Author Topic: Any TDF fans out there? (Read 3515 times)

BuddyXL · « **on:** July 25, 2019, 05:06:29 AM »

Anyone else just glued to the Tour de France? I have watched it every year for years and love it. Ironically, I don't ride but still love watching it!

Joeko · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2019, 06:20:26 AM »

Love the Tour. I have been watching the recaps on You Tube every day.

terran · « **Reply #2 on:** July 25, 2019, 06:25:47 AM »

Yeah, Target Date Funds are a good choice for people who want a set it and forget it investment option... Oh ... Nevermind ...

LifeHappens · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2019, 11:54:14 AM »

It's been a good one! With some of the big names like Froome and Cavendish not participating, and others crashing out (Fuglsang) or underperforming (Quintana, Nibali) it's been fun to see some different names. Looking forward to these 3 Alps stages. I love hearing Phil Liggett shout, "He's cracking!!!"

FIRE@50 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2019, 12:11:18 PM »

I used to always watch it but I haven't had cable for several years so I don't get to watch it much anymore. I do kinda miss it.

BlueHouse · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2019, 01:25:09 PM »

I loved it for 10 years or so, but without cable TV, NBC Sports has killed it.
I'm willing to purchase the app, but a few years ago, they made it so you could only watch live even on the app! Otherwise, you just get clips.

Last year, I was so frustrated by the coverage, that I just stopped watching. NBC, I hope you hear this. TDF, I hope you do too and force NBC to wake up. To me, this is why cycling hasn't caught on in the US as a big draw.

By the way, there's nothing more fun than having a TDF party with wine and cheese and the TDF on a big outdoor TV (or indoor with the doors open) and running in and out of a pool, or sprinkler. (which is why I like watching it with commercials).

Chris Pascale · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2019, 09:41:56 PM »

Don't have normal TV. So, no.

Paul der Krake · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2019, 09:52:09 PM »

This year has been particularly wild. Best race in years.

BussoV6 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 25, 2019, 11:59:30 PM »

Love the TdF. We get live coverage through Supoersport in South Africa. I have it on in my home office during the day but watch the evening highlights package if I have been out.

Best race in years. Pity Chris Froome couldn't race though.

Fomerly known as something · « **Reply #9 on:** July 27, 2019, 05:49:19 PM »

Currently watching stage 16 so I won't read the rest of this thread until after I get through all of the stages so as not to see the spoilers. I also don't ride outside of just for fun. I think it's the great production quality, the race can be interesting, good commentary and then the travel guide to France that makes me like to watch.

MatthewK · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2019, 06:29:08 PM »

Quote from: FIRE@50 on July 25, 2019, 12:11:18 PM

I used to always watch it but I haven't had cable for several years so I don't get to watch it much anymore. I do kinda miss it.

Yeah, that's kinda where I'm at too. I do catch the youtube clips every night. The scenery is always breathtaking as well.

GuitarStv · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2019, 06:37:23 PM »

Best Tour I've ever seen this year.

I watch the ITV4 coverage.

Moustachienne · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2019, 10:23:06 PM »

DH and I are huge fans! Every year has its moments but this year has been something else. A much more wide open race for a variety of reasons and LOTS of drama:

1. Weather! Super hot or hail/mudslides. Tomorrow in Paris is supposed to be about 25C/75F, unlike the 43C/110F of a few days ago.

2. Suprises! Dumoulin out with injury. Froome has freak crash. Cavendish not selected for TDF team. Then Alaphilippe in yellow for 14 days but also Rohan Dennis just climbing off because..? Pinot loses time, Pinot gains time, Pinot looking strong, Pinot abandons with leg injury.

3. Satisfactions! A stage for Quintana and also for Nibali. Don't count the old guys out. Valverde always there. Sagan on track for record 7th green jersey (but a surprisingly quiet race from him).

We're on the west coast so can watch the end of the stages in the morning. Then we often rewatch the stage on tape later to enjoy the chateaux views and knowing more than commentators Matthew Kennan and Robbie McEwan about what's coming.

Next week is going to seem empty! But then there's the Vuelta (although hard to get broadcasts) and the World Championships in Yorkshire.

Fresh Bread · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2019, 06:52:43 AM »

Has anybody seen any coverage of The Internationelles? They are group of women who are riding the Tour course one day ahead of the men, to prove the whole thing can be done by women. Totally mad but hardcore!

https://www.internationelles.com/

habanero · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2019, 07:10:22 AM »

Big fan. This year has been more interesting than most, but the changes due to the natural disasters in the Alps was bit of an anticlimax.

A tip: Almost every year I find the Giro d'Italia way more fun to watch than the TdF. The course is generally tougher, the mountains are higher and the climbs are steeper and the teams are a bit weaker making the whole event less predictable. Watching Sky/Ineos controlling the TdF the last 2 weeks of the race isn't very fun in my book, but this year has been an exception.

