Tour de France 2013 - As it happened (possibly!)

2013 will see the 100th edition of the Tour de France. Yesterday the route was officially announced and what a beauty it is!

Starting in Corsica, the first time the island has welcomed ‘le Grand Boucle’, the course winds it ‘s way around France in a roughly clockwise direction. One team time trial, two individual tests against the clock, 6 mountain stages with 4 summit finishes, including one at the top of the Province giant Mont Ventoux and 2 ascents of the legendary Alpe d’Huez on the same day, it appears to have something for everyone. And the finish in Paris will see two ‘firsts’. Firstly this will take place at dusk with the presentations taking place under floodlight, and will be followed by a celebratory fireworks display. Second first will be the race going around the Arc de Triomphe on each of the finishing laps, instead of turning just in front of it.

Britain’s Bradley Wiggins is the reigning champion and while the sight of cycling’s ‘Modfather’ will be seen in the peloton, his aspirations may not be the same as this time 12 months ago. Rumours abound of a possible tilt at the Giro d’Italia, a course which while hillier does seem to suit the time trialling abilities of Wiggins more. The 2013 Tour route while not being totally in favour of the specialised climbers does give them the advantage. It may also give Wiggins’ Team Sky team-mate Chris Froome an edge.

Froome has already indicated he wants to give the Tour a good go, or at the very least be team leader and base his season around one of the Grand Tours. He won’t be the only one who will look at the course solicitously. Alberto Contador is the early pre-race favourite for good reason but the likes of Ryder Hesjedal, Joachim Rodriguez, Vincenzo Nibali and Tejay Van Garderen will also think they have a chance. And previous ‘winner’ Andy Schleck will want to put a disappointing 2012 behind him.

Britain’s other cycling superstar will also like the look of this parcours. Having recently moved from Team Sky, Mark Cavendish will head into the tour as Omega Pharma Quickstep’s team leader and as such will have the benefit of a full team behind him in his advance on another green jersey. And after missing out last year due to team commitments, few would bet against the Manxman achieving this.

I thought it might be fun to have a look at each stage in turn and see whether we can predict stage winners and how the shape of the race for the maillot jaune might go. I don’t know the profile of each and every stage just yet so apologies if you’re reading this in July 2013 and my guesses are way out! But anyway lets have a pop. So to Corsica:

Stage 1 – Porto Vecchio to Bastia – 212km

A bunch sprint awaits at the end of this stage, giving the winner the first yellow jersey of 2013. It is the one jersey which has so far eluded Cavendish so expect his hunger to be off the scale for this one. The problem here is the inevitable early tour crashes will be massively magnified. GC riders and sprinters alike will want to stay out of trouble but some big names will be caught up. Cav is favourite for the stage but winners here could be the survivors!

Stage 2 – Bastia to Ajaccio – 154km

Across some lumpier sections of the island, this should still come down to a bunch sprint. The pure sprinters may not make it with the lead group but Peter Sagan should have a chance here as well as John Degenkolb, Matt Goss or Edvald Boassen-Hagen.

Stage 3 – Ajaccio to Calvi – 154km

Final day in Corsica and at 3.3km long with an average gradient of 8.1% expect the Col de Marosolino with just 13km to go to the finish to jettison a few of the big sprinters. Classics riders to figure strongly here, Philippe Gilbert, Fabian Cancellara etc. as well as the 4 sprinters mentioned in stage 2.

Stage 4 – Nice to Nice (Team Time Trial) – 25km

Expect the big guns to feature here. Team Sky, Garmin Sharp, BMC should all be up there at the sharp end. With the previous stages expected to be tight affairs, whoever wins will likely take the yellow jersey as well.

Stage 5 – Cagnes-sur-Mer to Marseille – 219km

The Gineste climb towards the end of the day may aid breakaway riders but will more than likely just weed a few riders out of the peloton. Bunch sprint probable.

Stage 6 – Aix-en-Provence to Montpellier – 176km

Another day Cav will have marked in the diary. Crashes will figure again but aside from the Brit look for Marcel Kittel and Andre Griepel for the win.

Stage 7 – Montpelier to Albi – 205km

The last stage before the Pyrenees and the sprinters will want their day. The number of crashes should hopefully have reduced by now so expect Cav to be up their for the win.

