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Hello, Elle!
That is a huge fine for Heather?
That is a few Scots words you have picked up now.
You will soon be fluent!
Froome hit a man running alongside him on a climb.
He was concerned the lad would tangled up in his bars and bring him down.
I have no problem with Froome doing that, and I am not a Froome fan.
These things happen on the Tour de France.
Last year a spectator threw a pot of urine over Froome.
Things like that happen.
It is a tough sport.
And I think Andorra will be great tomorrow!
Several major climbs, and beautiful scenery, I hope!

Hi, Rusty!
I didn't know about Heather 's outburst until Malone told me!
But it does seem very unfair, and excessive, especially if you compare the incident with several verbal rants that also were the cause of fines.
For instance, two players were involved in a "toilet break" incident, where one of them asked for a bathroom break and was refused by the umpire, so said he would perform "in a ball can" on the court!
Then the two partners threatened a sit-in.....I've only read about this, I didn't see the happening.
Apparently the umpire had to be escorted from the court later for safety reasons!
Their fines for all this were much less than Heather's for the racquet abuse!
(Why was a pot of urine thrown over Froome?
how er.....uncouth! not to mention smelly!)

Hello, Elle!
There are "odd" people going about.
Froome is not popular with everyone.
Incidents like that have gone on for many years.
Eddy Merckx got a violent punch in the kidneys on a mountain.
It cost him time.
Armstrong was punched, (and also brought down by an idiot getting tangled in his bars, so was Robert Millar)
Bernard Hinault was not slow in getting spectators out of his way.
You cannot put stewards all over the mountains.
The thing is, Froome took action to prevent himself being brought down. Fair play to him, in my book.

Hi Rusty/Elle,

Yes, Froome took action to protect himself, BUT he was also concern about the safety of the riders behind him - the silly spectator was carrying a flag which obviously was flying backwards.

I entirely agree with Froome's reaction - Some spectators at the top of a Col are just irresponsible and dangerous.

I hope the fine was not too hefty, and that it did not change anything to the stage victory / GC - I cannot find anything any detail regarding this.

I have just looked at the forecast for Andorra and it looks like the heat will be much less than in the French Pyrenees where it will be 34C. (It is already 30C here ! and no breeze,)

Good morning, Rusty!
We are home again from our walk. A dull warmish morning, with a bit of drizzle in the air.
What is it like with you?
I hope Wimbledon has good weather.
I am hoping this morning to see something of the Senior Gentlemen's Invitation Doubles.
The Woodies (my all time favourites!) are playing Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis (who also used to be doubles partners)
Maybe on the dreaded Red Button?
We shall see!
Yes, you have told me of Eddie Merckx before.....I think cycling can be a most violent sport - both through accidents - and intentionally!
But the surrounding countryside is beautiful, and any incidental history is interesting.
Do you have a schedule?
Shall you watch any of the tennis?


Hello, Pigale!
You are certainly have some lovely weather , although I fear I would find it too hot.
It is slightly cooler here his morning with a threatened high of 20C - which I much prefer to yesterday's 25C!
Yes, I agree with you - and Rusty - Froome was right to protect himself and others from possible accident from an irresponsible spectator.
Enjoy your day!

Good morning, Pigale!
I think it was a relatively small fine.
If I remember correctly, the equivalent of £158.
Which tells me The Tour punished him but were not too bothered about it.
And every rider will say Froome was correct.
I think it would be quite comical if it was Bernard Hinault who issued the fine.
The bold Bernard was not slow to protect himself!
I hope the weather is nice and the scenery enjoyable and there are several guys attacking the yellow jersey.
Hoping for a great day on the Tour!

Snap, Rusty! our posts crossed!

Good morning, Elle!
We have a dull cloudy day here.
I have heard of the Woodies!
I hope to see some of it, but cycling is live at 11.15.
Several major cols to climb!
Then a "rest day" tomorrow.
I would not say cycling is violent, but certainly many crashes occur.
I did not see Pierre Rolland go down yesterday but noticed his skinsuit was ripped to bits. These things happen!
Athletics are on too, around five o'clock.
I have been away for a walk.
Kept meeting folk I know!

Rusty, If I understood it correctly, Pierre Rolland did not fall as such, but scrapped a wall at high speed - he was lucky not to fall but the damage to his skinsuit was impressive - surely he must have had some 'granit rash'.

Hello, Pigale!
Poor Pierre! He got off lightly.
Wonder if he was able to sleep with the "rash".
Just getting pictures from the Tour now.
Fine day.
There is snow in Andorra!
177km to go, and the breaks are going up the road already!