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Good morning, Pigale!
Not too warm here, so for.
First rider is off at 14.00.
I am not sure what o'clock that is.
I am on Edinburgh time.
I have also seen that it starts at 12.00 GMT.
So, is that the same or not?
I do not know who is first rider off.
I also noticed the return of time bonuses this year except in the time trials.
Rain hammering down with me.
It will be refreshing walking to the shop!

Good morning, Doglet!

Good morning, Elle!
Have you survived the thunder and lightning?
Rain is coming down in torrents up here.
Just started!

Just for info only.
I was experimenting with different browsers.
I am now on Firefox Beta.
But, I noticed that Adblock are developing a browser.
That will be interesting. Maybe some time away.
It is not in Google Play Store yet.
How is your battery behaving?

Thanks Rusty - Confusing really because Holland is like France, ie GMT + 2 h whereas you are GMT +1 (in Summer)

Now, it seems that they have given you Holland time (GMT + 2), but that would only be 1pm for you ?

I personally think that the team leaders will be protected by their team mates during the first week so they take no risk, forming like a cocoon around him - so long as a leader remains within the first 20 or so on week one, that will be OK. Main thing is that he does not suffer from cross wind, doesn't take risk on cobbles etc.

Where they will start really racing themselves will be week 2 and 3, and this why I reserve my prognostic until the first mountain stages.

Just listening to radio and they seem to wonder whether Pinot is not lacking one or two years experience - What do you think?

Pigale, it is very confusing!
My smartphone asks me to set my phone to Edinburgh time, but I thought Edinburgh and London time were the same?
Maybe Samsung have a good reason for this?
The television broadcasts start at 13.00 Edinburgh time.

I am home frome the shop and am drenched, or if I may be so bold as to quote, Elle, "poggy"!

Pigale, there was an excellent example of a team leader being protected, last time over the cobbles, I remember.
The leader was Andy Schleck. The man who took him over the cobbles on his wheel was Cancellara.
Cancellara hit the front and went full gas with Andy hanging on like grim death, to his wheel. His brother Frank was close by, too, in case Andy punctured or crashed. Frank's bike was the same size as Andy's, so a quick change was possible. It was chaos behind them! Fine example of teamwork.
I remember a few years back, too, when Cavendish rode for Team Columbia-HTC, they burst the peloton into bits by attacking in the crosswinds and achieving time gains.
Pinot is young, but I think he will go well. Especially in the high mountains. Keep the Faith!
I have backed him to wear yellow in Paris.
Not long until they start now and I wish the riders a safe race, but...they will not all reach Paris.

Hope you have dried yourself Rusty !

Have just googled and they say Edinburgh is GMT + 1, ie same time as London. If your TV starts at 13.00, it will be 14.00 both in Holland and France, which seems logical.

The radio is already talking 'Tour' non-stop !
They mentioned 4 or 5 names as favourites:

Quintana (fit, has trained in Columbian high altitudes._
Contador
Froome
Nibaldi (Astana) - This team might have a health problem with one of its team member - will they be allowed to change rider at this last minute?

Doglet! HELP!
What Athletics would that be?
I cannot find any scheduled in my TV guide?
Please come to my rescue!

Hi Rusty

No Thunder or lightening still very warm but the sky is dark at the moment so the rain is on its way.Serena did not look happy yesterday she is playing Venus next so perhaps she will lose,Mr Murray is also on today and I hope he gets thrashed.Just watching the cavalry horses having their holidays they looked in very good condition,we use to go to see the dray horses from the brewery on a field near us and they galloped about like spring lambs but I always felt sorry for the pit ponies

I don't understand anything Rusty - Radio just mentioned start time trial 15.00 our time !

British Formula 1 Grand Prix as well this week-end, interests me but don't always watch it - too noisy!