Please, join us for live blogging of Stage 1 of the 2012 Tour de France. Live coverage will begin from 8PM, with full coverage from 10PM.
Stage 1 is a lumpy loop from Liege, through Luxembourg and back to Seraing.
There’s five category four climbs on the menu today but the six or so other small hills across 198kms equals a significant amount of climbing.
Add to this, first week nerves, Belgian roads and weather and this stage is far from easy. Nobody wants to see crashes like last year, especially among General Classification (GC) contenders so let’s hope they all stay safe and focussed.
After conceding nine seconds to Wiggins in yesterday’s prologue, Cadel Evans may look to gain some valuable time on today’s 2.4km, 4.7% uphill finish similar to his efforts on Stage 1 and Stage 4 at last year’s tour.
As good as Evans is against the clock, there’s every chance he may lose up 1-2 minutes minutes to Tour favourite Bradley Wiggins across the 100kms of time trialling in 2012, so every other second where he can grab them counts.
Considering Vincenzo Nibali’s blistering ride at Milan San-Remo, he may also have a crack at today’s stage as pretty much everyone but Wiggins are in the same time trialling boat.
With Radioshack in 1000 broken pieces, and the golden fleece on his back, Fabian Cancellara may also give this one a tickle. But my money is on Simon Gerrans, breakaway companion of Nibali and Cancellara and winner at Milan-San Remo.
Other possible contenders for the stage include Alejandro Valverde, Peter Sagan and if allowed to go for the win, Evans’ team mate Phillipe Gilbert. Alexander Vinokourov may also find some final glory here too.
I’m also interested in seeing how Mark Cavendish pulls up. It’s not too interesting for the green jersey tonight, however, today’s stage resembles ever so slightly the nine times he’ll ride up Box Hill to win the Olympic Road Race – the difference being the Olympic race ends with a 20km or so flat run into the finish.
I’m guessing he’ll tuck in safely and easily with Wiggins finding protection among his team mates.
Tonight, the competitors head out on the roar for real. Please join us for live blogging of Stage 1 of the 2012 Tour de France.
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The Crowd Says (126) | Page 1 of Comments
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1:34am
tourdecouch said | 1:34am | Report comment
Great finish. Looks like not much will change in the yellow and green jersey. Cancellara will still have both of those I think. Not sure about the white jersey. Morkov has polka dots. Stay tuned for more information later about the stage and classifications here at the Roar. Good night, I’m off to bed. Oops sorry, it’s Sagan in green.
1:48am
DerailleurED said | 1:48am | Report comment
super finish, thanks for doing the coverage!
1:33am
tourdecouch said | 1:33am | Report comment
Evans hasn’t gone any daylight between himself and Wiggins. Cancellara and Sagan playing left to right left to right. Hagen is right on their wheel. Evans is trying really hard. Sagan goes, Sagan wins!! Man crushes survive everywhere.
1:31am
tourdecouch said | 1:31am | Report comment
1km to go, starting to flatten out. Evans leads the group behind Canecellara, Sagan and Boassen Hagan almost catches them. Cancellara continues to drive to the line.
1:29am
tourdecouch said | 1:29am | Report comment
2kms to go. Evans is in fourth position behind Albasini, Sagan behind Evans, Nibali, Vanden Broeck, Gallopin is up there too. It’s a hrad climb. Evans going for it on his own. Cavendish is out the back. Chavanel puts in a dig, Albasini going after him and looks like he has him. Cancellara goes, Sagan behind him.
1:28am
tourdecouch said | 1:28am | Report comment
Another hard right hander into the climb now. Evans is in a good spot out the front on the right hand side. Green Edge now on the front for Albasini. Where is Lotto now?
1:27am
tourdecouch said | 1:27am | Report comment
Lotto appears to be working for Jelle Vanendert. Cantwell (Saxobank) is up there too and Nibali is on Sagan’s wheel ten back. Cancellara is about 12 back. Evans is being paced back to the front was out the back. Not sure what happened. Evans back to the front now.
1:26am
tourdecouch said | 1:26am | Report comment
Nibali is up there. Cavendish still there. Technical run in here the last 4kms, roundabouts and hard turns. 4kms to go. Road starting to kick up, Lotto still working hard.
