Tour de France

[Liverpel]

Dan Martin.

[RichC]

Sounds like tomorrows rest day is going to be greatly appreciated by SKY then, quite surprised that he lost his whole team so early in the day. Main thing I guess is that he didn't lose any time against his main rivals.

[Neil Young]

Yes, I suppose so but it gives his rivals heart.

And also, according to CyclingNews, Kiryienka was OTL.

[RichC]

What does OTL mean? Over the time limit I take it, that's bad news then

Yeah I guess you're right Froome's rivals will have taken heart from today but it's still a nice lead to have at this stage of the race.

[Neil Young]

Over time limit. It means he's out. He was the only rider on the list who was designated OTL.

Froome is clearly the best rider there. He was so impressive today but he'll need his teammates to offer him much more support in the days to come otherwise he'll lose. It's a team sport these days and he can't do it all every day.

The fact they were all crap and Kiryienka failed to finish with the grupetto could suggest illness in the camp. But whatever the cause it's a massive concern for Froome.

[RichC]

Yeah I worked it out That's bad news for Sky, a rider down.

It certainly seems very strange I see Porte lost 17 odd minutes today which is massive, he looked really strong yesterday as well.

Good for the race though as it's not seemingly as sewn up as I'd first thought after the efforts from yesterday.

When are you heading back to Blighty then?

[Neil Young]

Yes, but I expect Porte eased off when it became clear he wasn't going to be any use to Froome and his chances of a high placing were gone anyway. Even so the fact he was dropped so early, after his performance yesterday, was extremely surprising.

Back home tomorrow. The fact I arranged for us to travel all day when it happens to be the Tour's first rest day meaning we don't miss any racing is mere coincidence. Of course my kids don't believe that but it's true.

Currently in the Rhine Valley. Very pretty but very quiet.

[Neil Young]

A good win for Kittel today. I was surprised by the way he came round Greipel. Cavendish was let down by his train again.

Good placings again for Sagan and Kristoff.

The race of truth tomorrow.

[Boogs]

Looked like Cav cause that crash towards the end.

[Neil Young]

I can see why you say it but I don't think so. The way Cavendish looked back, it seemed to me he was surprised. Plus Veelers moved left and then (as his teammate, Kittel, went past him to his left) he went slightly right, just as Cavendish headed left to get Greipel's wheel.

Kittel has said he's sure it wasn't deliberate I think and Cav has said it was just a racing incident.

And, more important, the commissaires have said the same and the result stands.

[Vermilion]

Cavendish hit by piss thrown from crowd.

Classy.

Probably something to do with the crash yesterday and some fool blaming him i imagine. ******s.

[Alex]

Did anyone see Cavendish steal that Journos tape recorder

I rest my case

[paulc]

Did anyone see Cavendish steal that Journos tape recorder

I rest my case

has it been analysed or was it just yellow

[Pablo]

I see Cavendish has resorted to taking the piss now.

[Daniel 7]

When* Froome wins, do you think this thread will have lots of British posters shouting "Go Britain"? No.**

I don't get why so many Australians are so lopsidedly nationalistic. It's touchingly childish in a way but any pack of squealing under-fives soon gets tiresome if they're not your own.

The only benefit really is that it will make it fun to watch them lose the Ashes and then pretend they don't care.

* Ok, if.

** And not because he's Kenyan.

Colonialism