The Vuelta has also grown on me the last few years.

BuddyXL · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2019, 07:25:13 AM »

Yeah the tour has been great but the natural disaster impact has been a bit of a headache. But hey, thats nature!

I need to check out the other Tours. I have watched a day or two of them in the past but not much, I might get hooked on them too?!

habanero · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2019, 07:34:30 AM »

Yes, I actually prefer those to the TdF. The TV coverage is of somewhat lower quality (but has improved the last years) but the style of racing is the biggest difference. Some of the climbs in the Vuelta and the Giro are just insane with gradients you never see in the TdF. Where I live it's easy to get them on TV with good commentary (cycling on TV has become kind of a thing here the last decade).

Also, if you haven't already you should check out the big 1-day classics in the beginning of the season (+ the world championship). That's cycling in its purest form with long, hard courses, all the best riders for those races present and the only thing that matters is winning on the day. Especially Paris-Roubaix with its cobbled course and action all day long.

BuddyXL · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2019, 08:53:14 AM »

Thanks Norway! I am going to check those out!

Getting ready for the last TDF stage today!!! The ride into Paris is always fun

habanero · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2019, 09:06:43 AM »

If I remember correctly Bradly Wiggins once said he would happily trade his TdF victory for a win in Paris-Roubaix. The cool thing about the classics is that there is always a fairly long list of riders who can win with a good day and a bit of luck. While for a 3-week race, especially the TdF, there are really only 2-3 likely candidates for the overall victory and a couple of wildcards.

As with all grad tours watching the key is to actually follow the race. That does not mean watching the entire thing but tune in for a large part of the key stages - meaning the climbing stages and any stage with the possibility of crosswinds. For the sprint stages I only watch the last 15-20 minutes and I tend to not watch a lot of the hilly stages where a breakaway victory is likely but the GC contestants dont really care and might declare it an unofficial rest day if significant time gaps have built up already.

I used to think the cycling was like watching paint dry, but once you get it it's easy to get hooked on it. The TV coverage of the TdF in Norway is also great for a good dose of french culture as one of the commentators is an encyclopedia on every village, castle etc they ride past. And they have great expert commentary (this year Thor Hushovd who did the race 14(?) times and has 10 stage wins) to explain the tactics, how riders think and all the small things you don't know unless you have raced it.

Indexer · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2019, 09:48:26 AM »

Quote from: terran on July 25, 2019, 06:25:47 AM

Yeah, Target Date Funds are a good choice for people who want a set it and forget it investment option... Oh ... Nevermind ...

I thought the same thing...

habanero · « **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2019, 09:55:08 AM »

This should most def been moved to off-topic, yes...

BussoV6 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 29, 2019, 01:33:42 AM »

Pretty sure there are plenty of hangovers in Columbia this morning. Lots of cycling fans in that country and they seem to produce some real ace climbers.

Just Joe · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2019, 07:53:47 AM »

Love watching the TDF and similar. Alas, no live TV so only clips. Once upon a time I jumped through the technological hoops to geo-spoof and watch things like this live.

powskier · « **Reply #23 on:** July 30, 2019, 09:22:08 PM »

Yes!
Great race this year, devastated for Pinot who was my hope for this year. Alaphillipe needs to add a little mental steel to his game and some stronger teammates to have a chance a dethroning the Ineos "richest team always wins" squad.

GuitarStv · « **Reply #24 on:** July 31, 2019, 10:36:05 AM »

Pinot was riding incredibly well, it's sad he injured his knee. I'd argue that Alaphillippe showed the most mental toughness of any rider in the tour this year. He really shouldn't have been able to hold on to the yellow jersey for as long as he did, at the end it was just grit keeping him going.

Sadly, I suspect that in the future Sky will go back to being the same unstoppable juggernaut of boring that they are every year. This tour was exciting in a large part because Froome crashed out and Sky finally sort of faltered when it was unsure if they were going to ride for Thomas (who wasn't in good form after a year of debauchery) or Bernal (amazing shape, but an unknown). It actually gave other teams a chance (even though that came to nothing). I shudder to think how future TdFs will be with Thomas, Froome, and Bernal all following the standard Sky plan . . . of shut down any hint of excitement in the race while slowly pacing their anointed GC to victory.

Fomerly known as something · « **Reply #25 on:** July 31, 2019, 07:13:09 PM »

Quote from: BlueHouse on July 25, 2019, 01:25:09 PM

I loved it for 10 years or so, but without cable TV, NBC Sports has killed it.
I'm willing to purchase the app, but a few years ago, they made it so you could only watch live even on the app! Otherwise, you just get clips.

Last year, I was so frustrated by the coverage, that I just stopped watching. NBC, I hope you hear this. TDF, I hope you do too and force NBC to wake up. To me, this is why cycling hasn't caught on in the US as a big draw.

