William Fotheringham on Thomas.
Updated
Froome speaks.
How the Tour was won.
That’s all from me! Thanks for tuning in and be sure to check the site for more reaction from Sean Ingle and Jeremy Whittle.
Been a pleasure and will leave you with one more shot of ‘Super ruddy duper’ Geraint Thomas. Nos da.
And some words from Dan via the Press Association
“I’m not sure why I won it when I didn’t pick it up on a single day, but I just try my best every day,” he said.
On the crash he suffered during stage 8...
“I didn’t let on how much that crash really affected me,” he said. “Maybe we’ll release in the coming days some images of how much that affected me. It looks like I’ve been shot. I’ve got a hole in my back.”
Congratulating Thomas...
“We’ve basically been sparring partners,” he said. “We go way back, we’ve always been in contact. It’s great to see him up there. He’s one of the nice guys.”
Quick word on Ireland’s Dan Martin who, amid all the madness, has won the super combativity award and will be on the podium in Paris.
Just a cursory observation and, in no way to downplay the achievements of Wiggins and Froome, but the general love for Thomas’ victory seems a bit more heartfelt and universal. Guess his character comes into the that but also maybe because he was a surprise winner in a race that has erred towards the predictable in recent years. Long may that aspect of it continue.
Team Sky lineage and all that...
Wow! Geraint Thomas, incredible 3 weeks, Huge congratulations to him and Team Sky!
— Brad Wiggins (@SirWiggo) July 28, 2018
Reaction from the Team Sky camp
Chris Froome: “I’ve had a difficult year. I didn’t think it was possible to get on the podium so I’ve very happy about that.”
Dave Brailsford: “To have a little bit of support in helping people achieve their dreams is why we do it really. It’s a very powerful and very rewarding thing to be involved in. Chris has achieved many, many of his dreams and to see Geraint achieve his on this time, this particular race, is quite moving.”
Here’s Nigel Owens whose status as everybody’s favourite Welshman is now seriously under threat
Llongyfarchiadau mawr i Geraint Thomas am ennill y ras Tour De France. Well done Geraint Thomas, all of Wales is hugely proud of you on this magnificent win. https://t.co/WmUjWibuSM
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) July 28, 2018
Sean Ingle’s race report complete with some lovely comments of congratulations for Geraint Thomas.
Cracking shot of the final climb in the stage
Here’s that interview. Seems to be quite a bit of dust in the air today...
"The last time I cried was when I got married!"
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) July 28, 2018
Geraint Thomas fights back the tears after a stunning Tour de France campaign! #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/XMLjZpdbho
Textbook stuff
How does @GeraintThomas86 celebrate winning the Tour de France? With a six pack of Welsh Cakes 🙌🏴 pic.twitter.com/XcgFMWtZZt
— Team Sky (@TeamSky) July 28, 2018
Some more pats on the back for Geraint
Absolutely awesome @GeraintThomas86! Thoroughly deserved, and couldn’t happen to a nicer guy #Legend 🥇 🚴♂️ https://t.co/UnCMdH8rf6
— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) July 28, 2018
White jersey top five (young rider classification)
1. Pierre Latour (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale 80:52:50
2. Egan Bernal (COL) Team Sky +5:39
3. Guillaume Martin (FRA) Wanty-Groupe Gobert +22:05
4. David Gaudu (FRA) Groupama-FDJ +1:07:18
5. Daniel Martínez (COL) Team EF Education First - +1:16:01
Green jersey top five
1. Peter Sagan (SVK) BORA-hansgrohe 467
2. Alexander Kristoff (NOR) UAE Team Emirates 196
3. Arnaud Démare (FRA) Groupama-FDJ 183
4. John Degenkolb (GER) Trek-Segafredo 148
5. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Quick-Step Floors 143
King of the Mountains top five
1. Julian Alaphilippe (FRA) Quick-Step Floors 170pts
2. Warren Barguil (FRA) Team Fortuneo - Samsic 91
3. Rafal Majka (POL) BORA-hansgrohe 76
4. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Team Sky 74
5. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Team Sunweb 63
And this from Michael Cosgrove
It was good to see the majority of the spectators banging the ad hoardings for Froome during his arrival. The pipe of peace after the emotions of the battle? Let’s hope so...
An email from Rob in Croatia
Well done to G on sustained superhuman effort and all the teams.
Brilliant TT finish, bit of a nail biter.
Once again, La Belle France laid out in all its glory for all to Enjoy!
Feels pretty good...
