Who am I?

I'm from Houston, a graduate of the University of Texas, a fan of the Houston Astros and Houston Texans. But this blog will be about the "greater sports", whatever that means.

Follow me on Twitter: @lhd_on_sports

Labels

LHD_PotW (614) MLB (184) NFL (165) NCAA (128) NFL Playoffs (73) NBA (67) NHL (63)

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Why the Tour De France is the best sport in, well, sports

This blog loves the wider world of sports, and the Tour De France (and competitive cycling in general) certainly tickles that fancy.  Seriously, it's amazing to watch on so many levels, I'll try to break it down in a Top 10 reasons that you should be watching the Tour De France:

10. Fan Access - Where else can fans literally participate in sports?  No, seriously, fans will pass out newspapers to cyclists at the summit of climbs (which are stuffed under the jerseys as wind protection), and if your lucky enough (or really unlucky) to be near a cyclist that falls, it's perfectly acceptable to help him up, give him a push to start, etc.  Unfortunately, fans are also so close, they've been known to cause crashes.


9. Scenery - I dare you to watch 3 hours of the Tour De France and not want to travel there.  The TV coverage (more on that in a minute) spoils us with helicopter views of chateaus, coastline, beautiful hills/mountains/valleys.


8. Peloton party - What happens in the peleton stays in the peleton.  Okay, maybe not that much of a party, but there's a camaraderie there that is matched by few situations in sports.  Teams/individuals work together, there's banter, perhaps political discussions, it's just the place to be.


7. Drinking during the contest - Yes, on the final stage, tradition dictates that the yellow jersey sips champagne as the peloton reaches Paris.  What other sport can you literally drink while you compete and win a three week event!


6., Variety of athlete - Like American football, these guys are stocky, slim, tall, short, lanky.  They all do something a little different than the other guy.  Andre Greipel's legs are tree trunks.  So are Mark Cavendish.  The brothers Schleck have twigs for legs.  Cadel Evans is 5'8".  Chris Froome is 6'1".  These guys are #4 and #2 in the GC at this point.

5. International representation - No country dominates, Europe has the most representatives, but North America, Russia/East Europe/Asia, and increasingly South America are represented.  And no one country dominates, teams are from countries, riders on those teams are not necessarily born in those countries, and on any stage, you have someone to cheer for.

4. Team Strategy - It took me a while to appreciate this, but team composition and strategy define the winners of stages, jerseys, and overall races.  To watch the subtle teamwork of who is driving the peloton, who is best protecting their GC riders, and who is dominating the lead out train makes each day worth watching.

3. TV Coverage - Talk about a challenge, each course being 150 miles give or take, how do you bring the images to the fans?  France has it figured out, motorcycles, helicopters, etc., you never feel like you're missing anything.  Sure enough, there are crashes or events that don't have a camera on it (there are 200 riders, not always together, spread out over miles).  But when you watch, you see the race.  There are a lot of commercials early, not as many late, great interviews, etc.  They set the benchmark for sports coverage in my opinion.

2. Athlete toughness - These guys, with little protective gear, fly at up to 60 MPH, sometimes within inches of other cyclists, with turns, rain, road obstructions, etc.  And 20% of them will break a bone by the end of the race.  Not to mention the scrapes and scratches.  And those guys continue to carry themselves over thousands of kilometers and still finish.  I can't imagine a professional cyclist not suffering a broken collarbone at some point in their career, it just goes without saying. The ultimate being Johnny Hoogerland's car bump into barbed wire. Here's a laundry list of crashes, the riders just get up and ride: http://deadspin.com/5586138/top-15-cringeworthy-tour-de-france-crashes.  See the following images, not the for the squeamish (Hoogerland's the third photo).



1. Pure athleticism.  Le Tour is 23 days (21 racing), these guys go 5 hours a day, over mountains, through the plains, into the wind, sometimes rain, by the end, over 2000 miles and as I said, many won't finish.  5 hours is essentially the time of two marathons for elite times, per day, every day, etc.  Over two major mountain ranges.  These guys are athletes in every sense of the word, I can't imagine any discipline requiring more work.

