I think I’ve read of at least 10 guys not considered favorites talking about their podium chances.
Probably at least 20 guys in the peloton think they’ve got a shot at placing.
Makes for some really good drama.
It is enjoyable to watch!
There have been just enough guys that we can still recognize, to make it a very interesting, and exciting bike race. Lots of new young guns being mentioned for the first time too. I really hope that most the peleton is clean, because if it is not, then it could get much worse for cycling as a sport. I’m digging it too, but I wonder how the ratings are doing??? Anyone have any info out there?? I’m glad they got back to the live early morning coverage, and the commercial free last climbs, and finishes. The camera shots have been pretty good too, once in awhile they focus too much on cracked favorites, while the real races is up front. But Vs has no control over that, they just get what they are given by the network… Phil and Paul have commented several times that they wish they would get back to the racing, and I like their commentary much better this year, compared to years past…Phil was getting senile the past couple years, but seems to have come out of it… Paul is just plain entertaining this year. He must have a sheet of his famous quotes in front of him, and tries to use them at least a hundred times or more each race, broadcast gold…
I love the commercial free last hour, but during the first couple of hours when they over-load the commercials (5 minutes of TdF coverage, 3 minutes off) stinks sometimes. I understand why they do it and it’s to give the viewer the best coverage for the most exciting part of the stage, but it seems like we’re always watching commercials during the first couple of hours of the broadcast. Whatever. I still gobble it up. Thank god for DVR.