I loved the doc that came in to monitor putting me out for it. For what ever reason the girl put the IV in my left arm elbow pit which was a pain as I am left handed so I was constantly setting off the alarm on it when I bent my arm. He wanted to flush it and make sure it was good for surgery. Well he didn't have saline on him, he had the knock out meds in his pocket so I got a 1/2 tube early shot. I was nicely buzzed before ever even getting to surgery. I remember getting into the room and stretching out one arm and that's it.

All went well and I was in a room resting before long. Some good pain meds were injected into the IV and I was out. I had hoped to come home yesterday afternoon but that got delayed after one of the docs took a listen to my breathing. Somehow I managed to have both my lower sections of my lungs collapse. So I was stuck another night. After a night of breathing treatments and therapy, the doc was satisfied this morning for me to go home... yeah!

My friends at Podium Cafe have been a treat. Peg shared the news in yesterday's live thread and GG popped a note in the fan posts. I have to say I missed the gang yesterday morning with out coverage to follow. The hospital had some great channels but no VS and the web they had allowed me to see the stage results but that was it other than checking some email. Last night my girlfriends brought me my laptop once it was determined I would not be released as hoped. So last night and this morning I was able to follow a little more.

I had the perfect place and time to kick back and watch and follow along. I was happy to be back this morning and pretty happy to be home. I faded pretty fast and found the pain pills shortly after the stage today. John had called me at the hospital this morning. C attacked just as I got home and we decided being on the phone probably was not the best. I hurt so bad being so excited following C. I soon after took some meds and went to bed again.

It seemed like the calls flooded in. My brother from HI called and it was great to talk to him. The neighbor called, work called, friend called, then some telemarketers. By 3 I pretty much shut off the phone as I just wanted to sleep. I got up a little earlier but certainly feeling the pains of recovery. I am not sure I realized how well drugged up I was at the hospital as I don't recall feeling too much. Tonight, very different story. Not sure how long I will make it.

But anyways. I'm doing okay. Lower lungs hurt a lot and the one incision is really giving me some issues. Hurtin' a bit and still not done doing it's thing. I can not wait for a long hot shower tomorrow. Then it's just taking it easy while watching the tour over the next week or so. Not too bad. Need to work out for sure time off but should be into the last week. Surgeon said 2 weeks and I have planned time off so things are looking good to follow... ha!

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 3 Go Will!

2008-07-07T22:25:00.003-05:00

What an amazingly exciting stage today! I was going to go into work this morning and just catch the last 10K or so on the computer. I decided to check before loading up the work lap top, and low and behold, Will is out in the break! He took off from the start and got followed by 3 guys. The four of them got out to over a 14 minute lead and the peloton couldn't get them back. I was so thrilled for Will!!!

(Photo from Slipstreamsports.com)

My phone started to ring right at the end of the stage and I had a guess as to who it was but I couldn't find my phone fast enough to start cheering with him! John had left Ladysmith at 3am this morning and was watching the last hour. It was so fun to talk to him as Will crossed the line! John is so fun and keeps me so connected to cycling and has turned me into the fan I am. Years of following C and CSC and now Garmin and I'm not sure it gets much better. :-)

Will got 2nd in today's stage and John was quick to make sure I added a huge congrats to Will from him in my email I sent. (So funny with John as he knew I was going to be sending one!) Even my mom called this afternoon and told me to pass along big congrats! I'm going to wait a couple days on that one though as Will's poor crackberry is sure to explode soon!

I so hoped he could come around the guy at the end and he was 2nd by 1/2 a wheel. Just awesome racing! It was hard to watch Will afterwards (see below videos) be disappointed but he wouldn't be the racer without that hope. I am so proud and excited for him. His first Tour, he nails the break from the start, he does great work and getting it to the end, and the man finishes 2nd. Wow. Not a bad day for the rookie at all. If it's any indication for future stages, oh my!!!