Here is that GC top 10
1. Geraint Thomas (GBR) Team Sky 80:30:37
2. Tom Dumoulin (NED) Team Sunweb +1:51
3. Chris Froome (GBR) Team Sky +2:24
4. Primoz Roglic (SLO) Team LottoNL-Jumbo +3:22
5. Steven Kruijswijk (NED) Team LottoNL-Jumbo +6:08
6. Romain Bardet (FRA) AG2R La Mondiale +6:57
7. Mikel Landa (ESP) Movistar Team +7:37
8. Daniel Martin (IRL) UAE Team Emirates +9:05
9. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS) Team Katusha - Alpecin +12:37
10. Nairo Quintana (COL) Movistar Team +14:18
Here’s a meeting of the two things that have made Geraint cry, wife Sarah Elen and the yellow jersey...
Geraint Thomas is sobbing and unable to speak. I’ve done my best with this.
He said: “I can’t believe it... welling up, man. I don’t know what to say. It’s just overwhelming.
“I didnt think about it all race and now suddenly I won the Tour, man!
“I felt really good and heard I was up and maybe pushing a bit hard on the corners. I was told to relax and take it easy and just make sure I won the Tour.
“It’s just... I can’t speak... it’s just incredible. I believed I could beat the guys here but to do on the biggest stage of all over three weeks, it’s insane.
“Last time I cried was when I got married and I don’t know what’s happened to me.”
Have some of that
National hero
Congratulations @GeraintThomas86 on winning the Tour de France. We’re all so proud of you. In your honour, tonight we’ll be lighting our national parliament in yellow. #GeraintThomas #TourdeFrance #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/ShSu23WIn2
— Y Llywydd (@yLlywydd) July 28, 2018
And so is this...
It's starting to sink in. Geraint Thomas embraces Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford. Not a dry eye left in the house! 😂 #TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/NSzi5GSPjG
— Team Sky (@TeamSky) July 28, 2018
This is nice
2012 Olympic training camp in Newport, nervously watching Bradley about to seal Britain’s first ever Tour de France victory. Little did we know someone in that group would be winning that race 6 years later.. @GeraintThomas86 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/cShOJoSWnl
— Chris Hoy (@chrishoy) July 28, 2018
Lots of hugs between Geraint Thomas, clad in a Welsh flag, and Dave Brailsford.
Going to post the GC standings when I get them but currently enjoying Eurosport’s Peter Sagan diary which is soundtracked by something which suspiciously sounds like Daft Punk’s Around the World, without actually being Around the World...
Here’s an email from someone called Fox with Mulder also in their address...
Thank you James you made my day with your emotive commentary! Wonderful to have as stuck in a tearoom in Arundel ....
Wonderful stage glorious win for G and blessing for Froome to beat Tom the brilliant butterfly of Maastricht whose time will come!
Very kind, Fox.
Tom Dumoulin seems a happy man having won the stage after waking up in the morning with no skin suit to race in.
He said: “An amazing last day, I was so nervous. I had no idea of splits and thought Chris Froome was a second quicker than me.
“I had such a hard time yesterday and all the frustration came out after the finish. I cannot believe this. It’s amazing.”
Final top five for the stage
1. Tom Dumoulin 40’52’’
2. Chris Froome at 1’’
3. Geraint Thomas at 14’’
4. Michal Kwiatkowski at 50’’
5. Søren Kragh Andersen at 51’’
Tom Dumoulin has won the stage by the way, just some slight difference in times between the coverage and official Tour site.
Here’s Sean Ingle’s race report from Espelette. Will get some time confirmations next
The yellow jersey is Thomas'!
The Welshman is 14secs slower than Froome and Dumoulin but it doesn’t matter. Just tomorrow’s procession to come. Pop those corks, people.
Updated
Tom Dumoulin not far behind at 40:52. Just Geraint Thomas to come.
Primoz Roglic is next man home, 42:04. Froome has third place.
Geraint Thomas has 3km to go. He can almost touch/taste/smell/sense it.
Updated
Chris Froome has powered over the finish line in 40:50 to take the lead in the stage and all-but seal a podium place.
Tom Dumoulin into that bruising climb before the end. Gradient around 20%.
Behind him, Primoz Roglic is struggling. Friday’s mountains clearly having taken it out of him.
Chris Froome climbing through cheers, boos and flags draped across his face. 3km from the finish.
Essentially a battle for the stage now. Geraint Thomas is off into the sunset. Between him and Chris Froome for the stage.