1:25am
tourdecouch said | 1:25am | Report comment
Greipel is working hard out on the front, Lotto are driving this hard. Riders going left and right all over the road. Right hander into a bridge, then a left around a roundabout to a narrow road and a bit of a climb. Vinokourov has a mechanical and his day is over.
1:23am
tourdecouch said | 1:23am | Report comment
Lotto dictating affairs now out the front followed by the Orica Green Edge train with Albasini the final carriage. 7kms to go. Cavendish is still there and is on Sagan’s wheel. Cadel Evans trying to keep out of trouble too
1:21am
tourdecouch said | 1:21am | Report comment
The breakaway is now caught. 9kms to go.
1:20am
tourdecouch said | 1:20am | Report comment
10kms to go. Looks like Cancellara is on his own up the front four riders back. Main group starting to string out now. 7 seconds the gap.
1:18am
tourdecouch said | 1:18am | Report comment
Morkov is riding so strongly, doesn’t want to give in yet despite the gap now at 16 seconds. Back in the peloton, Garmin are moving up to the front now as are Lotto and Green Edge.
1:17am
tourdecouch said | 1:17am | Report comment
Sky not on the front and the peloton have bunched up again at the front, looking very nervy on this wide long stretch of road just now.
1:16am
tourdecouch said | 1:16am | Report comment
13km to go and only 17 seconds the gap, BMC trying to thin things out at the front. Rabobank bringing Gesink up to the front
1:13am
tourdecouch said | 1:13am | Report comment
Big George Hincapie of BMC takes charge out the front of the peloton. There’s quite a few breaks in the peloton now, the main group putting some distance between themselves and the riders trying to get back on after the crash.
1:10am
tourdecouch said | 1:10am | Report comment
As a result of the crash, Valverde has been delayed and is stuck down the back of the peloton. Not where he wants to be right now.
1:09am
tourdecouch said | 1:09am | Report comment
There’s a crash on the far right hand side of the peloton, not sure what happened as it looked like they were towards the middle. Karpets, Rojas, Rogers and Luis Leon Sanchez. Sanchez looks quite hurt and riding alone back to the peloton as is Rogers he gingerly gets back on his bike and rides towards the peloton but it will be a lonely ride. And just as that happens, a spectator is too far out on the road and a rider runs into them causes a bit of a pile up. This is what happens with 20kms to go and the gap falling to 28 seconds as they all seek the best position for their chosen leaders.
1:11am
DerailleurED said | 1:11am | Report comment
Very nervy peloton right now!
1:01am
tourdecouch said | 1:01am | Report comment
Leaders have only 25kms to go. Still have a 1.09 gap. Voeckler is out at the back of the peloton at the moment.
12:59am
tourdecouch said | 12:59am | Report comment
Could anyone try to get away from the peloton on the 201m Plainevaux which they are on now?
12:56am
tourdecouch said | 12:56am | Report comment
BMC on the right hand of the peloton just behind Radioshack, Evans is in front of Gilbert, indicating he is perhaps working for his team mate today and going for seconds himself.
12:54am
tourdecouch said | 12:54am | Report comment
29kms to go, 0.50 the gap.
12:48am
tourdecouch said | 12:48am | Report comment
As the kilometres tick slowly down, thoughts turn to the contenders. Quite a number have the form and the past history to indicate their win worthiness on such a stage. When you consider the amount across a number of teams, things will likely get hectic in the run into the finish as they all jostle for position.
12:53am
DerailleurED said | 12:53am | Report comment
Yes! You have some of the sprinters who will think they have a chance, then there’s the GC guys not wanting to lose time and combine that with the guys who fancy themselves for the stage! Plenty of racing machinations to look out for.
12:46am
tourdecouch said | 12:46am | Report comment
The scenery just now is stunning. The peloton too is squeezing along through narrow-ish roads that open out to wider long stretches through gorgeous trees. 37kms, 1.09 the gap.
12:43am
tourdecouch said | 12:43am | Report comment
The finish today is very much like a spring classic i.e. Liege Bastoigne Liege (funnily enough). It should be a real cracker, can’t wait, only 39kms to go before we get there. The gap has fallen to 1.09.