By the way, there's nothing more fun than having a TDF party with wine and cheese and the TDF on a big outdoor TV (or indoor with the doors open) and running in and out of a pool, or sprinkler. (which is why I like watching it with commercials).

I'm not sure if you are talking about the cycling pass or not, I can watch full ad free plus other races for $54 a year. It's worth it for me.

BlueHouse · « **Reply #26 on:** August 01, 2019, 01:07:19 PM »

Quote from: Fomerly known as something on July 31, 2019, 07:13:09 PM

Quote from: BlueHouse on July 25, 2019, 01:25:09 PM
I loved it for 10 years or so, but without cable TV, NBC Sports has killed it.
I'm willing to purchase the app, but a few years ago, they made it so you could only watch live even on the app! Otherwise, you just get clips.

Last year, I was so frustrated by the coverage, that I just stopped watching. NBC, I hope you hear this. TDF, I hope you do too and force NBC to wake up. To me, this is why cycling hasn't caught on in the US as a big draw.

By the way, there's nothing more fun than having a TDF party with wine and cheese and the TDF on a big outdoor TV (or indoor with the doors open) and running in and out of a pool, or sprinkler. (which is why I like watching it with commercials).
I'm talking about the iphone app. I don't have cable. Is that required for this cycling pass?

I'm not sure if you are talking about the cycling pass or not, I can watch full ad free plus other races for $54 a year. It's worth it for me.

Pigeon · « **Reply #27 on:** August 12, 2019, 08:00:34 AM »

My partner has taken up cycling this past year and is watching this and other bike races. It's about as exciting as watching paint dry. I'm actually thinking we might need a second TV.

Imma · « **Reply #28 on:** August 12, 2019, 09:38:18 AM »

Quote from: Pigeon on August 12, 2019, 08:00:34 AM

My partner has taken up cycling this past year and is watching this and other bike races. It's about as exciting as watching paint dry. I'm actually thinking we might need a second TV.

I just can't imagine that at all! The most exciting thing I have ever watched is probably the last stage of the Giro in 2017 - I'm a big fan of Dumoulin, so to see him win the Giro and to see a relative outsider like van Emden win the stage was great. Cycling is absolutely my favourite sport to watch. I don't watch every stage back to front of course but I like to have it on in the background while doing other things. The Tour is the most scenic to watch, the views are incredible. I agree with the others that the Vuelta and the Giro are more exciting from a cycling point of view. The classics are also fun to watch, because one mistake or one lucky day makes all the difference.

Thankfully I'm from a cycling-mad part of the world so in summer it's not odd at all to have TV's in public turned to cycling. I used to work somewhere where we'd have the Tour on all day every day and there's a sports bar in my neighbourhood focused exclusively on cycling. Unfortunately my current workplace doesn't allow sports in the background, so I missed out on most of this year's Tour :(

I guess cycling is the type of sport that you need to understand a little bit before you really enjoy it. It's not like a quick ball game where the team with the highest score wins, there's advanced strategy behind it. Do you dislike watching one day classics (like Paris-Roubaix or Liège-Bastogne-Liège) just as much?

Pigeon · « **Reply #29 on:** August 13, 2019, 10:41:19 AM »

Quote from: Imma on August 12, 2019, 09:38:18 AM

Quote from: Pigeon on August 12, 2019, 08:00:34 AM
My partner has taken up cycling this past year and is watching this and other bike races. It's about as exciting as watching paint dry. I'm actually thinking we might need a second TV.

I just can't imagine that at all! The most exciting thing I have ever watched is probably the last stage of the Giro in 2017 - I'm a big fan of Dumoulin, so to see him win the Giro and to see a relative outsider like van Emden win the stage was great. Cycling is absolutely my favourite sport to watch. I don't watch every stage back to front of course but I like to have it on in the background while doing other things. The Tour is the most scenic to watch, the views are incredible. I agree with the others that the Vuelta and the Giro are more exciting from a cycling point of view. The classics are also fun to watch, because one mistake or one lucky day makes all the difference.

Thankfully I'm from a cycling-mad part of the world so in summer it's not odd at all to have TV's in public turned to cycling. I used to work somewhere where we'd have the Tour on all day every day and there's a sports bar in my neighbourhood focused exclusively on cycling. Unfortunately my current workplace doesn't allow sports in the background, so I missed out on most of this year's Tour :(

I guess cycling is the type of sport that you need to understand a little bit before you really enjoy it. It's not like a quick ball game where the team with the highest score wins, there's advanced strategy behind it. Do you dislike watching one day classics (like Paris-Roubaix or Liège-Bastogne-Liège) just as much?

There aren't many sports I enjoy watching. I can tolerate a hockey game and a few other things. My partner doesn't much like watching other sports, either, which used to be one of his excellent qualities. I'm glad he's enjoying the actual cycling, but OMG, the races on TV are absolutely deadly. A second TV is probably the answer.

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Author Topic: Any TDF fans out there? (Read 3515 times)