Thomas through the final time check!
And this is deeply impressive stuff. Super G a whopping 12.5secs faster than Chris Froome at this stage.
Tom Dumoulin is through 22km, bang level with Chris Froome’s 28:46 at this stage.
Geraint Thomas is looking solid as a rock. Tom Dumoulin just can’t force the issue. There is a smallish chance, Chris Froome may even catch the Dutchman. Primoz Roglic, meanwhile, is waaaaay down at 22km - 49secs behind Froome.
Ilnur Zakarin has been rapid through 28km or so that final climb has done him as he crosses the line 11secs down on Michal Kwiatkowski’s time.
Chris Froome sets the pace at 22km, 27secs below Ilnur Zakarin’s mark.
Updated
Chris Froome is climbing towards 22km and Primoz Roglic descending, but the Slovenian is 26secs back on the Team Sky rider. Froome back on the podium at this rate.
Thomas has the afterburners on
Geraint Thomas is crushing this so far. At 13km, a full 14secs faster than Chris Froome’s mark and 16secs quicker than Tom Dumoulin.
Updated
Tom Dumoulin can’t catch Froome at 13km. 2sec down on his split. Thomas is a little awkward through a corner but, so far, little pressure is being applied.
Egan Bernal is on his way home, crossing in 42:50. Provisionally 16th.
Updated
Something has happened to Primoz Roglic, or he’s keeping his powder dry as he’s now 13secs down on Chris Froome after 13km.
Ilnur Zakarin, however, has smashed that, a full 10.7 secs quicker with 9km remaining. Meanwhile, Chris Froome has posted the fastest 13km split at 16:45.
Welcome to the Jungels. Bob, that is. With the Luxembourg rider 2secs faster than Michal Kwiatkowski through 22km...
(apologies for the totally superfluous pun)
Updated
Uh oh, Geraint Thomas is riding into some rain. The road is dry-ish but there are a few damp spots around. There are dark clouds above.
Only 8km into the time trial but Roglic is six seconds quicker than Chris Froome, who he leads for the final podium place.
Quick recap of the five fastest times so far...
Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky/Pol) 41:42
Søren Kragh Andersen (Team Sunweb/Den) 41:44
Marc Soler (Movistar/Esp) 42:15
Michael Hepburn (Mitchelton-Scott/Aus) 42:15
Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott/Gbr) 42:18
Further down the field, Ilnur Zakarin has posted a new fastest split at 13km; a full 8secs quicker than Adam Yates’ mark of 16:58.
Updated
Geraint Thomas sets off!
The British time trial champion and the winner of the Criterium du Dauphine glides down the ramp and is roughly 40 odd minutes from history.
Here comes The Butterfly of Maastricht. Tom Dumoulin in a brand new rainbow skin suit and ready to eat some time up; 2mins and 5secs of it.
Updated
Romain Bardet is flying, six seconds quicker than Michal Kwiatkowski, although he’s yet to hit the first checkpoint. Primoz Roglic is down the ramp.
A few spots of rain and a few boos for Froome
Here comes Chris Froome who has a 13sec deficit to make up on Primoz Roglic and 32sec on Tom Dumoulin.
It seems Dumoulin lost his time trial skin suit but as luck would have it, clothing sponsor Etxeondo are based just 45km away in San Sebastián. They made him a new one and drove it over in time. Not ideal preparation.
Andrew Benton on Froome’s decision to wholeheartedly get behind Geraint Thomas
It’s a prudent thing all round for Froome to support Thomas. Given the opprobrium vested on Froome in France, a win by Thomas would help diffuse the “Sky-hate” and perhaps be better for the team’s public image in the longer term.
Updated
Breaking news! Tom Dumoulin has LOST... his skin suit, which he has now found. Panic over. Romain Bardet on his way out onto the course now.
More emails that I kind of have to share. Here’s Lee Lannom in America.
As a new cyclist here in the hills of East Tennessee (U.S.), I’m often in the middle of such beautiful country while riding and and neglect to soak it all in. My stats tell me to go head down and fly fast, but creation is saying “Look at me!” When I take notice, I always enjoy my outing more and usually ride faster because of the refreshing energy-giving “break” from the ride. Cheers to the helicopter camera man!
Adam Yates continued to slow down, then, finishing in 42:18. Good enough for fourth. Although, that position is unlikely to last.
