BAH! I was watching today's Tour de France coverage on Versus.com earlier today. Today was one of the wicked mountain stages. I have the Tour running in the background of my computer, so I mainly listen to the commentary, then switch to the live view if the commentators say anything interesting.
Fast Descending
I heard that the leaders were starting to descend the last big climb of the day, Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, so I switched over to watch the Tour for a few minutes. I am a big chicken when it comes to descending big mountains, but it sure is interesting to watch the pros do it. My husband I just did America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride out in Lake Tahoe on June 7. I didn't like coming down those big mountains, rode my brakes hard, and never got over 36-38 MPH. That is just too crazy freaking insane FAST!
Jens Voigt Crashes
I guess the pro riders can reach speeds of 50/60+ MPH when they are descending - that is freaking crazy! Unfortunately Jens Voigt crashed today, coming off Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard, at the 16th stage of the Tour de France. Apparently he was temporarily knocked unconcious and had to be taken to the hospital. That ends his hopes for this year's Tour. I'm still waiting to hear the details of his injuries. I wish him a quick and speedy recovery. Jens rides for Saxo-Bank.
Here's a link to a video of the crash: Jens Voigt Crashes Stage 16 Tour de France. Here's a better video of the crash, not in English though, but it's a much clearer/longer video: Saxo-Bank Rider Crashes. Jens is German, I think the 2nd video is from a German site.
Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva
Comments