Stage 8 – Castres to Ax 3 Domaines – 194km

The first mountain stage and first summit finish. Will Sky want to take the stage by the scruff of the neck as they did with the stage to La Planche-du-Belle-Filles last year? Or will we see Contador attack continuously as he did in the Vuelta a Espana? Probably a bit of both to be fair with many of variations thrown into the mix. Either way, expect a new leader come sundown.

Stage 9 – Saint-Girons to Bagneres-de-Bigorre – 165km

With 30km from the final climb to the finish and most of that downhill expect Vincenzo Nibali to be at the head of affairs today. Whether he makes it to the finish is a different matter. Stage winner could come from a break but don’t expect much change overall.

Stage 10 – Saint-Gildas-des-Bois to Saint-Malo – 193km

A typical Brittany stage, hard, rugged with the wind bound to be a factor at some point. Breakaway followed by a chase and bunch sprint though is still more than likely.

Stage 11 – Avranches to Mont-St-Michel (Individual Time Trial) – 33km

The first ITT of the tour will see the usual suspects at the head of the leaderboard. Wiggins, Cancellara and Tony Martin will mix it with GC contenders Contador, Froome and van Garderen. Could well be a day the yellow jersey changes hands.

Stage 12 – Fougeres to Tours – 218km

The GC contenders will be quiet for a few days so bunch sprints and breakaways are the order of the day here. All those usually involved in the Paris-Tours classic will be on show again today.

Stage 13 – Tours to Saint-Amand-Montrond – 173km

Same again I think. With nothing in the profile to worry the bunch, breakaway, chase and group sprint again.

Stage 14 – Saint-Pourcain-sur-Sioule to Lyon – 191km

Could be a good stage to watch. Punchy riders like Gilbert, Sagan, Simon Gerrans, Sylvain Chavanel as well as Louis Leon Sanchez will be looking to this one. But don’t count out Nibali or Joachim Rodriguez giving it a go as they try to haul back some time.

Stage 15 – Givors to Mont Ventoux – 242km

Bastille Day and the longest stage of this years tour so expect plenty of Frenchmen in the break. The heads of state in this years tour will definitely flex their muscles on the Ventoux but I would still expect a French victory. Pierre Rolland, Thomas Voeckler and last year’s sensation Thibault Pinot will be ones to watch out for.

Stage 16 – Vaison-la-Romaine to Gap – 168km

This could be one for the breakaway. Will need a strong rider to carry it off but depending how the tour is going, certain teams will be looking at this stage to bring glory. Expect the likes of Alejandro Valverde and Voeckler to be in amongst it

Stage 17 – Embrun to Chorges (Individual Time Trial) – 32km

Shortish TT compared to last year but with far lumpier terrain. The strength men like Cancellara and Martin may not have things all their own way here. Wiggins may be tired if he’s already done the Giro and with tomorrows stage looming, may want to conserve energy. Look to Contador, Froome and Van Garderen to be there or thereabouts.

Stage 18 – Gap to L’Alpe d’Huez – 168km

The queen stage in my eyes! The crowds are crazy on the Alp at the best of times and with two ascents of the tour legend this could be the craziest year yet. Hopefully they will not spoil what should be a huge spectacle. GC riders will be out for glory today with those who lost time yesterday determined to bounce back. But with the big men looking out for each other it could be a day for a breakaway, like it was last time with Rolland taking the win. Laurens ten Dam or Robert Gesink will look for victory on the ‘Dutch mountain’.

Stage 19 – Bourg d’Oisans to Le Grand-Bornard – 204km

5 climbs today including the Glandon and Madeleine but with 12km of descent from the final climb of the Col de la Croix Fry, this stage should see Nibali prominent but don’t rule out Cadel Evans here.

Stage 20 – Annecy to Annecy-Semenoz – 125km

The final chance to influence the overall standings and with the stage being a short one, expect fireworks from the off. A lumpy opening will see breaks trying to get away but it is whether the leader’s team are happy to let them go. If they try and keep it together to the Revard they risk sapping all their energy early. Stage winner should come from a break but the fight for yellow could go down to the last climb.

Stage 21 – Versailles to Paris Champs-Elysees – 118km

Paris at night. Should be a sensational finish to what looks like being a sensational race. The winner for the last 4 years has been the Manx Missile. If he’s made it this far, expect win number 5.