Aiden Macfarlane sums it up nicely ahead of the conclusion
@piercy360 who said TT were boring. All the top places up for grabs. Will Froome make up 13 secs on Roglic, yes. Will Dumoulin gain time on G, yes but not enough. Is Egan Bernal the next star from Sky, yes. Will someone push too hard and come off on the wet roads, hope not.
— Aiden Mac (@AidenMacfarlane) July 28, 2018
We’re into the top 10 now with Ilnur Zakarin setting off. Concerning talk about increasing black clouds which may mean that thunderstorm is ready to strike.
King of the Mountains Julian Alaphilippe is over the line in 44:34, keeping it safe ahead of his ride into Paris.
Another email from Geoffrey Saunders (thank you, Geoffrey) on what could be the last scenery-related chat as the GC contenders begin to keep me increasingly occupied.
The views from the helicopter are wonderful. When I lived in Grenoble we could see the helicopters that were filming the views we saw on TV - as they were being shot. It was one of those mirror opposite a mirror things. Quite strange seeing the helicopter from your balcony as it is recording the scenes you are seeing on TV. One of the things the TV coverage misses is the amount of entertainment put on by the Tour.
Think about it and it is very odd that large crowds show up by the side of the rode to see the riders go by - you wait an hour then, “whoosh!!! Past they go in a couple of seconds. But for the 30 minutes or so before they arrive the sponsors cars drive past playing music and throwing out merchandise and sweets etc. It is very nice. Passes the time anyway :)
Ironically, given the welcome discussion that has been sparked this afternoon, this particularly stage has thrown up very few awe-inspiring shots.
Adam Yates should be over the line within the next 10 minutes having powered through the first checkpoint with the fastest split of the day, 3sec quicker than Jonathan Castroviejo, but he was 12sec down on Michal Kwiatkowski at 22km.
Egan Bernal is down the ramp so why not dive into Jeremy Whittle’s fine profile of the up-and-comer.
Sylvain Chavanel was home safe in 43:25. Paris beckons for one last time...
Dave Brailsford has been bigging up Chris Froome
He said: “It would be nice for him [Froome] to get on the podium but Geraint wants to win the race and wants to do a good time trial to close it out.
“Froome is a winner out and out, I’m not sure it’s here or there for him to be on the podium. In that sense, it’s all the more remarkable, that he’s gone to help G. A lot of people of his stature may have thrown in the towel and just rode in.
“G might be a legend if he wins, but Chris is a titan.”
There *could* be a bit of needle this stage beyond the battle to try and catch Geraint Thomas.
Tom Dumoulin wasn’t overly impressed by the manner of Primoz Roglic’s victory yesterday.
As the Dutchman said: “He was flying downhill and eventually I got dropped on a straight part just because he was on his top tube and full in the slipstream of the motorbike.
“I was sprinting to his wheel and I could not get closer and I just got dropped on the only straight part of the downhill. It’s ridiculous.
“I’m not happy, of course not. I’m f**king disappointed.”
More on that via the always excellent Cycling Weekly
As for the top boys...
3.11pm Ilnur Zakarin
3.13pm Nairo Quintana
3.15pm Daniel Martin
3.17pm Romain Bardet
3.19pm Mikel Landa
3.21pm Steven Kruijswijk
3.23pm Chris Froome
3.25pm Primoz Roglic
3.27pm Tom Dumoulin
3.29pm Geraint Thomas
Getting into the big names, so probably an idea to post some start times
2.45pm Mikel Nieve
2.47pm Ion Izagirre
2.49pm Damiano Caruso
2:51pm Guillaume Martin
2.53pm Rafal Majka
2.55pm Domenico Pozzovivo
2.57pm Warren Barguil
2.59pm Tanel Kangert
3.01pm Egan Bernal
3.03pm Alejandro Valverde
3.05pm Pierre Latour
3.07pm Jakob Fuglsang
3.09pm Bob Jungels
...then it’s the top 10
Updated
Must post this email from Martin Yeager in Houston
I enjoy hearing Geraint Thomas is from Wales which I know is in the United Kingdom. I enjoy the combination of racing and French scenery. I always think how different our view and sound is than the cyclist looking at the road with motorcycles, cars, and helicopters adding sweat, grit, noise and tension to the peloton.
So, all change at the top then. Team Sky’s Michal Kwiatkowski has just gone through in 41:42, a second faster than previous leader Søren Kragh Andersen. Greg van Avermaet is the next down the ramp. The Belgian could have a go here...
Updated
Just popping out for a short break before the main players rock up. Rest assured any major developments, and you’ll be updated. Back in 15...
