Lot of crashes in the Tour de France this year.
By koopharper
@koopharper (7601)
Canada
July 7, 2012 7:50pm CST
Maybe it is worse this year and maybe it isn't. I'm sad to see a promising run by Canadian Ryder Hesjedal come to an end because of injury. He crashed along with most of his team and a lot of other riders in the sixth stage. He had trouble pedaling because of injury to his hip and leg but finished the day anyway. Lost more than thirteen minutes on the lead. He couldn't answer the bell for the seventh stage. Hard to race a bike when you can't bend your leg. His form was good and he was feeling good. Chances are he would still be right up there with Wiggins and Cadel the race leaders. Better luck next year. Rooting for Wiggins now. Don't know any particular reason why.
Always hate to see athletes get hurt. Hesjedal is by far not the only one out of this year's tour because of injury. At least he doesn't have broken bones like quite a few of the others. He at least has some hope of being ready for the London Olympics.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
8 Jul 12
Sounds like an exciting race, koopharper.
The one thing I do appreciate about fans of the Tour de France and other cycling races is that, unlike many NASCAR fans, they aren't looking for big crashes.
It is encouraging to read of your admiration for the Canadian who rode well but was, unfortunately, injured.
Thanks for sharing.
Peace
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
8 Jul 12
It is definitely exciting. The crashes are nothing like NASCAR. No big car to take the impact. Just a lot of bicycles and bodies all tangled up. Falling on a bike at speed is no fun.
Been a long time since Canada has had a legitimate contender in cycling. The sport just isn't that big in this country. I'm no racer by the way. Too big and too slow besides being too old. I do commute by bicycle and for me riding is an important means of transportation. First North American to win a stage of the Tour de France was Alex Staida a Canadian. Steve Bauer from my hometown finished on the podium in third one year. He actually led for a significant part of that tour. I believe he is the only Canadian to ever wear the yellow leaders jersey. Those two raced a long time ago.
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
8 Jul 12
I used to cycle a good bit years ago. I commuted as well as rode for the enjoyment every day for about five years. Sadly, I fell out of the habit and now I regret it. I do enjoy watching the race, but haven't in years, and haven't this year as I no longer have television.
All the best to your Canadian hopefuls.
Peace
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
15 Jul 12
Sadly our Canadian contender has crashed out. Hopefully his injuries aren't severe enough to keep him from the Olympics.
@Troublegum (641)
• United States
14 Jul 12
I feel like every year there are people saying there are a lot of crashes, I guess it is just part of the sport, and on some level the getting back up after a crash is what inspires us about watching the riders. I think the whole world became Johnny Hogerland fans after he got pushed into a barbed wire fence by a media car and then got up and continued to ride. Maybe that is the difference between NASCAR fans and cycling fans. NASCAR fans want to see the wreck, Cyclists want to see the rider get up when it is over.
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
15 Jul 12
I'm probably paying closer attention this year. I went over some video footage of crashes from last year. Some of those really looked like they hurt. I think of cycling as a safe sport but I have taken some spectacular spills myself. Fortunately I've never suffered any severe injuries.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
8 Jul 12
thanks for the update I didn't know. I don't follow that but I am Canadian so of course I root for our athletes.
@koopharper (7601)
• Canada
8 Jul 12
We haven't exactly made it into a headline. I'm hoping he recovers quickly and can take a shot at a medal with the Olympics.
