Venga, Venga, Venga !!!

One last check on the Saunier Duval TT bikes before the big day tomorrow. The Team mechanics take a look at every little detail, so if you want to learn a few tricks: press play....Download MVI_0750.AVI

pre-Albi TT eve, aka Internet Cafe Heaven

Hi folks,

team TourDeForce has set up shop in Albi on the eve of the Grand Boucle's first & very tricky looking time trial.  Today's weather was a strange breath from the still heat of the last few days, so we'll look for  changing, maybe wind for tomorrow.  After navigating the labrynth of the Albi's's narrow one way streets (clearly not preordained for our Hymer-mobile and its german pilot) we parked and did the smartest thing of the day: got on our bikes in search of fortune and fame...actually, we just needed to locate the SD gang as they get their final preps done.  Here's the visual tell all...

This nicely tripe-shirted gentlemen kept us all company for the evening and lent great contrast to the high tech Scotts he was saddled up next to:

The SD techs had all the right tools...
...and so will the riders

Well it's getting late.  We'll sign off for the eve with a couple of final thoughts from our eyes to yours.  From Wim, Markus, Gaetan and yours truly...Goodnight and good luck.

Jump on the bus!!

Every day the same story for Raphael, the Saunier Duval bus driver: Get to the start on time and put the bus in order after the stage is over...

In his first year with Saunier Duval, Raphael has been a great asset to the team, driving the riders to all major races accross Europe.

No lack of comfort for the Saunier Duval riders: TV, drinks, bathroom, sofas, playstation, and much more....

Take a look!!

Not hot enough for David Millar

36°C and still wearing arm warmers! Still not used to the weather conditions?

Ventoso's back!

Well, we spoke to soon. Francisco decided his broken hand wasn't going to hold him from trying to race afterall. He signed in among the tens of thousands of onlookers this morning in Montpelier and rolled the start with his teammates and their competitors to contest the 178.5 kms to Castres.

The Show must go on

We have an unfortunate update this morning. If you saw the crash in the winding finish straights in Montpellier, you may have seen that SD's rocket rider, Francisco Ventoso, was involved in the pile up. He and his bike went to their respective hospitals last night and arrived at the start this morning re-kitted and refitted. Sadly, while SD head mechanic David Fernandez was able to present a fresh and ready Scott machine this morning, Francisco's damaged hand was not responsive enough to withstand the continuing demands of Le Tour and he was forced to abandon the start.

Team SD marches on...

See you later,

Alex