Velominati Super Prestige: Le Tour de France Stage 19
After such an epic and, frankly, shocking (as in stunning, stupendifying and surprising) stage to the Galibier last night, it’s going to take more than a few hours to recover and get back on track for tonight’s VSP stage to the mythical L’Alpe d’Huez.
I think the semantics of Stage 18 have been covered brilliantly by the Community here, and there’s nothing left for me to say about it except, wow.
So without further ado, and with the maximum time for you to get your tips in, we present the VSP for Stage 19, the Queen of the climbs, L’Alpe d’Huez. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle, because if you though that was good, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
You know the drill. Good luck!
@brian
Yeah, Garmvelo totally redeemed themselves. Like a lot of other riders. Rule #5 will do that.
I think I’m in the minority here, but anyone else to finally have Voekler drop out of Yellow? Love the guys heart, but I was getting really tired of watching him beat his bike to death alongside all those other riders.
Not to take anything away from him, but it was getting a bit long in the tooth…
@pakrat
Word.
@frank
TV just has no panache. Sits on wheels, and really, his MJs were all the result of no one giving a shit about him. Fuckwad doesn’t even zip up for finish photos. Not easy to like.
Compare to Soler (Merckx I hope he’s ok) or even Cuddles who both rather look like shit on their bikes. Maricio is all over the damn thing, but yeesh, he’s kiling it. TV just looks like “who can I follow and get a free ride from?” there are Rules against this shit.
@harminator
According to Bicycling Magazine, Contador is giving up is bid for the jersey so a last-minute attack, even outside of any traditions, is even more unlikely.
@mcsqueak
Hehe. That’s funny.
@Eightzero
I think that’s a bit harsh.
TV’s been an attacking rider all through the spring. He’s covered all the big moves this year. Yes, he hasn’t been ploughing furrows like Cuddles, Cont and Angry Stomach, but I suspect he’s just beginning to realize he’s got a pair.
Can’t say the same about the Count or Cunego who have had a fairly workmanlike tour.
TV has absolutely shelled himself every stage and that I think is great to watch.
Conti for boxing!
Seriously nice right! Bertie advertises his next venture: boxing!
@JPA
The punch made me really really happy.
Just reflecting on Rolland and his win, I came across this pic, which is terrific from a series of different vantage points.
I laughed when I read “mythical Alpe d’Huez” in this article… I think you meant mythic, @brett. Mythical is what a unicorn is. I think there is enough supporting evidence to prove that Alpe d’Huez exists.
@Calmante
I laughed when I read this. But not at your words.
Ouch. Burned.