Of course by the time July rolls around there will be injuries, loss of form, as well as new names to throw into the melting point. In terms of the final jerseys however, I wouldn’t expect too many surprises.

Jersey Classifications:

Yellow - Alberto Contador
Green - Mark Cavendish
Mountains - Thomas Voeckler
White - Tejay Van Garderen

But what do I know? Only that 2013 has the potential to remove a lot of stigma from the Tour and cycling and on paper anyway, promises to be a gripping, exciting and sensational

Vanilla Ice - The solution to problems with governing bodies?

“Alright, stop! Collaborate and listen”. So said Vanilla Ice at the start of his No1 hit, Ice Ice Baby. While nobody could say the Miami rapper was a philosopher, there is a message in these words that the heads of sporting governing bodies across the world would do well to heed.


Yesterday the UCI held a press conference to respond to the USADA report concerning Lance Armstrong and doping. It’s chief, Pat McQuaid, started strongly saying that “Lance Armstrong had no place in cycling”. He went on to say that the UCI was to uphold USADA’s decision to strip Armstrong of his 7 Tour de France titles. A positive start then but it wasn’t going to last long.


The Lance Armstrong affair has raised certain misgivings about UCI’s handling of the case, both at the time and subsequently. In 2001 Armstrong presented ‘suspicious data’ relating to EPO tests. Mr McQuaid, although not president at the time, admitted he did know about the results of these tests. However whether more aggressive follow up testing of Armstrong and others happened is at best open to interpretation. More worrying was McQuaid’s acknowledgement that a payment accepted by the UCI from Armstrong, allegedly to cover up a positive result, something he strenuosly denied, was probably a mistake. However this would not stop him from accepting further payments from current riders.


“We are not an agency or organisation that has unlimited funds. We are not FIFA with billions in the bank. We spend all our money on the development of the sport and when we can get sources of funding we will do so.”


“It would have been best if we had not done it (taken LA’s money) but if we do it in the future it will be done in a different way. If any riders came to UCI now and wanted to contribute to the development of the sport or ant-doping or training programmes then the UCI would accept that money. But we would accept it differently and announce it differently than before”.


When pushed on whether he thought this was a conflict of interests Mr McQuaid appeared to get angrier and the tone of his replies became more aggressive. Later one on one interviews would show this tension remained close to the surface, as he called whistleblowers Floyd Landis and Tyler Hamilton ‘scumbags’.


Cycling though isn’t the only sport whose chiefs have adopted an ostrich, head in the sand, style defence. This summer’s European Championships in Football was clouded with worries over racism and hooliganism. FIFA showed a reluctance to deal with this head on but were far more proactive, and quicker on the trigger, when it came to fining Denmark’s Nicholas Bendtner over his display of a sponsor’s logo on his underpants.


Racism and football have been in the news nationally over the last weekend and beyond. High profile cases such as Louis Saurez and John Terry have brought the issue back into sharp focus. This weekend saw the start of the Kick it Out campaign’s annual highlighting of the issue. Players from all clubs were to wear t-shirts bearing the Kick it Out logo. However the apparent lack of action by the FA and other governing bodies to tackle racism prompted certain players, most notably Rio Ferdinand, to choose not to wear them as a mark of protest.


The problem is rather than highlight the problem of racism and to allow all parties to come together to discuss potential solutions, the focus has switched to Sir Alex Ferguson’s disapproval of Ferdinand’s actions.


This is the same with the UCI. Following on from the USADA report, the focus has moved from where in reality it needs to be. There are important issues and questions that need answered, whether it be the way forward for the UCI and their management of cycling of what actions the FA and other governing bodies are now going to take in regards to racism in football. Unfortunately all the sideshows and other stories that have spawned from these have taken the spotlight away. Unless governing bodies stand up and face these problems and questions head on, these issues will never go away.


‘Alright, stop! Collaborate and listen’? Wise words indeed Mr Ice.

U18's Match Report

Tottenham U18's v Newcastle U18's - Report, Thoughts & Ratings

A thoroughly entertaining game & well deserved win for Tottenham's young guns on Saturday morning which unfortunately was not a sign of things to come later in the day.

It took 5 mins or so for the Spurs lads to settle into the rhythm of the game but once they did they started to cause Newcastle many problems. And it was Spurs who fashioned the first chance of the game. Newcastle gave the ball away in the middle of the park and it was quickly moved out to Darren McQueen on the right. He whipped a great ball in, finding the unmarked Kenny McEvoy at the back post, who unfortunately couldn't keep his shot down.