I can actually imagine myself playing football and holding my own, same with basketball.  This is one sport, I literally could not come close to competing.  Wouldn't finish the first day!

131 comments:

  1. Plastic content is used in a variety of methods from different styles of wristwatch and electrical equipment, to kitchenware and breasts augmentation, and is extremely heat and water-resistant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your work is very good and I appreciate this issue. Its a great pleasure reading your post. I'd really like to help apprehend it with the efforts you get with writing this post.

      https://sites.google.com/view/homecandles

      Scented Candes on Sale

      Delete
    2. https://www.hlcandles.com/

      buy jar candles

      Delete
  2. maybe not that much of a party, but there's a company there that is printed by few conditions in actions. Teams/individuals execute together, there's talk, perhaps government discussions, it's just the place to be.
    Richmond Quintet 307

    ReplyDelete
  3. The best way would be not to fall prey to marketing gimmicks and price and try various kinds of sports tapes and choose the best based on: zcode

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scented Candes on Sale
      https://sites.google.com/view/homecandles

      Delete
  4. Many avid golfers that can't get enough of golf and who are considering uniting their passion of golf with a vacation, can learn how to plan the perfect golf vacation from this article. Golf hotel

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love sport? Love holidaying and vacations? Have you ever thought of combining the two? I'm guessing that's a no. But guess what's the latest offer in the tourism industry? Yep, you got it, sport vacations. So what exactly, is a sport vacation?
    funny crossfit apparel

    ReplyDelete
  6. I wager you have heard Ultimate Capper as being one of the biggest games wagering locales on the web nowadays. All things considered, this site specifically offers free games wagering picks for the individuals who are searching for it. http://doplaysports.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sports Apparel and games stock creation It could conceivable to consolidate the adoration for games, and games promoting for a vocation to create sports stock at one of the broadly perceived marking organizations. NBA Live 2018 Cover

    ReplyDelete
  8. If you have good stamina you can carry on with your routine task for longer time and finish the job early. The office worker will be able to multitask and manage the problems, the runner will be able to run longer and faster without getting fatigued and the housewife will be able to work more and finish all household chores to make time for some other activity.Madden 18 Information

    ReplyDelete
  9. While EAB is particularly used where muscles are involved like fingers, hands and thighs and sometimes their combination is used depending on the injury. Footballers sometimes use rigid tapes of various colors to match their uniforms.
    croquet equipment for sale

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cycling is the best form of complete exercise to our body and helps in improving the blood circulation as well as the general fitness. Some people may tend to think that cycling gloves only serve as image builders rather than lend any utility value. Best cycling gloves

    ReplyDelete
  11. Truth be told, starting your very own sports business may not as hard as you may think. In fact, a franchise business opportunity might be just what you need to get your foot into the door of a lucrative career in the sports industry.
    Parkour Gloves

    ReplyDelete
  12. Commonly taped joints are wrist and ankles as these are the most vulnerable joints in any sports activity. The tape keeps these joints immobilized and helps keep users from bending or pressurizing these joints in a manner that could cause further damage.vertical leap

    ReplyDelete
  13. With prices of everything going up these days getting a the best cheap airsoft sniper rifle is really not as hard as you may think. Most people will not take their time and look at what is available and what would work best for them depending on their own unique situation.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Firstly, Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, is a world renowned sports handicapper, and professional gambler. airsoft sniper rifle

    ReplyDelete
  15. which adds to the build up of muscle too. One may encounter the sport supplements of proteins, creatines, carbohydrates, fat burners, and testosterone boosters to name but a few. Frank Martin

    ReplyDelete
  16. I appreciate this work amazing post for us I like it. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. We also share some information about our business
    eCommerce Product Description

    ReplyDelete
  17. They know what they want to do but when it comes to how to do, they need a bit of education especially when there are quacks all around.ann arbor seo

