Le tour de France

... wait wut ? Yellow Yersey !! this came as a surprise actually xD (I didn't read this part for some time :p)

well, I've some mountain skills, so challenge accepted Nohjis

okey, I'm totally prepared for tomorrow ^^

Just how much alcohol do you have in your water bottle?

that is a team-secret

I've gained an advantage tonight.

After the celebrations I went to bed on time.
tomorrow is again my day.

catch up MQ!

A flat stage towards Montpellier.

Cotarius is once again on the attack, but the sprinters control the peloton.

La côte de Villepassans gives Cotarius one more point for the mountain jersey, but as you can see in the table, this won't affect it.

Supersprint time! Johny English A easily passes the others. Fhaemita takes some points away from NLSP.

Result:

1. Cotarius 4. NLSP 7. MaryamQ
2. Johny English A 5. Nohjis 8. El1temkd
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 6. Helviro 9. Critically

And while Cotarius is back in the peloton, it's time to prepare for the final sprint.

3km... Some minor incidents there between Johny English A and NLSP

2km... Flat tire for Critically! Don't worry, he's within the 3km, so his lost time won't go in the result and yellow jersey standings.

250m... Johny English A on the right! NLSP tries to go past him, but Fhaemita is in the way!

Johny English A wins! And what a bad day for the green jersey of NLSP.

Result:

1. Johny English A
2. Fhaemita Malodorous
3. NLSP
4. Nohjis
5. MaryamQ
6. Helviro
7. El1temkd
8. Cotarius
9. Critically

Standings:

1. Critically
2. MaryamQ +45"
3. Helviro +1'02"
4. Nohjis +3'47"
5. El1temkd +4'26"
6. Cotarius +11'56"
7. Johny English A + 12'03"
8. NLSP +12'49"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +34'12"

Green jersey:

1. Johny English A 606
2. NLSP 592
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 536
4. MaryamQ 467
5. El1temkd 438
6. Critically 423
7. Cotarius 423
8. Helviro 420
9. Nohjis 374

Mountain jersey:

1. MaryamQ 152
2. Helviro 149
3. Critically 72
4. Nohjis 65
6. Cotarius 60
6. El1temkd 49
7. NLSP 19
8. Fhaemita Malodorous 14
9. Johny English A 2

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS : Ideal for a wily campaigner

“It’s the start of the final week. The race heads into Gap, crosses the Col de Manse, then drops down again into the finish after completing a small circuit. As we’re heading towards the Alps, this stage is not flat, which is what you would expect, but it isn’t too hard either as it just rises steadily throughout. It will suit a rider in the mould of Flecha or Garcia Acosta, that is to say one of the wily old campaigners who can cope with the climbs pretty well. Be aware also that something often happens after the second rest day, and it may be something completely unexpected. In 2003, for example, in order to avoid crashing into the prone figure of Joseba Beloki, Lance Armstrong opted, on pure instinct, to indulge in a bit of cyclo-cross over an Alpine meadow. That stage ended up making the headlines without any previously expecting it to.”

always the same with fhaemita...

Well NLSP I think you should find the blame elsewhere

It will go up all day long, except for the last 12km. Don't be fooled: only one mountain sprint today.

Everybody seems to save his power for the next stages...

After 100km still no attack.

And we're already at the supersprint!

Johny English A is becoming a pro in winning these. NLSP second.

Result:

1. Johny English A 4. Nohjis 7. Critically
2. NLSP 5. Helviro 8. Cotarius
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 6. El1temkd 9. MaryamQ

And with the entry of Gap, the 2nd category climb starts: le Col de Manse.

Attack El1temkd! No reaction so far...

NLSP counter-attacks! Johny English A stays in the peloton!

Already over the top... Let's hope the downhill goes safely. (Remember Beloki-Armstrong incident)

No problems there... it'll be a sprint.

And NLSP takes that! The peloton is just 20" behind.

