Are you serious??? I haven't posted in 2012?? Wow. Anyway, on to the tour...
Got a few chills watching the intro package to the Tour. I was sad awhile back when I heard Andy Schleck wouldn't be riding. I just finished watching this year's Giro, very exciting to see Canadian Ryder Hesjedal stand on top of the podium! A historic moment for Canadian cycling.
My pre-prologue meal: Water. Two pieces of squirrely bread with organic peanut butter and cream cheese. Followed by a very small float of high quality vanilla ice cream and "natural" root beer. Rode the 6.4k distance on the stationary bike. My timing system isn't quite to the level of the pros, but 13:30 or so (according to the readout, looked like I was going in the 30-31km/h range most of the time - nearly the 55km/h record eh ;). I won't be able to continue to ride the same distance as the riders, obviously. Plus, I have to go away (business, some pleasure) during the Tour.
Glad to see Fabian Cancellara take the win. Yay Spartacus!
When the 3plus hours of t.v. coverage concluded, I wondered how I could wait for the next stage. Very exciting. A few notes - how about the slimmed down Cavendish? Cadel's warmup makes me feel like a workout loser. Holy timetrials! Congrats George Hincapie on a record start. Liege - beautiful! Nice to see Alejandro Valverde (see previous blogs) - too bad you can't hear how I say his name when you read the words - he was one of the first names I recall when I originally got into watching the pros, fond memories. Don't know who I'd pick to win it all - love to see Ryder do it but not sure if this is his year - can't wait to see him win one though - whether this year or another. If I had to choose between the G.C. favorites that come to mind, I figure Cadel might be able to do it (again). Seems like a nightmare with Radioshack Nissan Trek but I wonder... Too bad no Johan Bruyneel.
Must also say that I continue to love Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen (and Bob Roll and Liam McHugh are good too) - I really liked Bob when he was the guest co-commentator on a Giro stage). 40 years for Phil!!! So grateful to the person who introduced me to watching the Pro riders. So grateful! Even got to see most of the Tour of California this year too. And so much more in HD now, awesome!
Vive Le Tour!!!