    ReplyDelete
  18. Physiotherapy for sports injuries, france can be exceptionally useful however it some of the time winds up noticeably important to likewise utilize surgical techniques or compound method as the injury may be extremely serious or old. thejammedfinger.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Change Carefully from Sport to Sport. Regardless of the possibility that you are in extraordinary physical condition, diverse sports exercises require distinctive muscles and abilities. TheJammedFinger.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Remember, the agency must purchase (or lease) these cars at considerably higher prices than standard models and that expense will be reflected throughout your rental experience.calgary auto transport

    ReplyDelete
  21. Established in 2013 to provide exciting, effective design solutions. Since its inception, Globalwebsolution has grown considerably into a recognised brand design and digital marketing innovator. Rewarding our clients with compelling visual solutions that create value and recognition in their marketplace.
    Our Strategic approach to visual excellence and digital.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Firstly, Sports Betting Champ, John Morrison, is a world renowned sports handicapper, and professional gambler. In his 28 years, in the gambling world, he is yet to have a losing season. That is why he has earned the name of Sports Betting Champ.cycling gloves review

    ReplyDelete
  23. Saw many blogs. Read many writings. This is something different. Something amazing.
    live NBA stream

    ReplyDelete
  24. Physiologically speaking, the development in this area in youths is very varied. Some children reach a high fitness standard faster than others, while others have body types that will only respond to training optimally when they get older. judi online

    ReplyDelete

  25. Thank you for the information you have provided, I was pleased to read the article in this blog Poker Online

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sports Apparel and games stock creation It could conceivable to consolidate the adoration for games, and games promoting for a vocation to create sports stock at one of the broadly perceived marking organizations. Bandar Bola

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for your excellent posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon. live casino

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for your excellent posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author. I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back very soon. live casino

    ReplyDelete
  29. Chapter three is thematically labelled "principles of sports management". In this chapter, the educational consultant explains that sports principles are the basic laws on which the practice of sports management is built. FUN88 Indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for your information so useful for me.
    Thanks for sharing Domino QQ

    ReplyDelete
  31. These competitions highlight enormous prize cash and are held by the world's best clubhouse. These poker competitions are some intense occasions with some genuine cash.
    agen bola 25ribu

    ReplyDelete
  32. Articles on good and interesting Visit my website if you want to know more about
    Judi Online
    Togel Online
    slot onlinek
    Casino Online
    agen bola

    ReplyDelete
  33. *Thank you for allow me to comment in here, YOUR ARITKEL IS VERY NICE


    Agen Poker
    Situs Poker
    Dominoqq
    Domino99
    Bandarq
    kiu kiu
    qiu qiu

    ReplyDelete
  34. Articles that are very good and interesting thanks

    casino online

    ReplyDelete
  35. each poker site utilizes extra poker calculations with the particular plan of keeping a player from consistently winning poker hand after hand. echtgeld-casino-app.net

    ReplyDelete
  36. hopefully this article useful for us, do not forget also through our web
    Judi Online
    Togel Singapura
    Togel Hongkong
    Togel Online

    ReplyDelete
  37. http://www.rainbowtinklesworld.com/2017/05/diy-miniature-gatorade-bottles-sports.html?showComment=1514924389276#c8999479551499206198

    ReplyDelete
  38. This article is interesting, if you want to know more visit our website.
    baccarat online

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thank you for allow me to comment in here, YOUR ARITKEL IS VERY NICE
    Dominoqq
    Domino99
    Domino 99

    ReplyDelete
  40. Specialists regard gambling fixation as a genuine mind ailment, and individuals experiencing it are additionally inclined to medicate enslavement.lottery

    ReplyDelete
  41. This article is interesting, if you want to know more visit our website.
    roulette online indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  42. A debt of gratitude is in order for sharing this valuable information.. Visit YOKOHAMA Tyres Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  44. With just a few simple safety precautions, you can save your life and live to climb back up on the horse and ride again. highbeechridingschool.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you for allow me to comment in here

    Casino online

    ReplyDelete
  46. Boost immunity: it could increase immunity power and provides you internal power for a battle with numerous of wellness disease of your body.
    http://www.cureidea.com/rapid-tone-reviews/

    ReplyDelete
  47. thank you for being given a chance to comment on this great article. do not forget to visit us

    Casino Online

    ReplyDelete
  48. Conditioning is such a critical factor of success in all sports and basketball is no exception. Basketball Hoop Lab

    ReplyDelete
  49. These training games are replicas of the real game and must be taken seriously.free no deposit casino bonus codes usa Internal instructors always give tips and tricks during these training sessions.

