Saturday ,MAY 26 GIRO, Live 6:30 a.m. at Pro City/Trek store

[Lister Farrar]

They're just delirious for Ryder. I'll be there for both days at oak bay. Closer for me than procity. Going out for grappa now.

[leftcoaster]

Hey Lister - I'm recording tomorrow's stage from the beginning since it starts around 2:00a.m. our time, and I have the last of today's recorded as well - I may make it to OB Rec or stay in the comfort of my house

[barton bourassa]

Sunday Oak Bay, early!!!

[barton bourassa]

Sunday Oak Bay, early!!!

[Rolf]

Yikes. So tense. It's so hard to watch everyone put Ryder on the front and let him burn alone.

Some interesting facts:

Tour de France 2011 - De Gendt comes 6th on stage 19, up L'Alpe D'Huez, only 0:57 behind the winner (Hesjedal was 10th, 18 seconds back). The next day, on a 42 km TT featuring about 400m of climbing, De Gendt comes 3rd, 1:29 behind Tony Martin and 1:22 behind Cadel Evans (who was riding for the GC win). Ryder? 62nd, 3:27 behind De Gendt.

But more encouragingly:

Tour de Suisse 2011 - De Gendt solos to a huge 223 km mountain stage win on stage 7, Ryder came 31st, 5:52 back (though Ryder was still prepping, possibly tapering, to ride for the Tour GC). Two days later, De Gendt places 8th in a 32 km TT that was relatively flat (only 250m of climbing), only 0:48 behind Cancellara. Ryder placed 24th, 1:11 behind De Gendt.

Tomorrow is a pancake-flat 30 km. And De Gendt has 1:47 to make up on Hesjedal. It should have us all "chewing the bartape".

[John D]

Looks like it could be a real nail-biter tomorrow. See you all at Oak Bay Rec for 7:00am!

I'm going to do a lap around Elk Lake (via Cook-Blenkinsop-Cordova) beforehand, as I'll be out of town and off my bike for the next two weeks. My plan is to leave Cafe Fantastico at Dockside Green at 5:30ish and head up Bay to Cook. If you don't want to come that far to start, look for me at Bay/Cook at 5:40.

J.

[leftcoaster]

Good analysis Rolf. Ultimately there is a reason we ride the races, and I wouldn't count Rodriguez out. With everything on the line, I'm sure he'll ride the TT of his life.

By the way, the analysis on channel #225 is brutal. You're much better off bringing your laptop with extra plug in speakers while watching it on the big screen TV. Sylvan may malign (sp) Sean Kelly, but he is way better than the rube on TV.

I may see you in the morning for the ride John.

[Brian S]

P.S. There's a crazy rumour circulating about a TS contingent tackling the Stelvio en route to Sardinia next year.

Just FYI for that bit of planning--both the Stelvio and the Gavia were closed this week end 2 years ago, the Stelvio because of 2 m of snow at the peak. The Giro organizers were going full gas to get the roads clear, and my ambitions to do one of those 2 legendary climbs were dashed. Ah well. Living vicariously on the edge of my seat today. From the giro 2010,

[JohnT]

Really want to share Ryder's pain? Come out and race tomorrow!

JT

[Paul C.]

Just re-read the posts...Re Oak Bay Rec Sunday for the Giro.....Does anyone know for sure....can we bring bikes inside or do we need locks?...or leave bikes at home??? I was planning on riding right after.

[Stéphane Tran]

Here are the start times for the final TT:

http://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/site/no ... p?id=51712

If I read the list correctly, Ryder will be starting at 7:38am Pacific Time.

[leftcoaster]

the time difference is 9 hours - he will start at 7:38

[Rolf]

The trainer idea didn't pan out this time around, Paul. But you could probably run your bike up the back stairs to the little deck outside the lounge and cast your protective gaze window-wards during the adverts.

Or just ride a $150 bike with a rusty headset that you can park anywhere and nobody gives it a second glance!

Oh, and did I mention that Ryder's starting at 7:38?

[DavidB]

Guys, Is Ryder starting at 7:38?

[Lister Farrar]

Ok, sorry folks, but I didn't check the actual time sportsnet one is showing the giro. It says "live", but I don't think it is:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/tvschedule/

TV Schedule
Where to find Sportsnet ONE companion channels Daily Schedule | Full Schedule by Sport/League

7:00am-9:00am Sportsnet World Super League Rugby Catalan v London Broncos
9:30am-11:30am Sportsnet ONE Giro D'Italia Milan - Milan

Silly me, i was thinking "live" meant when it was actually happening.

Also, trying to get eurovision now but only tennis is on?

Edit: steephill now says it on live after tennis. But not when that is. Depends on how long the match goes?

Edit 2: I will check with the rec centre if anything is on live, and post again. Then will bail to come home and watch on line.

[Lister Farrar]

I'm at the rec centre and the universal sports coverage is on!