IMAGES FROM THE 8th STAGE OF THE TOUR OF CALIFORNIA

By Debbie Bulloch



As I have been writing for the past few days, the 8th stage of the Amgen Tour of California was held in Thousand Oaks, California.

Riding in Stage 8 of the Tour of California

The Amgen Tour of California Comes Home

As promised, here are some of the images from Stage 8 of the Tour.

Enjoy!




Rider Jason McCartney, from Team Radio Shack (Lance Armstrong's team) as he climbs to the summit on the last lap of the 8th Stage. At this point Jason is about 7.3 miles (12.2 km) from the finish line.



Notice the rider in the tucked-in, "aerodynamic" position. He has the aerodynamic advantage over the other riders in the more upright position allowing him to ride faster while spending less energy.



Sometimes fans get way too close to the riders. Bike racing is the only sport where fans are allowed to be this close to the competitors. It was a fan standing close to the riders that caused Lance Armstrong's spectacular fall in the 2005 Tour de Fance.



Canadian rider Ryder Hesjedal, from Team Garmin, won the Tour's 8th stage.



To capture all the drama of the race, cameramen ride on the back of motorcycles that follow the riders throughout the race's course. Sometimes they get reeeeeeally close as you can see in this picture.



Of course, some race images are captured from the television helicopter, flying high above the riders and crowd.



Michael Rogers from team HTC-Columbia wears the yellow jersey, or maillot jaune, indicating that he is the race leader. Michael eventually won the race, just 9 second ahead of second place winner David Zabriskie from Team Garmin and 25 seconds ahead of Levi Leipheimer from Team Radio Shack.

In this photograph, Michael is riding ahead of the peloton.



On this photograph Michael is the fifth rider from the right. Here he is riding in the middle of the pack, where he can draft behind his fellow team members and save precious energy.



Steven Cozza (second rider from the right) from Team Garmin, is known for his large, "non-aerodynamic" moustache.



These riders are on the last climb of the Stage. Notice the pained expression on some of their faces.



Finally, here is the "sweeper wagon." Notice the brooms in front of the car. This car follows, or "sweeps," right behind the last rider. Incidentally, in the Tour de France the last rider to finish the race is awarded the lanterne rouge (the red lantern). This award is in recognition of the fact that the last rider has ridden as many miles as the winner and has probably had to go through greater pain and struggles in order to finish the race.

TOUR de FRANCE UPDATE - STAGE FIVE

By Debbie Bulloch



Frenchman wins Étape Cinq of the Tour de France!

Well, it was not our own Monsieur Arcabulle Odriscoll, but a Franchman indeed won today's State Five - Thomas Voeckler of France claimed his first stage victory in the Tour de France.

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland retained the overall lead, with seven-time champion Lance Armstrong a fraction of a second behind after the fifth stage, a 122-mile ride along the windy Mediterranean Sea from Le Cap d'Agde to Perpignan.

Voeckler, who wore the coveted leader's jersey for nine days in 2004, made his move 3.1 miles from the finish Wednesday to escape a small breakaway. The Frenchman arrived at the line with tears in his eyes.

"I dedicate this victory to myself, my son and my wife, who actually didn't see me win as she was returning home in a plane," the 30-year-old Voeckler said.

Voeckler clocked 4 hours, 29 minutes, 35 seconds, seven seconds faster than the peloton that was barreling down on him. Mikhail Ignatiev of Russia was second ahead of Britain's Mark Cavendish, who won the peloton's sprint. The seven second margin of victory does not reflect the true margin of Voeckler's victory. As he approached the finish line, Voelcker slowed down and kept looking back, perhaps in disbelief of his own victory. It was certainly nice for the French spectators to see a native son win a stage, before the TdF moves to a finish in Spain.

Armstrong finished in the main pack and retained second place overall, 19 seconds ahead of his rival and Astana teammate Alberto Contador. Former Tour runner-up Andreas Kloeden is fourth, 23 seconds back, and Levi Leipheimer of the United States is fifth, 31 seconds behind.

This year's Team Astana looks to be the team to beat. The team's strong performance in yesterday's team time trial demonstrated the team's power and exceptional discipline of each of its riders.

ÉTAPE CINQ - 196.5 km (122 miles) of beautiful countryside!

Departure: Le Cap d’Agde

A seaside resort where fresh water and salt water converge, Cap d’Agde is a land of contrasts with 14 kilometres of fine sand beaches, protected natural areas devoted to walking and numerous leisure activities and special events for families: tennis, golf, scuba diving, water sports, Aqualand, Ile des Loisirs (Leisure Island), a children’s amusement park, a casino, discotheques, an aquarium, an Underwater Trail, a national Nature Reserve, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology that houses the famous Ephèbe bronze… The city of Agde, a stone’s throw away, is steeped in 2600 years of history. It was founded in the 5th century before J.C. by the ancient Greeks who named it “Agathé Tyché”, “Good Fortune.” Volcanic rock, from the volcanic eruption of Mont Saint-Loup 750 000 years ago, is everywhere in evidence.



