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New Cycling season

Just ordered my Gtech bike and watching the news to see that it is believed that Froome has lost many races due to motorized cycles competing against him!

If you see a fat old guy wearing a Manx flag going up Tourmalet ahead of the field this year......that will be me @Rich Taff

@Tony_Manx

Haha, I saw an advert for one the other day. Aren't they also known as 'Team Katusha standard issue' though?
I would be willing to send you at least 10 pennies (less postage) if you were dressed as a 1930's Matron, with a basket on the front of the bike, and you overtook them on Alp d'huez (whilst spraying acid on all the idiots in fancy dress (apart from yourself) who run inside the barriers).
Note - the acid can be carried in the basket, along with other essentials.

PS. Yes, I still can't figure out how to use the @Tony_Manx thingy.
 
@Tony_Manx

Haha, I saw an advert for one the other day. Aren't they also known as 'Team Katusha standard issue' though?
I would be willing to send you at least 10 pennies (less postage) if you were dressed as a 1930's Matron, with a basket on the front of the bike, and you overtook them on Alp d'huez (whilst spraying acid on all the idiots in fancy dress (apart from yourself) who run inside the barriers).
Note - the acid can be carried in the basket, along with other essentials.

PS. Yes, I still can't figure out how to use the @Tony_Manx thingy.
@Rich Taff.....it arrives demain and am setting off immediately to make sure I get to the Alps in time!!!

I had to read your comment many times but still think that you seem to be technically calling me an idiot?!!!
 
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@Rich Taff.....it arrives demain and am setting off immediately to make sure I get to the Alps in time!!!

I had to read your comment many times but still think that you seem to be technically calling me an idiot?!!!

Whilst I may be thinking it, I would never call you it. Using the BODMAS rule, I've excluded you from the idiocy, via clever use of brackets and alcohol.

The alcohol has convinced me that I did it correctly.

Now, go get your 'matron' on, and start planning! ;)
 
Ah you have seen the puzzle!! Did you solve it before you saw the solution though?!!
 
@Tony Manx Giro stage today......
e31.jpg
 
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You heard that Kennaugh broken his collar and probably miss TdF @Rich Taff
 
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You heard that Kennaugh broken his collar and probably miss TdF @Rich Taff

Yeah, gutted about that. He's a really important part of the team.

On the bright side for Sky, they appear to have been spreading all their climbers out, and going for stage wins etc. When they get together, this is going to be an even stronger team for the TdF. Quite scary really.
 
@Rich Taff......the man showed his class today with two stages to go!!
 
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Missed it :( Worked until 6 then had to drive to Hampshire. Trying to find a replay of highlights.
@Tony Manx


Just caught the highlights. Really strong ride, and think Ritchie got a bit confused.

With the form of Henao, Pouls and Froome, the first mountain stage in the TdF could decide the entire thing.
 
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Missed it :( Worked until 6 then had to drive to Hampshire. Trying to find a replay of highlights.
@Tony Manx


Just caught the highlights. Really strong ride, and think Ritchie got a bit confused.

With the form of Henao, Pouls and Froome, the first mountain stage in the TdF could decide the entire thing.

Bugger! Family here most of the day and missed the highlights of today!!
 
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Sky team look so far ahead of everyone else, it's pretty nuts. Movistar's surprise package last year, with 2 top riders seems to have been 'challenge accepted', and Sky are not just setting crazy pace, but also attacking every 5 mins.
 
Got the highlights! Yeah agree about Sky but Froome really is something else! What chance then going after Porte with big money to get him back as leader when Froome starts to fade?
 
Got the highlights! Yeah agree about Sky but Froome really is something else! What chance then going after Porte with big money to get him back as leader when Froome starts to fade?

Think they're looking at 'G' for the next leader. Has the pace in the TT, potential on the sprint stages to come in highly ranked and 'small' enough to turn into a climber. Bit of a Wiggins 2.0.

'Wiggo' seems to be the 'feeder team' for Sky as well. Nice to see, and SOOOO much interest in cycling in the UK now, that it's getting gloriously popular as an 'elite' sport.
 
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Think they're looking at 'G' for the next leader. Has the pace in the TT, potential on the sprint stages to come in highly ranked and 'small' enough to turn into a climber. Bit of a Wiggins 2.0.

'Wiggo' seems to be the 'feeder team' for Sky as well. Nice to see, and SOOOO much interest in cycling in the UK now, that it's getting gloriously popular as an 'elite' sport.

Even I have joined in - only with electrical assistance!!
 
Had to be soul destroying for Contador et al, when they put in those breaks to try to clear Froome, and not only did he stick with them, but 5 minutes later the rest of the team turned up and took over the lead again.
 
Trying to get interested in the Aviva ladies tour, really trying but......queen of the mountains over hills I can walk up?