And for Will's efforts today - he got the Most Aggressive Rider vote! It was so sweet to see him up on the podium. And the man moved up into 3rd overall on GC! I hope he had a minute to let it all soak in! And then the team moved up into first place! Woo hoo! Just a really sweet day and I am still giddy with excitement.

(Photo from Slipstreamsports.com)

Tomorrow is the Time Trial and I would expect that Fabian is going to kill it. Millar is on form right now though and so is Christian. How great it will be if they can smoke it and take over the lead. I'm also hoping Pate has a great ride but they might be holding him back for stages to come. So many great guys on the team.

I still have a load of work to get done so I am off to wrap it up. I'm sure I'll be glued to the computer with the TV on in the background with calls with John through out the morning. :-)

VN: A conversation with Ryder Hesjedal
HeraldSun: Highs and Trent Lowe's in the saddle
JulianDean: Stage 2 - Down But Not Out...

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

Stage 3 - Monday, July 7: Saint-Malo - Nantes, 208km
Results
1 Samuel Dumoulin (Fra) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 5.05.27
2 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
8 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 2.03
17 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
19 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
24 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
25 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
26 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
42 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
48 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
69 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
70 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
76 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
77 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
81 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
110 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.41
114 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
118 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
125 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.55
126 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
157 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
Most aggressive rider
1 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
General classification after stage 3
1 Romain Feillu (Fra) Agritubel 13.27.05
2 Paolo Longo Borghini (Ita) Barloworld 0.35
3 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.42
8 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.46
11 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
14 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 1.52
19 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
20 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
25 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
31 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
34 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
56 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.30
57 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.37
65 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.46
66 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
91 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 3.45
98 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia 4.23
103 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.44
104 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
122 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 6.05
128 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 6.24
156 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 8.51
Teams classification
1 Garmin Chipotle 40.24.42

Garmin: Tour stage 3: Most Aggressive Frischkorn 2nd on stage, 3rd overall! Millar 8th, Team 1st overall!!
CSC: Nicki Sorensen Crashed in Dramatic Stage
CycleTo: Tour de France, Stage 3, Final 1km (video)
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 3: When Argyle Attacks!
Bicycling: Way to Go, Will Frischkorn
PEZ: Carmichael Sez: There's Always a Chance
TheWallStreetJournal: Tour de France Rookie Nearly Steals a Stage
TheBlogPage: Will Frischkorn? Who's he?
VN: Andrew Hood's Tour de France Notebook, stage 3
Bicycle.net: Team Garmin Counting On David Millar For Yellow Jersey Bid
BruceHildenbrand: Will's Wild Ride

VN: FreshTourKorn - Too eager
WillFrischkorn: Space Legs
RyderHesjedal: Chaos!

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 3
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 3 race highlight
Stage 3: Post race w/2nd place stage finisher - Garmin's Will Frischkorn
Stage 3: Post race with Garmin's team manager Jonathan Vaughters.
Stage 3: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 3: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt.
Rider Poll: Thoughts on this year's lack of bonus time.

Versus:
Will Frischkorn Post-Stage 3 Interview
No Time Bonuses?
Wiping The Slate Clean (Slipstream)
Wrapped Around The Brakes (Maaskant)
Danny Pate Pre-Stage 3 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Will Frischkorn Interview Stage 3 - Drove the break and nearly took the stage
Columbia's Eisel Provides Some Nice Comic Relief After A Tough Stage 3.
Christian Vande Velde Gives Us Some Details From Stage 3.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 2

2008-07-06T18:29:00.000-05:00

This morning was rough to get up early for to catch the early live streaming on the web from Versus. Did it, but was oh so tired. Happy I did to catch tidbits of Pate trying to get into the break. Had it but it didn't stick. Looks like some of the nerves might be calming down a little bit. The race had the wind hitting the riders all day but towards the end it changed to a tailwind and wow, did the speeds kick up.