12:37am
tourdecouch said | 12:37am | Report comment
The riders face two or three more small hills over the next twenty or so kilometres before the last fairly flat ten kilometres before the final climb to the finish. 41kms to go, 1.30 the gap.
12:32am
tourdecouch said | 12:32am | Report comment
The riders now head back to the province of Liege. Another shot of a chateau. BMC moving a few more riders up with Radioshack. 46kms, 1.42 the gap.
12:28am
tourdecouch said | 12:28am | Report comment
Stephen Roche is on the Eurosport commentary and has just mentioned there’s a tailwind especially towards the end. Suggests Cavendish, although not his kind of finish, would benefit today from taking advantage of Radioshack’s work and go for the win. But he picks Gilbert. 47kms to go, 1.40 the gap, the peloton is serious now.
12:23am
tourdecouch said | 12:23am | Report comment
Gap is now down to 1.54. 53kms to go. I understand this is Morkov’s first Tour de France. Only the first proper stage and he’s already getting podium kisses.
12:50am
DerailleurED said | 12:50am | Report comment
lucky boy!
12:16am
tourdecouch said | 12:16am | Report comment
Looks like a bit of a hold up the back of the peloton just now, but there is no information so it appears nothing major happened. All 9 Radioshack riders are up the front driving the peloton up the climb up a narrow road. Yohann Gene (Europcar) of the breakaway has a mechanical and swaps bikes. He is away again to find his fellow escapees.
12:14am
tourdecouch said | 12:14am | Report comment
Morkov and Urtarsun fight it out for the point. Morkov gets it and gives a thumbs up to the camera. With only one Cat 4 and one point remaining, the polka dot jersey is his and gives Riis and Tinkoff a reason to stick their thumbs up and smile too.
12:09am
tourdecouch said | 12:09am | Report comment
Gap falling quickly now. Down to 2.45 again. The leaders have started the the climb up the Cote de Barvaux. 60kms to go, 138kms covered.
12:02am
tourdecouch said | 12:02am | Report comment
Radioshack getting serious – have put Jens and most of their ridres out the front again. Gap fallen to 3.17, 65km to go
11:56pm
tourdecouch said | 11:56pm | Report comment
70kms to go, 128kms covered, 3.46 the gap. Another undulation before the next Cat 4. Peloton have calmed down a bit and relaxing, conserving energy. Cancellara has popped to the back for a bit, just two Radioshack riders working at the front now, including Popovych.
11:51pm
tourdecouch said | 11:51pm | Report comment
Cavendish didn’t have too much help there, possibly an indication about Sky’s focus on green i.e. it has none.
11:48pm
tourdecouch said | 11:48pm | Report comment
Result of the intermediate sprint
1. Gene (EUC) 20pts
2. Urtasun (EUS) 17pts
3. Edet (COF) 15pts
4. Delaplace (SAU) 13pts
5. Bouet (ALM) 11pts
6. Morkov (STB) 10pts
7. Goss (OGE) 9pts – at 2’35″
8. Cavendish (SKY) 8pts
9. Greipel (LTB) 7pts
10. Renshaw (RAB) 6pts
11. Van Hummel (VCD) 5pts
12. Sagan (LIQ) 4pts
13. Rojas (MOV) 3pts
14. Bozic (AST) 2pts
15. Boasson Hagen (SKY) 1pt
11:52pm
DerailleurED said | 11:52pm | Report comment
mini preview of the sprint stages to come that, very interesting
11:53pm
tourdecouch said | 11:53pm | Report comment
Yes, great point!
11:47pm
tourdecouch said | 11:47pm | Report comment
Goss beats Cavendish and Greipel to the line for that sprint. Will have full results and points for you soon when I get them.
11:51pm
DerailleurED said | 11:51pm | Report comment
Wasn’t too much of a sprint although you’d think they’d have given it a bit more since they’re not really going to be there at the finish today. Big highlight was the call from PnP straight after the terribly timed as break. Goss was mixed up as Greipel the whole way! Terrible…
11:53pm
tourdecouch said | 11:53pm | Report comment
Oh no!! I know Greenedge kit is confusing now, but it doesn’t look like Lotto’s!! My feed gave out on me. I’d watch SBS but the computer I’m using is in another room and too hard and I’m having trouble with the SBS tracker. Anyway, long story! Yes, I agree with you, looks like Goss was the only one interested.
