TdF Friday

23
Jul
2010

Two more days until the riders reach Paris and the Champs-Élysées.  Tomorrow’s time trial could very well determine who will wear the yellow jersey, and I’m really hoping it is Schleck and not Contador….but it’s kind of a long shot.  Here is my recap of this last week of racing and I look forward to what lies ahead this weekend.  Viva le Tour.

In yesterday’s Stage 17, the 11 mile climb up Tourmalet never produced any significant excitement between the top two riders and they crossed the finish line together.  That is one nasty hill and I was thinking that Schleck might just pull something incredible out of his jersey pocket and get his lost time back from his chain incident.

I’m pretty sure Jens Voigt will be remembered for a long, long time following his performance in this year’s Tour de France.  It won’t be for his stage wins or for holding the yellow jersey…it will be for his bravery and incredible attitude.  He started things off with that amazing climb in last Tuesday’s Stage 9, then he solidified his label of courageous this week in Stage 16.  Instead of re-writing the whole story, if you haven’t seen or heard about his incredible performance, take a look at this video and then read Jens’ comments as to how he refused to quit the race.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfiBbZJTx9s[/youtube]

“The worst thing of all was that I almost got forced out of the Tour for a second year in a row. The problem was that the first team car was behind Andy Schleck, and the second had decided to go up ahead to hand out water bottles at the foot of the next climb. As a result I had no bike, because mine was shattered.

So then the broom wagon pulled up and was like, “Do you want to just get in?” And I said, “Oh no, I don’t need YOU!” But there I am with blood spurting out my left elbow and no bike. Finally, the race organizers got me a bike, but it was this little yellow junior bike. It was way too small for me and even had old-fashioned toe-clip pedals. But that is the only way I could get down the mountain, so I had to ride it for like 15-20 kilometers until I finally got to a team car with my bike.” – Jens Voigt

What an incredible attitude…..“I didn’t crash on my head, didn’t crash on my face, so things could be worse”. Are you kidding me?  What a good reminder for looking at things positively.

I don’t know about you, but I am now officially a Jens Fan.

What do you think of this year’s TdF?

Enjoy Your Ride

Tags:

Pin It

4 Responses to “ TdF Friday ”

  1. Jon Spangler on July 27, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    Well, I’m almost recovered from 3 weeks of sleep deprivation after arising at 5-5:30 AM PDT daily to watch the TDF. What a contest: injuries, cobbles, French riders winning breakaways, and Andy Schleck almost matching Alberto Contador’s performance to the second. Gripping, I tell you. Absolutely gripping.

    Speaking of gripping, I just entered Michelin’s contest for a free MTB, so send me my VISA cash card…

    Jon

  2. Myrna CG Mibus on July 24, 2010 at 10:28 am

    I am also a Jens fan! Didn’t have a clue who he was before a week ago. Love him now. What a positive force!

  3. Clive Chapman on July 24, 2010 at 5:04 am

    The bloke is a legend. What an attitude.

    I thought the climb up the Tourmalet was one of the great Tour memories, Andy and the Spaniard going blow for blow, I also hoped Andy would drop the guy. I think the TT will do for him though unless a miracle happens. I’d love to see Andy in yellow riding through Paris.

    Best tour in years.

    The stat that did for me was the fact that they averaged on the 120 odd miles of the Tourmalet stage an astounding 19mph!

    My best ever average over the 12 miles I do to work is 17mph! The fellers ain’t human!

  4. Bryan on July 23, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    I talked about my views of this year’s TdF on my blog today too. I’m a huge Jens fan. That guy gives it 100% all the time and doesn’t know how to quit. He’s got a great attitude to boot. I wish Schleck would win as well.

Calendar

    March 2024
    M T W T F S S
     123
    45678910
    11121314151617
    18192021222324
    25262728293031

Archives

Sugar Alternatives for Energy and Hydration

Question: I am using the homebrew sugar formulations (sometimes added to green tea).  I am also trying to wean myself off 1/2 dose adrenalean “lip tonic delivery system” (biorhythm brand- caffeine, hoodia g, synephrine, yohimbe) capsule for energy.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out.  Have you tried either of these?  Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.

Sports Drink Homebrew

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.

Nutrition Tips