Running Tour de France Thread

Some really funky stuff going on in the team time trial today.

I really enjoy these stages every year.

BTW, speaking of the Manx Missile, did anyone else see the piece on him in the latest ESPN the Magazine?

http://insider.espn.go.com/oly/cycling/insider/news/story?id=4300592

 

So the teams that are actually worth a damn start going off in about 20 minutes?

 

I see Astana warming up right now.

 

I think they showed a graphic that the bigs start going off at 10:22.

 

And, just like that, off goes Garmin.

 

And now every seven minutes, with Astana last.

 

Garmin running into issues with riders dropping off. Only have five remaining, the others have dropped.

I'm right in thinking the time stops when the fifth crosses the line, right?

 

Yep. Garmin is in trouble.

Astana goes off.

 

Wild. Garmin is leading at the second check, but is down to the minimum five riders.

 

As depleted as they may be, that's a pretty good five to have if you're going to be shorthanded.

 

Only problem now is that the announcers just said they think one of the five might be laboring a little.

 

Columia's claim of bring the best team in cycling is looking a little iffy right now.

Fifth at the second check-point.