Cadell Evans...what can you say?

[geardaddy37]

I have not been watching closely this year, but have been checking in on Versus, and was glued to the set for the time trial yesterday. 34 years old, 2 time world mtbiking champion, contender for the past 10 years, anf this was going to be his year if he ever wanted to win it. And it seems like he's a nice guy on top of it all. Hated to see Andy Schleck not get it, but honestly he has many years left, and arguably he is one of the best in the world (and lets not forget Frank!). I am in awe!
Let's hope there's no post-tour drama for a change...

[Di_bear]

Happy for Cadel, sad for Andy. I've been pulling for Andy ever since he lost to Contador, last year. He stuck out in last year's race because he just had incredible sportsmanship. It's hard not to cheer for a guy like that. However, I found myself really wanting to see Voeckler win the Tour, so I was slightly tormented wanting two guys to win. I really appreciated Andy's short possession of the yellow jersey. Seeing him accept the jersey and the lion was something else because his gratitude poured out.

In the end, I am very happy with the top four. This has been a great Tour.

[kwings00]

*lways a joy when a former mtb'er wins a road race.

[geardaddy37]

Actually he was first a road guy, but went to Mtbiking for awhile when he was injured, and ended up ( like Lance) doing very well, then went back to road. I am not super knowledgeable about his history, someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I totally agree Di, Andy Schleck is an example for racing, as well as humanity. In this age of everyone wanting their 15 minutes of fame, and the rush to cash in, he shows the true heart of why we all ride, whether it be mtb or road.
(That being said, I will still never buy Michelob ULTRA... )

[redwoods22]

this from Cadels site -- started Cycling When I was 2 with my 16” BMX! Started competition in 1991, cross country mountain bike. In 1994 I started competing in criterium’s and road races to help with my mountain biking at the suggestion of my then coach, Damian Grundy, with the thought that ‘maybe one day you will be interested to ride the road’.

[KevinH]

I was happy that Contador did not win again. Wish it could have been Andy, but Cadel is better than Alberto...

[xcrdr]

Not that it matters, but I have mixed feelings on the subject. I have always been a bit of a Cadel Evans fan. It's always good that the commenatators mention his MTB racing. I did miss some of the tour but alot of what I saw he was wheelsucking a whole bunch. Schlecks were doing alot of work. When other riders asked Cadel to pull for a while he kept shaking his head no. I know that it was good energy conservation on his part. He did a *beep* of a job on one stage because he had to and no one else had reason to work with him. My favorites all landed on the box, just in the wrong order. When I watch the tour I usually like to see the eventual winner rip some ass along the way. Again, just my personal opinion. Cadel rode great when he needed to and got the win he has been working for for a long time.

[Di_bear]

Actually he was first a road guy, but went to Mtbiking for awhile when he was injured, and ended up ( like Lance) doing very well, then went back to road. I am not super knowledgeable about his history, someone can correct me if I'm wrong. I totally agree Di, Andy Schleck is an example for racing, as well as humanity. In this age of everyone wanting their 15 minutes of fame, and the rush to cash in, he shows the true heart of why we all ride, whether it be mtb or road.
(That being said, I will still never buy Michelob ULTRA... )

That's Lance. Something tells me that Schleck drinks good beer.

[SteveF]

It was a great tour--I was pretty sure Cadel had it locked up after the last mountain stage (Andy didn't put enough time into him to keep the lead in the time trial) but before that it was a real battle between several contenders. I would've like to see Andy or Voekler win, too, but Cadel's been trying for a long time, had some setbacks and hard luck, and he was due. Andy's young and will have other opportunities.

Some great pics from the tour here

http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011 ... -1/100105/

[yahtzee_99]

I also liked the podium. Would have like to see any of those 3 win, but with that being said I think Cadel had the best tour and deserved to win. Won the stage in Brittany up the wall (beating Contador). In the Pyrennes stayed along with the leaders, and was very impressed with his riding in the Alps. Stage 18 when Andy took off on the accent of Col d'Izoard (great move by the way having two teammates infront). But the entire last climb up Col d'Galibier Cadel he had no help (basically to keep Andy from gaining time). The next stage up Alpe D'Huez is when he conserved his energy and never pulled because he did not need to, Andy was in his group and that was his only worry.

Would have like to see Andy win, but the winner is the best overall rider. In order for him to be the best overall rider he needs major improvement in the time trial. If not he is going to have to go into the time trial with a 3:00+ lead, if wants to win.

[geardaddy37]

It will be interesting to see how Schleck does in the Vuelta a Espana...anyone know if versus is going to air this event? ...or if not, is it going to be aired at all?

[barroo]

It will be interesting to see how Schleck does in the Vuelta a Espana...anyone know if versus is going to air this event? ...or if not, is it going to be aired at all?

It is on Universal Sports. Is Schleck doing the Veulta though? I had heard he wad coming to Colorado to race instead. That's not confirmed but something someone told me.

[geardaddy37]

I saw something about it when I googled it for information and assumed...but unsure.

[yahtzee_99]

It will be interesting to see how Schleck does in the Vuelta a Espana...anyone know if versus is going to air this event? ...or if not, is it going to be aired at all?

It is on Universal Sports. Is Schleck doing the Veulta though? I had heard he wad coming to Colorado to race instead. That's not confirmed but something someone told me.

I was reading an article and it mentiond that the top 3 riders from the Tour de France will be in the Pro Cyclying Challenge in Colorado later this month. So thats both Schlecks and Cadel.

[geardaddy37]

thanks for the info on that