Tour de France 2008 Live Dashboard
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Prior to each stage, George Hincapie talks about the race and what happens behind the scenes:
News and updates for Tour de France 2008
September 6 update: Early 2009 Tour de France Details and Rumours
July 28 update:
Four cheats and a cleaner Tour: Increased suspense, a boom in television ratings and happy sponsors left Tour de France chief Christian Prudhomme in a buoyant mood two days prior to the end of this year's race. — AFP/24
One nasty spill
for the Tour de France: Versus ratings could be down close to 20 percent — medialifemagazine
Carlos Sastre stresses his victory was a team effort — eurosport
CSC's future star: Andy Schleck interview — eurosport
Stage 21 result: Gert Steegmans saves the Tour for his QuickStep team by claiming the sprint finish on the last day
Étampes → Paris (Champs-Élysees), 143k (flat)
Stage 21 results; 1 Gert Steegmans (Bel) Quick Step 3.51.38 2 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Team Columbia 3 Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank 4 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Silence - Lotto 5 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 6 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 7 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 8 Robert Förster (Ger) Gerolsteiner 9 Leonardo Duque (Col) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 10 Robert Hunter (RSA) Barloworld Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 21 1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 1.05 3 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.20 4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 2.00 5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.12 6 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.28 7 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 6.32 8 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 7.02 9 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 7.26 10 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 9.12
Sastre wraps up his first Tour victory as Steegmans wins the finale — velonews Stage 21 Highlights — ASO/velonews The Last Km — sporza.be David Millar Post Race — velonews Cadel Evans Post Race — velonews Green Jersey winner, Oscar Freire, Post Race — velonews Stage winners recap: Part 1 and Part 2 — versus More Stage 21 clips — versus
ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Chris Boardman Podcast: their favourite moments of the 2008 Tour de France. — ITV Stage 21 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv
Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooRace wrap-up and Stage 21 preview: Étampes → Paris (Champs-Élysees), 143k (flat)
CSC now stands for Carlos Sastre Candil, the first new-era winner of the Tour de France? (photo submitted by Colin Flockton) |
I’m happy, content, calm and above all grateful — carlossastre
Tour de France recap in Photos — eitb24
Stage 20 results: Schumacher's win is overshadowed by Sastre's great defense of the Yellow Jersey
Saint-Amand-Montrond → Cérilly, 53k (TT)
Yellow Jersey podium salute
Stage 20 results; 1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 1.03.50 (49.817 km/h) 2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.22 3 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 1.01 4 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.05 5 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 1.37 6 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 1.55 7 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 2.06 8 Sebastian Lang (Ger) Gerolsteiner 2.19 9 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 2.21 10 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 2.29 11 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia 12 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.35 13 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.37 14 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 2.55 15 Jens Voigt (Ger) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2.59 Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 20 1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 84.01.00 2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 1.05 3 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.20 4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 2.00 5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 3.12 6 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.28 7 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 6.32 8 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 7.02 9 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 7.26 10 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 9.12
Spanish Eyes Are Smiling! — pezcyclingnewsSastre withstands a challenge from Evans to hold the overall lead — velonewsSastre: "El sueño de mi vida" — es.eurosport.yahooContador se alegra de la victoria de Sastre — es.eurosport.yahooSchumacher's time-trial win caps strong Tour for Gerolsteiner — velonewsAndrew Hood's Tour de France Notebook, stage 20 — velonews Stage 20 Highlights — ASO/velonews Stage 20 Highlights — versus Recap and Christian Vande Velde Interview — versus and more Stage 20 clips Christian Vande Velde Post-Race — velonews The winner, Stefan Shumacher, post-race interview — versus Sastre, Evans and Schumacher interviews in their native languages — es.eurosport ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Carlos Sastre and Bjarne Riis — ITV Stage 20 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 20 preview: Saint-Amand-Montrond → Cérilly, 53k (TT)
July 25 update: Although CSC is sitting one-two going into the decisive TT, many people including myself expect Cadel Evans to jump from fourth to the top step of the podium assuming his increasingly, nervous outward apprearance doesn't zap his superior strength against the clock. Based on last year's final TT average speeds for both Evans and Sastre, Evans will finish 2:17 ahead of Sastre tomorrow which would give him a 43 second victory. Riding with the Yellow Jersey often produces a great result and we could see one tomorrow by Sastre. In addition, this year's TT finale is on a rolling, more technical course that works to Sastre advantage. Either way, it should be a thrilling climax to three weeks of very close racing. "I think it's going to be a great battle for the GC. We haven't had a time trial where so many places overall are up for grabs. We're going to see a total shift in the top five and I don't think we've ever seen that before," predicts David Millar. — Steve
General classification heading into the TT 1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.24 3 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.33 4 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 1.34 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 2.39 6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.41
Current Situation
Start Order and Schedule
Sastre or Evans? Evans or Sastre? — cyclingnewsCarmichael Sez: After More Than 3000 Kms, Le Tour Will Be Decided By Seconds — pezMillar Tips Evans For Tour De France Victory — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 20 Preview — versus Johan Bruyneel after stage 17: Predicts the final outcome will be 1. Evans 2. Sastre 3. Menchov — velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: Stage 19 recap and Stage 20 predictions — ITV Stage 19 recap podcast and Stage 20 predictions — bikeradar
Le Direct: Live Video and Text for Tour de France 2008
Stage 21 start: Sunday 13:35 CET ();live video coverage starts: 13:30 CET ();
approximate finish: 17:20 CET ()
Send a comment or a new live link if you see something I've missed. — Steve
| media source | tv or internet | comments/restrictions |
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 live/rebroadcasts |
United States; live coverage and nightly rebroadcasts |
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live/rebroadcasts |
Canada; live coverage and nightly rebroadcasts |
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live video internet audio |
Open the video and audio in separate windows. (alternate video and audio) |
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live video w/ticker |
link removed at the request of ASO |
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live internet video |
link removed at the request of ASO |
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live internet video |
link removed at the request of ASO |
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live internet video |
link removed at the request of ASO |
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learn more/buy the slingbox |
Watch live tv over the internet using your home tv service. If you receive any of the broadcasts below at home then you can watch the Tour at work or anywhere else. |
| channelsurfing | live internet video |
Eurosport Germany |
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live tv schedule |
France; official source for pre-race, live, post coverage |
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tv schedule |
France; host town and backstage coverage |
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tv schedule |
France; 30 minutes of nightly highlights and analysis |
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live internet video |
For Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK; P2P access to the France 2/3 |
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live internet video |
French-speaking countries only; France 2, 3 and 4 online coverage; vidéos gratuites |
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live tv schedule |
UK; 4 hours of live coverage; nightly 60 minute recaps |
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live/highlights live internet video
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UK; Tour de France Preview, Fri, 7pm; weekends stages live from 2.30pm to 4.30pm BST; nightly highlights; daily podcasts |
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internet audio |
free; available worldwide |
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internet audio |
UK only; BBC live commentary of the last 1.5 hours each day |
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live tv schedule live internet video |
Italy; refer to the RAI Tre guide |
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live internet video |
Germany only |
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live/highlights |
Australia; live with next day highlights; Aussie Dashboard |
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live tv schedule |
Belgium; not sure if Sporza is streaming over the internet. Sporza TourTracker |
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live tv schedule live internet video |
Ireland only; both live tv and internet video |
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live tv schedule |
Denmark; live and rebroadcasts; Danish Dashboard and TourTracker |
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live internet video |
Denmark; possible source for worldwide live streaming |
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live video/ticker |
Netherlands; Dutch video and ticker. Silverlight version |
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tv schedule live video
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Norway only |
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tv schedule |
TV listings for all other parts of the world including Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America |
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official live ticker |
English; also available in fr | de | es |
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live text updates |
English |
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live text updates |
English |
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live text updates |
English ticker | check back at race time for more and updated links;  send a comment or a new live link |