12:03am
DerailleurED said | 12:03am | Report comment
Haha, no worries, Eurosports might stop you from throwing things at the tele. Know I’m tempted.
11:41pm
tourdecouch said | 11:41pm | Report comment
Lotto Bellisol riders including Greipel assemble towards the front of the peloton as they start to approach the sprint. As do GreenEdge.
11:45pm
DerailleurED said | 11:45pm | Report comment
Perfect time for SBS to go for a break!
11:40pm
tourdecouch said | 11:40pm | Report comment
Leaders now contesting the intermediate sprint. Morkov (Saxo Tinkoff) leading and looking back to his companions, now Gene (Europcar) goes and takes the 20 points on offer, followed by Euskatel rider Urtasun Perez.
11:34pm
tourdecouch said | 11:34pm | Report comment
The leaders now enjoy a little bit of downhill all the way until the intermediate sprint at Erezee at the 116.5km down, 81.5km to go mark. 3.52 the gap.
11:29pm
tourdecouch said | 11:29pm | Report comment
Rain really coming down on the peloton now, 3.51 up the road, the leaders enjoy the sunshine. 89kms to go. Intermediate sprint coming soon.
11:19pm
tourdecouch said | 11:19pm | Report comment
Apologies, I’ve lost my feed for a little while. However, I can tell you there’s 94kms to go, and the gap 4.00. Looks like there’s a spot of rain now falling on the peloton.
11:08pm
tourdecouch said | 11:08pm | Report comment
Eight Radioshack riders up the front again of the peloton including Cancellara in the yellow jersey. 102kms to go, 3.28 the gap.
11:25pm
DerailleurED said | 11:25pm | Report comment
Be interesting to know if its Gallopin who’s behind Cancellara. Strong youngster who can pack a sprint and able to get over hills. Was at Cofidis and the manager there was recently sacked and one of the reasons given was letting him go to LeopardTrek. Another one with a promising future!
11:28pm
tourdecouch said | 11:28pm | Report comment
11:07pm
tourdecouch said | 11:07pm | Report comment
Morkov (Saxo-Tinkoff) takes the point and now leads the KOM classification . Only two more Cat 4 climbs remain, and therefore only two more points on offer.
11:06pm
tourdecouch said | 11:06pm | Report comment
Delaplace leads the escapees towards the line for the KOM point. Morkov, now hits the front, and looks back, Urtasun Perez lurches towards the line too, a close call between the two. Will need to wait for the result of that one.
11:03pm
tourdecouch said | 11:03pm | Report comment
The leaders are at the bottom ready to start the climb up the Cote de Liemeux. Officially 2.1kms and 5.1% gradient. 93kms down, 105kms to go, 2.51 the gap.
10:59pm
tourdecouch said | 10:59pm | Report comment
I think we have now entered Luxembourg. Frank Schleck may wave to Andy as he passes through, better than Skype
11:23pm
DerailleurED said | 11:23pm | Report comment
Belgian province called Luxembourg! Not the country, they are different places, probably to confuse us non-Euros.
11:25pm
tourdecouch said | 11:25pm | Report comment
It was a joke…..
11:33pm
DerailleurED said | 11:33pm | Report comment
Oh, then that woosh sound was it flying by my head. Sorry!
11:37pm
tourdecouch said | 11:37pm | Report comment
Yeah, I don’t think i was that clear, sorry!!
10:54pm
tourdecouch said | 10:54pm | Report comment
Tony Martin has gone back to the team car, he seems to be a little bit bothered. Hope he is OK. Meanwhile, up the front of the peloton yellow helmets mix with the red, white and aqua of Radioshack’s.
10:53pm
tourdecouch said | 10:53pm | Report comment
Update: 88kms covered, 110kms to go, 2.25 the gap.
10:52pm
tourdecouch said | 10:52pm | Report comment
If you’re new to cycling or The Roar, you may not know that Euskatel Euskadi has earned a nickname “the bleeding carrots.” This is for their propensity to crash and bleed in their orange kit. I’ve just seen a tweet on the #tdf nicknaming Team Sky the “rotten bananas” because of the black kit and yellow helmet. Someone also made a good point, although there may not be too much of chance it will happen, if Euskatel get the yellow helmets!!