The breakaway guys got caught by the end which is generally a given, but not always. They hung on up until the very last couple k's. Voeckler has been enjoyable to watch ever since his run in yellow a few years back. It would've been great to see Pate out there but energy saved at this point being only 2 days in might be better. After the break got caught the teams were all on for the sprinters and GC guys. Cancellara made a run for it but had company. By about 200 meters to go he looked to sit up. It would've been so fun to see him take the win. I think the peloton watches him a bit more now though so he may not be able to pull those bold moves off, but this is Tony so all things are possible. :-) Thor did win the stage and I am happy for him. I like the excitement thus far. One bummer today was that Julian was in the crash with 1.5 K to go. He seems to be okay. I hate crashes. And it sounds like Soler could have two broken wrists but he started and finished today so we'll see how he's doing tomorrow.

Team Garmin Joy Ride Photo :-)

AdamHansen: Tour de France - Stage 1
Bicycling: Inside the Experiment
Bicycling: The Millar Diaries: Stage 1
JulianDean: Blast Off

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

Stage 2 - Sunday, July 6: Auray - Saint Brieuc, 164.5km
Results
1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 3.45.13 (43.84 km/h)
14 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
19 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
23 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
26 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
31 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
39 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
44 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
48 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
49 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
65 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
71 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
73 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
95 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
109 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom
120 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
125 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 1.40
134 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.10
159 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.30
172 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.00
General classification after stage 2
1 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 8.21.20
7 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.01
9 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
14 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 0.07
17 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
21 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
24 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
27 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
33 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
39 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
41 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
42 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
77 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.52
81 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.01
82 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
95 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia 1.47
113 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.00
122 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
123 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
138 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.42
174 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 7.06

Garmin: Tour stage 2: Millar moves up to 7th overall
CSC: Attempt by Cancellara in Saint-Brieuc
CW: Millar too close to Tour de France yellow jersey
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 2: Frenchies Day Out

VN: FreshKorn - Victory
CN: Stuart O'Grady's Tour Diary - The battle for the front

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 2
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008: Stage 2 race highlight
Stage 2: Post race press scrum with Voigt, Hushovd, Kirchen, & Voekler
Stage 2: Pre-race w/CSC-Saxo Bank rider Frank Schleck.
Stage 2: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 2: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt.

Versus:
Julian Dean Post-Stage 2 Interview
The Road To The Tour (Slipstream)
Julian Dean Pre-Stage 2 Interview
Will Frischkorn Pre-Stage 2 Interview

CV TV (formerly TBR):
CSC's Fabian Cancellara chats before the start of stage 2.

Tour de France 2008 - Stage 1

2008-07-05T23:19:00.003-05:00

And Le Tour has finally begun! I for one was ready for it a few days ago after reading way too much on just about anything that could be chatted about regarding it, I was ready to get the riders on the road. This year I not only have Christian I'll be following closely but Will is also racing his first ever Tour. I couldn't be more excited for them and the team. It is such a pleasure to see C having grown into a leader roll. I think CSC might've been the best home for him to develop as a rider and aid in getting to this point and to see him doing so well this year just rocks! And right now, I'm not sure he's ever looked better. Always wishing him the very best. :-)

Today's stage was great to watch on TV. After months and months of watching races in a small window on my computer screen, sitting back and watching it on a 42" flat screen was sweet. Now if we could just do something about all the dang commercials. I know it's sponsorship and all but can we maybe group more together and have less breaks. It felt like very few minutes we were off to more. And my other ill fated thought was that the morning live show would be more racing and less profiles and side bonuses. I love that stuff but prefer to see it during the primetime show later. As of this first stage, I don't know there was any difference from the live to the primetime.

But enough of that silly stuff - the Tour is ON!!! Valverde won today's stage and looked to do it with ease. Pretty impressive watching the aerial shot of him coming up and over Kirchen for the win. The first couple stages are known for nerves and today we had a few crashes and lost one rider already with a broken wrist. Then later, another crash took down Soler and he could possibly be out but we should know more in the morning. I almost put him on my VDS team but by the end decided no. If he can get through a couple days, maybe he might be okay.