Stage 19 results: Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis beats Jérémy Roy (Fra) Française des Jeux in another two-man sprint
Roanne → Montluçon, 163k (hilly)
high-res victory salute
Stage 19 results; 1 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis 3.37.09 (45.73 km/h) 2 Jérémy Roy (Fra) Française des Jeux 3 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Columbia 1.13 4 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram 5 Heinrich Haussler (Ger) Gerolsteiner 6 Leonardo Duque (Col) Cofidis 7 Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Liquigas 8 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 9 Robert Förster (Ger) Gerolsteiner 10 Julian Dean (NZl) Garmin Chipotle - H30 Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 19 1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.24 3 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.33 4 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 1.34 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 2.39 6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.41 7 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 5.35 8 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 5.52
Chavanel Wins Stage 19 — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 19 Highlights — ASO/velonewsChavanel Tops In Montlucon! — pezcyclingnews Bjarne Riis post-race (always a tough interview) — velonews Christian Vande Velde pre-race — velonews The Last Km — sporza.be The Last Km — versus and more Stage 19 clips — versus ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Carlos Sastre — ITV Stage 19 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 19 preview: Roanne → Montluçon, 163k (hilly)
July 25 update: Today should be a day for the sprinters and a chance for Oscar Freire to clinch the Green Jersey (points competition) making him the first Spaniard to do so. As mentioned yesterday, I'm working on version 2 of the steephill.tv dashboard so if you have a feature request then speak now or forever hold your peace. It can be related to layout, content, speed/performance, more/less links, more/less video stills, etc. — Steve
Stage 19 Preview — versus
Tour preview: Stage 19 for Freire? — bikeradar
Schlecks' Father's Car Searched — cyclingweekly.co.uk
Why haven't the Belgian's done well this Tour? — eurosport
Anger welling from within cycling to rid its ranks of drug cheats — canberratimes.au
Stage 18 results: Marcus Burghardt (Ger) Columbia beats Carlos Barredo (Spa) Quick Step in the two-man sprint
Bourg d'Oisans → Saint-Étienne, 197k (hilly)
high-res victory salute
Stage 18 results; 1 Marcus Burghardt (Ger) Columbia 4.30.21 (43.61 km/h) 2 Carlos Barredo (Spa) Quick Step Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 18 1 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.24 3 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.33 4 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 1.34 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 2.39 6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.41 7 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 5.35 8 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 5.52
Burghardt wins St. Etienne — velonewsBurghardt Shows Team Columbia Can Win Without Cav — cyclingweekly.co.ukCunego injuries force him to drop out of Tour — velonews Stage 18 Highlights — ASO/velonews The Last Km — versus and more Stage 18 clips — versus The Last Km — sporza.be Marcus Burghardt post-race interview — velonews Carlos Sastre pre and post-race — velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Johan Bruyneel — ITV Stage 18 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 18 preview Bourg d'Oisans → Saint-Étienne, 197k (hilly)
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#1: Alpe d'Huez |
#2: Col de Sarenne |
#3: Villard Notre Dame |
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Out of the Alps, but not done climbing — bikeradarCadel Evans against the world — Daniel Friebe /bikeradar Stage 18 Preview — versus Related:
2009 Tour of California Host Cities Announced — steephill.tvStage 17 results: Carlos Sastre (Spa) CSC-Saxo Bank wins Alpe d'Huez and takes the Yellow Jersey; Evans still looking good for the overall
Embrun → L'Alpe d'Huez, 210k (mountainous)
high-res victory salute
Stage 17 results 1 Carlos Sastre (Spa) CSC-Saxo Bank 6.07.58 (34.32 km/h) 2 Samuel Sánchez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 2.03 3 Andy Schleck (Lux) CSC-Saxo Bank 4 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 2.13 5 Fränk Schleck (Lux) CSC-Saxo Bank 6 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 7 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 8 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 9 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin Chipotle - H30 10 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 17 1 Carlos Sastre (Spa) CSC-Saxo Bank 2 Fränk Schleck (Lux) CSC-Saxo Bank 1.24 3 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.33 4 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 1.34 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 2.39 6 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale
Carlos Conquers Alpe D'Huez! — pezcyclingnewsSastre Wins On Alpe d'Huez, Takes Lead — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 17 Preview — versus Sastre wins the 2008 Alpe d'Huez stage — velonewsSaunier Duval quits cycling — bikeradarScott to take over team sponsorship from Saunier Duval — velonewsEvans Ready To Fight For Yellow In Tour de France Time Trial — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 17 Highlights — velonews The Last Km — sporza.be Carlos Sastre Post-Race Interview — versus Cadel Evans Post-Race Interview — eurosport Christian Vande Velde Post-Race Interview — velonews Johan Bruyneel post-race analysis: Predicts the final outcome will be 1. Evans 2. Sastre 3. Menchov — velonews Bjarne Riis discusses CSC strategy post-race — eurosport Post-race with the CSC team — velonews The Last Km — versus and more Stage 17 clips and interviews — versus Cadel Evans Pre-Race — eurosport Pre-Stage 17 and Post-Race Interviews — velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Chris Boardman Podcast: with today's guests Carlos Sastre, Andy Schleck and Johan Bruyneel — ITV Stage 17 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooNews Flash:
2009 Tour of California Host Cities Announced — steephill.tvStage 17 preview: Embrun → L'Alpe d'Huez, 210k (mountainous)
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#1: Alpe d'Huez |
#2: Col de Sarenne |
#3: Villard Notre Dame |
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The three hors catégorie climbs of stage 17:
Col du Galibier, 20.9 km at 5.6%
Col de Croix-de-Fer, 29.2 km at 5.2%
L'Alpe d'Huez, 13.3 km at 8.6%
Tour De France Leader Schleck Promises To Attack Main Rivals — cyclingweekly.co.uk
The peloton looks ahead to L'Alpe d'Huez — velonews
A good Stage 16 analysis and Stage 17 preview — bikeradar
Stage 17 Preview — versus
Lance Armstrong's 2001 win on Alpe d'Huez and Dutch corner on Alpe d'Huez
(montage photos courtesy of Colin Flockton)
Stage 16 results: Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale wins a fabulous stage; John-Lee Augustyn pulls a Van Est; Schleck defends Yellow but nothing more
Cuneo, Italy → Jausiers, 157k (mountainous)
no time for a high-res victory salute
July 22 update: What a great stage... too bad CSC wasted their firepower. Two massive climbs each accompanied by two, long harrowing descents; a four-man break followed by the Yellow Jersey group just two minutes back; a spectacular crash by Barloworld's John-Lee Augustyn after cresting first over Col de la Bonnette-Restefond (2800m, 26.7 km at 6.2%), the highest paved road in Europe today scaled first by the youngest rider in the Tour at just 21 years old. He would then lose five minutes waiting for the team car and a new bike after his bike slide hundreds of metres down to the valley. (His crash was reminiscent of the equally young Wim Van Est during the 1951 Tour.) Near the end of the descent among the four man break, it looked like Yaroslav Popovych would take the win, but it was Cyril Dessel who got his legs spinning better than anyone else after 24k of inactivity and slipped through the last few tight corners to claim the biggest win of his career. Incredible scenery and a terrific course. Most aggressive rider goes to Stefan Schumacher of Gerolsteiner who soloed most of the two climbs before running out of gas (air). Christian Vande Velde lost the back of the Yellow Jersey train on the last climb and later crashed on the descent. He finished in 26th, four minutes off the winning time and, more importantly, 2:30 back of the GC contenders. George Hincapie was in the main break until the last km up Col de la Bonnette-Restefond. He crested just 30 seconds back, but unfortunately the very technical descent prevented him from opening it up and he only took back six seconds over 24k downhill. Had he crested with the leaders, he most likely would have won. So close. The Bikeradar podcast (
) has a good analysis that is critical of CSC's tactics/missed opportunity. — Steve Stage 16 results 1 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 4.31.27 (34.70 km/h) 2 Sandy Casar (Fra) Française des Jeux 3 David Arroyo Duran (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 4 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Silence - Lotto 0.03 5 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia 0.24 6 Nicolas Portal (Fra) Caisse d'Epargne 7 Tadej Valjavec (Slo) AG2R La Mondiale 8 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 1.03 9 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28 10 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 11 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 12 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 13 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 14 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre 15 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 16 Johann Tschopp (Swi) Bouygues Telecom 17 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 1.32 18 Kanstantsin Siutsou (Blr) Team Columbia Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 16 1 Fränk Schleck (Lux) CSC-Saxo Bank 2 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 0.07 3 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 0.08 4 Carlos Sastre (Spa) CSC-Saxo Bank 0.49 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 1.13 6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin Chipotle - H30 3.15
Dessel drills it to win stage 16; Schleck defends yellow — velonewsDessel Wins Stage 16 — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 16 Highlights — ASO/velonews The Last Km — sporza.be The Last Km — versus and more Stage 16 clips and interviews — versus John-Lee Augustyn pulls a Wim Van Est — versus George Hincapie post-race — velonews Jonathan Vaughters post-race discussing CVV's performance — velonews Christian Vande Velde Post-Race Interview — versus Pre-Stage 16 and Post-Race Interviews — velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guests the Schlecks — ITV Stage 16 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo
John-Lee Augustyn pulls a Wim Van Est — versus Stage 16 preview Cuneo, Italy → Jausiers, 157k (mountainous)
July 22 update: Rest day town Cuneo, Italy plays host for today's start as the riders head back into France via two HC climbs including the highest Tour summit ever and one of highest in Europe, Col de la Bonnette-Restefond (2800m, 26.7 km at 6.2%). The earlier HC climb, Col de la Lombarde (21.2 km at 7%) is even tougher. There is going to be mass carnage! The riders will descend 24k to the finish in Jausiers and don't be ashamed if you've never heard of it. With only 1000 residents, it's the smallest town to play host to a stage finish. Who says ASO is only interested in money. This is going to be a wild stage folks and a great opportunity for descending extraordinaire Samuel Sanchez.
