Stage one starts tomorrow and there's a lot to talk about. I followed the race closely last year and got really into it. I hope to do the same this year with participation from other fans on the board. Bune? Surfanddestroy?

Field looks wide open this year without Froome. Team Sky is now team Ineos? First time in 8 years Sagan starts the race wearing his standard team kit? I don't think Geraint repeats. I haven't even looked at the stages yet, though.

Several resources I used to follow along last year:

https://wedu.team/themove
https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/vi ... eview-show
https://www.sbnation.com/tour-de-france

I used to love watching the tour de France when I was a kid. I might give it a fresh look this year.

I've never really been into watching professional biking. But these seems like the kind of thing I'd be really into. I should check it out. Is there anyone participating that's especially worth keeping an eye on and/or cheering for?

Fuck cycling.

Cycling has consistently been filled with the biggest cheaters in all of sports.

It's not so much watching as it is following, for me at least. I hope that makes sense. It's hard to watch because it's early in the morning and on a semi-obscure network, not to mention the racing itself is mostly just following the peloton for a few hours until a thrilling sprint to finish the stage. Of course there are crashes which are morbidly fun and the French landscape is beautiful. Still, it's not super TV-friendly for an American audience.

Following (via podcasts, blogs, newspaper...) from day to day, however, is a lot of fun once you learn the ins and outs of what's actually going on in the field. There's a lot more than just who is wearing the yellow jersey. You've got the sprinting leader (green jersey), the climbing leader (polka dotted jersey), the youth leader (white jersey), and all sorts of team dynamics at play.

Last year showcased really interesting teamwork dynamics because Froome, the guy who was supposed to win it for Team Sky, took a back seat to Thomas (the guy who was the better rider.) There was speculation all the way through the race whether or not Froome and Thomas were conspiring to let Froome take it in the end or if Thomas was usurping the Sky mantle. Turns out Thomas was just the better rider all race and Froome was letting it happen for the sake for the sake of the team.

Anyway, that's the sort of thing you should watch for this year. Narratives start to develop and drama unfolds. The race is designed to be a grueling, captivating spectacle for 22 days.

I didn't even mention the domestiques! These are the noblest riders out there. They won't win and they know it, but they are doing nearly all of the work for their team leaders.

Stage one ends with a thrilling photo finish and the first Dutch leader since 1989. I want to see Sagan in the green jersey again. Bummed it didn’t happen for him today.

Tomorrow’s stage is a time trial. Meh. At least nothing riveting will compete with US Women vs Netherlands in the Women’s World Cup.

To anyone interested, the Tour Tracker app is interactive and comprehensive. Live GPS updates, streaming news during the race, team and rider profiles, the works. I think it’s like $2.99 after the 5-day trial period. Seems worth it.

Is Rey in this?

Nope, I don't get the appeal. Sorry.

Borderline sadistic stage today. Started on a climb and featured 18% and 24% grades to end the stage...with the last kilometer on gravel. Just stop.

I’d really be dropping the ball if I didn’t include this in the thread while Ciccone holds on to the yellow.

This is getting closeeeee

Used to love watching the Tour in the early 00's. The fact that everyone was (is?) on PEDs really killed the magic for me.

yeah, but how sweet is it that some local peasant can wipe out 3/4 of the entire field at the start of a stage with some crappy homemade sign?

Bunch of savages in that town.

Mods please move this thread, going on a bike ride is not a sport.

Cyclists are bad people and should never be celebrated.