TOUR BLOG: YELLOW PERIL
- Tuesday, 8 July 2008
- 0 Comments
When I saw Romain Feillu roll up to the start gate for today's time trial in Cholet, my heart sank.
The Frenchman became the latest yellow jersey wearer to get overexcited about leading the Tour, and show up to race not only in the hallowed yellow jersey, but also in yellow shorts. Gah.
It's become virtually de rigeur for Tour leaders to wear yellow shorts with their yellow jersey, even though it makes them look thin, pale and bad at games.
Some look worse dressed all in yellow than others. I cheered when Michael Rasmussen was thrown out of the 2007 race for lying to the drug testers, but also because I wouldn't have to be subjected to the sight of the whey-faced Dane in his all-yellow outfit any more.
In fact, the last yellow jersey wearer to respect the iron rule that black shorts look better than yellow was Fabian Cancellara in 2007.
The yellow jersey is the most iconic in cycling, with an illustrious history stretching back to 1919. To be awarded the yellow jersey is the highlight of a rider's career. It's the yellow jersey, not the yellow jersey, shorts and shoes.
Light coloured shorts also make cyclists' backsides look big, and go transparent in the wet. I don't care who wins the Tour, but whoever it is, please can you save us the ordeal of seeing you in matching shorts?
Tomorrow - Why Dave Millar shouldn't wear white shorts with his British Champion's time trial kit
| TOUR DE FRANCE 2008: STAGE REPORTS |
Stage three: Dumoulin wins stage from break
Stage two: Hushovd wins chaotic sprint
Stage one: Valverde wins
| TOUR DE FRANCE 2008: NEWS |
Who is Romain Feillu?
Cavendish disappointed with stage two result
Millar too close to Tour yellow jersey
Stage 2 preview: A sprint finish for Cavendish?
Millar happy after gains precious seconds in Plumelec
Valverde delighted with opening Tour stage win
Comment: Is Valverde's win a good thing for the Tour?
| TOUR DE FRANCE 2008: PHOTOS |
Stage three
Stage two
Stage one
| TOUR DE FRANCE 2008: GUIDE |
News and features>>
Tour 2008: Day by day summary
Route & stages>>
Teams and riders>>
About the Tour>>
Reader comments
Add your commentsNo comments have been added yet. Be the first by adding yours below...