Note the early live video coverage for today's stage. Also, note that ASO has asked sites like this to remove links to sites that are streaming video unofficially or outside their jurisdiction. Ok, so ASO is in it for the money too. — Steve
Stage 16 Preview (link fixed) — versus
Stage 16 Preview: Alpine Epic — cyclingweekly.co.uk
Tour 2008 Analysis: Six Days - Six Riders — cyclingweekly.co.uk
Monday is a rest day
Cadel Evans, seen here with his dog and wife, isn't concerned he's lost his lead to Frank Schleck. He is more worried about Denis Menchov. (AFP/ P. Hertzog). |
Evans: ‘We’re in Good Position’ — velonewsRest Day News Round-Up — cyclingweekly.co.ukEvery second counts — cyclingnewsMaillot Jaune Power Poll! — podiumcafeVande Velde ready for the ride of his life — velonewsStage 15 results: Simon Gerrans (Aus) Crédit Agricole wins from the four-man break; Frank Schleck now in Yellow
Embrun → Prato Nevoso Italy, 215k (mountainous)
high-res victory salute (complete with gleaming braces) high-res yellow jersey podium salute
Stage 15 results 1 Simon Gerrans (Aus) Crédit Agricole 4.50.44 (37.77 km/h) 2 Egoi Martinez De Esteban (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 0.03 3 Danny Pate (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.10 4 José Luis Arrieta Lujambio (Spa) AG2R La Mondiale 0.55 5 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 4.03 6 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 7 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 4.12 8 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 4.23 9 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 4.41 10 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 4.43 11 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas 4.46 12 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 4.50 13 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 15 1 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 63.57.21 2 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 0.07 3 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0.08 4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.38 5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.39 6 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.49 7 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 2.48 8 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 3.36 9 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 4.11 10 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 4.34
Simon Shines, Kohl Surprises & Schleck In Yellow! — pezcyclingnewsFrank Schleck takes yellow from Cadel Evans as the GC race tightens — velonewsOscar Pereiro: I thought I was going to die — velonewsHow Italy greeted the Riccò scandal — bikeradar Stage 15 Highlights — ASO/velonews The Last Km — versus and more Stage 15 clips — versus Last Km (no commentary) — eurosport Cadel Evans Post-Race: It's three against one... what can be expected? — eurosport The Last Km — sporza.be Christian Vande Velde Pre-Race — velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Chris Boardman Podcast: with today's guest rank Schleck — ITV Stage 15 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 15 preview: Embrun → Prato Nevoso Italy, 215k (mountainous)
 Col Agnel, viewed from the top, will be climbed at the start of stage 15. At 2744m, it is the third highest paved road in the Alps, after Stelvio Pass and Col de l'Iseran. |
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By his own admission, Cadel Evans' Silence-Lotto team doesn't seem good enough to protect his lead in the mountains. Yaroslav Popovych was signed from Discovery Channel last year with the expectation he'd be Cadel Evans' super-domestique much as he was for Alberto Contador at last year's Tour. But, Popovych looks like half the rider you used to be. Anyone know why?
Out of the gate tomorrow, riders will scale the HC Col Agnel which gets very steep at the top. Expect CSC-Saxo Bank to apply lots of pressue on Cadel Evans in their attempt to get the Yellow Jersey that they narrowly missed out on by one-second at the Hautacam. At the end of the 216k stage is the mountaintop finish at Prato Nevoso (11.4k @ 6.9%) in Italy. Note the early live video coverage for today's stage. — Steve
Willful ignorance is not an excuse: Oh, woe is me, have pity, my riders have done something horrible that I never ever could have possibly foreseen! I mean, who has ever heard of cyclists doping themselves? — cyclingfansanonymous.blogspot
Versus Debate: Versus seeing lower ratings for '08 Tour? — tdfblog
I'm afraid of CSC, says Cadel's boss — bikeradar
Cadel Evans looks at possible allies for the Alps — bikeradar
There are also heroes and they need you to believe — slipstreamsports/davidmillar
Stage 14 results: Oscar Freire wins the sprint finish in Digne-les-Bains for his 4th career Tour win
Nîmes → Digne-les-Bains, 195 (hilly)
high-res victory salute
Stage 14 results; 1 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank 2 Leonardo Duque (Col) Cofidis 3 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram 4 Julian Dean (NZl) Garmin Chipotle - H30 5 Steven De Jongh (Ned) Quick Step 6 Alessandro Ballan (Ita) Lampre 7 Rubén Pérez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 8 Jérôme Pineau (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 9 Matteo Tosatto (Ita) Quick Step 10 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 14 1 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.01 3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle 0.38 4 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 0.46 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.57 6 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28 7 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 1.56 8 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 2.32
Oscar Freire takes the 14th stage — velonewsFreire Fights For First! — pezcyclingnewsSponsor Barloworld to quit after doping — guardian.co.ukDueñas, Piepoli confessed; Barloworld to end sponsorship after Tour — cyclingnewsSaturday doping news update — cyclingfansanonymous.blogspot Stage 14 Highlights — ASO/velonews The Last Km — versus and more Stage 14 clips — versus The Last Km — sporza.be ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Chris-Boardman Podcast: with today's guest Ocsar Freire — ITV Stage 14 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 14 preview: Nîmes → Digne-les-Bains, 195 (hilly)
July 19 update: The action will continue to heat up today... literally as the riders crosss Province on there way to Digne-les-Bains where temperatures are expected to hit 32C at the finish. The riders will encounter two cat 4 climbs and a lot of gradaul climbing in today's stage. Mark Cavendish has been making his sprint finish victories look too easy, so thankfully, a break stands a great chance of succeeding. — Steve
Stage 14 Preview — eurosport
Stage 13 results: Mark Cavendish wins again, his fourth victory in the Tour
Narbonne → Nîmes, 182k (rolling)
high-res victory salute
Stage 13 results; 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia 4.25.42 (41.10 km/h) 2 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Silence - Lotto 3 Romain Feillu (Fra) Agritubel 4 Heinrich Haussler (Ger) Gerolsteiner 5 Oscar Freire Gomez (Spa) Rabobank 6 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 7 Leonardo Duque (Col) Cofidis - Le Crédit par Téléphone 8 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram 9 Julian Dean (NZl) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 13 1 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.01 3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle 0.38 4 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 0.46 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.57 6 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28 7 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 1.56 8 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 2.32
Un, deux, trois, quatre: Cav' crushes — velonewsCav Does Four! — pezcyclingnewsSaunier Duval Sack Ricco and Piepoli — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 13 Highlights — ASO/velonews Mark Cavendish post-race — eurosport Mark Cavendish post-race press-conference — velonews The Last Km — versus and other Stage 13 clips — versus The Last Km — sporza.be ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Mark Cavendish — ITV Stage 13 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 13 preview: Narbonne → Nîmes, 182k (rolling)
July 18 update: Another sprinter stage today with a dead flat finish this time in Nîmes. I have a few thoughts about Riccardo Ricco's positive test for EPO, but for now I'll just say it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy (not!). Most of the best comments have been made in the news. Don't lose the faith folks; otherwise, you'll have to give up most other sports unless you don't mind being called a hypocrite. It's always darkest before the dawn. — Steve
Stage 13 Preview — versus
Stage 12 results: Mark Cavendish wins the sprint finish in Narbonne for his third stage win this year
Lavelanet → Narbonne, 168k (rolling)
high-res victory salute
Stage 12 results; 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Columbia 2 Sébastien Chavanel (Fra) Française des Jeux 3 Gert Steegmans (Bel) Quick Step 4 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram 5 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank 6 Francesco Chicchi (Ita) Liquigas 7 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 8 Leonardo Duque (Col) Cofidis 9 Julian Dean (NZl) Garmin Chipotle - H30 10 Heinrich Haussler (Ger) Gerolsteiner Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 12 1 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 50.23.05 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.01 3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.38 4 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 0.46 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.57 6 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28 7 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 1.56 8 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 2.32
Cavendish collects 3rd stage win; Evans keeps yellow — velonewsBlack Day But Cavendish Shines! — pezcyclingnews Stage 12 Highlights — ASO/velonews The Last Km — versus and more Stage 12 clips — versus The Last Km — sporza.be Mark Cavendish post-race — eurosport Cadel Evans post-race — eurosport Trent Lowe post-race discussing the Ricco news — eurosport George Hincapie at the start just after the Ricco news — eurosport Rider Poll on the demise of the UCI ProTour — velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Bjarne Riis — ITV Stage 12 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo
Ricco tests positive for the third generation form of EPO
BREAKING NEWS July 17 update:Riccò fails doping test – Saunier Duval out of Tour — cyclingnewsMillar: 'Riccò was too good to be true' — cyclingnewsDoping expert stunned by Ricco positive — bikeradarRiccò in police custody, "What
a disaster" says sports director — english.gazzetta.itStage 12 preview: Lavelanet → Narbonne, 168k (rolling)
In summer '06, my best one day ride ever ended in Saint Paul-de-Fenouillet, site of today's first intermediate sprint. I have many reports that are 50% complete sitting on my hard drive and my best ride is inexplicably part of the backlog and not ready when it counts most. I hope to complete the two-day Aude report by the next rest day. In the meantime, here's a picture of moi at the spectacular Gorges de Galamus just a few kms north of St.Paul. — Steve
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Unlike last year's fiasco, the two positive drug tests have not hindered the success of this year's Tour. It seems riders, media and the public are now confident the sport is moving rapidly in the right direction. Nobody seems to miss the fact that the UCI isn't overlooking the tests this year except a couple riders and maybe a few more before the event is over. ;) I'm also pleased to hear the official news reporting the demise of the UCI ProTour, but lets hope a stronger rider union develops to keep ASO's new dominance of the sport in check.
