I think its because Team sky is just so damn strong, Wiggins hasnt had to do anything because 1-His team just brings everybody back and 2-he dominated the time trial, 1st and 2nd are both on the same team so we can preety much take number 2 out of the count.

Last year we had Cadel vs 2 schlecks on there own, we had Contador vs Schleck vs Cadel, We had Veokler putting in great performances.

This year non of the flat stage break aways got close, Wiggins got a huge advantage on the 1st time trial, Frank Schleck and Van broek lost massive time on the flat stages due to bad luck, No andy. Nibali and Cadel have only been able to make quick attacks due to the power of team sky and was it me or were some of the 1st mountain stages underwhelming?

Way to many ITT this year also, last year had 1, 3 this year:S

Edited by glory recruit: 17/7/2012 02:57:05 PM

Way to many ITT this year also, last year had 1, 3 this year:S

Edited by glory recruit: 17/7/2012 02:57:05 PM

There's only really two ITT this year. Don't really count the prologue. It's the first time since 2008 there's been two proper ITT, usually you get 1 ITT and a Team time trial.

So Frank Schleck has pulled out after testing positive for a banned diuretic

Schleck denies doping, wants B sample test

Luxembourg rider Frank Schleck has denied any wrongdoing after he was withdrawn from the Tour de France on Tuesday when he returned a positive test for the diuretic Xipamide following Saturday's Stage 13.

"I categorically deny taking any banned substance," he said in a statement.

"I have no explanation for the test result and therefore insist that the B sample be tested which is my right.

"If this analysis confirms the initial result, I will argue that I have been the victim of poisoning."

Schleck, who finished third last year, was in 12th place in the overall standings.

He was pulled out of the race by his RadioShack team immediately after the test result was announced.

Schleck is not suspended because according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Xipamide was "a specified substance", which allowed for a greater reduction of a two-year sanction when an athlete tested positive for it.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-07-18/schleck-denies-doping-wants-b-sample-test/4139228?section=sport

Please explain

Luxembourg cyclist Frank Schleck denies taking banned sustance, suggests he was poisoned

Luxembourg rider Frank Schleck denied taking any banned substance despite testing positive for a forbidden diuretic at the Tour de France, and has suggested he might have been poisoned.

The RadioShack Nissan Trek team leader said he "formally rejects" having taken any banned substance, and requested the B sample to be tested.

"If this analysis confirms the first result, a complaint will be filed against an unspecified person for poisoning."

The RadioShack team pulled Schleck from the race after the positive test, and said he would be suspended if the backup sample also came back positive.

He's the older brother of Andy Schleck, the 2010 Tour champion who didn't enter this year because of a spinal injury. Frank was third last year.

Cycling's governing body the UCI said on Tuesday that Schleck tested positive for the banned diuretic Xipamide on Saturday, another reminder of the doping cloud that has damaged the image of cycling.

The diuretic is classified as a specified substance and does not require a provisional suspension. The World Anti-Doping Agency defines "specified substances" like Xipamide as those that are "more susceptible to a credible, non-doping explanation".

Bans for such substances are often shorter, and athletes have a better chance of proving they did not intend to consume them or enhance their performance.

Tour chief Christian Prudhomme, speaking near the start of Wednesday's 16th stage into the Pyrenees, noted Schleck, under UCI rules, could have taken the start.

"It is a wise decision - and for that matter, the only one imaginable," Prudhomme said in a statement lasting less than a minute. He did not take questions.

Schleck was in 12th place overall - 9 minutes, 45 seconds behind leader Bradley Wiggins - going into Tuesday's rest day.

Andy Schleck was awarded the 2010 Tour victory after Alberto Contador was stripped of the title because of his positive test for clenbuterol.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/other-sports/tour-de-france/luxembourg-cyclist-frank-schleck-denies-taking-banned-sustance-suggests-he-was-poisoined/story-e6frf5hu-1226429428634

Marathon runners peak in their late 30s. What about cyclists?

Dont think cadel even got the legs to attack.

but not a overly big climb=\