    ReplyDelete
  50. If they are not, their opponents will be and consequently, they will outperform them and reach their peak performance in sports. Generally speaking, professional sportsmen know how to get into great shape and maintain that till the end of the season. Buy Pickleball Paddles

    ReplyDelete
  51. If they win by exactly 7 points,https://www.jetwin.com/en-us/sports the game is a "push " or tie, and you get the amount of your wager back.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Here is what you may expect over the upcoming few months as we get closer to UFC 229: Reporters will ask fighters about their forecasts for its Oct. 6 headliner between lightweight winner Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, and also these fighters ideally will oblige with a response.
    UFC 229 Live

    ReplyDelete
  53. Sources have reported that mixed martial arts is now the fastest growing sport in the world resulting in a MMA clothing boom https://www.samplesite.com/combat-fighter-review/

    ReplyDelete
  54. thank you for being given a chance to comment on this great article. do not forget to visit us

    Casino Online

    ReplyDelete
  55. Every one of these apparel things has its fans and everybody has their reason with respect to why they lean toward one over the other. boxers and shorts

    ReplyDelete
  56. Poker casinos, or rather casinos that have practical experience in poker recreations, are not an ongoing improvement. https://www.jetwin.com/en-us/bitcoin-casino

    ReplyDelete
  57. I have used a lot of juicers in the past and I created this blog to help juice lovers make the right decision in choosing the type of juicer that best fit their needs. There are several good masticating juicers to choose from.  home

    ReplyDelete
  58. I would propose that guardians grasp a standard exemplified in our past- - adjusting support in sorted out sports with the other formative open doors that incorporate direct parental contribution and discrete, self-coordinated play by the youngsters themselves.nfl streams

    ReplyDelete
  59. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...Its a good post..keep posting and update the information. Draw Prediction

    ReplyDelete
  60. The real connection makes the real betting profitable not luck! This is huge business and the bookies are very precise. That’s why we are here, also precise and we share a REAL information for smaller price to precise number of people, we are fair to our clients, so we expect the same. This is serious business for serious players! Our offers and prices are bellow you can choose any of them.Visit: http://www.fixed-matches-here.com/

    ReplyDelete
  61. Create your own Flame lamp, the solution for hard to get Flame lamps. The advantage is that you only have to replace the G9 light, so always the beautiful Flame light. Due to the Halogen G9 lamp, the lamp is also dimmable.Create your own Flame lamp.Visit: https://www.lampenbazaar.nl/

    ReplyDelete
  62. Our main mission will be to advise you and to give preventive advice in the legal matters in which our specialization allows us thanks to our knowledge in the representation and defense of our clients before the courts and tribunals of all kinds.Visit: https://aa-abogados.com/

    ReplyDelete

  63. keto slim fit reviews keto slim powder reviews has also emerged as among the most successful strategies of losing weight and preventing uncontrolled weight gain. keto slim plus keto slim price
    https://www.smore.com/39qfa-keto-slim-reviews-how-does-it-work

    ReplyDelete
  64. We offer high-quality predictions on football betting. So welcome to the world of sports predictions. Visit : http://www.fixed-matches-here.com/

    ReplyDelete
  65. Lichtbron Voor De Laagste Prijs Van Nederland · Zeer Snelle Levering Door Grote Voorraad.visit https://www.lampenbazaar.nl/

    ReplyDelete
  66. world cup football offers live sports, HD streams for both the home and away broadcasts of every televised US sporting event. Along with the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS and college football and basketball games, you can stream major boxing matches and UFC fights Visit : http://www.worldcupfootball.me/