The crowd turnout for yesterday's stage was quite amazing. The Ariege is so thinly populated yet the crowds were huge. Today's start is in Lavelanet, just east of Foix and very close to the famous Chateau de Montsegur, site of the Cathars last stand which should get some helicopter time if you watch early enough... although the race heads away from the direction of Montesegur so maybe not. The shots from the sky yesterday were stunning. Today's stage looks like a sprinter's stage, but the temperature has been rising each day as we get closer to the Mediterranean and with the forcasted strong cross/tailwind, a break might succeed in Narbonne. Either way, it's going to be a fast stage. — Steve
Stage 12 Preview — versus
Rider Poll on the demise of the UCI ProTour— velonews
Stage 11 results: Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Nor) CSC-Saxo Bank leads out the three man sprint and barely holds on
Lannemezan → Foix, 166k (hilly)
no time for a proper high-res victory salute
Kurt-Asle Arvesen post-race interview — versusStage 11 results; 1 Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Nor) CSC-Saxo Bank 2 Martin Elmiger (Swi) AG2R La Mondiale 3 Alessandro Ballan (Ita) Lampre 4 Koos Moerenhout (Ned) Rabobank 5 Alexandre Botcharov (Rus) Crédit Agricole 6 Pierrick Fédrigo (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 7 Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Liquigas 8 Benoît Vaugrenard (Fra) Française des Jeux 9 Fabian Wegmann (Ger) Gerolsteiner 10 Marco Velo (Ita) Team Milram 11 Dmitriy Fofonov (Kaz) Crédit Agricole 12 Amaël Moinard (Fra) Cofidis 2.27 Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 11 1 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 46.42.16 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.01 3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.38 4 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 0.46 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.57 6 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28 7 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 1.56 8 Juan José Cobo (Spa) Saunier Duval-Scott 2.10 9 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval-Scott 2.29 10 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 2.32
Arvesen takes stage, Evans holds jersey — velonewsArvesen By A Tire! — pezcyclingnewsDuenas Caught With Banned Drugs At Tour de France — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 11 Highlights— ASO/velonews The Last Km — versus The Last Km — sporza.be Kurt-Asle Arvesen post-race interview — eurosport Stage 11 clips — versus Pre-race with Garmin-Chipotle's Christian Vande Velde () and Ryder Hesjedal () — velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Kurt-Asle Arvesen — ITV Stage 11 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 11 preview: Lannemezan → Foix, 166k (hilly)
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July 15 update:
Cycling Foix and Lavelanet ( ) and Col de Portel ( ): Tour de France recreational preview for stages 11 and 12
Other than the cat 1, Col de Portel (touring report ), at the 2/3 point, stage 11 is a relatively easy stage that will run parallel to the north side of the Pyrenees. The positioning of the big climb leaves open the possibly for a bunch sprint finish in downtown Foix. This stage could suit a sprinter like Eric Zabel who's also a decent climber. Foix is a neat, old historical town with excellent cycling roads. See our brand new Foix touring report of the surrounding area. — Steve
Stage 11 Preview — versus
Evans relaxed and ready at rest-day get-together — velonews
Second rider tests positive at Tour — velonews
Tuesday (Today) is the first rest day... and well-deserved
Tour de France - "The Big Picture" (great photo recap of the first 10 days) — boston ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast — ITV First ten stage recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradarCadel Evans, the Boxing Kangaroo — velonewsAndrew Hood's Tour de France Notebook, Rest Day No. 1 — velonewsRest Day News Round-Up — cyclingweekly.co.ukBREAKING NEWS: July 15 update:
Teams To Quit ProTour — cyclingweekly.co.ukAll teams decide to leave UCI ProTour series — cyclingnewsStage 10 results: Leonardo Piepoli (Ita)
and Juan José Cobo (Spa) give Saunier-Duval Scott one-two on Hautacam; Cadel Evans now in Yellow
Pau → Hautacam, 156k (mountainous)
high-res victory salute and a great Piepoli/Cobo action shot Cadel Evans post-race interview — versus and Evans on EurosportStage 10 results; 1 Leonardo Piepoli (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott 4.19.27 (36.08 km/h) 2 Juan Jose Cobo Acebo (Spa) Saunier Duval - Scott 3 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.28 4 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 1.06 5 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 2.05 6 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott 2.17 7 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 8 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 9 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 10 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 11 Moises Dueñas Nevado (Spa) Barloworld 2.27 Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 10 1 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 42.29.09 2 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.01 3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.38 4 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner 0.46 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0.57 6 Carlos Sastre (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 1.28 7 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 1.56 8 Juan José Cobo (Spa) Saunier Duval-Scott 2.10 9 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval-Scott 2.29 10 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 2.32
Evans in yellow as Piepoli wins atop Hautacam — velonewsPiepoli Pounces On Hautacam! — pezcyclingnewsPiepoli finalmente re
Evans fa sul serio — gazzetta.itVande Velde frustrated by Evans-Menchov lockdown — velonews Stage 10 Highlights— ASO/velonews Stage 10 Highlights — eurosport The Last Km — sporza.be Christian Vande Velde post-race interview — versus Stage 10 clips — versus ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Chris Boardman Podcast: with today's guests Frank Schleck and Cadel Evans — ITV Stage 10 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 10 preview: Pau → Hautacam, 156k (mountainous)
| From the 2000 Tour de France, Lance Armstrong drops Marco Pantini on the Hautacam and finishes 2nd on the day |
Stage 10 Preview — versusHautacam is this Tour’s first major challenge — John Wilcockson/velonewsHow Chris Horner is spending July? (funny photos/story) — everydayathleteblog
Stage 9 results: Riccardo Ricco dances away from the peloton then solos the descent of Col d'Aspin for his second Tour win this year
Toulouse → Bagnères-de-Bigorre, 224k (mountaineous)
high-res victory salute
Stage 9 results; 1 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval-Scott 5.39.28 (39.59 km/h) 2 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 1.03 3 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 1.17 4 Dmitriy Fofonov (Kaz) Crédit Agricole 5 Christian Knees (Ger) Team Milram 6 Maxime Monfort (Bel) Cofidis 7 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 8 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas 9 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre 10 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Silence-Lotto Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 9 1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 0.06 3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin Chipotle - H30 0.44 4 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 0.56 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 1.03 6 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 1.12 7 Stijn Devolder (Bel) Quick Step 1.21 8 Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 9 Samuel Sánchez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 1.27 10 Carlos Sastre (Spa) CSC-Saxo Bank 1.34
Cadel Crashes But Ricco Smashes! — pezcyclingnewsRicco Wins In Pyrenees — cyclingweekly.co.ukThe Cobra strikes on the first real mountain stage — tour-de-france.velonewsRiccò, un giorno da Pirata — gazzetta.it Stage 9 Highlights — ASO/cyclingnews The Last Km — sporza.be Stage 9 clips — versus Post race chaos— velonews ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Chris Boardman Podcast: with today's guests Phil and Paul — ITV Stage 9 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 9 preview: Toulouse → Bagnères-de-Bigorre, 224k (mountainous)
French Pyrenees Cycling Reports: 
• Col du Tourmalet, Luz-Ardiden • Col du Soulor, Col d'Aubisque • Col de la Core, Ariege • Col de la Crouzette, Ariege • Col d'Agnes and Col d'Escots |
Stage 8 results: Mark Cavendish takes a second stage win followed by teammate Gerald Ciolek in a wet sprint finish in Toulouse
Figeac → Toulouse, 174k (hilly)
high-res victory salute
Stage 8 results; winning time: 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Columbia 2 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Columbia 3 Jimmy Casper (Fra) Agritubel 4 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank 5 Robert Förster (Ger) Gerolsteiner 6 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram 7 Gert Steegmans (Bel) Quick Step 8 Sébastien Chavanel (Fra) Française des Jeux 9 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 10 Robert Hunter (RSA) Barloworld Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 8 1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0.06 3 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 0.16 4 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.44 5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 1.03 6 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 1.12
Columbia Double: Mark Cavendish takes a second stage win followed by teammate Gerald Ciolek while teammate Kim Kirchen retains the overall. — velonewsStage 8 report — itv Stage 8 Highlights— ASO/velonews The Last Km — versus Mark Cavendish Post-Race Interview — versus Confident Cavendish hails his dominant Columbia Team — eurosport Liquigas distances themselves after Beltran's positive — eurosport A bristly David Millar talks about Beltran's positive — velonews Frank Schleck responds to Kirchen's Luxembourg comments— velonews The Last Km — sporza.be ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Chris Boardman Podcast: with today's guest Mark Cavendish — ITV Stage 7 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar The Latest Interviews — velonews Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 8 preview: Figeac → Toulouse, 174k (hilly)
July 12 update: Yesterday's stage winner, Luis León Sánchez is one of the new, young and exciting stars that this sport needs to help us forget about the "old-guard" that continues to spoil the fun. If you haven't heard, Manuel Beltran of Liquigas and formerly of U.S. Postal and Mapei, has tested positive for EPO during this year's Tour. Beltran was a teammate of Lance Armstrong during three Tour runs and becomes the fourth former U.S. Postal rider to be caught for doping after leaving the team. Beltran is in the minority now and represents a mere nuisance to the sports wave of change.The Tour has proceeded with great success up to this point with exciting stages on scenic, narrow roads such as we normallly see in the Giro d'Italia. The new director of the Tour is earning high marks in the media for replacing the traditional week one flat stages with rolling to hilly stages on difficult roads. Stage 8 will be another such stage as we head down to Toulouse before heading into the Pyrenees on Sunday. Toulouse is the fifth largest city in France, Europe's capital of the aerospace industry and Europe's fastest growing city. I spent two months in Toulouse in the summer of 2006 and found it has an interesting, hip downtown core, good cycling through rolling farmlands to the south and good leisure cycling along the Midi Canal which runs through the city. I never got around to posting my photos and video from Toulouse, but since it also acts as the host city for Sunday's start maybe I'll some post on Saturday. (Don't Yawn). — Steve
