Apart from two points of atypical atypicalness: noone has been busted for drugs yet, and reigning Tour champion Alberto C*ntador keeps falling off his treadly.
Now, you'd figure someone who'd won the odd Grand Tour, like El Twatador, would have a grasp of that critical, if underrated skillset of not crashing your very expensive, very flimsy racing bicycle into things, like the ground, or other people. Apparently not, given that C*ntador has managed to drop it into the bushes on more stages than he hasn't so far this year. The causation factor remains obscure. An inner ear imbalance? Choosing slicks rather than wets? Nudged off by jealous competitors? Or is he just a fucking tosser? Disturbing as it may seem, despite the camaraderie and code of ethics amongst the peleton, it may well be that C*ntador is being quietly eased into the roadside furniture by his fellow pros, just because of who he is. A fucking tosser.
However, it has enabled possibly the most ironic piece of commentary to ever pass the lips of prehistoric cycling commentarialist Phil 'Leakygas' Liggett, as broadcast on Stage 6 this morning NZST: "Now, they won't attack Contador while he's having bike trouble..."
A courtesy he didn't extend to Andy Schleck last year, of course.
The Doctor is OUT. It's a pity C*ntador isn't.
3 comments:
It surprised me that Cavendish had actually won a stage. Despite having a TV set up next to my bed for the specific purpose of watching "le tour" I must have slept through that one. But then again, you can pretty much sleep through the first week of the tour - it's all the boring, long, boring, flat, (did I say boring) days that sprinters usually win. A couple of hilltop finishes have catered more for the climbers though, and provided more for the sprinters to whinge about.
IMO, the tour kind of starts tomorrow as they get to the Massif Central. I've gotta back Cadel as the Aussie, and he seems in good form, but DAMN I wish he was a bit more likeable. In interviews, he too seems a bit whiny, and all about him.
My tip, Andy Schleck. I just reckon he outclimbs Cadel when it counts, and C*ntador seems to be struggling a little.
It surprises me when Cav fails to win a flat stage. Must do him, too, given that he usually bleats about interference immediately after the stage finish when he doesn't get it on the line. Last few years he's had a run going like Robbie McEwen or Cipo or Zabel in their pomp - bunch sprint finish means it's theirs to take.
Cadel is tricky to like. Even when he won on S4 he almost sounded surprised and apologetic. But he does have Big Time on C*ntador, who may burn himself up trying to beat Schleck mano e mano style.
Damn, I missed the motorbike crash!
drej
Post a Comment