Result:

1. NLSP
2. El1temkd
3. Johny English A +25"
4. Fhaemita Malodorous
5. MaryamQ
6. Helviro
7. Cotarius
8. Nohjis
9. Critically

Standings:

1. Critically
2. MaryamQ +45"
3. Helviro +1'02"
4. Nohjis +3'47"
5. El1temkd +4'01"
6. Cotarius +11'56"
7. Johny English A + 12'03"
8. NLSP +12'24"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +34'12"

Green jersey:

1. NLSP 639
2. Johny English A 638
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 570
4. MaryamQ 490
5. El1temkd 473
6. Helviro 446
7. Cotarius 444
8. Critically 442
9. Nohjis 398

Mountain jersey:

1. MaryamQ 152
2. Helviro 150
3. Critically 72
4. Nohjis 65
6. Cotarius 60
6. El1temkd 54
7. NLSP 22
8. Fhaemita Malodorous 14
9. Johny English A 4

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS : The Alps begin

“There are still four intense race days left. Heading to Briançon, the road rises gently. Then the riders must cross climb the Col de Montgenèvre, descend, then climb again up to Sestrières this time, then descend again into Pinerolo. Ahead of them is still the Pra Martino, a small climb that’s 7km long and of modest gradient. A rider who is good in the mountains such as Cadel Evans may well be able to make an impression there, because the final run-in, which enables tribute to be made to the 150th anniversary of Italian unification, doesn’t feature any notable difficulties. This stage will bring huge satisfaction to the people of Pinerolo, who for many years have been keen to host a stage finish. The town is near to the border and offers the opportunity for this year’s only incursion into foreign territory.”

Cooke's... brainzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Me no like

YIHAAA, green is back to its rightful owner

To Italy!

We'll cross the Alps today.

Nobody dares to attack as it will be a hard stage.

The first 3rd category climb is taken by Critically, followed by MaryamQ.

An uphill supersprint! NLSP increases his lead.

1. NLSP 4. MaryamQ 7. Nohjis
2. Johny English A 5. El1temkd 8. Critically
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 6. Cotarius 9. Helviro

A third category climb to follow: Cotarius and Critically take it.

And because of the uphill supersprint, the sprinters are exhausted: they form a "bus". Will Fhaemita be able to follow the pace of the two others?

This happened on le Col de Montgenèvre. Helviro was the first to round it of. Oh, and Cotarius had to let go the peloton.

Le col de Sestrière is the first climb in Italy. No attacks here, as it's still 60km to the finish. Cotarius has joined the "bus".

La côte de Pramartino... Attack El1temkd and Nohjis. No reaction of Critically, these are already some minutes behind in the standings.

A sprint will decide the outcome! Or not! Nohjis attacks with 750m to go. A small time trial decides the outcome of the race.

Result:

1. Nohjis
2. El1temkd
3. MaryamQ +40"
4. Critically
5. Helviro
6. Johny English A +5'50"
7. NLSP
8. Fhaemita Malodorous
9. Cotarius

Standings:

Standings:

1. Critically
2. MaryamQ +45"
3. Helviro +1'02"
4. Nohjis +3'07"
5. El1temkd +3'21"
6. Cotarius +17'06"
7. Johny English A + 17'13"
8. NLSP +17'34"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +39'52"

Green jersey:

1. NLSP 668
2. Johny English A 665
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 591
4. MaryamQ 516
5. El1temkd 500
6. Helviro 464
7. Critically 463
8. Cotarius 461
9. Nohjis 427

Mountain jersey:

1. MaryamQ 165
2. Helviro 161
3. Critically 89
4. Nohjis 72
6. Cotarius 63
6. El1temkd 61
7. NLSP 22
8. Fhaemita Malodorous 14
9. Johny English A 4

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS : A record to celebrate a centenary

“We return to France and there are three very big cols on the menu. The Agnel will be tackled for the first time ever from this side, then there’s the Izoard and its legendary Casse Déserte, followed by the Galibier. This will be our chance to celebrate the centenary of this mythic climb’s first appearance on the race route back in the 1911 Tour de France. In addition, the finish, located at an altitude of 2,645 metres, will be the highest in the race’s history. It will remove from the history books the place held since 1986 by the 2,413m Col du Granon. This stage will certainly see a match-up between all those riders who are in contention for the overall title, as will the stage the following day. Whoever is leading the race runs the risk of succumbing to such physical demands.”

Team LP Health bars with yet another stage win !

*celebrates with belgian fries and a bottle of beer*

nice work team! to bad i couldn't keep up with nohjis en Eli

This solo-driver is still in the Yellow yersey !! \o/

but for how long?

Well, as long as I stay close to MaryamQ, Helviro and Nohjis, I think it shouldn't be a problem to keep the shirt till the Champs élysées

and there you will fail?

Team LP Health bars Inc is going to push in full to get the Yellow Jersey. With two contenders that are working together to achieve it, we can not lose !

The first climb of the Galibier, that with 2 other mountains "hors catégorie". It will be a hard race today.

But the sprinters are lucky: a soon supersprint. Fhaemita wins it.