There were some good shots of Pate and Will today on tv. They're on my Bottle Runners team and I hope they get a chance to go for a break, amongst many other things. It may seem like a poop job to have to go run errands but it is so important. Where would all those leaders me with out such great teammates. The racing was quick and the finish was exciting. So fun!

ESPN.com_BonnieFord: Two For The Road (Danny Pate and Will Frischkorn)
CN: Stuart O'Grady's Tour Diary - Getting ready
JulianDean: Final Countdown...
ESPN: I'm back! Here's a look at one wide-open Tour (By Bobby Julich)

BikeRadar: Millar hopes for Tour de France glory
CN: Tactical advantage for battle-ready Garmin-Chipotle at the Tour de France
RockyMountainNews: Garmin-Chipotle has framework to make impact at Tour de France
BikeRadar: Bjarne Riis reinstated as Tour winner
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France 2008: Building a Rainbow

Garmin Chipotle - H30
191 Christian Vande Velde (USA)
192 Magnus Backstedt (Swe)
193 Julian Dean (NZl)
194 William Frischkorn (USA)
195 Ryder Hesjedal (Can)
196 Trent Lowe (Aus)
198 David Millar (GBr)
199 Danny Pate (USA)

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

Stage 1 - Saturday, July 5: Brest - Plumelec, 197.5km
Results
1 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 4.36.07 (42.91 km/h)
7 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.01
11 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
14 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.07
15 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole
16 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
17 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
18 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
28 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia
29 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
36 Trent Lowe (Aus) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
44 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
45 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
82 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.52
91 Martijn Maaskant (Ned) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.01
93 Stuart O'Grady (Aus) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
99 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.12
127 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 2.00
136 Adam Hansen (Aus) Team Columbia
161 William Frischkorn (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
178 Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.56

Garmin: Le Tour stage 1: Millar 11th with just 1" gap
CSC: Frank Schleck in Seventh Place
PEZ_Jered: TdF'08 St.1: Comin' Out Guns A'Blazin
Gazette-Mail: City native riding in Tour (Write up on Will)
Spinnin'Wheel: Tour de France 2008 Stage 1: Isn't It A Piti

VN: FreshKorn - Ain't Nothing like the Real Thing
CN: Stuart O'Grady's Tour Diary - A chaotic start to the Tour
RyderHesjedal: One Down...
CW: Millar happy after gaining precious seconds in Plumelec

GrahamWatsonPhotos: Stage 1
TeamCSCSaxoBank: Tour de France
TeamGarminPhotos: Tour de France

VeloNews TV:
Tour de France 2008 Stage 1 race highlight
Stage 1: Post race with Garmin-Chipotle's Danny Pate.
Stage 1: Pre-race predictions for stage 1 & final podium in Paris.
Stage 1: VN TV RD w/ Team Columbia's George Hincapie.
Stage 1: VN TV RD w/ Garmin Chipotle's Magnus Backstedt.

Jens Voigt talks about the state of drug testing in cycling.
CSC-Saxo Bank press conference w/ Fabian Cancellara.
CSC-Saxo Bank press conference w/ Andy Schleck.
CSC-Saxo Bank press conference w/ Jens Voigt.
CSC-Saxo Bank press conference w/ Stuart O'Grady.
Team Columbia press conference w/ George Hincapie.
In Girona w/Team Columbia's Michael Barry: Olympic hopes & Tour selection disappointment.
In Girona w/ Garmin-Chipotle's Ryder Hesjedal: First Canadian at the Tour in ten years.

Versus:
Christian Vandevelde Post-Stage 1 Interview
George Hincapie Post-Stage 1 Interview
Christian Pre-Stage 1 Interview
The Birth of Slipstream
George Hincapie Pre-Stage 1 Interview
Jonathan Vaughters Pre-Stage 1 Interview ?
Doug Ellis Pre-Stage 1 Interview
Garmin-Chipotle Profile
Team Columbia Profile

CV TV (formerly TBR):
Christian likes his team and his form for the 2008 Tour!
Columbia's Bernard Eisel and Adam Hansen after stage 1.
Christian Discusses Stage 1 of the Tour.