We have a new leader... we think, despite being 17secs down on Michael Hepburn through 22km, Movistar’s Marc Soler has posted 42:14. Although the Tour website has just rounded it up to 42:15 and placed him second. More as we get it...
Peter Sagan finished in 48:03. Well down on Michael Hepburn, but the main thing is he’s over the line and looks set to collect a record-equalling sixth green jersey in Paris tomorrow.
The legendary Sylvain Chavanel is due out in under 10 minutes, in what will be the Frenchman’s final Tour de France time trial. Chances are, he’s going to be taking relatively easy before a final assault tomorrow in which he’s almost certain to launch a huge breakaway.
This is his 18th Tour, having finished 15 of them, soon to be 16. And here’s a lovely film celebrating his service to the race.
Two more tweets regarding the volume of French scenery shots. And, sorry, Barry (if you’re still reading), you seem to be in the minority...
@piercy360 re scenery, French are hugely proud of their country and always want to show it off, who can blame them. Helicopter pilot Richard has been doing Le Tour for 30 years apparently.
— Victoriaei (@Victoriaei2) July 28, 2018
@piercy360 re: the scenery. Using it as an advert for French tourism totally works. A few years back I didn't care about French countryside. Now because of the tour, a campervan tracking the race is on my bucket list.
— Dazza 🏃🚴🍺🐄 (@dirk1978) July 28, 2018
Spoke too soon, it’s raining again
Just behind Haga is Team Sky’s Jonathan Castroviejo who clocks 42:24 which isn’t quite enough to catch Michael Hepburn but moves him into second.
Sunweb’s Chad Haga has come through in 42:49 to lie third. Average speed (which I should start quoting more) was a healthy 43.4km/h.
A lovely email from Boris Starling
For my money, there is not a sporting image anywhere in the world more beautiful than helicopter footage of riders on a twisty downhill, flowing like water while the mountains rise all around them.
I’ve also been on the Champs on the last day before, and the sight as they come across the Place de la Concorde for the first time, the leader’s team in single file with the yellow jersey bringing up the rear ahead of the peloton, is quite something. Colours, speed, noise and Paris in the sunshine: it’s breathtaking.
Peter Sagan with all his bumps and bruises is approaching 22km and looking like he can finish the stage.
Team Sky’s Jonathan Castroviejo is worth keeping an eye on. He was a second quicker than Michael Hepburn at 13km but 10secs down on the Aussie through 22km.
Some more from Gabriel Odin
Just an anecdote to illustrate how we love watching landscapes: the Tour rode through the Cévennes, our region, last weekend, and my mother asked me if there was a full replay of the stage somewhere so that she could see the landscapes she had missed. She couldn’t understand why it wasnt available anywhere!
How’s this?
This shot of Yves Lampaert confirms the course has dried significantly, and the forecast has been been revised to ‘cloudy’ with the anticipated thunderstorms seemingly somewhere else... for now.
Claus Stroander emails
The panoramic shots are an integral part of the viewing pleasure, as I can dream myself onto the same roads and lose myself in the breathtaking landscapes. I would have much more time to admire them than the racers, with my idiosyncratic set of physical skills.
Interesting idea via Twitter
@piercy360 @mwkeenan #couchpeloton suggest 3 week race, 2nd week top 6 riders only, 3rd week top 4 riders from each team only. Love the scenery but want to see a race, not a procession
— Superior People Recruitment (@Superior_People) July 28, 2018
Some good time-trialists approaching the start over the next 30 minutes.
13.43pm Stefan Küng
13.45pm Søren Kragh Andersen
13.51pm Michal Kwiatkowski
13.59pm Daryl Impey
Katusha-Alpecin’s Nils Politt looks to have put himself into second finishing in 42:44
Little change in the racing. Here are the top three confirmed times.
Michael Hepburn (Mitchelton-Scott/Aus) 42:15
Luke Durbridge (Mitchelton-Scott/Aus) 43:28 (+1:13)
Marcus Burghardt (Bora-Hansgrohe/Ger) 43:58 (+1:42)
Will put a lid on this now but this from Geoff Saunders sounds like it clears everything up.
Er… no. The French broadcasters are simply stating facts - Thomas as a Welshman is Britannique, the word the French use for citizens of the UK. Someone from the Isle of Man is not because it is not in the UK. They refer to Froome as Britannique, not Anglais. IN rugby they would refer to Thomas as Gallois because each country that makes up the UK competes separately.