Result:

1. Fhaemita Malodorous 4. Helviro 7. El1temkd
2. Johny English A 5. Nohjis 8. Critically
3. NLSP 6. MaryamQ 9. Cotarius

And so: le col d'Agnel. Fhaemita loses connection.
No attacks, but Cotarius is struggling. He's nowhere in the mountain sprint, where MaryamQ takes the points.

Le col d'Izoard. Attack by El1temkd! A "bus" is formed by the sprinters and Cotarius.
MaryamQ takes over! Helviro gets in the wheel, Nohjis to follow. Critically manages to keep up. El1temkd blew his legs up.

And so: le Galibier. Helviro sets a high pace. Critically is loosing is yellow jersey!

Helviro slows down... Attack Nohjis! Will it be 2 in a row?

No, MaryamQ closes the gap. And Helviro attacks now. MaryamQ can't close the gap completely.

And so, Helviro takes the win, but MaryamQ wasn't that far away.

Result:

1. Helviro
2. MaryamQ + 15"
3. Nohjis + 55"
4. Critically + 2'40
5. El1temkd +4'30"
6. NLSP +6'50
7. Johny English A
8. Cotarius
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +24'20

Standings:

1. MaryamQ
2. Helviro +2"
3. Critically +1'30"
4. Nohjis +3'02"
5. El1temkd +6'51"
6. Cotarius +23'26"
7. Johny English A + 23'33"
8. NLSP +23'54"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +1h03'52"


Green jersey:

1. NLSP 695
2. Johny English A 691
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 618
4. MaryamQ 543
5. El1temkd 520
6. Helviro 497
7. Critically 484
8. Cotarius 476
9. Nohjis 453

Mountain jersey

1. MaryamQ 237
2. Helviro 231
3. Critically 129
4. Nohjis 116
5. El1temkd 77
6. Cotarius 65
7. NLSP 28
8. Fhaemita Malodorous 14
9. Johny English A 4

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS : The stage everyone is afraid of

“Today’s route runs in the opposite direction to yesterday’s. The riders tackle the successive climbs of the Col du Télégraphe and the Galibier, and then finish with the climb to Alpe d’Huez, which returns after an absence of three years. It is a short stage. Nevertheless, all of the riders will be afraid of it. Those who aren’t going so well will be concerned about the cut-off time for elimination and the favourites will know that they will pay a heavy cost for any sign of weakness. The shortness of the stage allows the climbers to attack from very early on, which is not something they will be used to. This stage will be thrilling and, bearing in mind that it comes on the back of two other tough days, there is a chance that a lot of damage will be done today.”

arg, 2 bloody seconds.?

Will it be another lemond - fignon thing?

was fhaemita still within the time limit ?
the poor guy was like almoust 20 min behind the bus ...

The final mountain stage. Only 110km but with names as Télégraphe, Galibier and l'Alpe d'Huez, it will be a hard stage.

On le col de Télégraphe the peloton keeps going on a slow pace. No problems there for anyone. Critically takes the mountain points.

After a short downhill we get to the Galibier. And attack El1temkd! This means the end of Fhaemita and Cotarius in the peloton. The pace stays high, but the sprinters are able to keep up. MaryamQ takes the mountain points.

A supersprint in the town of Bourg d'Oisans. Johny English A takes it.

Result:

1. Johny English A 4. Nohjis 7. El1temkd
2. NLSP 5. Helviro 8. Fhaemita Malodorous
3. MaryamQ 6. Critically 9. Cotarius

But the supersprint means also the beginning of l'Alpe d'Huez. NLSP and Johny have worn themselves out.

5 riders in the front. Oh, Critically is out of the group. That's early with still 10km of heavy climbing to go. An off-day?

Attack MaryamQ! Helviro has to close the gap as Nohjis isn't able to keep up. El1temkd even can't keep up with Nohjis.

Another acceleration of MaryamQ. Helviro is struggling, but manages to follow.

3km left. Less steep now... Will there be another attack?

In the background, NLSP steals some beer of the Dutch crowd. He drinks even Heineken? NLSP should go in rehab.

But in the front MaryamQ sprints off Helviro on the last steep sector. A very nice victory there.