One More Day to Go

2008-07-03T23:57:00.001-05:00

Another week of long hours is done. So happy with that. Right now should be "slow" at work but that just doesn't seem to be the case as we begin gearing up again. I could've done a lot less work and hours but I hope to catch most of the Tour stages live in the morning and with the help of the past two weeks and summer hours for most, starting later in the morning has been granted approval and things look to be set. :-)

The eve of the 4th is bringing fun and familiar sounds of fireworks. I've always enjoyed them but sadly as my two girls are getting older they do not. Poor Perdy the past two nights has been getting a little worked up with the noise and odors in the air. Poor thing tonight is buried at my feet. Every time a big one goes off she sits shaking for a bit. I feel so bad for her. Earlier I went and sat on the floor and let her cuddle up and tried to calm her down. Just another couple days to go. I've been invited to some parties and outings with friends but in all honesty I think I might actually just want to stay close to home and chill this weekend. I have 3 bike rides planned and the weather looks to be superb. Somehow a good bike ride is sounding a whole lot more enjoyable than dealing with just crap loads of people and drinking probably too way too much. Funny how home just sounds sweeter these days.

I've been catching tid bits of the Olympic trials all week. As many know I love the Olympics. There are few events I would even think of turning off when I find time to watch. To me, there is just little that is as inspiring as watching athletes from all over the world compete and cheer each other on. I am really hoping Chicago gets the 2016 nod next year and this year's in Beijing already has my attention. :-)

Today had the Team Presentations for the Tour. I was pretty focused with work all morning and then at lunch noticed the link for it. Productivity went downhill after that. It didn't help that no one else was in work mode either. Everyone was stopping by and chatting this afternoon. I like the new Garmin kit tops but have to ask... WTF where they thinking with the white crotch area on the shorts? So not a good thing - ever. I'm hoping like the last kit there is an alternate pair that has that area darker. I love the guys but there are some things that we just shouldn't be able to see.

I hope everyone has a very safe and happy 4th of July tomorrow. I'm hoping to sleep in a bit (yes I realize how sad that is considering sleeping at this point would be a treat), get some serious house work done, go through the piles of mail from this past week, and then a nice ride. After that possibly meeting up with some friends but possibly just chillin' out and relaxing before Saturday's morning fun starts with the Tour. Be safe and have some fun!

Here are some reads from the past couple of days:
CN: Tour lexicon (Yep GG, yet another one for you to take a peek at. Ha ha!)
WillFrischkorn: Velonews Pre-Tour Journal
Garmin_Millar: When Superbad is soothing
WillFrischkorn: Some TdF Tagging
VN: Team Garmin-Chipotle unwraps its new kit
TheIndependent: David Millar: Setting an example after the scandals

ObserverReporter: Friedman answers the call
BradHuff: Citius, Altius, Fortius
5280: Project Taylor

More Videos at VeloNews:
Garmin-Chipotle pre-race press conference & new team kit unveiling
Magnus Backstedt 2008 Tour video diary: Pre-race in Girona, Spain.
In Girona with Garmin-Chipotle's Trent Lowe: First Tour expectations.

US Olympic Team Plus

2008-07-01T23:57:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been slacking... Work has picked up this week and I am keeping up with emails and reading good stuff but haven't been back over here to post. Feel free to email me anytime. :-) Hopefully if I get through this week with the hours, I'll get the much wanted mornings open to watch Le Tour! With C and Will there I am so looking forward to it!

News today was the announcement of the US Olympic Cycling Team. The one I saw first was actually at PdC and Jimbo linked us to VeloNews: USA Cycling names Olympic squad. The men's Road Race include Levi, George, C, McCartney, and DZ. I am super stoked for Meatball probably most of all! So excited and happy for him. I really wanted Mike and Brad there riding together so I feel sad that Brad's not going. Lyne over at Podium In Sight has a recent interview with Brad that is a great quick read. And Brad... you may be getting older but you are far from OLD! Hang in there sweetie and continue kicking booty!