The view from France re: countryside watch and Thomas’ national status (if that’s the right term... which it probably isn’t). Many thanks Gabriel Odin.
Most viewers in France tune in to admire landscapes and discover unknown parts of their country. They can be forgiven for not caring about the actual cycling, given how dull the spectacle has been in the recent years.
I don’t think I’ve heard him referred as a Welsh before indeed - I suspect it has to do with his long involvement with Team GB as well.
Sagan has made it to the start and is down the ramp with some heavy strapping on his right forearm.
Some words of wisdom from Thomas Harrington
Ref the above and here’s a thought also – maybe, god forbid, he is British and Welsh, as he is. Can we stop all this pointless tribalism again (as was with Andy Murray) and just celebrate the man’s incredible achievements, hopefully very soon a CELTIC British Tour De France champion, all the best Geraint.....
A pained Peter Sagan is due out at 13.11 (BST), having described yesterday as his hardest day on a bike.
After suffering the after-effects of a crash sustained on Thursday, Sagan finished 38:23 behind in the gruppetto but enough to hold onto his green jersey.
“On the bike it could be [the hardest day]. After the injury and crash, it’s pretty bad to have to go on the bike. Yeah. It was bad [today],” Sagan said.
“Mentally, I’m good, I think, because there was no excuse to throw it away today. In my head, I thought ‘I have to finish the race’. But physically it was really hard.”
Here’s a nice shot of Lukas Pöstlberger descending
George Chapman senses a conspiracy re: Geraint Thomas being branded ‘British’ not Welsh
Re Fiona’s observation about French broadcasters referring to Geraint Thomas as ‘Britannique’ - I suspect were he a member of any other team he would be very much ‘un Gallois’. Just a thought.
Some more nuggets from Luke Rowe on the dynamic in Team Sky and at what stage the focus switched from Froome to Thomas.
Rowe said: “In most of our minds we thought Froomey was the top dog but G came out of the Dauphine which was an incredibly ride. We always had confidence in him, as he got through the first week so well. You saw him take bonus seconds and after the first week we thought we have two real contenders here.”
It all changed after stage 17 won by Quintana but in which Thomas opened up a 1min 59sec lead on Tom Dumoulin and 2:31 on Froome...
He added: “Until that point it was still fully two cards to play, but at that stage it was clear G was the strongest guy. From then it was G’s the top guy. I’ve got to take my hat off to Froomey, he’s had such a good track record and for a big captain to take that like a real gentleman, that just shows the the character and class of the guy. He didn’t have an ego and said, ‘as long as the team wins.’”
And young man of the moment Egan Bernal (seventh in the above stage as it goes)...
“For a 21-year-old he’s got a hell of a future in front of him. In a few years time, I’d love to be back at this race with him as the leader.”
Updated
Luke Rowe is on Eurosport forecasting Michael Hepburn’s 42:15 to be a top 10er, with the “big guns” likely to go lower due to the frequency of the climbs.
And a lovely film via Gary Naylor of the Tour in 1962
Mr Staniforth won't like this, but everyone else will love it @piercy360 -https://t.co/kJGAeVN3Nk
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) July 28, 2018
In defence of Barry, he clearly (and understandably) wants to see more racing and there’s plenty of that in there.
An email from Rebecca extolling the virtues of sights beyond the racing
Who on earth would complain about gorgeous views of the French countryside? The views were one of the first things that got me interested in the Tour as a teenager. And if a grumpy teen can appreciate them...
Luke Durbridge was actually quite a bit down on Michael Hepburn’s slightly corrected 42:15, coming home in 43:28. The two Mitchelton-Scott riders top the times so far.
Big Alexander Kristoff is over the line in 48:09, six minutes down on Hepburn. The Norwegian, second in the green jersey standings, has his sights set on tomorrow with just 13 points separating him and Arnaud Démare.
Fiona emails regarding some issues with French broadcasters apparently ignoring Geraint Thomas’ Welshness.
Nice to see your are calling Thomas Welsh he is mostly referred to as ‘Britannique’ on France 2 & 3 whereas Cavendish is always ‘l’homme de l’isle de Man’.
Not using the wonderful ‘Pays de Galles’ seems a real missed opportunity.
Maciej Bodnar is speaking to Eurosport and is a mixture of relieved and exasperated. The Pole didn’t get to the course until 45 minutes before his start time and admits it was a very difficult day, made tougher by the conditions. He didn’t have his dinner until 11pm the previous night apparently.
