Le Tour de France, 100th Edition

[Billy G.]

I'm enjoying watching this year's event, even though references to Lance Armstrong has been completely scrubbed [for the most part] from the broadcast.

Not having Bradley Wiggins defend his dominance from last year sucks. But knee injuries will do that to a competitor.

After yesterday's Stage 9 Chris Froome of Team Sky has a 1 minute 25 second lead over the field. Alejandro Valverde of Team Movistar is in second place.

The whole Movistar team screwed up badly yesterday. They had Froome isolated from the rest of his team, and should have attacked, attacked, and attacked him again on the last two Category 1 climbs. Instead they paced him till the end. Now the next few stages will be relatively flat and easy for Team Sky to recover and support Froome.

By the time they get to the Alps he could be untouchable, so I'm predicting he wins the GC easily.

[dlbpharmd]

I watch the TdF every year. These guys are the toughest athletes on the planet. They ride with concussions, bruised lungs, separated shoulders, cracked hips, etc. They earn a fraction of what professional athletes here in the US earn, yet a football player here gets turf toe and is out for 6 weeks.

[StevieG]

I've always admired the sheer pain of the TdF. I haven't watched any this year - it's on too late and the highlights are too early (in the evening)!

I did hear that one of the Aussies held the yellow jersey early in the piece, so that's good!

Some would say that they take more drugs in order to be able to ride with bruises, concussion, cracked bones etc.. but that's just being cynical It is interesting that some sports just don't have the financial backing of others. These riders should be on high salaries. There are so many examples of this in different sports - but American Football, Baseball and Basketball seem to have taken it to a ridiculous level.

[sgt.null]

glad that bastard Armstrong has been found out. too bad he did so much damage.

[Billy G.]

Stage 10 today was won by Marcel Kittel of Team Argos-Shimano, over Andre Greipel by an inch or two. Mark Cavendish finished 3rd.

No change in the GC. The whole peloton was given the same time as the winner, as they all finished in a bunch.