Reads to help tide you over...
WillFrischkorn: France Land!
VN: FreshKorn: A night of peace, and then - the Tour
Garmin_Masskant: Can't wait to get to Brest!
VOANews: Cyclist Jonathan Vaughters Determined To Clean Up His Sport

VN: Beijing bound: Mini-Phinney isn't nervous
VeloMulholland: 2008 manhattan beach grand prix (check out Brad!)

And a fun thread for the ladies we have going at PdC: Time to Hunt Down Hotitude!!!

I so likes me some video of our guys!
Sweet Tour starters from VeloNews:
Along for the Garmin Chipotle team training ride in Girona, Spain.
In Girona with GC's Will Frischkorn: Talking Tour team selection
In Girona with GC's team leader David Millar.
In Girona with GC's Jonathan Vaughters, part 1: Spanish operations and 2008
In Girona with GC's Jonathan Vaughters, part 2: The team's Tour squad.
George Hincapie 2008 Tour video diary: Pre-race in Girona, Spain.
In Girona with GC's Christian Vande Velde, part 1: Life in Girona, and the maglia rosa
In Girona with GC's Christian Vande Velde, part 2: Heading to the Tour as a team
VeloNewsTV on location in Girona: An introduction

Weekend Wrap Ups

2008-06-29T23:59:00.001-05:00

I for one can not wait for the Tour to start on Saturday! I watched the VS preview tonight and seeing C on there and his love of being the underdog was awesome. I can't put into written words how totally proud of him and the team I am. I swear someday Will might get really tired of all my good lucks and well wishes but until then I so plan to continue cheering him and the guys on! They're doing what could've been impossible 10 years ago and look at them now... Leading the way and showing the world what clean racing looks like! And they're having some damn good fun doing it. :-) So proud and so happy for them!

Some reads worth the time...
VelocityNation: Mike Friedman
TimesOnline: Countdown to the Tour de France: Jonathan Vaughters and his drugs-free team written by Paul Kimmage, author of Rough Ride.
WinnipegFreePress: Squeaky-clean riders
DenverPost: Vaughters: The anti-cyclist
Bicycling: The Few, The Proud (corrections for them... C turned 32 in May and Will just recently turned 27)
Guardian.co.uk: Hard ride to redemption for one man and his sport
TheScotsman: Rehabilitated Millar ready for Le Tour, but Olympics can wait
EuroPeloton: Tour de France Countdown: 7 Days
VeloSwiss: Mad Cow Zen (love the last paragraph)
SportingJournals: The Tour de France: A Beginner's Guide (GG another one for you - Ha!)
PodiumInSight: The story behind the photo
DanSchmatz: yum yum (update pics on little Samuel)

Cure for sleep and cause for hangover...

2008-06-29T21:28:00.001-05:00

What another busy weekend (sort of)! Started with being pretty tired Friday but deciding to go meet up with girls. We used to meet up for poker and cards and now a couple years later and a few kids for some of them, time together is pretty limited. No cards Friday but a lot of fun. I drank an entire large bottle of cheap wine myself and then topped it off with some homemade Sangria one of the girls made. Not the wisest thing I've done but so enjoyed. I wasn't driving so why not, right? After so many sleep issues the past couple months I have found my cure but paid for it a wee bit on Saturday. With focusing on weight loss and getting into shape, alcohol has been cut way back. I wasn't totally screwed come Saturday but I am most certainly not in my 20's anymore. HA!

The games were fun Friday night. No cards but we played some 80's trivia, a catch phrase game and good 'ol Yahtzee. I so scored with 3 (not kidding - I got 3!) Yahtzee's and only wish I could do that sober... tee hee hee. It wasn't a typical night out but it was so fun catching up with the girls and just doing some good laughing and relaxing. Good times!