Lady pundits who either use the word definitely every other word or prattle in with far too much enthusiasm but also trying too hard to sell it as a hugely exciting sport and race when it just is not!!
 
[h=4]Dayamn!


The 2016 Team Sky Tour de France lineup in full:[/h]Chris Froome - age 31 - Great Britain
Heading into the 2016 event as a two-time winner and defending champion, Froome will be going all out to secure a third Tour de France victory this July. Fresh from recent overall success at the Criterium du Dauphine, he heads into his 12th career Grand Tour in promising form and backed up by a strong Team Sky lineup. One of the best climbers of his generation, Froome holds explosive power in the mountains which, coupled with his world-renowned time trial ability, makes him an accomplished all-round talent.
Sergio Henao - age 28 - Colombia
A supreme climbing force, Henao has supported winning efforts at Paris-Nice and the Criterium du Dauphine already this season, most recently linking up with Chris Froome to great effect. Along with Mikel Landa, Henao is one of two Team Sky riders to make his Tour de France debut this year. With five Grand Tour appearances to his name, the Colombian has shown he can play the super domestique role, as well as having the ability to win big races in his own right.
Vasil Kiryienka - age 34 - Belarus
One of the most loyal, powerful and respected riders in the peloton. The Belarusian is the reigning world time trial champion and will don the rainbow jersey during the Tour's two tests against the clock. Equally at home setting the tempo on the front of the bunch or up the road on a solo breakaway, 'Kiry' was part of the team for Chris Froome's first Tour success back in 2013. With 15 Grand Tours (and four stage wins) to his name he's no stranger to success.
Mikel Landa - age 26 - Spain
Adding huge strength to the team's climbing roster, Landa was forced to depart the Giro d'Italia in May due to illness, but bounced back with a superb attacking performance at the Dauphine. In his first race alongside Chris Froome the pair spearheaded a dynamic, attacking showing in the mountains. Mikel earned his reputation as one of the world's top Grand Tour riders in 2015 when he won two stages and finished third overall at the Giro. 2016 has already brought a stage win at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, overall victory at Giro del Trentino and now his Tour debut.
Mikel Nieve - age 32 - Spain
Now into his third season with the team, Mikel is no stranger to competing at the sharp end of three-week stage races. With top-10 overall finishes at the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a Espana already under his belt he is one of the best pure climbers around, winning the Mountains Classification at this year's Giro. The Basque native is one of two riders in the Tour de France line up to have also competed at the Giro this season, pulling off a rousing solo stage victory during the second week. Tackling his second Tour de France in the colours of Team Sky, 'Frosty' will be hoping to play a pivotal role in the mountains.
Wout Poels - age 28 - Holland
The Dutchman wrote a new chapter in Team Sky history this year when he took the team's first Monument Classic victory at Liege-Bastogne-Liege. With five wins to his name already in 2016, Poels will be hoping to continue that momentum into his fifth Tour de France. He played a key role in Chris Froome's success 12 months ago, notably stepping up in the final pair of mountain stages to help protect the yellow jersey. Poels adds further strength to the team in the high mountains.
Luke Rowe - age 26 - Great Britain
One of the brightest young British talents in the sport, Rowe has gone from strength to strength since turning pro with Team Sky in 2012. An old head on young shoulders, the Welshman is establishing himself as one of the team's in-race road captains and, in his Tour debut last season, helped support Chris Froome all the way to victory in Paris. A powerful presence on the flat and in the cross-winds, Rowe's penchant for the Classics has already seen him place fifth at the Tour of Flanders and eighth at Paris-Roubaix.
Ian Stannard - age 29 - Great Britain
A key part of the team's success since its inception, Stannard is one of the team's most hard-working and respected riders. When he isn't winning tough Belgian one-day Classics in his own right the Brit can be found contributing to stage race success. Having ridden into Paris alongside Chris Froome for both of his Tour victories, Stannard provides an assured presence and selfless shelter in the peloton for his team leader. He is also an adept climber, setting a tough tempo for others to follow on the way into the high mountains.
Geraint Thomas - age 30 - Great Britain
One of the most versatile riders in the sport, Thomas has shown he can excel no matter the terrain. Whether battling over cobbles or climbs, the Welshman is consistently in the mix, often fighting for victory. After securing the biggest win of his career earlier this season at Paris-Nice, 'G' now heads into his seventh Tour de France off the back of a superb performance last year. Playing an invaluable supporting role and improving in the mountains with each season, he has already been part of two Tour victories and will be looking to make it three in 2016.
 
@Tony Manx
That's the strongest team I've ever seen (not including APS of course).
 
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@Tony Manx
That's the strongest team I've ever seen (not including APS of course).

Just got back tonight on the crossing ex Caen and on the drive up there were lots heading for Le Grand Depart......looking forward to the next three weeks to follow Froome and Sky's assault but also to see if Cav has enough left in the tank to take a few stage wins although think Green is beyond him.....
 
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