Criterium du Dauphine review

June 10, 2012 Sheree Leave a comment

Bradley Wiggins (Sky) defended his Dauphine crown and landed his third successive stage race of the season to become the first man to win Paris-Nice, Tour de Romandie and the Criterium du Dauphine in succession to become the red-hot favourite to win the Tour de France. And I really hope he does. You’ve got to admire the focus, the dedication and all the planning, preparation and honing of the finer details. While the press has been speculating that he’s peaked too early, Wiggins says he’s only at 95% and will peak for the Tour.

I’ve long contended that Britain will field a Tour de France winner before the French find another Bernard Hinault. If Bradley wins, I’ll have bragging rights down at my cycling club for years to come and a certain Kitty Fondue will have to pay a forfeit of getting her picture taken in a Mod wig. [She’s not worried – Ed.] Don’t worry faithful readers, I’ll be in Paris to capture it all. Continue reading →

Birthday Tributes

Andy Schleck: 27 candles

June 10, 2012 kittyfondue Leave a comment

Andy Schleck has had a hard time of it lately – some would say it’s a hard time of his own making, but we’re not going to go into that now. It’s his birthday so, just for one day, let’s give the guy a break. Here is a little Schleckfest of films and I, for one, really hope that he gets himself sorted so he can add some fizz and pop on the climbing stages of this year’s Tour.

Stage 18 Tour de France 2011: A legendary ride

This is the whole of Andy’s incredible ride last year in Stage 18 – the break, the bridge to his teammates in front, his solo ride up the Galibier, Cadel Evans‘s chase, Eddy Merckx rising like a phoenix from the commissaire car’s sunroof … no matter what you think of Andy, this was the most magnificent stage in years and he was the one that made it so.

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