Saturday was a pretty slow day for me. I wasn't totally hanging but I did pay for the enjoyment. Finally took a shower and got to getting some stuff done around the house at like 4 in the afternoon. I spent most of the day watching old cycling goodies and some soccer replay tid bits. Then Saturday night I found the Military Channel on cable and wow, not a good thing. For whatever reason I love that stuff. Neighbor Mike and I drive Miss Heather nuts with our enjoyment of the history channel and discovery. We're geeks with that stuff and like it!

Today was a bit different. Got another good nights sleep which was so good. I had planned to get some work done and then head out for a good 2-3 hour ride. I got up early to try and crank out some much needed work. Then got frustrated trying to run some huge queries and figured I could probably hammer out the work better at the office where I'd at least be focused. Went in and got a little too focused and didn't head out until after 5. Always odd being there on a weekend. You know others are in the building and every so often you "hear something" and it can be a little unnerving. You need security to get in but with 5 other floors of strangers it's just weird. I got a lot done but realized this week will probably be filled with 12-14 hour days to help keep my tour watching times open. With C and Will riding, I hope to catch every stage. IF I miss the live stuff in the morning, I'm sure I'll catch the prime time coverage but I enjoy the live, uncut stuff so much better.

I missed the bike ride today but did get in two really good work outs this weekend. Working out and doing the weights while watching the Seals in action last night helped but I so missed a perfect morning for a ride. It was 70, sunny, light breeze. Next time, it's riding and then focusing on work!

Tonight I met dumbass for dinner and have to say he just isn't going to change. He actually thought I would be okay if he stayed here at the house with me a couple nights a week to help him with gas prices as his job is only 15 minutes from here. Ummm... NO. Are you kidding me? It took me how long to move on and get into a good place in life again and took 2 restraining orders and lock changes to feel safe. Are you seriously kidding me with thinking you could stay here and that I'd give him a key? I mean really. I get shit for just allowing him to keep in touch. I might be soft when it comes to caring for others and giving 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances but seriously. Apparently he's the only one who fails to see what he did to me. Heck this past week I had a seriously nasty bruise on my wrist and it hurt a bit to have 2 different people ask if everything was okay and if I was keeping him out of my life. That kind of reminder of how ugly things got really sucked. Moments I guess only reassure the choices I've made the last year were the right ones.

But on to tonight... A beautiful night with a good wind and cooler temps. Getting laundry done and lots of reading up on things. All the windows are open and other than the fireworks getting to poor P, an awesome ending to the weekend. Caught some of the swimming trials tonight and just got more geared up for the Olympics coming. Phelps scored another world record and there were some American records broken too. Love watching the athletes and can't wait to see them in Beijing!

On to a new post with some linkage on cycling.
I'd skip it but I do it more for me to refer to later so I hope you enjoy! :-)

Another Long Day

2008-06-26T23:33:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was 12 hours, today 11. Thank God tomorrow is Friday! I'm looking forward to the weekend already. :-) My knee that decided to swell a bit over the weekend is finally feeling good again. Now I have a hideous bruise on my left wrist that hurts like hell. The sad thing is that I have no clue what I did. The swelling and bruising is similar to the accident back in December but that was caused by the side window. As much as it hurts and as pretty as the bruise is, I would hope I'd remember hitting it but nope. Woke up yesterday and went to put my watch on and almost couldn't. Lack of sleep is starting to become painful and causing harm to the memory...

It's a little quiet in the cycling world right now with National Championships going on, wind up for the Tour, and gossip enjoyment. The kids in the sport are riding the Tour of PA this week. Versus is covering it so it's nice to be able to see who's coming up. Youngin' Alex Howes won the most aggressive Jersey yesterday - kudo's to him! Check it out if you have the 20 minutes or so for the nightly recap.

After getting in my laughs for the night over at PdC, I am heading to bed. Tomorrow should be a lighter day but I have a strange feeling it might end up being another long day at the office. Ugh.

