Cycling Betting & Discussion.

[Tonji]

http://www.oddschecker.com/cycling/tour-de-france/top-10-finish

Tanel Kangert @ 20/1 looks a value spot. 4 GTs completed riding in support of leader. Last year 11th Giro, 14th Vuelta both as lieutenant to Nibali, really impressed. 2014 will be a first appearance in the Tour & again will be Nibali's trusted helper in the mountains. His build up has been low key, but form looked to be building ok in the Critérium du Dauphiné. If he shows the same consistency as 2013, a year on could see him break into the top ten.

[Tonji]

I'm thinking of opposing Froome by backing Valverde.

Thoughts?

Don't mind that Tal. I had some small 18/1 ew yesterday after he won the Spanish TT in strong fashion. He's certainly aiming top 3, & his season has been pretty much perfect preparation wise. Movistar team not confirmed yet, but will be strong no doubt.

News today Contador will be without Kreuziger is a big blow for Saxo. Edges it a touch in favour of Froome imo.

Stupid question time: there's only a few people who can realistically win a TdF, barring big injuries. They have to be one of the top three or four teams, because they're so much better supported (financially and in terms of both depth and ability). We know (even I know) Movistar will be great in the attacks and the mountains, so surely backing Valverde as leader to finish top three at 9/2 is a belting price?

9/2 top 3 is VG. can only see 5/2 now.

Theoretically 3rd spot on the podium is between Nibali & Valverde. Both have shown in their respective National championships that they are in more than decent shape. Of course we all know three weeks of GT racing throw up surprises & mishaps.

The 18/1 has gone now for the each way. 16/1 at 1/4 odds is still 4/1 top three, though.

More good news if you on Valverde. He finished 2nd in the Spanish National RR, allowing his Movistar teammate Ion Izagirre the win.

[Acidmouse]

Today I drove around the 1st leg of the Tour da France which starts next week. Harewood house the official start is already looking amazing, stands, camps, rigs all being setup. Most of the route is awash with bunting, yellow bikes hung up, stands, camping fields, camera stations already. Virtually every village is passes through has been transformed to yellow. Be really interesting how many turn up for this, anyone else going along to the ones in England?

I will be at Harewood house should be fun all the roads closes 6am till 4pm

[Tonji]

Today I drove around the 1st leg of the Tour da France which starts next week. Harewood house the official start is already looking amazing, stands, camps, rigs all being setup. Most of the route is awash with bunting, yellow bikes hung up, stands, camping fields, camera stations already. Virtually every village is passes through has been transformed to yellow. Be really interesting how many turn up for this, anyone else going along to the ones in England?

I will be at Harewood house should be fun all the roads closes 6am till 4pm

I think the crowds will be big, massive if the weather is fine.

20 odd million watched the Tour roadside last year!

Enjoy your day at Harewood, a great backdrop for the event & Yorkshire tourism 

[Ironside]

i cant wait for TDF afternoons flaked out on the sofa watching the kings of the roads trade punches in the mountains

i used to be addicted back in the 90s but all the doping has knocked back my enthusiasm david miller was a heartbreaker when i found out he was a cheat

[Tonji]

5 days to go, & teams confirmed so far

http://www.pelotonwatch.com/calendar/2014/worldtour/tourdefrance/startlist.html

[Tonji]

Tour de France: 5 key climbs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=999LV1Mbjlg

[Tonji]

le tour celebrates the Brits!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94UA26am-Ic

[Tonji]

Movistar announce team. Shame Dowsett doesn't make it.

http://movistarteam.com/news/2014-6-30/searching-for-tour-de-france-podium

[Tonji]

All team lineups now confirmed.

http://letour.yorkshire.com/teams

[MahoganyVic]

Cannot wait for this to start


Any other bets you fancy Tonji?   Hoping that Contador does the business but would be good to have some others to cheer for along the way

[Tonji]

Cannot wait for this to start


Any other bets you fancy Tonji?   Hoping that Contador does the business but would be good to have some others to cheer for along the way

Hi Vic,

So far: Valverde EW for overall. Kangert top 10. Rodriguez KOM. Cyril Gautier KOM (complete banzai on advice from a mate after too much wine!). Greipel EW stage 1.

If time permits I'll post a few more I have in mind over the next few days.

What is everyone else on?

[MahoganyVic]

Thanks!

Have not really placed any bets so far, been far too involved in the World Cup! Hoping to have a look through it all over the next few days and will hopefully be able to get a few down

[Tonji]

http://www.itv.com/tourdefrance/video/tour-de-france-preview-part-2-ned-and-chris-predict-the-stage-1-winner

Great! the familiar duo of Ned & Chris 

[Tonji]

Bling Matthews crashed in training earlier in week, lost a lot of skin & stitched up hand. Start in doubt, but on the rollers to see if he can still ride! Was a decent candidate for stage 2.