Stage 8 Preview — eurosport
Beltran's positive shatters the clean image of this year's Tour
BREAKING NEWS: July 11 update:Tour Flash: Manuel Beltran accused of doping — bikeradarManuel Beltran Positive For EPO at the Tour de France — cyclingweekly.co.uk Liquigas distances themselves after Beltran's positive — eurosportBeltrán taken for questioning, Liquigas to continue — cyclingnews A bristly David Millar talks about Beltran's positive — velonewsStage 7 results: Luis León Sánchez (Caisse d'Epargne) solos the descent and run into Aurillac on a difficult, hilly, crosswinds day that riders rate the hardest of the Tour
Brioude → Aurillac, 158k (hilly)
high-res victory salute
Stage 7 results; winning time: 1 Luis León Sánchez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 2 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 3 Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Liquigas 4 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 5 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 7 1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0.06 3 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 0.16
Sanchez nabs stage 7 — velonewsTour Flash: Manuel Beltran accused of doping — bikeradarManuel Beltran Positive For EPO at the Tour de France — cyclingweekly.co.ukVande Velde: ‘The strongest I’ve ever felt’ — velonews Stage 7 Highlights— ASO/velonews Jersey presentations and interviews with Luis León Sánchez and Stefan Schmaucher — eurosport The Last Km — versus The Last Km — sporza.be Stage 6 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guests Cadel Evans, Kim Kirchen and David Millar — ITV Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahooStage 7 preview: Brioude → Aurillac, 158k (hilly)
July 11 update: It's been a gorgeous Tour so far and pretty darn exciting. Two uphill finishes, a successful break and a surprising TT all in the first 6 six days and only one pure sprint finish. Today will be another nervous, narrow, rolling route with five categorized climbs but nothing too severe. Just a 158k in length... more to come — Steve Stage 7 Preview — versus Stage 7 Quick Preview — eurosportStage 6 results: Riccardo Ricco wins on Super-Besse; Schumacher crashes in the last km and loses the Yellow Jersey to Kim Kirchen
Aigurande → Super-Besse, 195k (hilly)
high-res victory salute
Schumacher explains what happened the next day: As Schumacher says in the interview he was getting ready to move left for the sprint so his weight was on his left side when Kirchen and the others ahead of him swerved to the right. — versusStage 6 results; winning time: 4.57.52 (39.38 km/h) 1 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott 2 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 0.01 3 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 4 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 0.04 5 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 6 Moises Dueñas Nevado (Spa) Barloworld 0.07 7 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas 8 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank 9 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 10 Leonardo Piepoli (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 6 1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia 24.30.41 2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0.06 3 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 0.16 4 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.44 5 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30 0.47 6 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia 0.54 7 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 1.03 8 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 1.12 9 Stijn Devolder (Bel) Quick Step 10 Oscar Pereiro Sio (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
Report: Ricco Storms To Take Stage 6 — cyclingweekly.co.ukRiccò wins atop Super-Besse — velonews Stage 6 Highlights— ASO/velonews Stage 6 Highlights with Ricco and Schmaucher interviews — eurosportMillar: "I can't do this!" — velonewsQuesto Riccò è da sogno — gazzetta.itIl morso del Cobra, volata imperiale — it.eurosport.yahoo ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Kim Kirchen — ITV Stage 6 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar The Last Km and Post Race Interviews — versus The Last Km — sporza.be The Latest Interviews — velonews Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo
Stage 6 preview: Aigurande → Super-Besse, 195k (hilly)
July 10 update: Although not a mountain stage, Stage 6 will feature two cat 2 climbs at the end of the day with a mountaintop finish at the ski resort, Super-Besse. The climb to Super-Besse gains 519m in 11k for an average grade of 4.7% with the last 1.5 km being 10%. Kim Kirchen's excellent results on hilltop finishes this year including his win at La Fléche Wallonne make him one of favourites which must also include Stage 1 winner Alejandro Valverde and multiple Giro stage winner, Riccardo Ricco.
| Meanwhile, back in the U.S. at the Cascade Classic in Bend, Oregon: |
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Levi is still bitter ( ) |
Steve Cozza is thrilled for his Garmin teammates ( ) |
requires Google Earth) then a week ago Peter Eich pointed out the Tour de France google maps on his bikemap.net site with his simple but very cool map/profile integration that I haven't seen from anybody else online. Move your cursor along the profile next to each map and watch your current position move along the course map. Like I said, simple but cool... and well programmed.
More recently, I've received emails pointing out the Google Maps Street View of this year's Tour which I first saw on the TdfBlog, one of the longest running and best written blogs dedicated to mostly the Tour de France. The Street View mashup gives you a 360 panoramic view from anywhere along the route. Your vicarious Tour experience keeps getting better and better.
As reported by numerous people, the sputnik link required a password yesterday. To fill the gap, Pop Up Tv and the table of live video links have been updated with new video links. I may have two more options shortly.
— Steve
Stage 6 Preview: Predicting yellow: Showdown on Super Besse? — cyclingnews
Stage 5 results: Mark Cavendish wins the sprint finish in Châteauroux for this first Tour win
high-res victory saluteStage 5 results 1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Columbia 2 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank 3 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram 4 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole 5 Baden Cooke (Aus) Barloworld Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 5 1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia .12 3 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
Report — velonewsFast Cav Takes Châteauroux — pezcyclingnews Stage 5 Highlights — ASO/Velonews Stage 5 Highlights — eurosport The Last Km — sporza.be The Last Km — versus Mark Cavendish Post-Race Interview — versus George Hincapie Post-Race Interview — versus Mark Cavendish Pre-Race Interview — versus More Post Stage 5 Interviews — velonews Stage 5 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar ITV/Matt Rendell-Ned Boulting-Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Mark Cavendish — ITV Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo
Stage 5 preview: Cholet → Châteauroux, 230k (flat)
July 9 update: It's the longest stage of this year's Tour and maybe the flattest. You'd think this one is for Mark Cavendish, but few of the stages have panned out as expected. Update: As many of you have reported, the live sputnik feed is no longer readily accessible. — SteveStage 5 Preview "After getting it hopelessly wrong for the past couple of days, we're a little frightened to say" — cyclingweekly.co.uk Stage 5 Preview — versus Stage 4 roundtable podcast and Stage 5 preview — bikeradarStage 4 results: Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner is the surprise?? TT winner and takes the Yellow Jersey
Cholet Time Trial, 29k
Stage 4 results 1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 35.44 (49.534 km/h) 2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 36.02 3 David Millar (GBr) Garmin Chipotle - H30 36.02 4 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 36.11 5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) CSC-Saxo Bank 36.17 6 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 36.18 7 Jens Voigt (Ger) CSC-Saxo Bank 36.19 8 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin Chipotle - H30 36.21 9 George Hincapie (USA) Columbia 36.26 10 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas 36.31 Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 4 1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner 2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 0.12 3 David Millar (GBr) Garmin Chipotle - H30 4 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 0.21 5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) CSC-Saxo Bank 0.23 6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin Chipotle - H30 0.37 7 George Hincapie (USA) Columbia 0.41 8 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Columbia 0.47 9 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas 0.58 10 José Iván Gutierrez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 1.01
Schumacher wins the stage 4 time trial and takes the yellow — velonews Stage 4 Highlights— ASO/velonews Stage 4 Highlights (Italian) — eurosport Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo Stage 4 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar ITV/Matt Randell/Bob Roll Podcast: with today's guest Stefan Schumacher — ITV Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv
Jonathan Vaughters drops the F-bomb during a live in-car segment while rooting on David Millar
How the TT unfolded:
Stefan Schumacher crossing with the best time — versus
Cadel Evans also beat Cancellara's time. Then minutes later Evans was beaten by Millar and Kirchen who finished in a virtual tie for second:
Stage 4 preview: Cholet Time Trial, 29k
| Stage 4 preview — versus Stage 3 roundtable podcast and Stage 4 preview — bikeradar Rider Poll: Thoughts on the Stage 4 ITT — velonewsITT Start Order and ScheduleCurrent Situation
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), today's break likely succeeded because the team with the yellow jersey (Caisse d'Epargne) wasn't eager to defend it since their leader and pre-race favourite, Alejandro Valverde, is more interested in wearing it during the second-half of July. It was a slow stage and with 10k to go it was clear one of the four riders in the looong break was going to win his first Tour de France stage. For American Will Frischkorn, it was a bittersweet finish. As the last man selected to his wildcard Garmin-Chipotle squad, he's just happy to be in France this July, but he couldn't hide his disappointment in finishing a half a wheel behind the stage winner, Samuel Dumoulin of Cofidis. Frischkorn is a very well-spoken rider and you should check out his post-race interviews ().