Reads for the Day:
EuroPeloton: The Beauty of the Cyling Fan's Pursuit (one of the many post reasons I love his site!)
BikeSnobNYC: Real Niche Sports: HBO Does Millar
Spinnin'Wheel: Millar on HBO, Garmin Roster, Papa Georgio x2!
NYTimes: (Yet another) Correction: An Olympic Cyclist's Levelheaded Advice
STLtoday: Dreaming of Foot-Hi Pies... and the Tour de France (it says C was at TOM last year but he was busting booty in the Vuelta)

BikeRadar: Tour de France glossary (GG this is for you!)

And the fun writings from Will have begun - Slipstream_Will: Now to get ready...
PodiumInSite: Kevin Lacombe wins Tour of PA stage 2; Steven Van Vooren still in yellow (Make sure to check out Lyne's other entries. She's great with the write ups!!!)

Midweek Messes

2008-06-25T23:03:00.001-05:00

So it's now just after 11 and I have no flippin' clue where my day went today. 12 hours at the office trying to get some serious work done. I even skipped the gym this morning for a meeting and an attempt to stay focused. I got a lot done but when I left tonight, felt I was no further ahead. Craptastic. can't win. Hoping to head to bed really soon to attempt to get some sleep and the not sleeping is quickly catching up.

Some reads:
VN: Fresh Korn - The beginning of the dream
TheServiceCourse: Hey Lance!
SarisCyclingGroup: Training Camp Summary
Ciclismosam: Garmin-Chipotle H30 Tour Team Announced
BikeRadar: British road pro David Millar featured on American sports show

And for those that read Brad Huff's blog on Pizza Legs,
Here is Nick Reistad's "As The Bean Turns" clip of Pizza Leg Syndrome.
How he does the clips with out busting up laughing is beyond me.

Garmin Tour Team Announced

2008-06-24T16:35:00.000-05:00

And I am so excited with it! Hearing bits and pieces over the past couple months and seeing injuries come and go, it's always a gamble guessing early. Back in April I had guessed: C, DZ, Maggy, Juilan, Millar, Pate, Will, Lowe, & TD. Since then DZ has fractured his back and Tommy D is well, I'm not sure. (Actually considering something like Lyme or some other something that needs specific testing to check out could actually be affecting him.) I'd say that my guess was not too bad. Ryder and Martijn should do well but no one will take the place of DZ and I'm going to miss seeing him there. I hope he heals up to make the Olympics.

I am super happy for Will making the team. Having followed him since his Fresh Korn entries hit VeloNews last March and having the pleasure of emailing with him since later last year, I truly could not be happier to see his name on the final list. Great stuff. He's one of those that has made solid progress over the years with hard work and works hard for results for the team (let's look at MSR earlier this year again shall we...) and kicks some serious ass! Plus he's a great teammate and friend to the guys so to see all those things he's been working at pay off with a trip to the Tour for him - Awesome! Serious kudo's to him. Happy Happy!

I'm already really excited for the Tour. I dropped C an email yesterday wishing good lucks and happy birthdays. Leah's bday is tomorrow and little Uma's in on Thursday. Hard to believe it's been almost a full year already. I can only imagine how touching those thoughts are for C and Leah. It's been a pretty amazing run and hopefully great things are going to continue right on into the Tour.

Great stuff and now I hope that Will and C both write on the team site and for VeloNews during the Tour. I've always loved C's diaries so hopefully they'll be brought back over the next several weeks for some great perspective and some good laughs. Good Luck to the whole team!!!

Garmin-Chipotle, presented by H30 for Tour de France
Magnus Bäckstedt (S)
Julian Dean (NZ)
Will Frischkorn (USA)
Ryder Hesjedal (Can)
Trent Lowe (Aus)
Martijn Maaskant (Nl)
David Millar (GB)
Danny Pate (USA)
Christian Vande Velde (USA)

WillFrischkorn: The boss, and the TOUR!
PodiumCafe_SuiJuris: Garmin-Chipotle (nee Slipstream) TdF Startlist
VN: Garmin-Chipotle names Tour squad
CW: Slipstream name Tour de France team

SportsBusinessJournal: Cycling keeps pace
CW: Dan Martin: The one that got away?