Just waiting on confirmation of Luke Durbridge’s time but think he’s slightly down on Mitchelton-Scott teammate Michael Hepburn who I inexplicably have been calling Matt for the last 30 minutes. Sorry, Michael.
Continuing the mild debate surrounding the Tour as a quasi-advert for French tourism (which sporting event isn’t?).
@piercy360 hello James. The definitive answer to mr staniforth. Road cycling happens on public roads. Spectators ‘get in’ for free. The race depends on public authorities for road closures, policing etc. Public authorities finance road cycling. So yes, it IS a holiday advert.
— Jeremy CP (@truenorthmcr) July 28, 2018
In answer to Barry's camera frustration @piercy360 I've always assumed that this is just "isn't France great" tourism tubthumping by the host broadcaster. It's always been thus, and I'd wager we won't see much of that come the sharp end. In short: maximum G.
— Guy Hornsby (@GuyHornsby) July 28, 2018
Some words of wisdom from Luke Rowe for teammates Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome.
Luke Rowe: “It’s wet and it’s damp but hopefully it’ll be fairly straightforward. 2min 5secs, you’ll think he can do it but it’s not over until the fat lady sings.
“It’s intermediate, wet/dry, and it seems to be drying out but it won’t be totally dry when the boys are out.”
Matt Hepburn has just finished in a very impressive 42:16. That was more than two minutes quicker than second-placed Maciej Bodnar, winner of last year’s ITT in Marseille, who crossed in 44:26.
Durbridge’s split though 22km was 30:22 so chances are it’ll be him and fellow Aussie Matt Hepburn will be topping the timesheets soon enough.
Updated
Luke Rowe is over the line in 46:53, well down on the leaders. He’ll be primed for tomorrow, though, hopefully serving up the champagne on the way to Paris...
Updated
Sam Charlton emails in response to Barry’s grumblings over gratuitous scenery shots
Hi James,
I too side with you.
The sweeping shots of glorious French landscape fills me with joy. As much as the race does at times. The history is fascinating and it’s part of le tour viewing experience.
This emotion is even more so when Le tour de Yorkshire is on. As we all know that there’s no better scenery than god’s own country.
Slight amendment to Jansen’s finishing time, the official Tour website lists it at 44:55. Team Sky’s Luke Rowe should be crossing the line soon-ish.
Mitchelton-Scott team-mates Matt Hepburn and Luke Durbridge are the quickest out there at the moment. Hepburn goes through 22km at 29mins 29secs.
Amund Grøndahl Jansen has set the fastest finishing time of 44:54
Some words from Lawson, who fractured his scapula (shoulder bone) and needed nine stitches above his eye... on day one!
He tells Eurosport: “A lot of relief right now, for sure. I’ve just fought tooth and nail for the last few weeks and just seeing the finish line today, and I’ll be in Paris tomorrow eating dinner with my family - that’s a great achievement for me. I didn’t think I’d make it.
“It’s been a really challenging and testing Tour for us but the entire team has shown a lot of fight and we’ve pushed every single stage until the end.
“I remember in 2016 on the Champs it was already a special moment but after this year’s Tour but I’m a little worried, given how I felt today. Tomorrow will be incredibly emotional to be there with my family and wife and celebrate with them.”
And here’s Lawson in considerably better shape, crossing the line in Espelette. He’s crying as well now.
And here comes Lawson Craddock, crossing the line, on a slight incline, in 47:34.70.
Quick reminder of Craddock on stage 1
Barry Staniforth emails in. Not one for sweeping helicopter shots of France’s gorgeous landscape and history...
Why does the tv camera man waste so much time showing castles, houses and country side, when most of the viewers want to watch the cycling. Please can you ask the camera men to concentrate on the race. It is a sport event, not a holiday advert.
I’ll do my best, Barry. But, in truth, I love all that.
Gary Naylor tweets a telling reminder to anyone thinking this will be a straightforward day for Geraint Thomas
I'm amazed that people seem to believe that all G needs to do is freewheel round the course, waving to fans, practising his French for the podium demain @piercy360. The Tour has a way of biting you in the chamois. This might happen - https://t.co/lcFc6AgK4m
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) July 28, 2018
Timo Roosen of LottoNL–Jumbo is the fastest through 22km, clocking a nice even 30mins
Démare before the start. Look at the road.
Amund Grøndahl Jansen is the fastest man out on the course at the moment. 21secs faster than Craddock who’s through the second checkpoint at 22km in 32mins 27secs.
