2009 Tour de France Stage 1. 15km TT Saturday 4th July Monaco > Monaco

[Bro Deal]

The beauty of that course would be lost at cycling speeds anyway.

They've got the tunnel. That's cool. I don't see why they did not continue to the south end of the harbor and back to the starting grid. They could have had the entire circuit except for the part where they turn around the casino.

 

[thoughtforfood]

They've got the tunnel. That's cool. I don't see why they did not continue to the south end of the harbor and back to the starting grid. They could have had the entire circuit except for the part where they turn around the casino.

I know this is going to sound totally geekish and retarded, but I have raced that course hundreds of times on Gran Turismo 4, and it is just wicked cool nall the way around. The chicane following the tunnel is still one I don't get right.

 

[Crankyfeet]

I know this is going to sound totally geekish and retarded, but I have raced that course hundreds of times on Gran Turismo 4, and it is just wicked cool nall the way around. The chicane following the tunnel is still one I don't get right.

The key to the chicane is turning hard left, then right... then veering right... then left....

 

[thoughtforfood]

The key to the chicane is turning hard left, then right... then veering right... then left....

Actually, I have never tried that...seriously, and it would set up better for the 2nd half. The problem is that I always try to treat it like a slalom, and it just doesn't work because in the second half, the wall pushes further to the right...DAMN, THANKS CRANKY!

 

[Malkmus]

I think Bruylandts can win this one. It suits him.

 

[Crankyfeet]

I just have a hunch that this thread could be huge come the first stage next year.

 

[Lonnie Utah]

I just have a hunch that this thread could be huge come the first stage next year.

Can we get this stickied?

 

[JAPANic]

Already showing odds for GC at Ladbrokes...

Alberto Contador 3/1
Carlos Sastre 6/1
Ivan Basso 6/1
Alejandro Valverde 9/1
Andreas Kloden 9/1
Andy Schleck 9/1
Cadel Evans 9/1
Denis Menchov 16/1
Levi Leipheimer 20/1
Bernhard Kohl 25/1
Christian Vandevelde 25/1
Damiano Cunego 25/1
Kim Kirchen 25/1
Michael Rogers 40/1
Samuel Sanchez 40/1
Frank Schleck 50/1
Oscar Pereiro 50/1
Roman Kreuziger 50/1
Haimar Zubeldia 100/1
Tadej Valjavec 100/1
Vladimir Efimkin 100/1

 

[Crankyfeet]

Kohl's only 26 yrs old. Was the big surprise this year for me (if one ignores his team mate Schumacher). I'd have a tinkle on him for a podium spot as an outsider if they're quoting him at 25/1 for the win. Who knows what quantum leap he can make by next year's event?

Looking forward to seeing Basso back in there... even if it's just a link back to the past.

 

[Anticyclone]

Frank Schleck at 50-1? I suppose the bookies are thinking he will third out of the CSC GC guys behind Andy Schleck and Sastre.


Kloden will be 34 by the time they start in Monaco - surely his price is too small? Kreuziger may well be good value as he will be 23 instead of 22. Surely a good bet for a podium unless he is aimed at the Giro? Would have Leipheimer at longer odds myself - he has gone backwards this year and will be 35 next. Assuming no change of team then he will probably pay second or third fiddle to Contador and/or Kloden.

 

[Malkmus]

Frank Schleck at 50-1? I suppose the bookies are thinking he will third out of the CSC GC guys behind Andy Schleck and Sastre.


Kloden will be 34 by the time they start in Monaco - surely his price is too small? Kreuziger may well be good value as he will be 23 instead of 22. Surely a good bet for a podium unless he is aimed at the Giro? Would have Leipheimer at longer odds myself - he has gone backwards this year and will be 35 next. Assuming no change of team then he will probably pay second or third fiddle to Contador and/or Kloden.

Or the bookies realizes that Schleck time-trials like my grandmother...and she has been dead for years.

 

[Bro Deal]

Already showing odds for GC at Ladbrokes...

Alberto Contador 3/1
Carlos Sastre 6/1
Ivan Basso 6/1
Alejandro Valverde 9/1
Andreas Kloden 9/1
Andy Schleck 9/1
Cadel Evans 9/1
Denis Menchov 16/1
Levi Leipheimer 20/1
Bernhard Kohl 25/1
Christian Vandevelde 25/1
Damiano Cunego 25/1
Kim Kirchen 25/1
Michael Rogers 40/1
Samuel Sanchez 40/1
Frank Schleck 50/1
Oscar Pereiro 50/1
Roman Kreuziger 50/1
Haimar Zubeldia 100/1
Tadej Valjavec 100/1
Vladimir Efimkin 100/1

Valverde's odds are way too good. There must be a lot of Spanish who wager on the Tour.

I would place Menchov's chances a little better than that.

Evans should certainly be better than 9/1.

 

[Runitout]

Valverde's odds are way too good. There must be a lot of Spanish who wager on the Tour.

I would place Menchov's chances a little better than that.

Evans should certainly be better than 9/1.

Menchov is good value and Evans too. I would wait to hear about Bass's participation before putting cash down at that price. Contador is quite short, but I imagine he may firm through next year anyway.

Kreuziger is not bad value, but I prefer to wait until after P-N before putting dosh down.

 

[Crankyfeet]

Contador is quite short, but I imagine he may firm through next year anyway.

Have you heard on the grapevine that Astana are now starting to use Viagra?

 

[Runitout]

Have you heard on the grapevine that Astana are now starting to use Viagra?

"Suits you, sir!"

 

[JAPANic]

Have you heard on the grapevine that Astana are now starting to use Viagra?

Can you blame them? Seen any Kazhak women winning Miss Universe lately?

 

[Crankyfeet]

Can you blame them? Seen any Kazhak women winning Miss Universe lately?

ROTFLMFAO

 

[Hitchy]

*taps Fingers* waiting for Grater to point out that someone from Columbia will no doubt win this stage *tapping*

 

[Grater]

Gerdemann has improved his time trialing. He's a gun time trialer now and will be better in 12 months time. Although the last time he time trialed, he broke his leg. But that doesn't matter. He or Kirchen will take this stage.

Also, Gerdemann is a chance to podium the tour de france next year. Definately top 10 material. Probably a year or two too early to podium but it will be good to see in a few years time (2010 - 2013) Andy Schleck, Contador, Krueziger and Gerdemann battling it out.

 

[Crankyfeet]

Gerdemann has improved his time trialing. He's a gun time trialer now and will be better in 12 months time. Although the last time he time trialed, he broke his leg. But that doesn't matter. He or Kirchen will take this stage.

Also, Gerdemann is a chance to podium the tour de france next year. Definately top 10 material. Probably a year or two too early to podium but it will be good to see in a few years time (2010 - 2013) Andy Schleck, Contador, Krueziger and Gerdemann battling it out.

Gerdemann to win the Stage 1, 15km ITT. That was out of left field... even for you Grates. I like your enthusiastic confidence.... "He or Kirchen will take this stage". No ***** footing with your predictions. I'll pay you 10-1 on Gerdemann winning...