Uh, Lance already has about a minute lead over all of his fiercest "competitors" after the first two stages. Is it over already?


And did anyone catch the fact that Lance was the "randomly-chosen" rider to be drug-tested before the first stage? Every rider was tested the day before, and there was to be one rider chosen at random to be tested the next. Shocking that it was Lance. France, you are a homo.

God I hate France



VIVA LE LANCE!!! Make Austin proud

I've never really watched cycling...but I saw the final 2 KM's of today's stage. Holy shit, those guys are nuts! I'm surprised there aren't way more crashes.

Say what you will....but those guys are in seriously good shape.

Oh how I love this time of year! The tour is always great entertainment and fun to watch.

Also fun to post in the "le tour" thread on this board year after year, looking forward to some good dicussions.

First, Ullrich achieved something. He probably never lost a tour this early. He's still my favorite rider, but probably with no chance at all again. I hoped for a 2003-revisited, but it looks more like a 2004-again.

I don't like Armstrong. Of course, props to him of what he achieved and everything, but to most europeans he's just an arrogant son of a b.... . Excuse my french. A friend of mine said, a canibalistic robot. I can't say I wouldn't agree.

This year I pretty much don't care a lot who wins if it's somebody else than Armstrong. Enough is enough. But I'm not sure if there are riders who can beat him. Theoretically yes, practiacally, probably no. Basso is too much up Armstrong's ass, he'll wait until next year. I hope for Ullrich, but like I said, I don't think he has a chance. Vinokurow has the best shot IMO, maybe together with Ullrich and Klöden there's a way to beat Armstrong.

I know Armstrong is pretty populart on this board, so that there's no misunderstanding I stated my dislike for him right away. Nevertheless I hope we can see over our personal favorits and unite in our love fpr "let tour" and have some fun discussions on here.

Later...

GO LANCE!!!!!

Yeah, I forgot to mention Lance's passing Ullrich during the time trial. That was great.

I guess the best analogy to relate the Euros' dislike of Lance is comparing him to the Yankees in the states. I'm sure there are "**Official Lance Sucks**" threads all over French message boards. Though the degree to which Yankee-haters hate the Yankees is likely far above the dislike Euros have for Lance.

The other big difference is that Lance doesn't use illegal drugs. Vive les Etats-Unix!

Dude in the yellow jersey went down HARD in the team time trial. It will be interesting if Discovery team tries to keep Lance in the yellow till stage 10 (first mt. stage).

Ullrich had a bad crash involving a vehicle and no helment a day or two before the tour. But, I don't think he would have been a factor anyway.

The team time trial was great. Just can't get use to the new team colors. Can't wait till stage 10.

Team Discovery Channel!

Le Tour de *Lance

I don't think so. They will only protect if one of the contenders for the yellow jersey tries to break away. If some riders that are not dangerous to Armstrong overall, they will probably let them go. Discovery won't use too much of their energy until they get to the harder mountain-stages.

I hope Norwegians Thor Hushovd and Kurt Asle Arvesen makes a good impression during the race.

Quite possibly one of the funnier Simpson's references that make their way on here. I dont remember what episode it was from though, i just know he and Nelson were paired up for something...

Finally someone had the guts to attack Armstrong even on a flat stage. Vinokurow attacked 2 or 3 kilometers before the end and, as it looks of now, gained 28 seconds and moved up to second place 53 sec. behind Armstrong. Vinokurow'll probably be the thoughest contender for Aemstrong. But we'll have to see what the jury decides, une terrible chute happened again, 900-1000 meters before the finish.

So, "le jury" set all riders from place 3 to 126 straight with 7 seconds behind the winner and Vinokourov. Well at least he gained 19 seconds with the time plus for being the runner-up, better than nothing and at least a hint towards not letting Armstrong win without a fight.

I can't wait until Lance retires and we can go back to not giving a shit about bicycle racing.

heh, when did they let you back?

per topic, i think lance is a douchebag juicer. i still hope he wins though because he's a pseudo-american.

Based on what? What're you--French?

My boss and his wife (my best childhood friend) are leaving for Europe tomorrow to participate in a bike tour that coinsides with the Tour de France.... they will be gone until the 22nd. They are really excited about the prospect of seeing Lance in action.

We here have been left to house, dog, and bird sit, while Grandma and Grandpa take care of the kids.

It's gonna be a long month

i just believe the guys who have accused him, specifically lemond. and i'm contrarian.

Lemond should take up hunting.

Yeah, I should've just chalked it up to that.

So, the countless drug tests he's had to take and passed mean nothing to you?