Another bumper week for Tweets. We have rogue massages, haircuts uncovered, Jagger in pink, Jensie on the lake, and much, much more. But first we get off to a sombre note.
From triumph to tears
This weekend was the US national championships. Saturday, That Boy Phinney stormed the TT to take the title.
Unfortunately, we might not see Taylor in his stars-and-stripes skinsuit as Monday he had a terrible accident in the road race that resulted in a compound fracture of his lower left leg and an injury to his left knee. From all reports, it’s lucky it wasn’t worse. There are a few pictures out there of the accident but I don’t think it’s appropriate to put those in. But I am putting in this photograph because it shows Lucas Euser letting his own chances of victory go in order to stay with Taylor. Eric Marcotte of SmartStop went on to win the road race.
We know that it’ll take a lot of convalescence, but we hope that Taylor heals completely and comes back to the peloton with strength and sparkle.
Jagger in the top spot
Last week’s time trial saw Mick Jagger take the maglia rosa. Which calls for a little pink portfolio of pictures.
Rigo’s getting very good at handling the adulation of the crowd.
And he’s getting really good at finding the back stairs to slip in and out of hotels without having to brave the press. Yep, moves like Jagger.
I really wonder what he’s saying to Julian Arredondo. “Look, get yourself a good backing band and the world’s your oyster, dude!”
Choppered in … and met by Dave Brailsford by the looks of it!
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Crocodile rock
How can you not love a guy who dresses up in a giant crocodile suit and stands by the side of the road to cheer on Cadel Evans? He’s strangely majestic!
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Gruber greatness
For me, the Grubers take pictures that tell the most wondrous tales.
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Practice makes perfect
Winning a stage in a grand tour takes a bit of luck – you need to be in the right place at the right time etc etc. But knowing where that right place is isn’t luck – it’s hard work and preparation. Fabio Aru reconned Montecampione in winter.
And this was his reward.
This is just a magnificent picture by Ashley Gruber. The other side of a stage win.
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Giro gallery
We start with some snake soup for Tinkoff-Saxo.
Everything looks better with a dash of pink.
It does seem that there’s a lack of roadside attractions this Giro – other than all the animals in Ireland dyed pink. Oh and there was some sort of chessboard with people in medieval costumes the other day. But other than that, nothing like last year.
Well, one thing that was a roadside surprise was the giant hail that fell.
Arriba Colombia!
King Kelly is really loosening up during the commentary this Giro. He’s very dry, like a good martini.
Oil ‘em up and rub ‘em down … Seems Mick Jagger is taking on some haunch work as well!
Picture number two of Manuel Quinziato. I’d put in half a dozen if I could.
More than any other sport, it seems that cyclists have their children with them at every opportunity. Lots of little kiddies on the podium – we even have some signing in for dad!
A lovely Arredondo smile.
Who says being a professional athlete is all champagne and podium prizes? My favourite Movistarlet Andrey Amador is training in a parking garage.
They are a funny bunch, aren’t they?
The breakaway ride of Giant Albert Timmer was a thing of joy. That humungous guy riding his heart out on a climb. (Would have been even better if he had been in the snowy white kit of an Argonaut … I just can’t let that go…)
WARNING! The next picture is an unsavoury combination of bad pants and some clippers … You have been warned!
Gone fishin’
The Jensie was in Canada last week for a little Trek schmoozing and a little angling.
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This section has been cancelled
This was the point where I was going to go into the Yin & Yang of Froome & Wiggins, the whole Froome autobiographical brouhaha, but you know what? I can’t bloody well be bothered. Let’s see what you got on the road, boys.
The Gruppetto
Nice.
“Okay, so milk, eggs, Nutella, baby oil and snake soup.”
I cry when they cry. Pantano is crying because he lost. Aru cried because he won. I cried both times.
What’s not to love about Adam Hansen?
Tattoo you.
Where exactly is the Velvet Samurai these days? Dr Doolittle’s estate?
This is just downright beautiful.
The bike cams during a race are fabulous! If you haven’t seen these, check this out. And this.
Panache, have you seen this?
Great to see Andre Greipel back on the road and in the race!
ArgoGods Kittel and Degenkolb just goin’ for a little ride.
Just a typical breakfast. Nothing special.
You gotta hand it to them, the OPQS boys do their duties to their sponsors with smiles and aplomb.
Looks like he’s about to start crooning a Sinatra tune. ‘You make me egg foo yoooooong!’
She looks happy!
I love this clock – it looks like some sort of Jules Verne contraption that takes you back and forth through time. Personally, I would go back to the French Revolution or maybe VE Day in London. I bet you really needed to know that.
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The Last Word
This has to go to Lucas Euser who, as we saw on Monday, knows what’s important.