10:46pm
tourdecouch said | 10:46pm | Report comment
Jens fans excited as he takes a turn on the front. Immediately the time drops to 2.25 at the 114km to go mark.
10:45pm
tourdecouch said | 10:45pm | Report comment
I spotted an Omega Pharma Quickstep rider on the side of the road with a mechanical but couldn’t spot the number clearly. It’s been confirmed, it was Levi Leipheimer. He’s on the go again now though.
10:43pm
tourdecouch said | 10:43pm | Report comment
One of the BMC riders up the front behind Radioshack is loyal and hard working BMC team member Marcus Burghardt, Fabian tucked in behind him. Wiggins is up there behind Edvald Boassen Hagen and as Derailleur commented (giving me some great tips tonight!) Wiggins is in a very a very distinctive green and gold. Doesn’t seem to be trying too hard to deny he’s Australian
11:21pm
DerailleurED said | 11:21pm | Report comment
Thanks for the compliment! Better to let it all out at once Bradley!
10:40pm
tourdecouch said | 10:40pm | Report comment
Mike Tomalaris, SBS presenter states on twitter “Just had a chat with Gerry Ryan. Word is Michael Albasini is “up for it” today.” That would be a great result!! 117kms to go, gap 2.52, 81kms covered. Not too long and the riders invade Luxembourg.
10:45pm
DerailleurED said | 10:45pm | Report comment
Yeah, but not very secret, Mike. *cringe*
10:38pm
tourdecouch said | 10:38pm | Report comment
A few BMC riders have moved up behind Radioshack, tucked in between Movistar and Sky. I think some Orica GreenEdge riders are up the front too, but it’s hard to tell them apart with Movistar with the cameras too far away from the group.
10:36pm
tourdecouch said | 10:36pm | Report comment
I’m watching the EuroSport coverage online for vision of the race. One of the commentators said they think the Saxo-Tinkoff bank jerseys look like a Swedish national jersey. What do you guys think?
10:43pm
DerailleurED said | 10:43pm | Report comment
Ukrainian Nat Champ jersey, very similar imo to Grivko’s old one last yea, Astana have (wisely) changed the design this year.
10:32pm
tourdecouch said | 10:32pm | Report comment
Tony Martin update – still in the race but he has a sore wrist and a bit of a messed up leg. 122kms to go/76kms down, 3.35 the gap. RadioShack controlling the peloton strongly.
10:23pm
tourdecouch said | 10:23pm | Report comment
As commenter here Derailleur pointed out, Morkov and Urtasun are tied on one point apiece in the mountain classification. Will make it interesting if a different rider gets a point each on the next couple of climbs.
10:20pm
tourdecouch said | 10:20pm | Report comment
130kms to go and the gap is still out to 4.37. About four or five Radioshack riders still working hard at the front of the peloton. Team Sky easy to spot just behind them in their yellow helmets.
10:10pm
tourdecouch said | 10:10pm | Report comment
The leaders have covered 61kms and have 4.11 on the peloton. While the next cat 4 climb isn’t until the 98km mark, there are a couple of undulations before this that won’t tickle.
10:00pm
tourdecouch said | 10:00pm | Report comment
The leaders have topped the Côte de Francorchamps and now head down the descent. Urtasun Perez (Euskatel) won the one polka dot point on offer. I hear it was hard fought apparently by all. Everyone wants that jersey!
10:10pm
DerailleurED said | 10:10pm | Report comment
So that makes it Morkov 1pt Urtasun pt. Côte de Barvaux climb could be interesting if someone different gets the next point on offer
10:17pm
tourdecouch said | 10:17pm | Report comment
Yes siree!!
9:53pm
DerailleurED said | 9:53pm | Report comment
tourdecouch,
I see you have chosen Gerro as your pick today. I’m actually hoping Albasini gets the chance to be the protected rider today. To paraphrase the bloke currently wearing green he’s “in the form of his life”. Big chance to win I think
9:56pm
tourdecouch said | 9:56pm | Report comment
Yeah, with hindsight, I should’ve gone for Albasini.
