TDF - break aways - what are they good for?

[raindog]

Let's not forget that sometimes a break goes the whole way.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

The breakaways are great to watch and it's an awesome sight to see the peloton, timed to perfection, bearing down on a couple of riders. Sure I read that rather than congratulate the breakaway riders, when they get caught, on their stirling efforts they get dogs abuse and jeered at, is that right?

 

[raindog]

Sure I read that rather than congratulate the breakaway riders, when they get caught, on their stirling efforts they get dogs abuse and jeered at, is that right?

Christ on bike, where did you get that from? They get congrats and you'll often see them get a pat on the back or the arm from anyone up front close enough to do it.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

The only 'fix' about breakaways is on Bastille Day. ASO normally plan a stage that might favour a breakaway. Ideally a Frenchman will then rise to the occasion and take the honours.

For years this was the job of Richard Virenque. He would get himself 'juiced up' and blaze a lonely trail across the hills while brass bands in villages up and down the land struck up La Marseillaise and housewives throughout France would sit in front of the telly, wet themselves and dream one day he would sire their children.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

The only 'fix' about breakaways is on Bastille Day. ASO normally plan a stage that might favour a breakaway. Ideally a Frenchman will then rise to the occasion and take the honours.

For years this was the job of Richard Virenque. He would get himself 'juiced up' and blaze a lonely trail across the hills while brass bands in villages up and down the land struck up La Marseillaise and housewives throughout France would sit in front of the telly, wet themselves and dream one day he would sire their children.

Ha ha. So cruel and yet so true.

I guess it is now 'baby-face' Tommy Voeckler who is the current choice of middle-aged French ladies... albeit an unjuiced choice.

 

[Smokin Joe]

More breaks would succeed if radios were banned. Chasing riders now have the advantage of their DS (with a TV monitor in the car) telling them exactly what pace they need to ride at to reel the break in a couple of kilometers from the line. They can see whether riders are tiring or still putting on the power.

 

[italiafirenze]

It gives the smaller teams with no chance of winning the Tour and little chance of wearing a jersey, some TV time. Every day we see a rider from;
FDJ
Movistar
Vacansoleil
Euskaltel

and then maybe throw in someone from Quickstep or Lampre. Every so often you get a bigger rider, like Lance Armstrong last year, sneaking into the break and having a go. Usually only allowed to go once they've lost a few minutes in the GC though.

 

[Willo]

Tommy keeps having a pop up the front, fair play to him.

I love the breakaways and think it a bit of a shame the live comms makes it even more difficult for them to stay out. Still something stirring the see the effort despite it often being obviously doomed. Great to see them shake hands just before they're caught and fantastic on the odd occassion they catch the peleton out. And for watching the race in the flesh great to prolongue the spectacle with 2 groups passing.

 

[the_mikey]

Sometimes a breakaway can force the pace of the following peloton, also a break can sometimes get lucky. Certainly the chances of the breakaway getting lucky, or at least scoring some points (KOM, sprint or crossing the finish line near 1st) are greater for a breakaway than if they were to sit in the peloton.

View: http://youtu.be/FdHG4dnf2Ew


http://www.youtube.c...h?v=5g6lRr_EdrE

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=jmo4_lJYfrQ

 

[exbfb]

In repsonse to the title.

TDF break aways, what are they good for ?
Absolutely nuthin' !!
Say it again .

With apologies to Mr Edwin Starr

 

[Shadow]

I'm amazed nobody has been here after the last 2 days - hope you were watching crisscross! Incredible, spectacular couple of days.

 

[Willo]

I'm amazed nobody has been here after the last 2 days - hope you were watching crisscross! Incredible, spectacular couple of days.

Indeed, a good couple of days for the breakaways. Voeckler keeps having a go so pleased to see him rewarded with the yellow jersey. Just a shame about the accident at the front y'day.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Indeed, a good couple of days for the breakaways.

I'm not sure Flecha and Hoogerland would agree!

 

[lukesdad]

I'm not sure Flecha and Hoogerland would agree!

I dunno Hoogerland got the polkadot back.

 

[johnr]

They showed Cavendish's first stage win the other day... I remembered the poor devil who was submerged about 50m from the line and felt sorry for him all over again.