Result:

1. MaryamQ
2. Helviro +3"
3. Nohjis +1'40"
4. El1temkd +2'30"
5. Critically +4'10"
6. Johny English A +13'20"
7. NLSP
8. Cotarius +20'10"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous

Standings:

1. MaryamQ
2. Helviro +5"
3. Nohjis +4'42"
4. Critically +5'40"
5. El1temkd +9'21"
6. Johny English A + 36'53"
7. NLSP +37'14"
8. Cotarius +43'36"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +1h24'02"

Green jersey:

1. NLSP 721
2. Johny English A 721
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 633
4. MaryamQ 578
5. El1temkd 542
6. Helviro 532
7. Critically 505
8. Cotarius 491
9. Nohjis 481

Mountain jersey

1. MaryamQ 305
2. Helviro 283
3. Nohjis 160
4. Critically 147
5. El1temkd 99
6. Cotarius 65
7. NLSP 28
8. Fhaemita Malodorous 14
9. Johny English A 8

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS : A strong man rather than a specialist

“This is the race’s only individual time trial, as the one in the first week was a team time trial test, while putting another one into the middle of the race didn’t really serve any great purpose. The profile is rolling and the road does climb, although there aren’t any cols as such. Victory won’t automatically go to a specialist because the final time trial of the Tour is a very physical test that suits a strong man – last year’s Bordeaux-Pauillac test won by Cancellara was an exception. In this solitary exercise, there is no way a rider can bluff or hide in the wheels of their team-mates. But I think that the Tour will have been decided before Grenoble. It is often the third place on the podium, the best young rider classification or the team prize that is decided on this stage.”

Good job Helviro, you'll get those 5 seconds in the time trial !

*gives Helviro some Time Trial advice*

It looks like Team LP Health Bars Inc. will see its two riders on the podium in two days !

Whatever happens, I am very well satisfied with our team's performance. Pretty good legs here for an old lady, wouldn't you say?

nice victory MQ, how could I let you slip away like that.

time trial will be very tight.

that is a flagrant lie, I did not have drunk ANY heineken!!!

you did not have drunk eh...

That sounds like Heineken jibberish to me.

well I consumed some alc'ool (doctor prescribed it) and therefore by elimination it can't be heineken (since that doesn't contain alc'ool ... )

The last stage to make a gap in the general standings and to take the yellow jersey to Paris.

First to start is Fhaemita Malodorous...

Cotarius...

NLSP...

Some information about the stage: a 42km TT with long downhills.

Johny English A...

El1temkd...

Critically...

The favorite for the stage win Nohjis...

Challenger Helviro

And yellow jersey MaryamQ. Everybody is underway.

And after 15km we can see that the standings remain the same for the moment. Nohjis is already 45" in front of MaryamQ. Fhaemita Malodorous is able to keep up slightly with Nohjis.

On top of the last hill. And MaryamQ has increased her lead! But now begins a downhill of almost 13km.

The downhill... fall of NLSP! Doesn't matter, he was last anyway. Let's hope this doesn't affects the final sprint of tomorrow.

Finishing time!

Fhaemita Malodorous sets a good time, but after the intermediate checks, Nohjis will go under.

And it's Johny English A who gets in now. He has passed NLSP.

Now NLSP. That's way behind.

Cotarius... average time, but second place for now.

El1temkd... takes second place.

Critically... Not a good time but he keeps his 4th place.

Nohjis smashes the leading time! But everybody is looking forward to the final two riders.

Helviro is finishing... 4th time, he gave his all. Will it be enough to get the yellow jersey.

MaryamQ is has 3km to do... They started with 4 minutes between them... That means she will have to go 45km/h average. That's possible, but there are a lot of corners in the final kilometres.

Entering Grenoble... Corners come quickly now...

Final straight... 400m with only 7" left. It will be Helviro!

5 seconds left...

4

3

2

1

Helviro takes yellow! MaryamQ is devastated

Result:

1. Nohjis
2. Fhaemita Malodorous +1'05
3. El1temkd + 1'30
4. Helviro +1'40
5. MaryamQ +1'55
6. Cotarius +2'30
7. Critically +2'50
8. Johny English A +3'00
9. NLSP +6'20


Standings:

1. Helviro
2. MaryamQ +10"
3. Nohjis +3'02"
4. Critically +6'50"
5. El1temkd +9'11"
6. Johny English A + 38'13"
7. NLSP +41'54"
8. Cotarius +44'26"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +1h23'27"


Green jersey:

1. Johny English A 729
2. NLSP 728
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 650
4. MaryamQ 588
5. El1temkd 555
6. Helviro 543
7. Critically 514
8. Cotarius 501
9. Nohjis 501


Mountain jersey

1. MaryamQ 305
2. Helviro 283
3. Nohjis 160
4. Critically 147
5. El1temkd 99
6. Cotarius 65
7. NLSP 28
8. Fhaemita Malodorous 14
9. Johny English A 8

JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS : A sprint by tradition

“It has been the tradition since 1975 for the Tour de France to end with a prestigious stage finish on the Champs-Élysées. At the start in Créteil, we will remember Laurent Fignon, who held a licence with the local club. In 1989, his duel with Greg LeMond maintained the suspense right to the finish, where Fignon was sure that he would be the winner. That was the only occasion that the final stage was run as a time trial. Every other time, it has been a road stage that has been decided in a bunch sprint, except on four occasions. Those exceptions were the victories taken by Alain Meslet in 1977, Bernard Hinault in 1979, Eddy Seigneur in 1994 and Alexandre Vinokourov in 2005. It is incredibly hard to get a telling gap on this stage when breakaway riders are always within sight of the peloton.”

This was really a difficult time trial, I was surprised at the intermediate results of Fhaemita but it gave me a good time to focus on beating ! I would also like to take the time to congratulate Helviro for taking the Yellow Jersey ! Tomorrow we'll do everything in our power to control the pack as we have our traditional glass of champagne !

I'm happy to see my podium place is secured ! Best of luck to the sprinters tomorrow.

Me is is prepared and well rested for tomorrow....

yes!!!!!!!

I would like to thank everyone here. and especially thank cooke for the effort in this fun game.

MQ If I may, i invite you to join me in a dance to celebrate this great forum effort

I would be honored, Helviro. Cooke has done a great job!

Happy to see you had fun. But it's not over yet!

After 44km of drinking champagne, joking around and beating up Cotarius because he attacked before the peloton entered Paris, the riders arrive on le Champs-Elysées.

Cotarius attacks again, but it's no use against the sprinters.

The last supersprint. Johny English A tries to avoid the cobblestones by riding on the side of the road, but this decreases his speed. Fhaemita takes the final supersprint-points.

Result:

1. Fhaemita Malodorous 4. MaryamQ 7. Critically
2. NLSP 5. Helviro 8. El1temkd
3. Johny English A 6. Nohjis 9. Cotarius

And so the race continues...

The final lap! Last uphill to l'arc de triomphe. Attack by Critically! But again, the peloton is too strong.

Final corner...

NLSP breaks out...

Johny English A is on the side of the road, in front of Fhaemita...

NLSP accelerates even more...

And NLSP takes it!

Result

1. NLSP
2. Fhaemita Malodorous
3. Johny English A
4. Helviro
5. Cotarius
6. Critically
7. Nohjis
8. El1temkd
9. MaryamQ


Standings:

1. Helviro
2. MaryamQ +10"
3. Nohjis +3'02"
4. Critically +6'50"
5. El1temkd +9'11"
6. Johny English A + 38'13"
7. NLSP +41'54"
8. Cotarius +44'26"
9. Fhaemita Malodorous +1h23'27"

Green jersey:

1. NLSP 790
2. Johny English A 779
3. Fhaemita Malodorous 690
4. MaryamQ 613
5. Helviro 579
6. El1temkd 577
7. Critically 541
8. Cotarius 528
9. Nohjis 527

Mountain jersey

1. MaryamQ 305
2. Helviro 283
3. Nohjis 160
4. Critically 147
5. El1temkd 99
6. Cotarius 65
7. NLSP 28
8. Fhaemita Malodorous 14
9. Johny English A 8

To conclude:

*MaryamQ danse avec Helviro, cooke, Cotarius et les autres aux Champs Elysees*

lalalalaa lalalalaa lalala lalala lalala lalala...

*joins in on the dance*


Thanks Cooke, was lots of fun

thanx cooke for another great game.

Thanx to all contestants
Thanx to my wife and kids who had to live without me for the last 3 weeks. (that wasn't really true, but still)

I have to admit that it was a heavy competition for the green jersey. I had a worthy opponent with Johny and it was during the course of the tour really tight.
Fortunately, my year long focus during training on cobblestones had improved my skills good enough to make a good chance here. It is a fantastic feeling to win on the Champs Elysee and regaining that jersey in the last etappe.
I didn't go fully during the supersprint, knowing that I shouldn't lose to much of my powers, and that clearly worked out, just like my (hard and difficult) decision to skip most of the champagne drinking during riding. But I will make this good tonight

Helviro wrote:thanx cooke for another great game.

Thanx to all contestants
Thanx to my wife and kids who had to live without me for the last 3 weeks. (that wasn't really true, but still)

You have no wife and kids

Cooke great game nice to see all this games go on.