TdF Stage 15

**VTskibum** · 07-20-2004, 08:46 AM

Wow that was an amazing finish for the day!!

Lance in YELLOW!!

**Artie Fufkin** · 07-20-2004, 08:49 AM

I was listening to the audio, Ligget was out of control, great call. I will definitely have to catch the replay tonight. Where were Jan's legs a few days ago? Good to see Levi getting into the mix.

**spanky** · 07-20-2004, 08:52 AM

Great finish (at least the audio). I wish my cable company carried OLN.

**ulty_guy** · 07-20-2004, 09:11 AM

i thought he might lead out levi or something, but with 6 so close, he's not leaving anything to chance...

GO LANCE!

p.s. what a psychological blow the night before the mountain TT

**Crinkle** · 07-20-2004, 09:15 AM

Oh that was nice. Super exciting stage over the last 30 minutes of racing. Lance was pumped, you could totally tell in his manner and him pumping his fist at the finish line. Cold smoked 'em.

**Artie Fufkin** · 07-20-2004, 09:27 AM

Not that this means much at this point, but it could give some indication on how Basso and Lance match up for the AdH TT. Here are the Mt Ventoux TT results from the Dauphiné Libéré back in June:

1 Iban Mayo (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 55.51.49 (23.202 km/h)
2 Tyler Hamilton (USA) Phonak Hearing Systems 0.35.26
3 Oscar Sevilla (Spa) Phonak Hearing Systems 1.03.09
4 Juan Miguel Mercado (Spa) Quick.Step-Davitamon 1.48.44
5 Lance Armstrong (USA) US Postal presented by Berry 1.57.89
6 Inigo Landaluze (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 2.22.75
7 José Gutierrez (Spa) Phonak Hearing Systems 2.44.09
8 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Rabobank 3.21.18
29 Ivan Basso (Ita) Team CSC 6.43.87
30 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Brioches La Boulangere 6.47.88

**InspectorGadget** · 07-20-2004, 09:35 AM

Wow! What a stage!!

The responsibility of going to work pulled me away from the OLN broadcast . . . . listening online is better than nothing. Listening online reminds me of Ronald Reagan's open mic gaff - when he said we'll start bombing Russia - because it seems they often leave a live microphone. So when they invited Robin Williams into the booth during a commercial break I was really expecting the sparks to fly.

I can't wait for the time trial tomorrow - Jan won't have anything for Lance. Basso? Maybe, but not likely. Will anyone else step up to the plate?

**ulty_guy** · 07-20-2004, 09:46 AM

i'm really hoping that they're going to take security very seriously tomorrow. are there going to be barriers the whole way?

**Artie Fufkin** · 07-20-2004, 09:51 AM

Originally posted by InspectorGadget

I can't wait for the time trial tomorrow - Jan won't have anything for Lance. Basso? Maybe, but not likely. Will anyone else step up to the plate?

Reviewing the top ten GC I do not think there is anyone that going's to put a big dent in LA's lead. It appears that he is a stronger time trialist than Basso and Jan is too far back for it to matter. It would take a complete blow up by Lance for a shake up. Lance is definitely more on his game than he was last year, I'd bet that Lance wins the TT tomorrow, especially know that Mayo and Hamilton are gone, those two looked really good on Mt Ventoux in June.

Edit: This looks like a guy who will go for the win on AdH...

**Plakespear** · 07-20-2004, 09:52 AM

FKNA!!! Absolutely amazing!

**Foggy_Goggles** · 07-20-2004, 09:53 AM

Originally posted by ulty_guy
i'm really hoping that they're going to take security very seriously tomorrow. are there going to be barriers the whole way?

From a race or terrorist perspective? I've always thought that the TDF would make a ridiculously easy and effective terrorist target. It's a sad commentary on the world today that it even crosses my mind but a suicide bomber blowing up the peleton comprised or riders representing many countries of the developed western world would create plentry of shock and awe.

**ulty_guy** · 07-20-2004, 09:56 AM

first from a cyclist safety perspective. a large scale attack in the mountains would be logistically very difficult. besides, the french have been against the war, etc from the get go.

don't forget that merckx had someone jump out and punch him in the gut on his last best chance to win number six.

**Artie Fufkin** · 07-20-2004, 10:12 AM

The terrorist attack talk is a buzzkill following an amazing stage, but I guess it's a reality. I don't think Lance is going to give up any ground tomorrow. Maybe at this point the story will be if Jan can break into the top 3 tomorrow. Based on his attack today, I think he is out to prove that he was better prepared than what he showed in the Pyranees. I would guess that Jan is better in the TT than some of the others and could possibly get into the top 3.

GC after stage 15

1 Lance Armstrong (USA) US Postal p/b Berry Floor 67.13.43
2 Ivan Basso (Ita) Team CSC 1.25
3 Andreas Klöden (Ger) T-Mobile Team 3.22
4 Francisco Mancebo Pérez (Spa) Illes Balears - Banesto 5.39
5 Jan Ullrich (Ger) T-Mobile Team 6.54

**Woodsy** · 07-20-2004, 10:12 AM

couldn't leave the house till it was done, what a stud, complete change of strategy when Ullrich surged & he still just hung on till he needed & stepped it up.

Amazing that the only differences in he & Basso's time are the trials.
Talk about a young man in the shadow of greatness.

anyone know how I can contact Greg LeMond & tell him to bring the proof or shutthefuckup.
edeet for Viva
http://feeds.foxsports.com/story/2577428