Bradley Wiggins - Can he win it ?

[Doggy Styles]

Wiggins allegedly slowed down for a competitor who got a puncture from tacks thrown on the track. A Wiggins fan?

I doubt it, the tacks were indescriminate. Anyway, Wiggins was punctured as well.

[BrilloPad]

I doubt it, the tacks were indescriminate. Anyway, Wiggins was punctured as well.

Probably local yobs. I have been warned for my iron man that when the Dartford locals find out there is a chance they will come and lob a few bricks.

[Alf W]

Erm, I know this has been the case in the past, but do you actually have evidence that the leading riders in the Tour now are on drugs? You do realise that accusations of drug taking are just about the most serious things that can be said about sportspeople these days? Please, give us the evidence.

Cyclist Frank Schleck Fails Doping Test

The Prosecution would like to call its first witness.

[TimberWolf]

Cyclist Frank Schleck Fails Doping Test

The Prosecution would like to call its first witness.

Does that mean he's a dope?

[DaveB]

I doubt it, the tacks were indescriminate. Anyway, Wiggins was punctured as well.

He didn't puncture, he just wasn't happy with the bike. Did a total bike change not just a wheel.

The guy he stopped for wasn't just "a competitor" it was Cadel Evans, defending TdF winer from last year and at the time of the incident Wiggin's closest rival.

Barring a major incident in the mountains over the next two days Wiggy pretty much has it sewn up. The others don't just need to catch him, they need to put at least a minute and a half on him to allow for what he will do in the final time trial. Taking that into account he probably has 4 to 4.5 minutes in hand over the guys behind him. Not counting Chris Froome who is under team orders to support him but not beat him, despite arguably being the stronger rider in the mountains and not far off in the individual TT, and is likely to take 2nd overall when they get to Paris.

[DaveB]

Cyclist Frank Schleck Fails Doping Test

The Prosecution would like to call its first witness.

He failed the A test for something that the WADA regards as a "Specified Substance". This means there are a number of non-doping related reasons for it to have got into his system, there is a good chance it wash;t taken deliberately and it doesn't require automatic suspension.

He's not a doper until he fails the B test and fails to come up with a credible reason for it being in his system.

He wasn't suspended, he left the race of his own accord. Being over 9 minutes behind he very likely decided there was no chance of winning and it would be ease to deal with it without the added pressure of riding and the adverse impact on his team mates.

I'm not saying he is 100% innocent, or guilty, thus for the WADA to decide. Cycling is cleaner now than it has been in years and flinging the D word around without it being proven doesn't help anyone.

[doodab]

He's looking pretty good at the moment. I think the only person who could really hurt him in the mountains is Nibali or Froome, Cadel doesn't look that strong.

I expect Nibali and Evans to attack on the big climbs tomorrow, not so much to gain time but with a view to obliterating as many of the sky team as possible ready for a final assault on port de bales on Thursday. They'll need to get Wiggins and Froome isolated, then the big question will be what happens if Wiggins cracks? Will Froome be forced to drop back and help him or will he be allowed to take the fight to the others?

[BrilloPad]

Tour de France 2012: Bradley Wiggins attacks British celebrity culture as race leader closes on historic triumph - Telegraph

Asked what winning the Tour would mean to him, Wiggins said: “It’s nice to be recognised for achieving something in life because so much of British culture is built on people being famous for not achieving anything.

[Mich the Tester]

Tour de France 2012: Bradley Wiggins attacks British celebrity culture as race leader closes on historic triumph - Telegraph

Asked what winning the Tour would mean to him, Wiggins said: “It’s nice to be recognised for achieving something in life because so much of British culture is built on people being famous for not achieving anything.

Standing ovation.

I see exactly what he means, but it's not just British 'culture'.

[Doggy Styles]

Tour de France 2012: Bradley Wiggins attacks British celebrity culture as race leader closes on historic triumph - Telegraph

Asked what winning the Tour would mean to him, Wiggins said: “It’s nice to be recognised for achieving something in life because so much of British culture is built on people being famous for not achieving anything.

Halelulya!

How are the ubiquitous Lord and Lady Beckham by the way?