Three days into the event, I'm getting a decent handle on all the links out there in cyberspace thanks to the help of those that have sent many of them in. It would take too long to summarize them all (actually I'm too lazy) so it's best just to scroll carefully and discover them for yourself. But, tonight I do want to isolate on the excellent podcasts available for this year's Tour. Just like last year, The British based ITV and Bikeradar are doing an excellent job with intriguing, forthright race analysis and they are entertaining as well. I have the ITV podcast now listed in each stage summary, but here's the ITV RSS Tour podcast feed for those on the go. Here is the Bikerader Tour Podcast feed and I have links to each episode in the preview section of each stage including this one. There is also another one to add for your commute by the independently (blogger) operated, The Fredcast. The show's host, David Bernstein, does a very professional job despite the lack big name guests that make the other two standout although he did get Phil Liggett one day. Here's the RSS feed for the Fredcast.
Tomorrow's stage 4 is a somewhat technical, likely windy, 29k individual time trial that starts and finishes in Cholet. The prodigious creator of the podiumcafe, Chris, has your in-depth stage 4 TT preview. — Steve
Stage 3 results: Samuel Dumoulin (Fra) Cofidis wins from the long, four-man break; Romain Feillu (Fra) Agritubel now in Yellow. St Malo → Nantes, 208k (flat)
high-res victory salute
Stage 3 results 1 Samuel Dumoulin (Fra) Cofidis 2 William Frischkorn (USA) Garmin Chipotle - H30 3 Romain Feillu (Fra) Agritubel 4 Paolo Longo Borghini (Ita) Barloworld 5 Robbie McEwen (Aus) Silence-Lotto 6 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 3 1 Romain Feillu (Fra) Agritubel
Report: Samuel Dumoulin wins, Feillu in yellow, Frischkorn so close — velonewsDon't Badger me, Bro (Hinault acts as podium security) — velonewsLong Break Not Doomed for Dumoulin — pezcyclingnews Stage 3 Highlights — ASO/Velonews Stage 3 Highlights — eurosport The Last Km — sporza.be The Last Km — versus More Stage 3 clips — versus Pre-Stage 3 and Post-Race Interviews — velonews Stage 3 recap podcast and post-race roundtable — bikeradar ITV/Matt Randell/Chris Boardman Podcast: Race analysis roundtable with guest Bob Roll — ITV Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo
William Frischkorn post-race interview — velonews Another Frischkorn post-race interview — eurosport Jonathan Vaughters post-race interview — velonewsStage 3 preview: St Malo → Nantes, 208k (flat)
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| Cycling Brittany, September 2005 — steephill.tv Stage 3 preview — versus Stage 2 review and Stage 3 preview — bikeradar |
/) from Roscoff before driving south for 5 epic cycling days in the French Pyrenees about 8 hours away by car.
Stage 3 has a gentle profile with a perfectly flat finish in Nantes that sets up nicely for Columbia's Mark Cavendish — Steve
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| Also see the new interview he did with Dan Friebe of Procycling Magazine: Talking Tour with Greg LeMond — bikeradar |
Stage 2 results: Thor Hushovd wins the strong man's sprint finish in St. Brieuc for his 6th career Tour win
Aura → St. Brieuc, 165k (rolling)
no time for a high-res victory salute and
Overhead helicopter video of the finish — eurosport
Stage 2 results 3.45.12 (43.83 km/h) 1 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Credit Agricole 2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 3 Gerald Ciolek (Ger) Columbia 4 Robert Hunter (RSA) Barloworld 5 Erik Zabel (Ger) Team Milram 6 Iouri Trofimov (Rus) Bouygues Telecom 7 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank 8 Jimmy Casper (Fra) Agritubel 9 Martin Elmiger (Swi) AG2R La Mondiale 10 Leonardo Duque (Col) Cofidis Full Results — cyclingnews General classification after stage 2 1 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 0.01 3 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank
Report — velonews Stage 2 Highlights — ASO/Velonews The Last Km — sporza.be The Last Km — versus and The Last Km without commentary — eurosport Post-race interview with the winner Thor Hushovd — versus Stage 2 clips — versus Phil Liggett's Audio Report — worldcycling.tv ITV/Matt Randell/Chris Boardman Podcast: Race analysis roundtable with guests Thor Hushovd and Greg LeMond — ITV Pre and Post Stage 2 Interviews — velonews Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo
Stage 2 preview: Aura → St. Brieuc, 165k (rolling)
July 6 update: As we saw yesterday in front of huge crowds, a good power climb finish is very thrilling to watch. The finish wasn't steep, but the peloton split in the strong winds. It reminded me of the wet stage 2 finish (won by Igor Anton) from last month's Tour de Suisse where Kim Kirchen also made his move with 500m to go (), but wasn't able to hang on. Most people were predicting Oscar Freire to win yesterday, but he ended up as the only sprinter among the top 10 counter to most expert opinions. Today we should get a flat sprint finish however, the run into the finish is twisting and rolling. Mark Cavendish says it's a strong man's sprint today more suited to Thor Hushovd but as not tough as yesterday's. It could be a good chance for Philippe Gilbert. Thanks to those (Seth M, Roger P, Dave M, Jim H, Peter B, Rudy S, John C, David T, Chris B) who have sent in emails with feedback and help summarizing the options for world tv and live internet coverage. The list is getting extensive, but most have country restrictions. Send me an email if you have something more to add or to make a correction. Steve
Stage 2 preview — eurosport Stage 1 review and Stage 2 preview — bikeradarJuan Mauricio Soler suffers possible wrist fracture — bikeradar.
Stage 1 results: Thrilling power climb finish in Plumelec as Alejandro Valverde surges past the field
high-res victory salute
Stage 1 results 1 Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 2 Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Francaise des Jeux 3 Jerome Pineau (Fra) Bouygues Telecom 4 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Columbia 5 Riccardo Ricco (Ita) Saunier Duval-Scott 6 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto 7 Fraenk Schleck (Lux) CSC-Saxo Bank 8 Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Liquigas 9 Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank 10 Oscar Pereiro (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne Full Results — cyclingnews
Valverde leaps uphill to stage win and [his first ever] yellow jersey — velonews Stage 1 Highlights — ASO/Velonews The Last Km — sporza.be The Last Km — versus and The Last Km without commentary — europsort Stage 1 clips — versus Alejandro Valverde post-race interview — eurosport Pre-Stage 1 Interviews — velonews ITV/Matt Randell/Chris Boardman Podcast: Race analysis roundtable — ITV Photos: cyclingnews | BBC | Graham Watson | sport.yahoo Pre-Race News Podcast — bikeradarBretagne (Brittany) Preview
July 4 update:Stage 1 Preview: Why We Think Freire Will Win — cyclingweekly.co.uk
Official Brittany TdF Site (French) Brittany Route MapParcours Up Close - Week 1 — pez Pre and Post Race Interviews — velonews Cycling Brittany '05 — steephill.tv
July 4 update: The bib numbers have been assigned, so barring any accidents the team rosters are now official. And if you haven't seen them yet, here are two new kits that will make there race debut this Saturday: Team Columbia's new kit (formerly High Road) and Team Garmin-Chipotle's debuts it's new kit (formerly Slipstream) — Steve
July 4 update: Absences make the Tour ... more interesting?: Pro cycling fans may find themselves unclear who to root for at this year's Tour de France. The list of familiar faces absent from this year's race is as long as it is top-heavy... The cumulative effect means this year's race will undoubtedly see the emergence of new stars -- riders, fans hope, who can be supported for years to come. — velonews
2008 Preview Videos and Analysis
July 3 update: Versus has posted preview videos for this year's event (see below). Also, check earlier posts: The Yellow Jersey Preview from last week and The Route Analysis from last October. |
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 The Tour's best and worst moments () |
 The dominate Indurain years () |
 Victory and Disappointment at the Tour ()...coming |
July 2 update: For those eagerly awaiting news on more live internet video options, you'll be pleased to know that Versus will be streaming live internet video for the first two stages. By stage 3, we should have a good handle on other sources in foreign languages. (Thanks for the tip John C.) Also, velonews has been in Girona, Spain this week, the European home for many North America riders, where they videoed a training ride and interviewed (
) numerous Garmin-Chipotle riders and Columbia's George Hincapie. There is also a two-part interview with Jonathan Vaughters. — Steve
July 2 update: The Tour is optimistic things have changed: Cheats on their way out - Tour chief — AFP
July 1 update: Full Provisional Team Rosters are now up. As Cyclingnews calculated, there will be 180 riders from 29 nations suiting up for the 95th edition with France being best represented with 40 riders. Spain and Italy are well represented with 30 and 20 riders, respectively.