Arrival: Perpignan

Perpignan is a fascinating city that remains steeped in the distinctive culture and identity of its history. Positioned at the gateway to the Roussillon, Perpignan is a vibrant and booming urban community, with the future Perpignan-Barcelona high-speed train line, the construction of the Archipel theatre by the French architect Jean Nouvel, and a commitment to becoming the first 100 % renewable positive energy city in Europe. Perpignan’s horizon is dominated by the outline of the Pic du Canigou and the Mediterranean Sea, and the gusts of the tramontane (strong northern wind) render its bright blue sky cloud free: this is Perpignan the Catalan. A hub of Catalan culture, a City of Art and History, Perpignan boasts a richly cosmopolitan heritage, the reflection of a radiant and popular city. Perpignan enchants visitors; the rhythm of city life is punctuated by its numerous festivities, blending tradition and festivals of all genres.

Note: My own family, on my mother’s side, comes from Spanish Catalonia. When the TDF rides through Barcelona, it will be riding through my family’s ancestral land.

Le Tour de France 2009

Hello my dear friends,

Here is arc, a crazy french reporter who is in France to follow this very special edition of Tour de France 2009 !

I just had a problem because I didn't manage to follow the first stage and second one in Monaco ! In fact I had a problem with my bike and so i couldn't have managed to reach the departure (and not the arrival) of Tdf 2009 ! My camera was too big and carrying it on my shoulders was too hard ! maybe i should buy a motorbike

so my dear friend Debbie did that very well like always !

So so there are a lot to say after these two first stages ! But be sure I won't be too boring (i will try) because a lot of people maybe don't like bike and especially Tour de France (haha).

First Cancellara was very strong like he was expected ! He is one of the greatest biker in this area ! He already did that and won the prolog in 2004 and 2007 and won in the olympic games ! very nice.

What we can say or analyze is the position of Astana team ! Have a look of Deb's post. 4 bikers of Astana are in the top ten : Contador the best, Andreas Kloden, Leipheimer and Lance Armstrong !

Lance Armstrong in 2005

Astana is here and looks like a very strong team ! it is like echec they are setting their positions

Lance is here and not so far from the best : only 40 seconds I think ! Look he is here, not so far !

You can also see that Cadel Evans is here only five and is a very very great favorite to win the race ! this australian has a very great potential ! even if a lot of people reproach him not to attack and being like a "diesel"

Oh look at Schleck brothers and especially Andy who is the younger. He is 18th

And of course the french bikers ! Coppel is the first and it is a great surprise ! hope he will pursue like that and just behind him everyone knows sylvain Chavanel (hehehe) !

If I ask you : do you know french bikers : maybe you will tell me oh yes : Bernard Hinault , Laurent Fignon or maybe Jacques Anquetil or maybe Jean Robic ! (hahahaha) ! yes yes they are in Francaise des Jeux team ! no no they were very great bikers but before hehe!
so i really think that you don't know french bikers !

For example, Debbie, TT or you SP, do you know french bikers who are riding on Tdf 2009 ! Honnestly French bikers are not able to win the tour even if there are good performers ! I hope we will have soon great champions like Bernard Hinault (who won 5 tours de France) or Laurent Fignon (won 2 tours de France) able to win this wonderful race

Oh did you see the arrival of stage 2 ? Mark Cavendish was incredible ! This english man is a plane (haha) ! nobody was able to follow him when he sprinted ! nobody !
A french guy was 3 ! good

So my friends here was Arc from BH News from the Tour de France 2009

see you soon

Arc

THE TOUR DE FRANCE IS HERE!

By Debbie Bulloch



Tomorrow marks the start of the 2009 Tour de France. Stage One of the TDF begins in Monaco and ends in the town of Brignoles. As an avid bike rider, I am already I am suffering from Tour “fever.”

This year’s TDF will be special for three reasons. As you know by now (and if you don’t know it is because you do not read our blog – so, shame on you!!! – LOL) on July 20, our very own Monsieur Arcabulle Odriscoll will be riding on L’Etape du Tour. L’Etape is for amateur riders and it is run on the same course as Stage Twenty of the TDF; from Montelimar to Mont Ventoux. For more information on Mont Ventoux and L’Etape du Tour (in case that you missed it the first time around) click here: L’Etape du Tour.

The second reason why this year’s TDF is special is because Stage Ten of the Tour will start in the small town of Limoges. One of BH’s members lives in Limoges so he will have a first hand view of the beginning of Stage Ten. Perhaps we can persuade him to take photographs and post them on the blog.

The third and final reason why this year’s TDF is special is because it marks the return of American rider, and 7-time TDF winner, Lance Armstrong. Winning one TDF is significant, winning two is special, winning five is extraordinary, but winning SEVEN consecutive TDF is an achievement that will probably never be matched by an other rider. Competitive cycling is perhaps one of the toughest sports, both mentally and physically. TDF is an epic race, only the elite of the elite, the crème de la crème can even qualify to compete. To win seven consecutive TDF is an achievement of mythic proportions.

Lance does not figure to be a factor in this year’s TDF. There is a whole generation of younger, stronger riders – times marches on, even for a titan like Lance. There are a number of new riders, from France, Canada, Holland, Spain and Russia that figure to have a good chance to win the 2009 TDF. Still, it will be a pleasure to watch Lance mount his carbon fiber steed and make the younger riders sweat it out!