    ReplyDelete
  67. Thanks have been given the opportunity to comment. Hopefully what you provided is useful for all those who need them. Visit my website if you want to know more about www.12naga.com

    judi online terpercaya
    judi bola
    Poker Online
    togel online
    casino online
    sabung ayam online
    tangkas online terpercaya
    slot online

    ReplyDelete
  68. Another benefit of the HD Stream on this website is that it is available on Macs or PCs and can be streamed from tablets or iPhones.Visit http://www.playoffstream.com/

    ReplyDelete
  69. It doesn’t matter where you are – in college, at work or traveling, for your favorite sports now you don’t need to depend on any cable connection.Visit http://www.worldcupfootball.me/

    ReplyDelete
  70. Try our super fast streaming facility and you will be able to get the facility of stream2watch from anywhere and anytime.Visit http://www.worldcupfootball.me/

    ReplyDelete
  71. In the realm of swimwear, the kid short has been picking up in ubiquity for as far back as couple of years because of the way that the shorts are agreeable to wear, give more inclusion and are exceptionally hot. best boxers

    ReplyDelete
  72. Since the game includes wagering against another player relying on ones cards, the odds of a veteran winning are generally high.
    http://www.lend-shop.com/download-apk-poker-online-android-agar-bisa-main-judi-dengan-leluasa/

    ReplyDelete
  73. At The Venetian you won't need to leave the retreat, there are 17 eateries and attractions that would keep you more than occupied while you're not at the tables. gudangpoker.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. This outlines how a portion of the more established destinations are so fruitful for such a long time.http://caribbeanpokerrun.com/cara-jitu-memenangkan-permainan-poker-online-terbaru/

    ReplyDelete
  75. Various individuals even watch tapes to figure out how to handle the game. Instructional exercise programming projects are additionally accessible to gain proficiency with the subtleties of casino poker. situs poker online indonesia

    ReplyDelete
  76. Amazing, Nice post. Please visit my web if you want to know How to Register Poker on Android Directly Get Many Bonuses http://traveldheworld.com/cara-daftar-poker-di-android-langsung-dapat-bonus-berlimpah/

    ReplyDelete
  77. Nice post. I really appreciated it. If You Want To Know The Most Trusted 2019 Online Poker Gambling Site that is Easy to Win, You Can Read Directly on this site http://winstarsclub.com/situs-judi-poker-online-terpercaya-2019-yang-mudah-dimenangkan/

    ReplyDelete
  78. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  79. ToyotaQQ adalah salah satu situs Poker Online Indonesia yang mempunyai 8jenis permainan, diantaranya:
    AduQiu, BandarQiu, Poker, Bandar Poker, Bandar66, Sakong, Capsa Susun dan Domino99

    5 Great Site!!
    Berkah365
    12Naga
    Royal Casino
    TogeL212
    ToyotaQQ

    ReplyDelete
  80. Many time we are searching about how to grow weed indoors fast
    but now you can grow it very fastly and genunuely.

    ReplyDelete
  81. This delineates how a portion of the more established destinations are so effective for such a long time.https://gamepokerqq.online/

    ReplyDelete
  82. The gambler's career is jeopardised, and relationships with family and friends becomes eroded as his obsession with gambling escalates. He feels a tremendous amount of shame and guilt after gambling the grocery money yet again and he will consider, or even attempt, suicide because he feels so helpless and useless.토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  84. However traveling long distances to get to casinos has been a major deterrent factor for many gambling enthusiasts. However, with the advent of technology, the internet has now thrown up endless possibilities to those who gamble to satisfy their urges.안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  85. Therefore, it only makes sense that a sponsorship will probably be more successful if the athlete or team that they are sponsoring wins. This is due to public perception.토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  86. Hi,
    Thanks for sharing this useful post with us. I found so many creative things which are understandable. I got so much information through your post. So, keep it up...
    Play Online Casino

