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Alberto Contador Velasco Drops Everyone, Takes Yellow Jersey, Paris-Nice Stage 6

Fri Mar 13 2009 11:23am — roadskater
0

In case there were doubts, forget about them. Contador left everyone without leaving the saddle at first, distancing F. Schleck and L.L. Sanchez by :58 and taking a commanding lead in the Yellow Jersey GC (overall) competition. Thanks to...

http://www.letour.fr/2009/PNC/LIVE/fr/600/classement/

...for great results quickly and beautifully posted, pasted here for your edification and for further promotion of their event.

Locations

Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux
France
44° 20' 58.5384" N, 4° 45' 58.6872" E
Montagne De Lure, U04
France
44° 7' 31.08" N, 5° 46' 40.08" E
roadskater's picture

Christian Vande Velde Takes Paris-Nice Pro Cycling Race Stage 4; Chavanel Holds; Contador Closes; Tirreno-Adriatico Begins

Wed Mar 11 2009 11:17am — roadskater
0

Christian Vande Velde (USA) of Garmin-Slipstream put in quite a strong and exciting performance today in the Paris-Nice! A second day in a row of real effort and dramatic action down to the finish. Vande Velde flew along damp and curvy mountain roads and blasted through village twists and turns and left the chasers arcing wider than they hoped through the tight rolling streets of the finish. 

Here's some video without commentary that shows some of the final chase...worth watching...

Locations

Vichy
France
46° 7' 23.0376" N, 3° 25' 20.6292" E
Saint-Étienne
France
45° 26' 22.6932" N, 4° 23' 16.1916" E
Cecina
Italy
43° 18' 37.4472" N, 10° 31' 4.026" E
Capannori
Italy
43° 50' 33.5832" N, 10° 34' 9.8616" E
roadskater's picture

A Crack in Astana's Armor at Paris-Nice? Sylvain Chavanel Wins Wet Third Stage and Takes GC Lead Over Alberto Contador

Wed Mar 11 2009 6:20am — roadskater
0

I only saw a half hour or a bit more of the third stage of the eight-stage (seven plus short prologue), but it was some of the most fun I've had watching cycling this year. It was a bit mucky out and the roads were less than optimal, and the entourage was more like that of Tour de Georgia or Tour of California. Quaint, compared with Le Tour de France. That alone was fun.

Locations

Orval, F18
France
46° 43' 30.486" N, 2° 28' 50.8404" E
Vichy, C03
France
46° 7' 23.0376" N, 3° 25' 20.6292" E
roadskater's picture

Some Humor and Some Fodder on the French, Razors, Rollerblades, More

Fri Feb 13 2009 1:24pm — roadskater
0

If you want to read some funny comments and real observation (including why we need to be careful and caring when on skates), check out this little piece observing life in heaven, or hell, depending whether you love the little wheels. We need not be a nuisance of course, and plenty of other wheeled and non-wheeled folk are, but remember, we are a minority and thus often must meet a higher standard, or at least it helps if we do! As for the scooters (which I notice in parks parents are less likely to make kids wear a helmet when using!)....

Location

Paris, J75
France
48° 51' 24.0012" N, 2° 21' 3.5532" E
roadskater's picture

Dopers, Testers, Tests, Lance Armstong, Tour de France, Vuelta, Giro, Garmin-Chipotle

Fri Oct 24 2008 12:40am — roadskater
0

Well the Tour de France route for 2009 has come out, and there's some new old stuff, like the Team Time Trial is back. Some say this makes Lance Armstrong more likely to show up, some say less, and he seems to want some assurances from the organizers about respectful treatment or some such.

Meanwhile Contador sounded welcoming at first, but lately perhaps less so, and Vino's name has surfaced as well. Nothing solid here from me...just some impressions.

Location

Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Paris 75008
France
48° 52' 11.2836" N, 2° 18' 27.3096" E
timv's picture

Staying Cool: Temperature Management Ideas from the Tour de France

Tue Aug 12 2008 3:32am — timv
1

Good stuff from Velonews about Team Garmin-Chipotle and how Dr. Allen Lim improved performance and recovery by keeping the riders cool:

The team believes dealing with heat is more than just an issue of comfort.

roadskater's picture

100 Police on Rollerblades (Inline Skates) Guard Olympic Torch Relay in Paris

Sat Apr 5 2008 11:26am — roadskater
0

OK it's not too important, but I'm always fascinated by any mention of the inline skating police in Paris. This seems a not so wonderful way to catch criminals, so I guess their duty is limited to situations where they're just a helpful resource. Only in movies where the thiefs run straight down a sidewalk or road conveniently would the skates be that great for the chase. However, being included in any honor guard that includes motorbikes and firefighters is pretty nice. We're on a thin schedule of reinforcement, we skaters!

Location

United States
48° 51' 30.6108" N, 2° 17' 39.7032" E
See map: Google Maps
roadskater's picture

Photos of Vintage Bikes in Gaiole, Chianti, Italy for L'Eroica: Plus Firenze, Siena, Grosseto

Mon Oct 15 2007 12:59pm — roadskater
3

If you get a few minutes, please take a look at some bicycling, touring and vintage bike photos of Italy from Dale Brown at Cycles de Oro. There are lots of nice photos of the buildings, streets, people, and of course, classic bikes of Italy! Thanks for sharing, Dale! You're making us really jealous of your time in Italia. I just wish I could hear the narration that goes with this slideshow, because I know Dale has tons of great stories.

roadskater's picture

London England UK Mayor Wants Tour de France to Return Soon

Tue Jul 31 2007 2:12pm — roadskater
1

Good vibes all around from London, England and the UK from hosting the Tour de France, or so it seems. I thought it was interesting and fun, and especially since the weather was so great for those days. The English really came out to look and seemed to be enthusiastic. I'm glad they're not piling on as there are enough piles to go around already. Mo' bettah testin' throughout the ranks I say and careful living for the riders it seems. It's a job many of us would gladly take!

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