July 1 update: I've posted more live coverage options below with more to follow and later on Wednesday I'll post the full rosters. In the mean time, if you have some time to kill, take a vicarious tour through the steephill.tv France cycling reports, photos and videos including Col du Tourmalet and Alpe d'Huez:
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French Pyrenees • Col du Tourmalet, Luz-Ardiden • Col du Soulor, Col d'Aubisque • Col de la Core, Ariege • Col de la Crouzette, Ariege • Col d'Agnes and Col d'Escots |
French Alps • Alpe d'Huez and Col du Galibier • Col de Sarenne (Alpe d'Huez) • Villard Notre Dame • The Vercors • Provence: Le Mont-Ventoux • Provence: Les Baronnies |
Yellow Jersey Preview
June 26 update: Chris at podiumcafe takes an interesting look at ranking this year's GC contenders: Tour Favorites Ratings... Opening Salvo. Also see, Tour 2008 clear favourites: Evans, Valverde and Cunego — cyclingnewsJune 16 update: Analysis: What The Dauphine Told Us About The Tour — cyclingweekly.co.uk
Tour Roster Selections
June 30 update: Dessel, Valjavec leading charge for Ag2r and Bouygues Tour squad eyes stages — velonewsJune 29 update: Gilbert, Casar headline FDJ's Tour squad and French road champ Vogondy makes Agritubel's Tour team — velonews
June 26 update: Liquigas releases Tour roster: Points contender Daniele Bennati will miss Tour — velonews
June 25 update: High Road-Columbia releases Tour roster and — velonews and Hunter, Soler lead Barloworld at Tour — velonews
June 25 update: Garmin-Chipotle names Tour squad — velonews and Menchov headlines Rabobank team for Tour — uk.eurosport.yahoo
June 24 update: Riccardo Ricco is riding the Tour as a replacement for the ill Jose Angel Gomez Marchante. See Riccardo Ricco will aim for white jersey at the Tour de France — velonews
June 24 update: Gerolsteiner and Euskaltel announce their Tour selections: Fothen heads Gerolsteiner team and Zubeldia heads Euskaltel squad — uk.eurosport.yahoo
June 24 update: Mauricio Soler will travel to Europe this week as he bids to prove his fitness ahead of the Tour de France. Barloworld upbeat on Soler — uk.eurosport.yahoo
June 23 update: CSC-Saxo Bank names Tour squad No Julich; Sastre, Schleck brothers lead — velonews
TV and Internet Coverage
June 18 update: Over the next week I'll be putting together a more comphrehensive list of the many options for viewing the 2008 Tour de France. But for now, here are ITV's plans (for the UK) to go along the versus details below. — Steve
With Cadel Evans among this year's favourites, Australia's SBS will continue it's trend to broadcast more coverage: SBS's 2008 Tour de France plans.
June 16 update: Lance Armstrong talks Tour — bikeradar
and Team High Road to become Team Columbia (Sportswear) before the Tour — velonews
June 9 update: Versus (North America) TdF TV Schedule is now up. and June 9th news that
Versus inks a new 5-year, $27M deal
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Screw the dopers...the politics...the critics:
All stage profiles and timetables are now posted
June 3 update: Just added the links to all the stage profiles and timetables. (see the stage details right) Maps are still forthcoming, but the timetables will give you explicit stage-by-stage details. Also, the timetables tell you when the riders will pass a given point along the route. — Steve
June 2 update: Sorry for the lack updates in May. All my focus was on the Giro d'Italia last month. If you weren't following it on a daily basis, here is our completed Giro d'Italia Live Dashboard... I've just changed the stage 15 start from Digne-les-Bains to Embrun as officially announced by the organizers in April. That gives Embrun two starts in 2008. Apparently there is a potentially dangerous slide zone requiring a precautionary route change... Also, just recently I was wondering about a Tour Google Earth file and within days Thomas Vergouwen sent one in: Tour de France 2008 in Google Earth (). Expect the links to all the remaining, maps, profiles and timetables to be activated very soon. — Steve
April 30 update: France toughen anti-doping law ahead of Tour — todayonline
Mountain stage profiles now posted
March 23rd update: Over the next few months, profiles, maps and timetables will be released by the Tour de France organizers. When they do, I'll activate the links to new content. First up are the stage profiles for the five mountain stages. See the stage summary table (right). — Steve2008 Teams announced:
March 20th update:The twenty teams to participate in the 2008 Tour de France:
AG2r-La Mondiale
Bouygues Telecom
Cofidis
Credit Agricole
Française des Jeux
Agritubel (Continental Pro)
Caisse d'Epargne
Euskaltel-Euskadi
Saunier Duval
Gerolsteiner
Milram
Quick Step
Silence-Lotto
Lampre
Liquigas
Team High Road
Slipstream (Continental Pro)
Team CSC
Rabobank
Barloworld (Continental Pro)
read more...
February 13th update: ASO announced the 20 teams that will take the start of the 66th Paris-Nice and, as rumoured, Astana has been barred from all ASO races this year, thus preventing last year's Paris-Nice and Tour de France winner, Alberto Contador, from defending his titles. The official race route for Paris-Nice still hasn't been announced, but I have the unofficial route posted along with the complete list of 20 teams for Paris-Nice 2008. — Steve
Astana team manager Johan Bruyneel: "We have done everything to change the dynamics of the team. New management, new riders, new philosophy. Only the name of the sponsor remained. ... We are spending 460,000 euros on internal anti-doping efforts for 2008. What more can we do?" Bruyneel said in a team communique. "What's strange is, ASO does not invite us because of the past of a team that had the same name. Many other teams, with a similar suspicious past, that did not change management or structure, can participate without problems. Where is the consistency? Is Tour the France not losing all credibility now?".
He has a good point, but maybe the difference is Astana's stronger link to the past. Astana was reborn out of Liberty Seguros-Würth-Astana after the extensive doping scandals with that team and before last year's Tour de France, Astana was already dubbed "the men in black" for evading out of competition random tests. Alexandre Vinokourov's positive test during last year's Tour de France was disastrous for the event, but not surprising in some people's eyes. As a forum commenter put it: The way I understand it, Astana is being punished for getting it's hand caught in the cookie jar the second time. After it's ban as Liberty Seguros in 2006 for involvement in Operation Puerto. They were allowed back into the tour in 2007 as Astana, a "new team". Now, the team has lots of good riders that will not be racing in many big races this year. Instead they'll be paying the price for the mistakes of old employees. ASO's decision is already fueling the anti-French sentiment among many upset cycling fans, but don't stoop that low if you are frustrated. Astana's new-signings surely were aware of the risk of joining a tainted team. Nobody wins from this decision. In the short run, it's more bad news for the financial stability of the sport. As John Wilcockson writes below, hopefully this situation can get arbitrated. Cycling needs a stronger riders' union. — Steve
Tour Director Christian Prudhomme explains his justification; Contador reacts — Eurosport
Inside Cycling: Playing with fire (John Wilcockson/Velonews): The 2007 Tour runner-up Cadel Evans has already said that he does not want to start the Tour without his main rivals. Also, both the pro teams' association and the pro riders' union indicated last week that they are prepared to boycott this year's Giro d'Italia should the organizers not accept Astana and other UCI ProTour teams to the Italian grand tour. It's likely they will now threaten to boycott the Tour. If that is the case, then there will be open warfare between the sport's major players -- that could only be resolved by arbitration.
When will come the end? — cyclingfansanonymous.blogspot.com (Before embarking on a journey of revenge, first dig two graves. --Chinese proverb)
January 28th update: Despite the doping scandals, the Tour's still a hot property... but most of us already knew that of course. More than 200 cities have expressed interest in hosting a start or finish and 10 countries would like to host the grand depart including places as far away as Japan, Qatar and Guadaloupe. — Steve
January 25th update: Just when you start to forget about it, the Operación Puerto mess resurfaces as a reminder of yesterday's doping problems. There is nothing new to report other than a chain reaction of articles translating what was published in a Spanish newspaper this past week.
