Why wasn't Ullrich wearing a radio?

tcklyde

Unless I missed some sort of wireless micro piece, Jan was riding without a radio today (stage 16). So, uhh, what gives? Wouldn't he want to know time checks? Did he scrap it because he figured his only competition was starting behind him? Any thoughts?

__________________
Harry

steve

Maybe he removed it because he couldnt hear anything over the noise of the crowd?

__________________
Steve

CyclingForums.com

tcklyde

Wow, nice catch. Thanks!

__________________
Harry

ed073

Bump.
Plus a only 40 minute effort (not 70-90 mins) and it's ALL suffering. Not sure how you could tell a rider to "lift it" on l'Alpe d'Huez!!

cmonie

I don't think Basso was either. In fact, I think LA was the only one of two that were. It just makes me think that too much technology and the specializations of teams is ruining the tour. Did you see LA's bike, it looked like something NASA developed, while everyone else seem to be riding on their same old every day TDF bike.

What makes matters worse is tomorrow and Friday will mean absolutely nothing with not a damn soul, except for a few riders actually trying to do something. Even the last time trial will be poor. This is why I get so frustrated with the TDF. There are literally only three or four days of real racing. Hell, after watching some old clips, it seems that the last time that the TDF had any back and forth competition was between LeMond and Hinault, and they were on the same team.

I really am convinced that many of the riders don't have the right attitude to win. None of them want to sack it up and go for it. Part of it can be explained by the too great of emphasis of the team; i.e., USPC is molded solely for LA and nothing else. Whether they come in first or last as a team is irrelevant. All that matters is positioning LA for the final climb or sprint. C'est tout.

Unfortunately, the cyclist, I love to root against with probably retire. With that said, all the American enthusiasts can kiss OLN coverage good-bye. Hell, you can barely find many Americans to follow it now, can you imagine us rooting for a non-American, no way!!!

Peace.

StarryMan

I differ with you in regards to the technology used on bikes. As long as it's a device souly powered by a human being - I'm good with it. Hell I think it would be interesting to see how TT's would be if recumbents were allowed for the segment.

I do agree about the TDF anti-competitiveness. Stages 1-9 were pretty snore boring. I think that's why many of the old schoolers don't really acknowledge LA as the ultimate rider because the TDF is different from what it was up to maybe a decade ago. Yeah some can accuse us of being nostalgic but honestly, the TDF organizers are going to have to ante up some new rules or twists to keep teams and racers on their toes or cranks. Sure the bonus points motivate a good race but it's not enough. I'm a big LA fan but I think once he's done and gone with this 6th TDF, things may go back to some kind of normallcy. Normallcy meaning more exciting.

How about this... how about having the racers just arm wrestle and be done with it? Just kidding.

Nicholas

gntlmn

I think Lance will be back next year riding for Discovery/OLN/Trek/AMD. The Discovery spokesman already hinted toward that idea before 2004 Tour.