**** Tour de France 2017 ****

[Equilibrium25]

counterofbeans said:

Oh joy. Another 3 weeks of Froome staring at his stem.

I think I'll return to the Tour when Froome and Sky no longer dominate. Till then I'll make do with the Giro/Vuelta.

Hope the rest of you enjoy it though.

Each to their own, but if you dislike his dominance doesn't it make it worthwhile watching, so that you see it when it inevitably ends?

I hated the Armstrong domination, but turned up (in my living room) every year in the hope that, variously, Zulle/Ulrich/Beloki/Basso/Vino would knock him off his perch. I'll admit that it didn't go well for me, but I enjoyed cheering on everybody else, on every mountain, every year!

[K50 DEL]

So looking forward to this... between Wimbledon and the TDF the first couple of weeks of July are a write off for me!

Already making plans to attend the first 4 days of next years TDF, given it passes about 2km from my friend's front door it would be rude not to!

[SydneyBridge]

been watching the TDF for as long as I can remember (I am aged 46, so a few years...)

Team Sky have been a bit tainted this year, so don't think they will get a great reception

not a huge fan of Frome, but hope Cav can manage a few stage wins

[Matt_N]

It's a strange view to adopt, yes he may take the GC again, but he's not dominating every aspect of the race is he?

That's the beauty of the Grand Tours, you've got the sprinters, climbers, break away riders and TT'ers all to watch, take in and experience.

Stage 13 for example is basically a 100km hill climb TT which could see the sparks flying.

Stage 17 sees the riders tackle the Croix De Fer, then the Telegraphe and Col du Galiber, a total climb some 36km long.

Stage 18 has a first time summit finish on the Col d'Izoard.

Plus everything else in between, you can't miss it.

[AndStilliRise]

oh yes...

[johnxjsc1985]

still the most anticipated 3 weeks of sport all year for me.Sometimes it lacks something but hopefully this year will be a classic and someone will shine maybe young Yates for instance.

[mcelliott]

I would really like to see Bardet on the top spot of the podium this year - I love his cavalier style on the bike. Someone who appears to ride on feel rather than staring gormlessly down at his power meter. Be gobsmacked if Cav makes top 3 in any of the flat stages.

[zbc]

K50 DEL said:

So looking forward to this... between Wimbledon and the TDF the first couple of weeks of July are a write off for me!

Already making plans to attend the first 4 days of next years TDF, given it passes about 2km from my friend's front door it would be rude not to!

Stage 4 this year starts about 2km from my front door. I'll be there - can't wait

[Black can man]

johnxjsc1985 said:

still the most anticipated 3 weeks of sport all year for me.Sometimes it lacks something but hopefully this year will be a classic and someone will shine maybe young Yates for instance.

Have to agree with all of this .

[Bernd Tost]

All set for 3 weeks of herculean feats of endurance, stunning scenery and the odd geography lesson, intrigue, controversy and the odd funny moment along with the customary estate car porn.

Hoping Tommy V has a great final tour

If my ageing Freesat box packs in at any time during July it will be getting launched off Marine Drive

[AndStilliRise]

Any live feeds? Going to struggle as i will be working during the day and they have removed the TV here.

[Matt_N]

ITV player? ITV4 are showing it live.

Or Eurosport player?

[ferrisbueller]

Horrible crash for Valverde.

Slightly disappointed for Tony Martin.

[Chris Stott]

Strong performance from Sky... 4 in the top 10.

[Piginapoke]

'Geraint, Chris is faster than you ....' will be the theme tomorrow

[Rich_W]

ferrisbueller said:

Horrible crash for Valverde.

Slightly disappointed for Tony Martin.

Valverde can fk off forever as far as I'm concerned.

Martin is probably just teetering on the downslope of his career now. Utter legend. That solo break that didn't quite make it at the Vuelta and then the one that did at the tour.

[Matt_N]

Bit short for Martin really, he won the National TT on a 48km course in June.

Great ride from G and Froome to pull some time on the GC boys already.

[hornetrider]

Welshman in yellow!

[Rich_W]

Nice vid of Martins Canyon TT bike

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTZspPYCBzg

WANT!

[Matt_N]

Kittel kicks off the sprint stage wins then, good to see Cab getting his eye in with a 4th too.

Short punchy climb to finish tomorrow, Sagan could fancy his chances.

Would've been right up Valverde's street.