But it wasn't long before we took the lead. A foul inside the 'D' on the edge of the area gave us a good attacking free kick. With both Laste Dombaxe and Harry Winks stood over the ball it was Dombaxe who took his time to compose himself, before curling an effort into the keeper's left hand corner.

Dombaxe thought he had scored again 5 minutes later out muscling the centre half before rounding the keeper and scoring. However the linesman had flagged to indicate a shirt pull in the build up, a decision which looked slightly harsh.

Spurs continued to press and create chances. McEvoy had another chance after being well found by Winks but while his shot beat the keeper, it also beat the far post, rolling just wide. A wonderful flowing move brought another chance. Slick one touch passing in the midfield gave Shaq Coulthirst his first sight of goal and he brought a fine save by the Newcastle keeper.

But Coulthirst wasn't to be denied a goal for much longer. Minutes later Dominic Ball, with a great through ball, found him 12 yards out and he made no mistake.

Spurs finished the half strong & McEvoy had another chance, this time the keeper getting a hand on it to tip it round the post.

But his goal finally came minutes into the second half. Another great ball through found him behind the defence yet again and this time he slotted home between the keeper's legs.

Newcastle, who up to this point had only created one chance of note, started to come back into the game and were awarded a penalty on the hour mark, Tom Gardiner adjudged to have brought the winger down. For a moment it looked as though he may receive his marching orders, so there was relief when only a yellow was produced. And there was then relief when Luke McGee pulled off a brilliant save, diving low to his right to smother the ball.

Newcastle continued to have more possession without really testing McGee again and indeed we nearly scored again when Rueben Lameires fired just wide after a strong surging run by Alex McQueen found him on the edge of the box.

But the scoring was not finished and with only a few minutes left on the watch, Darren McQueen took advantage of a slip in the Newcastle defence to race clear and score at the second attempt.

Final Score : Newcastle U18's 0  Tottenham U18's 4

My first ever view of Spurs at this level and a really enjoyable one it was too. Of the starting line up I only really knew of Shaq Coulthirst and the McQueen cousins prior to kick off. However there was so many strong performances across the entire team that I don't think it will be too long before some of these guys are pushing for a place in the U21's.

The formation used fluctuated between 3-4-3, 4-3-3 and 4-3-2-1 and it was in the first half when it was basically 3-4-3 that we had our best moments.

Ratings:

Luke McGee - 7 - Confident keeper, safe when called upon & good stop for penalty. Looked very comfortable with the ball at his feet and not afraid to come out and play as a 'sweeper keeper' when needed.

Alex McQueen  - 6 -  Didn't get forward that much, being asked to stay and cover more. But the one time he did come out he produced a strong and powerful run and created a good chance.

Sam Smith - 6 - As with Alex he didn't get forward much as he was asked to cover. Wasn't tested a great deal but solid when he was. Very no nonsense.

Laste Dombaxe - 8 - Great goal but it was his presence and general midfield play that impressed. Played just in front of the defence but produced strong forward runs and big tackles when needed. Very good prospect.

Tom Gardiner - 6 - Give away penalty which looked to shake his confidence for a bit but either side of that looked comfortable with what Newcastle threw at him.

Dominic Ball - 6 - Seemed to move between Centre Half & a Defensive Midfield role. Again not tested but solid when needed and a great through ball for the second goal.

Darren McQueen - 7 - Played wide right in an attacking role and was prominent a few times going forward. Great cross early, looked quick and dangerous.

Ruben Lamieres - 7 - Worked hard in midfield without the ball and produced some great passes to split the defence on a number of occasions.

Shaq Coulthirst - 7 - Strong, led the line well and took his goal with aplomb. Looked very confident in his ability and caused problems all day for the defence.

Harry Winks - 7 - Always wanted the ball, which was great to see, and dropped deep to get it on a number of occasions. Passing sometimes went astray but never lost confidence in his ability. Real potential.

Kenny McEvoy - 9 - Playing left wing, constantly got behind the defence and his pace and dribbling were always a threat. Probably needs to work on his shooting as could've had a hat trick but exceptionally good game.