10:03pm
DerailleurED said | 10:03pm | Report comment
Gerro will be good too! I just think maybe he’s the plan b for now and then when it gets lumpy later on he’ll be targeting some wins. Who knows, he may want to try to get in front of that damn Movistar jersey he tried so hard to do early in the season. They always say third times the charm.
10:02pm
tourdecouch said | 10:02pm | Report comment
I can’t reply to your previous comment about Nick for some reason. Yeah, that recent crash looked nasty. All that blood!!
10:06pm
DerailleurED said | 10:06pm | Report comment
Seems to be to stop the posts going to far the right. is a bit weird.
9:49pm
tourdecouch said | 9:49pm | Report comment
Breakaway now hitting the Côte de Francorchamps, the gap 4.55
9:46pm
tourdecouch said | 9:46pm | Report comment
Michael Morkov (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) takes the one point on offer for the Cat 4 climb in the polka dot jersey competition. Edet from Cofidis tried to attack too, but Morkov wins it. The leaders now have 4 minutes on the peloton and have covered 46kms. Not long until the next category climb for them, the Côte de Francorchamps (at the 49km mark). Reminder again, its details: 1.1 km and 6.4 %
9:36pm
tourdecouch said | 9:36pm | Report comment
39.9km covered by the breakaway in the first hour of racing.
9:45pm
DerailleurED said | 9:45pm | Report comment
Thanks for the updates! Nick not in today?
9:46pm
tourdecouch said | 9:46pm | Report comment
We’re all taking turns. I’m doing tonight’s and a couple of others towards the end of the race. Not sure when he’s on again. He’s pretty damn good isn’t he?
9:51pm
DerailleurED said | 9:51pm | Report comment
Ah yeah that’s smart, don’t burn yourselves out!
Yep, he’s a good commentator. Must be the journo in the house rubbing off on him
9:56pm
tourdecouch said | 9:56pm | Report comment
Probably. Plus as a racer he’s got great insight into the racing. There’s actually a handful or so of us so we won’t get burnt out hopefully.
10:00pm
DerailleurED said | 10:00pm | Report comment
Yeah some decent results in a couple of TTs, if i recall rightly from twitter. some memorable tarmac skirmishes too
9:33pm
tourdecouch said | 9:33pm | Report comment
Breakaway about to hit the climb, 39kms down, 160kms to go. Gap 38.8kms, 57 minutes raced. Will get you mountain classification points as soon as I hear the results.
9:27pm
tourdecouch said | 9:27pm | Report comment
Speed has slowed a bit as the road starts to go up before the official start of the climb. According to race radio, 34kms have been covered and the gap is out to 3.30
9:23pm
tourdecouch said | 9:23pm | Report comment
One intermediate sprint today. It comes at the 116.5km mark. For those watching at home on SBS in Australia, this means it comes at the 81.5km to go mark and hopefully you should see it before coverage starts. SBS coverage usually kicks in with about 100kms to go.
9:21pm
tourdecouch said | 9:21pm | Report comment
We have about ten kilometres before the first Category 4 climb, the Côte de Cokaifagne reminder again of its details: 2.9 km long, 5.1%
9:20pm
tourdecouch said | 9:20pm | Report comment
31k down, 167km to go, the gap is back to 2:45.
9:19pm
tourdecouch said | 9:19pm | Report comment
Crash update: Martin has been riding alongside the race doctor’s car receiving attention. Unsure as to what he has injured.
Meanwhile, Roux (FDJ) and Tankink (Rabobank) crashed at the 22km mark but they too were up and back on quickly.
9:16pm
tourdecouch said | 9:16pm | Report comment
Oh no!!! The escapees lost so much time because I’m hearing, they had to wait for a train at a level crossing. Trains wait for no bike race.
9:14pm
tourdecouch said | 9:14pm | Report comment
At 27.2kms, the peloton has clawed their way back to a 1.50 gap. Many teams have other plans for today’s stage.
9:13pm
tourdecouch said | 9:13pm | Report comment
The break is now out to 2.30 with 26.5kms to go. Apparently Tony Martin (OPQS) and Garmin’s Robbie Hunter were caught up in a crash. They are OK but crashes zap energy especially as they had to chase back on. Martin not much luck these two days. Let’s send him out some love.