    ReplyDelete
  87. One thing there is no shortage of on the internet is opportunities to gamble. We are spoilt for choice, whether your fancy is for betting on sports, playing virtual card games or bingo.안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  88. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  89. Thank you for the good information provided, also visit our page :
    https://bit.ly/2TmgTrN

    ReplyDelete
  90. The National Football League actively promotes American-style football overseas, sending players as ambassadors and holding pre-season games in Europe, Mexico and Japan. Games are broadcast in many countries and the Super Bowl is broadcast to almost every country in the world. 스포츠티비

    ReplyDelete
  91. Able to work in "fast paced" environment- The sports industry is a very fast paced environment. There could be many different events, or games going on in one day. Ability to keep up with a chaotic environment is critical in the industry. 스포츠중계

    ReplyDelete
  92. Waow this is quite pleasant article, my sister love to read such type of post, I am going to tell her and bookmarking this webpage. Thanks 바둑이게임

    ReplyDelete
  93. NAGAQQ: AGEN BANDARQ BANDARQ ONLINE ADUQ ONLINE DOMINOQQ TERBAIK

    Yang Merupakan Agen Bandarq, Domino 99, Dan Bandar Poker Online Terpercaya di asia hadir untuk anda semua dengan permainan permainan menarik dan bonus menarik untuk anda semua

    Bonus yang diberikan NagaQQ :
    * Bonus rollingan 0.5%,setiap senin di bagikannya
    * Bonus Refferal 10% + 10%,seumur hidup
    * Bonus Jackpot, yang dapat anda dapatkan dengan mudah
    * Minimal Depo 15.000
    * Minimal WD 20.000
    * Deposit via Pulsa TELKOMSEL
    * Deposit via e-money ( ovo, link aja ,dana , gopay , dll)
    * 6 JENIS BANK ( BCA , BNI, BRI , MANDIRI , CIMB , DANAMON )

    Memegang Gelar atau title sebagai AGEN POKER ONLINE Terbaik di masanya

    Games Yang di Hadirkan NagaQQ :
    * Poker Online
    * BandarQ
    * Domino99
    * Bandar Poker
    * Bandar66
    * Sakong
    * Capsa Susun
    * AduQ
    * Perang Bacarrat (New Game)


    Info Lebih lanjut Kunjungi :
    Website : NAGAQQ
    Facebook : NagaQQ official
    WHATSAPP : +855977509035
    Line : Cs_nagaQQ
    TELEGRAM :+855967014811

    BACA JUGA BLOGSPORT KAMI YANG LAIN:
    NagaQQ
    NagaQQ
    NagaQQ
    NagaQQ

    ReplyDelete
  94. Nice to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Well this article that i've been waited for so long. I need this article to complete my assignment in the college, and it has same topic with your article. Thanks, great share. https://worldwidetweets.com/bmw-x6/

    ReplyDelete
  95. Your work is very good and I appreciate this issue. Its a great pleasure reading your post. I'd really like to help apprehend it with the efforts you get with writing this post.

    Scented Candes on Sale
    https://sites.google.com/view/homecandles

    ReplyDelete
  96. Scented Candes on Sale
    https://sites.google.com/view/homecandles

    ReplyDelete
  97. Thanks for the blog filled with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Now my task has become as easy as ABC. 해외스포츠중계

    ReplyDelete
  98. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. new zealand tourist visa

    ReplyDelete
  99. Thank you for such a well written article. It’s full of insightful information and entertaining descriptions. Your point of view is the best among many. Amerikaanse visumaanvraag

    ReplyDelete
  100. The blog post on "Why the Tour De France is the best sport in, well, sports" captures the essence of the iconic cycling event and why it holds a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. The author passionately explains the unique aspects that make the Tour De France stand out, from its rich history and challenging routes to the incredible athleticism and determination of the riders. The post highlights the sense of adventure, teamwork, and strategy that are intrinsic to the sport of cycling. It's an engaging read that sheds light on the allure and excitement of the Tour De France, solidifying its reputation as one of the greatest sporting events in the world.Web hosting provider





    ReplyDelete