Jarrovians RUFC - A Diamond in the Rough

‘It doesn’t get more grass roots than Jarrovians RUFC’ read a piece on the internet when describing north east clubs. This statement has always sounded a little harsh but can be understood somewhat if you don’t know the full story and history of the team.


The fact that a rugby club even exists in Jarrow may come as a surprise to most. A shipbuilding town known primarily for the 1936 march, musician Alan Price of The Animals and world champion athlete and now BBC commentator Steve Cram, rugby has never made a major impact on the consciousness of the town. Indeed there still remains some within South Tyneside who are blissfully unaware of the clubs existence. But exist they do and what a club they are.


Formed in 1978 when a few players from Hebburn Technical College decided to start their own team, Jarrovians has had an almost rollercoaster existence. From its creation the club quickly grew to two teams and had moderate success during the 80’s. It’s most successful period came in the early 90’s. Now running a total of three teams and a colts side, Jarrovians gained promotion in 1991 only to have that taken away from them when the leagues were restructured that summer. Promotion would be gained again later in the decade but amazingly the same outcome would befall the club.


The club’s fortunes would start to dwindle as the century closed. Three teams would become two and the new century did not alter the downward spiral. Jarrovians were now struggling to fulfil two fixtures and with league games being some of these games to be cancelled, eventually the painful decision to withdraw from league competitions was taken.


After one season out of league competition the club attempted a return. It was an attempt which ended within a couple of months, injuries and the loss of key players on the eve of the new season, coupled with close but demoralising defeats proved too much and the club took the decision to once again drop out of the league, this time however vowing not to return for at least three seasons. It was a decision that would prove genius.

At this point the playing staff of the club was made up of a lot of experienced players, most of whom were heading to the end of their playing careers. However the following summer would see an influx of a few, young, talented players join the club and the following season saw the club compete, and compete well, in the Durham Junior ‘Second Team’ League. On top of this the club ‘inherited’ two teams at the Midi/Junior level, creating the club’s first ever Junior section.


The colts side that existed during the 91 season existed for just a few years. It was followed 6 years later by another side, which again lasted for just a few years. So the introduction of a youth setup was a new and exciting venture, one which the members of the club have risen to with their usual determination and good humour. It hasn’t always gone smoothly. With most having no knowledge of the youth side of the game a lot of what followed was trial and error, and the loss of one of the ‘inherited’ sides due to loss of players and the problem of guaranteeing games was a significant blow. But it did not dampen spirits and much like the senior arm of the club, newer players at various age groups started to slowly appear.


Off the field the club had finally, for the first time in their history, secured a clubhouse of their own. After match entertainment had always been held at various pubs around Jarrow and Hebburn up to this point so the coming of a small, yet comfortable, permanent base of operations was a massive feather in the cap. It allowed the club to grow, attracting new players and members, bringing a small but steady flow of income into the club and providing a safe environment for the Juniors and has continued to do so.


Back on the field the club continued to grow and improve. As vowed they didn’t look to re-entering official RFU competition and continued to look at improving and recruiting. Two further seasons of challenging for honours in the Second Team League however and this decision could not be ignored any longer. And so in 2011-2012 it was with a great sense of optimism and excitement that Jarrovians RUFC re-took their place in Durham and Northumberland Division 3.


The season that followed saw Jarrovians confound the critics and finish 6th out of the 12 teams. Along the way they played some great stuff, culminating in a great victory over already promoted Seaham. The Junior Section also continued to grow with numbers reaching just below 50, the highest level since its formation. Games took place at three different age groups, a first for the club, and in another first the club fielded two girls in a game. Further firsts saw the club host the U9 County Cup as well as their own Sevens tournament.


This season sees the club hoping to consolidate it’s position in the league while at the same time continuing their growth and improvement in both Senior and Junior sections. As normal with Jarrovians it won’t be easy but the members will strive to achieve this with their usual good humour and friendly demeanour. Anyone wanting to be part of this exciting era is always more than welcome. Training sessions for Seniors take place at their Luke Lanes base every Thursday night at 6.30 with games on a Saturday afternoon. The Juniors take to the field every Sunday at 10am with all age groups from U6 up to U17 training and playing in a safe, fun environment.


Grass roots they may be but if you search among that grass you’ll come across a small gem, a shining light of North East rugby who encompass everything that is good and great in the game, a real diamond in the rough!

(Article originally appeared in the Newcastle Falcons v Leeds Carneige programme - Friday 28th September 2012)