In the USA, the VERSUS TV Channel will cover the race. You can follow daily race results by clicking here: Versus Channel

Today I went for a ride on my mountain bike. Going down one of the trails I achieve a maximum speed of 31miles per hour. If some of those darned trees had not gotten on the way, I could have gone even faster!



One of the good things of having a bike computer is that it helps you keep track of all the miles covered. In the last two and a half years since I last changed batteries in the bike’s computer, I have covered over 4400 miles. Not anywhere near Armstrong-like levels, but just enough to keep my circulation in decent shape.



Finally, if you have a surfer at home, this is what the entrance to your house may look like. Yes, those are three boards you see on the picture. Once, when I complained to my daughter about her having THREE boards (after all, you can only ride one at a time) her reply was quick and to the point, “Well, you have TWO bikes plus a stationary bike to ride indoors when the weather is bad; at least I haven’t asked for an indoor pool to surf when the weather is bad.”

She does have a point there. Next fall construction will start on our indoor pool, with a wave-making machine….(just kidding!)

The Story of the Tour de France - Part Two

Les grands vainqueurs du Tour de France

Today my friends, let me tell you about the great and famous winners of "le Tour de France". I will just give you the names of the famous and greatest winners. About 2500 miles or 4000 kms in 3 weeks ! it is terrible how much it is difficult. you shoudl try one day, just a stage to see !

One rider has won seven times:

Lance Armstrong (USA) in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 (seven consecutive years).

Lance Armstrong was a comete or a star, i think he was on an other planet. What I liked about his style was the way and the speed he had with his legs ! wow very particular !

Four riders have won five times :

Jacques Anquetil (France) in 1957, 1961, 1962, 1963 and 1964;

Contrary to the regimented training of many champions, Jacques Anquetil became the Tour's first five-time winner with a unique, playboy lifestyle, a profound swagger and tremendous skill as a time trialist.

Anquetil celebrated his notoriety with as much vigor as he rode. He led a party lifestyle and fit the part of a Southern California surfer : Anquetil had blond hair and blue eyes and often drove a sports car to races. Anquetil was infamous for smoking and drinking, and he uttered among the most often cited quotes in Tour history: “You can’t ride the Tour de France on mineral water.”

Eddy Merckx (Belgium) in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1974;

Merckx said: "I hated school, I loved doing all the sports, but I hated to be inside. I left as soon as I could. It caused friction at home, especially with my father. But it was typical of him that he supported my decision, especially when he saw that I loved the thing I had chosen, cycling, and was doing well at it." He had his first racing bike, second-hand, when he was eight. wow ! very young !!

Bernard Hinault (France) in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982 and 1985

The French call him Le Blaireau (the Badger) because he was quite agressive with a strong personality.

I do appreciate these years, it was so great with Greg Lemond, Laurent Fignon(who won 2 Tours de France). Do you remember in 1982 when Greg Lemond won the Tour and there was only 8 seconds at the arrival on Champs Elysées. It was somptuous !!

Miguel Indurain (Spain) in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 (the first to do so in five consecutive years).

Indurain was considered a good team rider, but no one predicted his early mountain attacks, strategic defensive riding, and final time trial dominance. A cyclist of little bravado and few words, Indurain won the first of his then-record five straight titles with a 3 1/2-minute victory over Italy’s Gianni Bugno

Three riders have won three times:

Philippe Thys (Belgium) in 1913, 1914, and 1920;

Louison Bobet (France) in 1953, 1954, and 1955;

Greg LeMond (USA) in 1986, 1989, and 1990.

I liked very much Greg Lemond, his style and he was very strong too ! A very great rider and very courageous.

Like Lance Armstrong, LeMond’s career was interrupted by life tragedy. On a 1987 hunting trip in Northern California, LeMond was accidentally shot by his brother in law and suffered near-fatal wounds. Deb you must remember this episod !
While recovering, LeMond missed the 1987 and 1988 Tours. He triumphantly returned and took his second Tour title in 1989.

Seven riders have won the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia in the same year:

Eddy Merckx three times, in 1970, 1972, 1974

Fausto Coppi two times, in 1949, 1952


Bernard Hinault two times, in 1982, 1985.

Miguel Indurain two times, in 1992, 1993

Jacques Anquetil one time, in 1964

Stephen Roche one time, in 1987

Marco Pantani one time, in 1998

The youngest Tour de France winner was

Henri Cornet, aged 19 in 1904. Next youngest was Romain Maes, aged 21 in 1935.
The oldest winner was Firmin Lambot, aged 36 in 1922. Next oldest were Henri Pelissier (1923) and Gino Bartali (1948), both 34.

Gino Bartali holds the longest time span between titles, having earned his first and last Tour victories 10 years apart (in 1938 and 1948).

Riders from France have won most (youpii, french are the best of course, it is evident !!hehehe), followed by Belgium, Spain, United States, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the Netherlands (2 each) and Ireland, Denmark and Germany (1 each).

So my friends, have a nice day and see you soon again for the part 3 of the tour de France