If you fancy a flavour of the conditions, here’s Craddock’s start. Bear in mind, this weather is probably going to get worse...
🚩 @lawsoncraddock is the first to start this ITT!
— Le Tour de France (@LeTour) July 28, 2018
🚩 C'est parti pour @lawsoncraddock qui est le premier à s'élancer !#TDF2018 pic.twitter.com/juI9GBDx9e
Lawson Craddock was through the first checkpoint at 13km in 18:32... which is glacial.
Démare has been passed by Amund Grøndahl Jansen who started 90 seconds after the Frenchman, showing little inclination to follow him. Meanwhile, Luke Rowe has started.
And here’s big Sam Warburton with an important message
A message to Geraint Thomas from another former Whitchurch High pupil...#TDF2018 Allez G! pic.twitter.com/OXybzDQRYU
— BBC Wales 🏴 (@BBCWales) July 27, 2018
As the riders continue to grin and bear it, here’s some recommended reading for the dry confines of wherever you are...
A few more to look out for over the next 30 minutes or so...
11.18am Taylor Phinney
11.24am Luke Rowe
11.31am Maciej Bodnar
11.36am Luke Durbridge
11.43am Niki Terpstra
Démare won Thursday’s stage but don’t expect the Frenchman to deliver a similar performance as the likelihood is the sprinters will be taking it easy ahead of tomorrow’s sprint up the Champs-Élysées.
Arnaud Démare is down the ramp and following Craddock’s lead with a very conservative start. It looks warm enough... just very damp and getting damper.
Has to be said, the weather forecast doesn’t look great today with drizzle throughout the afternoon and thunderstorms potentially around 3:30-4pm... which, rather conveniently, is when all the main GC competitors will be out on the course.
And we’re off in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle with Lawson Craddock down the ramp. This is Lawson Craddock of the dreadful crash on the opening weekend so huge props to him for making it this far. The rain is falling and it looks pretty testing out there. The American is taking it very carefully.
Fair point from Andrija here.
@piercy360 What is the point of all these hills in todays time trial? Haven't they suffered enough?
— Andrija (@andrijamatak) July 28, 2018
Today's start times
Here are the start times for the top 10 (all times BST):
3.11pm: Ilnur Zakarin
3.13pm: Nairo Quintana
3.15pm: Daniel Martin
3.17pm: Romain Bardet
3.19pm: Mikel Landa
3.21pm: Steven Kruijswijk
3.23pm: Chris Froome
3.25pm: Primoz Roglic
3.27pm: Tom Dumoulin
3.29pm: Geraint Thomas
And some notable others and fancied riders scattered throughout the day …
11.06am: Arnaud Demare
11.31am: Maciej Bodnar
11.45am: Alexander Kristoff
12.49pm: Yves Lampaert
1.11pm: Peter Sagan
1.43pm: Stefan Kung
1.51pm: Michal Kwiatkowski
2.25pm: Julian Alaphilippe
2.27pm: Tejay Van Garderen
2.31pm: Adam Yates
Preamble
Bore da! Whitchurch High School could soon be adding a Tour de France winner to their list of notable alumni, alongside three-time Champions League winner and Grand Slam-lifting and British and Irish Lions captain. Geraint Thomas would have been three school years above Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton at the Cardiff comprehensive but is a don’t-do-anything-daft-now time trial away from arguably surpassing their achievements. Providing he stays on the bike today and keeps closest rivals Tom Dumoulin and Primoz Roglic at bay to the tune of 2 minutes 5 seconds, Thomas will become only the first British-born winner of the Tour and the first Welshman to claim the maillon jaune.
Of course, despite the hefty buffer, he is being chased by the World Time Trial champion Dumoulin (Roglic finished second in Bergen, incidentally) who was 1min 40sec faster than him at the ITT during last year’s Tour and is a strong favourite for this stage. But Thomas has some considerable time-trialling pedigree himself having won the National Championships in June and finishing second during a ITT at the Giro in May… albeit 49secs down on you know who.
The short 31km course through the Basque Country could also present some challenges as it is hilly… very hilly, in fact. A twisty and windy route features series of punchy up and downs, with barely a flat stretch longer than 1km, building up to a short and very sharp ascent 3km from the finish featuring thigh-burning gradients up to 22 per cent before the descent into Espelette – home of the Espelette pepper. In reality, all the heat is likely to be behind Thomas in the battle for the podium as 32secs separate Dumoulin and Chris Froome in fourth.
And some essential pre-race reading:
