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skinny
1 month ago
Straight Male, 77
0 miles · Brighton
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Stage 16 takes the race to the Pyrenees, and at 237.5 km. is the longest stage in this tour. there are some minor climbs en route, but the first real test doesn't arrive until beyond half way, and that's when we'll see who's going well. There's a tricky descent off this cat.2 climb and then there's a cat 3 sitting between the riders and the final climb which is a proper test. The finish line is just over 21 km. from the top of the climb. A fast descent and a flat final 3 km. await the leaders.
This stage screams breakaway, and riders like Thomas Voekler will target the breakaway. Roche and Michael Rodgers and Geraint Thomas and Gianni Visconti are also likely to try to get into the break.
There are a number of ways this could pan out, and much will depend upon whether the K.O.M. contenders want to get into the break. Personally I think Allesandro De Marchi will go in the breakaway, and attempt to pick up points where he can. Whether Majka or Rodriguez will try for it is anyone's guess. Expect a frantic start, with the days break possibly not established until after the first hour of racing. If anyone within 15 minutes of the yellow jersey gets into the break it may never be allowed enough of a lead to survive. There's also a possibility that Nibali might set it up for one of his soldiers, but wednesday's stage is a really tough one, so that's an outside chance.
Accordingly there's no clear favorite for the stage, with bookmakers going 10/1 and better for the riders. Peter Sagan will surely join the break and take the intermediate sprint points, but he won't keep up with the real climbers, and there will be some, on the final climb. If Rui Costa has recovered from his illness then this stage would suit him, but it's difficult enough to pick the winner without guessing whether a rider's actually in good health. Sky will have at least one man in the breakaway, and as I said earlier I do like Thomas as a win contender, and Tommy Voekler, although not at big odds, will give it a go. I'll probably have a little bet in running once they settle down. Of course I'll have my quid on Blel Kadri @ 100/1 on betfair once again, in the hope that this cooler ride will suit him better.
Same old story, if the peleton catches up then the climbers can't outsprint Valverde.
This stage screams breakaway, and riders like Thomas Voekler will target the breakaway. Roche and Michael Rodgers and Geraint Thomas and Gianni Visconti are also likely to try to get into the break.
There are a number of ways this could pan out, and much will depend upon whether the K.O.M. contenders want to get into the break. Personally I think Allesandro De Marchi will go in the breakaway, and attempt to pick up points where he can. Whether Majka or Rodriguez will try for it is anyone's guess. Expect a frantic start, with the days break possibly not established until after the first hour of racing. If anyone within 15 minutes of the yellow jersey gets into the break it may never be allowed enough of a lead to survive. There's also a possibility that Nibali might set it up for one of his soldiers, but wednesday's stage is a really tough one, so that's an outside chance.
Accordingly there's no clear favorite for the stage, with bookmakers going 10/1 and better for the riders. Peter Sagan will surely join the break and take the intermediate sprint points, but he won't keep up with the real climbers, and there will be some, on the final climb. If Rui Costa has recovered from his illness then this stage would suit him, but it's difficult enough to pick the winner without guessing whether a rider's actually in good health. Sky will have at least one man in the breakaway, and as I said earlier I do like Thomas as a win contender, and Tommy Voekler, although not at big odds, will give it a go. I'll probably have a little bet in running once they settle down. Of course I'll have my quid on Blel Kadri @ 100/1 on betfair once again, in the hope that this cooler ride will suit him better.
Same old story, if the peleton catches up then the climbers can't outsprint Valverde.
I hope you enjoy your visit to our fine city. Brighton is full of bars and nightclub venues to cater for most tastes. There are no "swingers" bars, but lots of holidaymakers like to find playmates while they're here.
Bristol Gardens Health Spa is a naturist venue, (read about it in "clubs" forum) and it's visited by swingers visiting the town, and to some extent by some local members. Don't expect a full on adult club experience, although there is certainly some playing goes on. I'm basing this revue upon what I've been told by others.
There are also a couple of men only saunas, and if you check them out online you'll be left in no doubt as to why men go there.
Or you could just be old fashioned and allow yourself to be chatted up in a bar you like the look of.
enjoy.
Bristol Gardens Health Spa is a naturist venue, (read about it in "clubs" forum) and it's visited by swingers visiting the town, and to some extent by some local members. Don't expect a full on adult club experience, although there is certainly some playing goes on. I'm basing this revue upon what I've been told by others.
There are also a couple of men only saunas, and if you check them out online you'll be left in no doubt as to why men go there.
Or you could just be old fashioned and allow yourself to be chatted up in a bar you like the look of.
enjoy.
A day for the sprinters, before a well earned rest day.
This is where I repeat myself, yet again.
Marcel Kittel is the best sprinter in the field, and he'll start at a shade of odds on for that reason, and he's the one they have to beat. If you like to find flaws then there are certainly a few if's, not least that Kittel's final leadout man is out of the race, and he does benefit more than most from his superior leadout train.
The clear second best sprinter is Andre Greipel, and at 7/1 with paddy', that makes him worth my quid each way. Greipel has a knack of finding a way to get in the mix, even when it gets messy. He's also less damaged by the climbs than many of his opponents.
One of these days Peter Sagan will decide he's already bagged the green jersey prize, and he'll work for his "servant", Elia Viviani, a fair sprinter in his own right, and probably faster than Sagan when things pan out for him. He's over 100/1 because he's not expected to go for it.
There will be a breakaway, and the sprinters' teams will have to chase it down, because the race leaders would be quite happy to give them a 20 minute start. We'll find out which teams have enough firepower to chase the break. I suspect three teams will share the honours, so as not to reveal weaknesses.
Of course if Corals are offering 150/1 about big Tony Martin having a go at it I'm probably going to be tempted. To be fair, I think it's rather a long stage for him to get interested, unless the break is brought back early enough for a counter attack to go.
N.B. :twisted: Rain forecast, and a very tight and technical finish all make for a rather precarious finish, where yet again staying upright is the first aim.
This is where I repeat myself, yet again.
Marcel Kittel is the best sprinter in the field, and he'll start at a shade of odds on for that reason, and he's the one they have to beat. If you like to find flaws then there are certainly a few if's, not least that Kittel's final leadout man is out of the race, and he does benefit more than most from his superior leadout train.
The clear second best sprinter is Andre Greipel, and at 7/1 with paddy', that makes him worth my quid each way. Greipel has a knack of finding a way to get in the mix, even when it gets messy. He's also less damaged by the climbs than many of his opponents.
One of these days Peter Sagan will decide he's already bagged the green jersey prize, and he'll work for his "servant", Elia Viviani, a fair sprinter in his own right, and probably faster than Sagan when things pan out for him. He's over 100/1 because he's not expected to go for it.
There will be a breakaway, and the sprinters' teams will have to chase it down, because the race leaders would be quite happy to give them a 20 minute start. We'll find out which teams have enough firepower to chase the break. I suspect three teams will share the honours, so as not to reveal weaknesses.
Of course if Corals are offering 150/1 about big Tony Martin having a go at it I'm probably going to be tempted. To be fair, I think it's rather a long stage for him to get interested, unless the break is brought back early enough for a counter attack to go.N.B. :twisted: Rain forecast, and a very tight and technical finish all make for a rather precarious finish, where yet again staying upright is the first aim.
Vicenzo Nibali has put his stamp well and truly on the big prize with another dominant display in stage 13. The anticipated breakaway was never allowed, by Katusha, to get any gap on the field and was therefore never going to prevail. The reason the break wasn't allowed away was because Rodriguez wasn't in it. Expect the break on stage 14 to allow "Purito" to join them, and then to get a healthy lead on the peleton which might well be a winning one.
With that in mind I'm looking to Rodriguez to win this climbing stage. There will be no big odds on offer. The riders mentioned previously are likely to figure, and it's now likely that Team Sky will wish to get into the mix now that they don't have a contender for the podium. Please note that Daniel Navarro has retired from the race due to illness.
With that in mind I'm looking to Rodriguez to win this climbing stage. There will be no big odds on offer. The riders mentioned previously are likely to figure, and it's now likely that Team Sky will wish to get into the mix now that they don't have a contender for the podium. Please note that Daniel Navarro has retired from the race due to illness.
After yet another day of mayhem the tour heads back to the mountains. The first of three climbs comes early in the day and, although not very difficult, will surely set up the early attacks and attempts to get into the breakaway. The next climb is almost 100 km. further on. The second and third climb are both long and difficult. Both Rodriguez and Voekler are likely to attempt to get in the break, with a view to contesting the points in the mountain classification, and it's also a mountain top finish. Rodriguez is probably good enough to contest the win without being in the break, Voekler almost certainly needs to be in a breakaway to win.
I'm having a small wager on Voekler, in the hope that he gets away, and I'm siding once again with Blel Kadri, 200/1 with Skybet, who did us a favour earlier in the tour on a fairly similar stage. I think if the peleton catches the break it will be difficult for anyone to beat Valverde at the top of the last climb, where the gradients ease and he's the fastest sprinter amongst the climbers.
It's a good time to note riders who will target a stage win in the mountains. My shortlist includes Nicholas Roche, capable of winning from the peleton. Michael Rodgers, probably needs to get away in the break. Daniel Navarro, like Roche he's also capable of winning amongst the favs. Yuri Trofimov is a rider who relies on sheer strength and endurance and would be a breakaway candidate.
I'm having a small wager on Voekler, in the hope that he gets away, and I'm siding once again with Blel Kadri, 200/1 with Skybet, who did us a favour earlier in the tour on a fairly similar stage. I think if the peleton catches the break it will be difficult for anyone to beat Valverde at the top of the last climb, where the gradients ease and he's the fastest sprinter amongst the climbers.
It's a good time to note riders who will target a stage win in the mountains. My shortlist includes Nicholas Roche, capable of winning from the peleton. Michael Rodgers, probably needs to get away in the break. Daniel Navarro, like Roche he's also capable of winning amongst the favs. Yuri Trofimov is a rider who relies on sheer strength and endurance and would be a breakaway candidate.
Just like stage 11, this stage will be targeted by many of the teams. A very similar profile, with potentially easier climbs on the whole. The sprinters, some of them, got very close on stage 11, and more of them can expect to be challenging this time. A late breakaway might stand a better chance of making it than the early break. It'll be very hot and a furious pace from the start will take it's toll.
Again I think any one of many riders could take the win and I'll stay with Chavanel as my no.1 pick.
Again I think any one of many riders could take the win and I'll stay with Chavanel as my no.1 pick.
Stage 11 ... almost anyone's guess as to who will win this, and I'm never trying to encourage anyone to gamble, but if you just like the contest, and feel free to chip in with your thoughts, or if you actually fancy having a small flutter on the event's stages, then I hope you enjoy reading my take on the event.
Peter Sagan will start favorite for this stage, which should suit a breakaway, and he is not shy about joining a breakaway in his hunt for that stage win. He is a fair choice for the win.
Jan Bakelandts is another who will get into the break one of these days, and can win a stage.
There are just too many riders to mention who might target the win on this stage. My personal favorite is Sylvain Chavenel, tho' I may not be tempted by the odds. Matteo Trentin has delivered recently, for Omega Pharma, and they may well have designs on delivering him again, right at the finish.
I have no real advice on this stage, but I am watching Tinkoff's boys, particularly Rodgers and Roche, now that they are free of having to look after Contador.
Albasini and Gerrans are obvious candidates to win this if it comes to a reduced bunch sprint, and both seem to be in good form now. I remain confidant that Geraint Thomas will be allowed freedom to ride for a stage win one of these days, and he is more than capable of delivering.
Yuri Trofimov, from Katusha, has also targeted a stage win .... it may be today.
Peter Sagan will start favorite for this stage, which should suit a breakaway, and he is not shy about joining a breakaway in his hunt for that stage win. He is a fair choice for the win.
Jan Bakelandts is another who will get into the break one of these days, and can win a stage.
There are just too many riders to mention who might target the win on this stage. My personal favorite is Sylvain Chavenel, tho' I may not be tempted by the odds. Matteo Trentin has delivered recently, for Omega Pharma, and they may well have designs on delivering him again, right at the finish.
I have no real advice on this stage, but I am watching Tinkoff's boys, particularly Rodgers and Roche, now that they are free of having to look after Contador.
Albasini and Gerrans are obvious candidates to win this if it comes to a reduced bunch sprint, and both seem to be in good form now. I remain confidant that Geraint Thomas will be allowed freedom to ride for a stage win one of these days, and he is more than capable of delivering.
Yuri Trofimov, from Katusha, has also targeted a stage win .... it may be today.
Well stage 10 was certainly exciting and full of incident. The biggest surprise was the exit of race favorite Alberto Contador, who crashed on a decent early in the stage, and retired from the race with a fractured tibia. The whole structure of the stage changed, and Vincenzo Nibali, left unchallenged, was able to surround himself with his whole team and take control of the race. Nibali rode on to take the stage win and virtually assured an unsurmountable lead in the race overall. Only misfortune could prevent him from winning now, although there is still almost two weeks of racing to negotiate.
Tuesday, after ten days racing, is the riders' first rest day.
More thrills to come on wednesday.
Tuesday, after ten days racing, is the riders' first rest day.
More thrills to come on wednesday.
Well done to Tony Martin, winner of stage 9, yet again proving himself to be a uniquely talented rider.
On to the first big day in the mountains. I wouldn't say a breakaway can't win this stage, but there are only a handful of riders capable of riding at speed up these mountains, and sufficiently off the leaders time to be allowed some leeway.
When Contador ups the pace most riders will fall behind, and a breakaway is unlikely to have sufficient lead to hold out.
The climbs are very steep in parts, and are perfectly suited to Rodriguez and Chris Horner. Rodriguez has his sights set on the polka dot jersey, which makes him an ideal candidate for the breakaway. He won't be at big odds, and even riding with the race leaders would be one of the favorites for the stage win.
Chris Horner has yet to prove he is in good enough form, but at huge odds I'm prepared to take a chance on him. He could be in the breakaway or ride with the favorites and still finish in front at his best.
We saw, just a couple of days ago, that Blel Kadri is in excellent form, and climbing well enough to stay clear if he's given a chance to do so.
It's Bastille Day, and the French are well represented, with Pinot particularly good on these types of finish, and Christophe Riblon capable of tapping out a good pace up the climbs. Pierre Rolland and young Bardet will want to make themselves visible too.
All of this might prove to be academic when Contador makes his move. He's the best climber in the race and I expect him to want to prove it. He needs to gain time on Nibali, and I don't expect him to leave it late in the day to put the hurt on. I really think Contador will win, although best odds of 7/4 don't really interest me. I think if anyone beats Contador, on stage 10, that it's likely because they've been allowed to.
Leopold Konig is another rider who might get involved at a big price.
On to the first big day in the mountains. I wouldn't say a breakaway can't win this stage, but there are only a handful of riders capable of riding at speed up these mountains, and sufficiently off the leaders time to be allowed some leeway.
When Contador ups the pace most riders will fall behind, and a breakaway is unlikely to have sufficient lead to hold out.
The climbs are very steep in parts, and are perfectly suited to Rodriguez and Chris Horner. Rodriguez has his sights set on the polka dot jersey, which makes him an ideal candidate for the breakaway. He won't be at big odds, and even riding with the race leaders would be one of the favorites for the stage win.
Chris Horner has yet to prove he is in good enough form, but at huge odds I'm prepared to take a chance on him. He could be in the breakaway or ride with the favorites and still finish in front at his best.
We saw, just a couple of days ago, that Blel Kadri is in excellent form, and climbing well enough to stay clear if he's given a chance to do so.
It's Bastille Day, and the French are well represented, with Pinot particularly good on these types of finish, and Christophe Riblon capable of tapping out a good pace up the climbs. Pierre Rolland and young Bardet will want to make themselves visible too.
All of this might prove to be academic when Contador makes his move. He's the best climber in the race and I expect him to want to prove it. He needs to gain time on Nibali, and I don't expect him to leave it late in the day to put the hurt on. I really think Contador will win, although best odds of 7/4 don't really interest me. I think if anyone beats Contador, on stage 10, that it's likely because they've been allowed to.
Leopold Konig is another rider who might get involved at a big price.
I've visited fantasy video a few times, although a couple of years back now. It was very sleazy, and there's all sorts of goings on, clothing seemed to be optional. I think to claim that it's mainly gay men who are playing is misleading. I'm fairly certain that, as is the norm, there's a high proportion of married men getting it on with other men. There are occasionally women/couples in there, and the "gay" men will suddenly and miraculously find themselves to be straight. There are gay men in there of course, that's why the married guys go. These places are not for the faint hearted.
When I first saw the profile for this stage I thought it had "breakaway" and "Tommy Voekler" written all over it. Voekler will undoubtedly attempt to get in the breakaway. However, gone are the days when he was off the radar, and a best price of 20/1 on the exchanges isn't tempting for me. Tommy's an excellent rider, and a real fighter for the win, but by his own admission he's not the best climber and claims to never have won in a sprint.(the final 20km are flat) So with at least 40 other guys trying to get into the breakaway group it's going to be tough to call the winner.
There's a general belief that the main contenders will save their energy for monday's big day in the mountains, thereby fuelling extra ambition for riders to get into the break.
I thought this stage was suited to both Terpstra and Chavanel, both of whom have probably spent their energy today. Jan Bakelandts often targets a stage like this, but again the odds on offer aren't generous.
My shilling's going on Geraint Thomas, in the hope that the race pans out sufficiently well for him to be let off the leash by Team Sky, and on offer at around 66/1, likely to be bigger on the exchanges.
There's a general belief that the main contenders will save their energy for monday's big day in the mountains, thereby fuelling extra ambition for riders to get into the break.
I thought this stage was suited to both Terpstra and Chavanel, both of whom have probably spent their energy today. Jan Bakelandts often targets a stage like this, but again the odds on offer aren't generous.
My shilling's going on Geraint Thomas, in the hope that the race pans out sufficiently well for him to be let off the leash by Team Sky, and on offer at around 66/1, likely to be bigger on the exchanges.
Stage 8 is the first visit to the mountains. The climbing doesn't begin until late in the stage, a short stage, but the hills are quite serious in parts. Nibali's team will no doubt hope to get someone in the breakaway and let someone else do the chasing. It's quite possible that a breakaway would be allowed to go all the way, although I think tomorrow's stage looks more likely from that perspective. Today is very much for watching, and it will reveal lots about who is capable of winning over the days still to come.
Contador needs to make up some time, and I don't think he'll be letting anyone have their own way when the climbing starts.
Nibali doesn't need to win this, but it's not in his nature to just sit back and watch the scrap, if he's in good form he'll want to show some of it.
Two riders, both recovering from serious injuries and with no claims on the overall are Chris Horner and "Purito" Rodriguez. Both riders are amongst the best climbers in the peleton and, if fit enough, are well capable of fighting for a win on this stage.
I quite like Blel Kadri as an outsider who might get in the early break, together with Westra from Astana.
If I have to pick one against the field then I'd go with Contador who seems to be in good form and has managed, unlike so many, to stay upright so far.
Contador needs to make up some time, and I don't think he'll be letting anyone have their own way when the climbing starts.
Nibali doesn't need to win this, but it's not in his nature to just sit back and watch the scrap, if he's in good form he'll want to show some of it.
Two riders, both recovering from serious injuries and with no claims on the overall are Chris Horner and "Purito" Rodriguez. Both riders are amongst the best climbers in the peleton and, if fit enough, are well capable of fighting for a win on this stage.
I quite like Blel Kadri as an outsider who might get in the early break, together with Westra from Astana.
If I have to pick one against the field then I'd go with Contador who seems to be in good form and has managed, unlike so many, to stay upright so far.
Stage 6 saw Greipel take an overdue win, albeit with Kittel limping home on a flat tyre. What the stage did show is that none of these teams came through the previous day unscathed. The peleton fragmented, and so did teams as the day went on, and when the pace got fast there were lots of guys who just didn't have it left in them.
Stage 7 is a long stage with a fairly flat finish but a rather lumpy final 20km. Peter Sagan will start favorite, and his team have, in the past, claimed such a stage as their own. Sagan can get over these late climbs and still deliver a sprint finish. If Simon Gerrans was known to be fit he would be my favorite. Kwiatkowski is showing great form and I believe Cancellara rested today to wait for this stage. Again there are numerous options, not least the breakaway specialists. I think any team with top ten ambitions would like an easier day, which probably means someone will prove me wrong. I would have opted for Tony Martin, but I suspect he'll now be looking after Kwiatkowski. Perhaps Terpstra or Bakelants will be allowed to go up the road. Don't overlook Sep Vanmarke, who would almost certainly have won stage 5 but for a late puncture. Belkin need all the results they can get, and Lars Boom and Vanmarke might go in tandem once again.
Just for a little extra interest I'll play a small stake on Keukeliere once again. He's showing top form and still managing to fly under the radar. I'll also have a quid on Cancellara to get over the last hill with no one on his wheel, and then he'll take some catching.
Stage 7 is a long stage with a fairly flat finish but a rather lumpy final 20km. Peter Sagan will start favorite, and his team have, in the past, claimed such a stage as their own. Sagan can get over these late climbs and still deliver a sprint finish. If Simon Gerrans was known to be fit he would be my favorite. Kwiatkowski is showing great form and I believe Cancellara rested today to wait for this stage. Again there are numerous options, not least the breakaway specialists. I think any team with top ten ambitions would like an easier day, which probably means someone will prove me wrong. I would have opted for Tony Martin, but I suspect he'll now be looking after Kwiatkowski. Perhaps Terpstra or Bakelants will be allowed to go up the road. Don't overlook Sep Vanmarke, who would almost certainly have won stage 5 but for a late puncture. Belkin need all the results they can get, and Lars Boom and Vanmarke might go in tandem once again.
Just for a little extra interest I'll play a small stake on Keukeliere once again. He's showing top form and still managing to fly under the radar. I'll also have a quid on Cancellara to get over the last hill with no one on his wheel, and then he'll take some catching.
Quote by skinny
Well stage 5 certainly lived up to it's billing, and it's still not clear how many riders are carrying injuries into stage 6.
Stage 6 is another stage set up for the sprinters, and therefore Marcel Kittel will start as the hot favorite and most likely winner. However, not only did Kittel take a tumble, though reportedly he's o.k., but his strong leadout man John Dagenkolb suffered a nasty fall and is carrying an injury.
Demare, Kristoff and Greipel all took a fall in stage 5, and it's impossible to know how they'll be feeling.
Stage 6 is a long stage, with potentially wet roads once again. It will surprise no one if Kittel wins yet again, and I expect him to do so, but I'd rather have an interest on one of the sprinters who had a less unpleasant day on the cobbles. Bryan Coquard has been knocking on the door at each stage and may reward a small each way bet this time (25/1). Davide Cimolai,(150/1) not a regular winner, just might get in the shake up if there are weaknesses amongst the favorites.
Just in case you've missed the coverage: Chris Froome has retired from the race injured, following successive crashes. Vincenzo Nibali, with a strong team in support, has a healthy lead over his main rivals.
(For the uninitiated) The widening time gaps will change the way stages are raced. The morning breakaway group will be allowed more leeway, and more riders. The race leader won't always feel a need to chase, making it more difficult for individual teams to catch the leaders, therefore increasing the chances of a breakaway rider taking a stage win.
Well stage 5 certainly lived up to it's billing, and it's still not clear how many riders are carrying injuries into stage 6.
Stage 6 is another stage set up for the sprinters, and therefore Marcel Kittel will start as the hot favorite and most likely winner. However, not only did Kittel take a tumble, though reportedly he's o.k., but his strong leadout man John Dagenkolb suffered a nasty fall and is carrying an injury.
Demare, Kristoff and Greipel all took a fall in stage 5, and it's impossible to know how they'll be feeling.
Stage 6 is a long stage, with potentially wet roads once again. It will surprise no one if Kittel wins yet again, and I expect him to do so, but I'd rather have an interest on one of the sprinters who had a less unpleasant day on the cobbles. Bryan Coquard has been knocking on the door at each stage and may reward a small each way bet this time (25/1). Davide Cimolai,(150/1) not a regular winner, just might get in the shake up if there are weaknesses amongst the favorites.
Stage 6 is another stage set up for the sprinters, and therefore Marcel Kittel will start as the hot favorite and most likely winner. However, not only did Kittel take a tumble, though reportedly he's o.k., but his strong leadout man John Dagenkolb suffered a nasty fall and is carrying an injury.
Demare, Kristoff and Greipel all took a fall in stage 5, and it's impossible to know how they'll be feeling.
Stage 6 is a long stage, with potentially wet roads once again. It will surprise no one if Kittel wins yet again, and I expect him to do so, but I'd rather have an interest on one of the sprinters who had a less unpleasant day on the cobbles. Bryan Coquard has been knocking on the door at each stage and may reward a small each way bet this time (25/1). Davide Cimolai,(150/1) not a regular winner, just might get in the shake up if there are weaknesses amongst the favorites.
As indicated above, this promises to be a thriller.
I'm not one for plunging on favorites, when it comes to risking my shilling, but I do think Cancellara's the most likely winner. I also think his fellow favorites are most likely to get closest to him, however, this isn't any ordinary road race, and anything could happen. I like to play around with some bigger odds on the exchanges, and hopefully lay them back as things progress.
Riders likely to be involved include Keukeliere from orica green edge, on offer around 80/1. Geraint Thomas, also 80/1, if he's excused from shepherding Froome, is another who could get involved.
A personal fancy of mine, as the joker in the pack is Dries Devenyns, well capable of getting involved when it gets tough, and worth my bob each way at 200/1.
Then the evergreen Jens Voigt is highly likely to want to lead at some point, and also trading at around 200/1.
Grab a cold beer and sit back and enjoy.... if I wasn't already retired I'd take a sicky for this one.
I'm not one for plunging on favorites, when it comes to risking my shilling, but I do think Cancellara's the most likely winner. I also think his fellow favorites are most likely to get closest to him, however, this isn't any ordinary road race, and anything could happen. I like to play around with some bigger odds on the exchanges, and hopefully lay them back as things progress.
Riders likely to be involved include Keukeliere from orica green edge, on offer around 80/1. Geraint Thomas, also 80/1, if he's excused from shepherding Froome, is another who could get involved.
A personal fancy of mine, as the joker in the pack is Dries Devenyns, well capable of getting involved when it gets tough, and worth my bob each way at 200/1.
Then the evergreen Jens Voigt is highly likely to want to lead at some point, and also trading at around 200/1.
Grab a cold beer and sit back and enjoy.... if I wasn't already retired I'd take a sicky for this one.
This is the stage that many are dreading, the cobblestone sections of the Franco Belgian border, where more than dreams can get shattered.
Most of the principals will simply hope to negotiate this stage safely and without losing time to their main rivals. As usual there will be someone with different ideas who'll wish to upset the plans. There will be the usual breakaway, but expect the field to become fragmented as the race gets on the cobbles. Don't expect the usual team train to chase down the leader. Very often a rider can skip away by 30 or 40 seconds and hold out.
When it comes to racing on these cobblestones there are a few specialists, none more so than Fabian Cancellara, and he'll go off at around 3/1 favorite to win, and I think that's fair given his record. It is worth remembering that he was outsprinted by John Dagenkolb in the Paris -Roubaix classic, (2nd and 3rd) Nikki Terpstra had slipped away from the bunch and duly won. Cancellara's strength is his ability to power clear on these surfaces, and if he gets away there are few able to catch him. Peter Sagan has also proven adept at riding over the cobbles.
The betting has it about right. If you fancy any of the favorites then don't let me put you off.
The weather forecast is wet and windy weather moving in over the next 24 hours. If the cobblestones get wet then expect crashes galore. Punctures too are the norm, further complicated by the fact that team cars can't get through the peleton.
More to follow -
Most of the principals will simply hope to negotiate this stage safely and without losing time to their main rivals. As usual there will be someone with different ideas who'll wish to upset the plans. There will be the usual breakaway, but expect the field to become fragmented as the race gets on the cobbles. Don't expect the usual team train to chase down the leader. Very often a rider can skip away by 30 or 40 seconds and hold out.
When it comes to racing on these cobblestones there are a few specialists, none more so than Fabian Cancellara, and he'll go off at around 3/1 favorite to win, and I think that's fair given his record. It is worth remembering that he was outsprinted by John Dagenkolb in the Paris -Roubaix classic, (2nd and 3rd) Nikki Terpstra had slipped away from the bunch and duly won. Cancellara's strength is his ability to power clear on these surfaces, and if he gets away there are few able to catch him. Peter Sagan has also proven adept at riding over the cobbles.
The betting has it about right. If you fancy any of the favorites then don't let me put you off.
The weather forecast is wet and windy weather moving in over the next 24 hours. If the cobblestones get wet then expect crashes galore. Punctures too are the norm, further complicated by the fact that team cars can't get through the peleton.
More to follow -
Stage 4, back in France, promises to be more of the same, namely the Marcel Kittel show. As before he'll be at very short odds, but he should win. Greipel, in spite of results, is still the second best sprinter in the field, and if big odds are offered then i would be tempted to play on Greipel. Otherwise it's the same as stage 3.
The real fireworks resume stage 5 on the cobblestones, and there is a chance it could be wet and windy.
The real fireworks resume stage 5 on the cobblestones, and there is a chance it could be wet and windy.
well done to Nibali who outsmarted his rivals and skipped into a winning lead in the closing stages of stage 2. Obviously in good form today, let's hope he remains in top form for three weeks; that would make things more interesting when we get into the mountains.
Stage 3 looms, with a finish on The Mall which should again be won in a bunch sprint. Although there is some rain about, I don't see it having too much impact unless it's very windy further out. The g.c. riders will look to stay safe near the front, and Astana will keep it tight, with the help of the sprinter's teams, and retain the yellow jersey.
with Cavendish out of the race, Marcel Kittel will start at very cramped odds (too short for me to get involved) to win stage 3, and he does look the superior sprinter in the field now, with Greipel second best. I'm fairly confident that Kittel will win.
There will be an opportunity for the young sprinters to test their merits, with sufficient space on the run in for less well practiced leadout trains to get their man involved, so it's always interesting from that perspective, and as we know anything can happen in a bunch sprint, staying upright being the first concern.
Any wagers at big odds, on one of the time trialists or less popular sprinters, would be purely speculative, but it's a certainty that someone will give it a go from afar.
For my own purely speculative little wager I'll be having a quid on big Tony (Martin) to light things up, and on Peter Sagan's stablemate Elia Viviani to get involved in the scrimmage for the line. I'm influenced by the fact that odds of 100/1 and upwards are on offer.
Stage 3 looms, with a finish on The Mall which should again be won in a bunch sprint. Although there is some rain about, I don't see it having too much impact unless it's very windy further out. The g.c. riders will look to stay safe near the front, and Astana will keep it tight, with the help of the sprinter's teams, and retain the yellow jersey.
with Cavendish out of the race, Marcel Kittel will start at very cramped odds (too short for me to get involved) to win stage 3, and he does look the superior sprinter in the field now, with Greipel second best. I'm fairly confident that Kittel will win.
There will be an opportunity for the young sprinters to test their merits, with sufficient space on the run in for less well practiced leadout trains to get their man involved, so it's always interesting from that perspective, and as we know anything can happen in a bunch sprint, staying upright being the first concern.
Any wagers at big odds, on one of the time trialists or less popular sprinters, would be purely speculative, but it's a certainty that someone will give it a go from afar.
For my own purely speculative little wager I'll be having a quid on big Tony (Martin) to light things up, and on Peter Sagan's stablemate Elia Viviani to get involved in the scrimmage for the line. I'm influenced by the fact that odds of 100/1 and upwards are on offer.
So stage 1 followed the script, for the main part, and Kittel's in the yellow jersey.
Stage 2 is a much different contest, expect fireworks throughout the day, and the winner will almost certainly wear the leader's jersey for the next few days.
Peter Sagan will start as favourite, and he's in great form. I just can't see, with so much up for grabs, that the guys who are able to really kick up that last hill, some parts are above 25%, will allow Sagan to stay on their tail, even assuming he's still with them at that point. Simon Gerrans would have been an obvious possibility, but he was in the crash on stage 1. I think the key lies with Cavendish's team, they have lots of contenders for a stage like this, and I'm sure Bakelants or Terpstra, Tony Martin or Michael Kwaitkowski will get involved and attempt to grab the jersey for the stable.
It would be easy to make a long list of possible winners on a stage like this, even some of the g.c. contenders could get involved. Tom Jelte Slagter is another for the shortlist too.
My personal choice would be Michael Albasini who might be capable of outsprinting a reduced bunch in the finish, although both Sylvain Chavanel and Fabian Cancellara will likely have a go at getting involved in the outcome.
Stage 2 is a much different contest, expect fireworks throughout the day, and the winner will almost certainly wear the leader's jersey for the next few days.
Peter Sagan will start as favourite, and he's in great form. I just can't see, with so much up for grabs, that the guys who are able to really kick up that last hill, some parts are above 25%, will allow Sagan to stay on their tail, even assuming he's still with them at that point. Simon Gerrans would have been an obvious possibility, but he was in the crash on stage 1. I think the key lies with Cavendish's team, they have lots of contenders for a stage like this, and I'm sure Bakelants or Terpstra, Tony Martin or Michael Kwaitkowski will get involved and attempt to grab the jersey for the stable.
It would be easy to make a long list of possible winners on a stage like this, even some of the g.c. contenders could get involved. Tom Jelte Slagter is another for the shortlist too.
My personal choice would be Michael Albasini who might be capable of outsprinting a reduced bunch in the finish, although both Sylvain Chavanel and Fabian Cancellara will likely have a go at getting involved in the outcome.
It's all just about to kick off in Yorkshire and, in Chris Froome, we have a British favorite to win it yet again, we won't mention where he was born and brought up, just cheer him on eh.
I'll post just a snippet each day as long as someone keeps reading it.
I like to have a little wager on the cycling, and Froome's a worthy favorite to repeat last years success. However, this season hasn't been a smooth ride, and "Bertie" Contador at slightly bigger odds looks a solid option.
Stage 1, on Saturday, will see the riders, almost certainly, teeing up a bunch sprint finish. Marcel Kittel and Mark Cavendish are the two most likely contenders to win the stage and wear the yellow jersey after the opening day. No big odds here, around 5/2 each at best on the exchanges. Clear third best is Andre Greipel. Bunch sprints can get messy and chaotic, especially if it's wet, but these guys will win more between them than they lose.
More interesting days lie ahead.
I'll post just a snippet each day as long as someone keeps reading it.
I like to have a little wager on the cycling, and Froome's a worthy favorite to repeat last years success. However, this season hasn't been a smooth ride, and "Bertie" Contador at slightly bigger odds looks a solid option.
Stage 1, on Saturday, will see the riders, almost certainly, teeing up a bunch sprint finish. Marcel Kittel and Mark Cavendish are the two most likely contenders to win the stage and wear the yellow jersey after the opening day. No big odds here, around 5/2 each at best on the exchanges. Clear third best is Andre Greipel. Bunch sprints can get messy and chaotic, especially if it's wet, but these guys will win more between them than they lose.
More interesting days lie ahead.
Quote by pebble
What is a private prescription?
Viagra is considered a recreational drug, although certain medical conditions will allow for it to be prescribed on the NHS. Anything prescribed other than for medical reasons falls under private medicine, and some doctors will charge a fee, but generally the g.p. being a good sort will quite simply prescribe and off you go and pay the chemist's price for whatever medicines are allocated.
Updating this old thread, because I know that anytime sildenafil, or alternatives, are mentioned in chat, whispers abound as guys want to know where they can get them cheaper. If you didn't already know that Pfizer's patent on viagra had expired, then ya do now. Generics are in the chemists at a fraction of the price.
If you think these are suitable for you, and you'll need a doctors prescription, then shop around. I suggest you try one of the supermarket dispensaries, where they seem less driven by the mark up. 100 mg pills are cheaper than smaller ones and can be halved (or quartered even sometimes). I know that a customer, with a private prescription, was recently charged just for 8 x 100 mg tablets of sildenafil. That's less than the prescription charge in England.
If you think these are suitable for you, and you'll need a doctors prescription, then shop around. I suggest you try one of the supermarket dispensaries, where they seem less driven by the mark up. 100 mg pills are cheaper than smaller ones and can be halved (or quartered even sometimes). I know that a customer, with a private prescription, was recently charged just for 8 x 100 mg tablets of sildenafil. That's less than the prescription charge in England.
Ankle bracelets were always, in the past, associated with prostitutes, and like so many things in this more permissive age they have carried over into the mainstream, as a kind of risque type of wear. I think that to make any presumptions based upon the wearing of such might potentially cause problems. It's like assuming the lady who's going topless wishes someone would fondle her boobs .... and perhaps she does ... but she's allowed to be selective just the same as the rest of us.
Who remembers punk girls dressed in rubber and bondage gear ... and there was nothing about them which was meant to be sexual, in fact more what became known as asexual, they were visibly confrontational... perfectly decent sorts all the same.
So ankle bracelets, just like heels, or the showing off of cleavage even, can all be interpreted as a come on, and often that's how it's meant to be, but I'm afraid there's no rule of thumb, you just have to blag it the same as you always did.
Who remembers punk girls dressed in rubber and bondage gear ... and there was nothing about them which was meant to be sexual, in fact more what became known as asexual, they were visibly confrontational... perfectly decent sorts all the same.
So ankle bracelets, just like heels, or the showing off of cleavage even, can all be interpreted as a come on, and often that's how it's meant to be, but I'm afraid there's no rule of thumb, you just have to blag it the same as you always did.