9:11pm
tourdecouch said | 9:11pm | Report comment
For those interested, here’s the nationalities of the breakaway: Morkov (Den), Bouet (Fra), Perez Urtasun (Spa), Delaplace, (Fra), Gene (Fra), Edet (Fra)
9:08pm
tourdecouch said | 9:08pm | Report comment
And a link for a closer look at the final kilometre profile: http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2012/100/PROFILKMS.jpg
9:07pm
tourdecouch said | 9:07pm | Report comment
Here’s a link to the profile of today’s stage. http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2012/100/PROFIL.jpg
9:04pm
tourdecouch said | 9:04pm | Report comment
I mentioned the Sky’s yellow helmets before for best team, here is a picture from Sky’s twitter account. What do we reckon?
10:22pm
DerailleurED said | 10:22pm | Report comment
His sub-conscience or the ASO bringing out Wiggin’s Aussie heritage? (green n gold)
10:33pm
tourdecouch said | 10:33pm | Report comment
That’s gold!
9:03pm
tourdecouch said | 9:03pm | Report comment
Oops, I forgot a rider 177. Nicolas Edet of Cofidis is also in the breakaway. In fact, he was the one who attacked first. Apologies for leaving him out. So there are six riders in the breakaway.
9:01pm
tourdecouch said | 9:01pm | Report comment
Ok, so here’s the details of today’s five category four climbs:
42km/156 to go – Côte de Cokaifagne – 2.9 km long, 5.1%
49km / 149 to go – Côte de Francorchamps – 1.1 km long, 6.4 %
94km / 104 to go – Côte de Lierneux – 2.1 km long, 5.1 %
139km / 59 to go – Côte de Barvaux – 1.6 km long, 4.2 %
And the uphill finish – 198 / 0 to go Côte de Seraing, 2.4 km long, 4.7 %
8:57pm
tourdecouch said | 8:57pm | Report comment
The five breakaway riders are settling in and at the 16.5km mark, the gap is 2:30. Unlikely to stay away?
8:51pm
tourdecouch said | 8:51pm | Report comment
Michael Morkov was lying 24 seconds behind Cancellara after the prologue and now the breakaway has a minute’s advantage over the peloton, he is the virtual leader.
8:49pm
tourdecouch said | 8:49pm | Report comment
The 5 man breakaway has reached the 9km mark. Confirmation now of the riders: 51. Michael Morkov (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank), 97. Maxime Bouet (AG2R La Mondiale), 117. Pablo Urtasun Perez (Euskaltel-Euskadi), 146. Anthony Delaplace (Saur-Sojasun) and 163. Yohann Gene (Europcar).
8:39pm
tourdecouch said | 8:39pm | Report comment
The escapees have got away to a lead of 30 seconds, the peloton is being driven by four Radioshack riders.
8:37pm
tourdecouch said | 8:37pm | Report comment
The stage has officially started. I’m hearing there is an attack immediately of six riders but it might not stick. Will have more information for you as it comes to hand.
8:36pm
tourdecouch said | 8:36pm | Report comment
According to Belgian news reports, Phillipe Gilbert sees himself as more of a favourite for Stage 3 rather than today. Still the romantics among us want a Gilbert, Evans 1-2 at the finish. Who is your pick for today?
8:26pm
tourdecouch said | 8:26pm | Report comment
Just a reminder that as there were no climbs in the prologue yesterday, the first polka dot jersey will be awarded today.