Although, Team Astana has been overhauled with Johan Bruyneel as the new
general manager and last year's Tour champion, Alberto Contador now playing the starring role, Velonews reports sources say lingering questions over whether Contador is linked to the Operación Puerto investigation and Astana's scandalous legacy from 2007 might prompt Tour organizers to leave the team out of the season's most important race when invitations are announced in the coming weeks. The excellent Eurosport video recap of the 2007 Tour () summarized it best if you need a refresher. But don't despair, the sport is looking a little better and unless something conclusive comes up, it would be equally scandalous on the part of the Tour organizers, ASO, to exclude last year's winner and the 3rd place finisher, Levi Leipheimer, simply because of bad Astana memories. Feb 2 Update: however, that may be the case. — Steve
December 7th update: Tour de France 2009 will start in Monaco and the official start announcement is next Friday December 14th. — Steve
Tour de France 2008 Route Map (la carte du parcours)
59 secs)| Medium to Full Mountain Stages Stage 6; July 10: Aigurande → Super-Besse, 195 km Col de la Croix-Morand, 8 km at 5.1% Super-Besse, 11 km at 4.7% Stage 7: July 12: Brioude → Aurillac, 158 km Col d'Entremont, 6.5 km at 4.7% Col du Pas de Peyrol (Puy Mary), 7.8 km at 6.2% Stage 9: July 13: Toulouse → Bagnères-de-Bigorre, 226km Col des Ares, 6 km at 4,9% Col de Peyresourde, 13.2 km at 7.1% Col d'Aspin, 12.1 km at 6.6% Stage 10; July 14: Pau → Hautacam, 154km Col du Tourmalet, 17.7 km at 7.5% Hautacam, 14.2 km at 7.2% Stage 15: July 20: Digne-les-Bains → Prato Nevoso, 216km Col de Larche/Maddalena, 16.1 km at 4% Col de Pratonevoso, 11.1 km at 7.1% Stage 16: July 22: Cuneo → Jausiers, 157km Col de la Lombarde, 21.2 km at 7% Col de la Bonnette-Restefond, 26.7 km at 6.2% Stage 17: July 23: Embrun → L'Alpe d'Huez, 210km Col du Galibier, 20.9 km at 5.6% Col de Croix-de-Fer, 29.2 km at 5.2% L'Alpe d'Huez, 13.3 km at 8.6% Stage 18: July 24: Bourg-d'Oisans → Saint-Etienne, 197 km Col de Parmenie, 5.3 km at 7% La Croix de Montvieux, 13.7 km at 5.5% |
The 21 stages have the following profiles:
* 10 flat stages,
* 4 medium mountain stages with two coming in the first week (stages 6 and 7)
* 5 mountain stages,
* 2 individual time-trial stages,
Key points to the 2008 event
* No prologue for the first time in 40 years
* 4 mountain finishes... one less mountain stage but one more summit finish than last year
* 2 rest days,
* 82 kilometres of individual time-trials
* 19 category 1, category 2 and hors categorie climbs... two fewer than last year
Only 82k of time-trialing (bad for Cadel Evans) and less mountainous climbing than usual. One less mountain stage but one more mountaintop finish than last year (good for Alberto Contador). Easily the hardest stage will be the last mountain stage (stage 17: Embrun to Alpe d'Huez). Cols de la Croix de Fer and Galibier will really soften up the legs before L'Alpe d'Huez; it will be pretty much the Marmotte course, but longer... 210k. The course favors a repeat overall win by Alberto Contador. — Steve
A modest Grand Tour — Cyclingnews
Time trials cut short — Cyclingnews
Balanced route for 2008 Tour (No Time bonuses this year) — Eurosport
Route in 3D Video (not too exciting) — letour.fr
No guaranteed [team] places at 2008 Tour — Guardian Unlimited, UK
Contador eyes yellow jersey defence and literally points to Alpe d'Huez — citizen.co.za/AFP
Rider Reactions — Cyclingnews
Polemics still simmering as challenging route unveiled; 'Definitely a climber's course,' says Evans — Velonews
'Biological passports' at Tour de France 2008 — telegraph.co.uk
Route Presentation Photos — Cyclingnews
Talk of 'Biological Passports' at the Tour Route Presentation — Eurosport
October 25th 3:00 AM PST update: Official 2008 Route is now up (also see stage summary table right)
October 25th 2:55 AM PST update: L'Etape du Tour 2008 is officially Pau → Hautacam (154 km) on Sunday, July 6th. (Thanks Richard W. for the scoop). At 154k and just two good climbs it's one of the easiest Etape profiles you'll ever see...
October 25th 1:37 AM PST update: Good morning TdF fans, we are waiting for the official announcement which I've been unable to "officially" scoop like I did last year. Sources such as Velonews and Cyclingnews are confirming that the 2008 route will have a mountain stage in the first week; it will go to Italy for the first time since Lance Armstrong won at Sestriere in 1999; it will move counter-clockwise hitting the Pyrenees before the Alps and there will be a summit finish on Alpe d'Huez. Fact and rumours are differentiated in the stage summary table using blue and gray links, respectively. Send me an email if you see something first. Stay tuned for the latest updates... — Steve
October 24th update: Judging by the logo on the invitation to the official route announcement, I guess the theme this year is "I still love the Tour de Frace despite everything." As a reminder, tomorrow, October 25th, at 11:00 AM Paris time the official 2008 route will be unveiled. As soon as it's announced, details and links to more information will appear here. So check back tomorrow to find out which of the rumoured towns are actually part of the official route. — Steve
October 17th update: I've gone ahead and put the tentative stages (marked in light gray) in the stage summary table to the right based on updated information from newspapers and Thomas Vergouwen's link that he emailed me last week. I'm certain his speculating isn't totally correct but it's a good start. According to the French cycling forums, the rest day on July 13th will be the day of L'Etape du Tour when recreational get to cycle a stage of the Tour de France. In 2008, apparently, the Etape will do Stage 9 from Pau to Hautacam the day before pros do it. Normally, the Etape is a week before the actual stage so good luck getting a hotel in Pau if the pros, their entourage and fans are staying their as well. If you have something you want to add or correct then please send me an email — Steve
October 11th update: Almost as exciting as the actual route announcement which is confirmed for two weeks from today, Thursday, October 25th, are the route rumors. Thomas Vergouwen has sent a link to some rumours/details he has gleened:
September 16th update: Expect the official route announcement on Thursday, October 25th. This isn't for certain, but the announcement has fallen on the last Thursday of October in the past years. In the meantime, check back occasionally on the latest rumors and if you have some good scoop then don't hestiate to forward it. Last year, we were the first ones to reveil the official route. Maybe it will happen again this year. — Steve
2008 Tour de France Starts In Brittany without a prologue
BREST, France, Jan 18, 2007 — The 2008 Tour de France cycling race, without a prologue in the program, will start in Brittany on Saturday, July 5 going from Brest on the Atlantic coast to Plumelec. The second stage is set to run from Auray to St. Brieuc on Sunday, July 6, while the third stage starts from St Malo.
Christian Prudhomme, Director of Tour de France:
It's a fundamental principle: a Tour that starts in Brittany finishes with the crowning of a cycling giant. Look at the evidence: Brest 1952: 1st Coppi; Rennes 1964: 1st Anquetil; Brest 1974: 1st Merckx; Plumelec 1985: 1st Hinault; Saint-Brieuc 1995: 1st Indurain!
Tour de France 2008 Route Map (Briton stages only) map (carte) and profiles source: letour.fr |
Five stars on a flawless prize list. Coppi, Anquetil, Merckx, Hinault, Indurain: five cycling legends who, in turn on the Tour, garnered the force in Brittany to clinch an ultimate triumph in this prized race three weeks later. Is this not the stuff of tales and legends, a tribute to the doyen of cycling races from its greatest riders?
A start from Brittany is also the guarantee of a grand and magnificent celebration, a passion shared by an entire Region gathered together in the wake of its president, Jean-Yves Le Drian, responsible for the project. One region, four counties, five towns - together - make the recurrent dream of the Tour reality. From the Finistere to the Ile-et-Vilaine, from the Morbihan to the Cotes-d'Armor, in Brest, Plumelec, Auray, Saint-Brieuc, Saint-Malo, and in all of the towns travelled through, Brittany will present us with its most beautiful landscapes, its crowds clustered along the five hundred kilometres of road covered, its love of cycling.
For the first time in more than forty years, the 2008 Tour de France will begin with a straight stage. Usually only a small number of specialists in solitary effort can aspire to winning the first yellow jersey. Next year however, near to two hundred riders will be dreaming that this Holy Grail is within their reach. A remarkable first stage, from Brest and its great sailing ships to Plumelec, where bold challengers, sprinters and - perhaps - potential candidates for final victory will all have the opportunity to win fame. In the land of Bobet and Hinault the Tour de France is at home. Brittany wanted the Tour. The Tour wanted Brittany. Roll on 2008!
Jean-Francois Pescheux, competitions Director says, "There will be a new feature at the departure from Brest: we have decided to replace the usual prologue time trial reserved for a dozen specialists, with a stage of almost 170 kilometres after which 100 cyclists will be in the running for possession of the Yellow Jersey. The race will therefore be enthralling from the opening kilometres and the Monts d'Arree will be a formidable battleground in this very open first stage, because the arrival at Plumelec could hold some surprises in store. The remainder of the race, between Auray and Saint Brieuc is also certain to be action-packed, with its hilly course and the passage through Mur-de-Bretagne, just like the third stage which will depart from Saint-Malo and cross Ille-et-Vilaine... In short, it is certain to be a Grand Depart full of suspense."
The official announcement was made in Rennes. — Steve, Jan 25th, 2007
Running from Saturday July 5th to Sunday July 27th 2008, the 95th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages (no prologue) and will cover a total distance of TBA kilometres.
The 21 stages have the following profiles:
* 10 flat stages,
* 4 medium mountain stages,
* 5 mountain stages,
* 2 individual time-trial stages,
Key points to the 2008 event
* No prologue for the first time in 40 years
* 4 mountain finishes,
* 2 rest days,
* 82 kilometres of individual time-trials
* 19 category 1, category 2 and hors categorie climbs
Ronde van Frankrijk