8:25pm
tourdecouch said | 8:25pm | Report comment
Cadel Evans’ team mate, Tejay van Garderen had a blinder of a TT yesterday placing fourth and is now leading the white jersey (young riders) classification. Going from yesterday’s TT, BMC appear to be hitting their form at the right time. Here’s the standing of the white jersey comp:
1 Tejay van Garderen (USA) BMC Racing Team 0:07:23
2 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling 0:00:01
3 Patrick Gretsch (Ger) Argos – Shimano 0:00:02
4 Marcel Kittel (Ger) Argos – Shimano 0:00:11
5 Rein Taaramae (Est) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne 0:00:12
6 Thibaut Pinot (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat 0:00:14
7 Wout Poels (Ned) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
8 Peter Sagan (Svk) Liquigas-Cannondale
9 Anthony Roux (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat 0:00:17
10 Daniel Oss (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale 0:00:18
11 Tony Gallopin (Fra) RadioShack-Nissan 0:00:19
12 Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Rabobank Cycling Team 0:00:20
13 Jan Ghyselinck (Bel) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne 0:00:21
14 Gorka Izagirre Insausti (Spa) Euskaltel – Euskadi 0:00:23
15 Arthur Vichot (Fra) FDJ-Big Mat 0:00:24
16 Dominik Nerz (Ger) Liquigas-Cannondale 0:00:27
17 Kris Boeckmans (Bel) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team 0:00:29
18 Anthony Delaplace (Fra) Saur – Sojasun 0:00:30
19 Rafael Valls Ferri (Spa) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team 0:00:34
20 Davide Malacarne (Ita) Team Europcar 0:00:36
21 Cyril Gautier (Fra) Team Europcar
22 Nicolas Edet (Fra) Cofidis, Le Credit En Ligne
8:23pm
tourdecouch said | 8:23pm | Report comment
Cancellara leads the green jersey (the points classification) competition but he’s already in yellow, so Wiggins will keep it warm for Cavendish. Here’s the standings for that competition after yesterday’s stage.
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) RadioShack-Nissan 20 pts
2 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Procycling 17
3 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep 15
4 Tejay van Garderen (USA) BMC Racing Team 13
5 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling 11
6 Brett Lancaster (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team 10
7 Patrick Gretsch (Ger) Argos – Shimano 9
8 Denis Menchov (Rus) Katusha Team 8
9 Philippe Gilbert (Bel) BMC Racing Team 7
10 Andriy Grivko (Ukr) Astana Pro Team 6
11 Christopher Froome (GBr) Sky Procycling 5
12 Peter Velits (Svk) Omega Pharma-QuickStep 4
13 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 3
14 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale 2
15 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin – Sharp 1
8:20pm
tourdecouch said | 8:20pm | Report comment
Apologies, the protest was actually in the neutral zone, which the riders are still now in
8:18pm
tourdecouch said | 8:18pm | Report comment
Reminder of how the top 20 of the General Classification (GC) looks after yesterday’s prologue:
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) RadioShack-Nissan 0:07:13
2 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky Procycling 0:00:07
3 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep
4 Tejay van Garderen (USA) BMC Racing Team 0:00:10
5 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Sky Procycling 0:00:11
6 Brett Lancaster (Aus) Orica GreenEdge Cycling Team
7 Patrick Gretsch (Ger) Argos – Shimano 0:00:12
8 Denis Menchov (Rus) Katusha Team 0:00:13
9 Philippe Gilbert (Bel) BMC Racing Team
10 Andriy Grivko (Ukr) Astana Pro Team 0:00:15
11 Christopher Froome (GBr) Sky Procycling 0:00:16
12 Peter Velits (Svk) Omega Pharma-QuickStep 0:00:17
13 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
14 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale 0:00:18
15 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin – Sharp
16 David Millar (GBr) Garmin – Sharp
17 Stephen Cummings (GBr) BMC Racing Team
18 Jens Voigt (Ger) RadioShack-Nissan 0:00:19
19 Andreas Klöden (Ger) RadioShack-Nissan
20 Nick Nuyens (Bel) Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank
8:12pm
tourdecouch said | 8:12pm | Report comment
Apparently Sky will be adorned in yellow helmets today as they lead the teams classification. This is a new thing ASO has implemented this year. Hopefully we won’t mix them up with Movistar whose helmets are also a fluro yellow.
8:07pm
tourdecouch said | 8:07pm | Report comment
And now they’re off! Through the 7kms neutral zone.
8:05pm
tourdecouch said | 8:05pm | Report comment
I’m also hearing via Inner Ring on Twitter that a steel workers union protest is delaying the start by a few minutes. The organisers in an attempt to appease the union allowed this delay rather than causing major disruptions to the race.
8:03pm
tourdecouch said | 8:03pm | Report comment
Welcome to The Roar for tonight’s coverage of Stage 1 of the 2012 Tour de France. The stage is just about to start. I hear the forecast for Liege is about 18 degrees and mostly cloudy with the sun doing its best to shine on the riders.