Desert Nomad

Thomas or perhaps even Dumoulin will take the Tour de Suisse in the ITT. Bizarre having a race in Switzerland so tame, only one proper mountain stage and it was in Austria. Saying that, great victory by Pinot on a climb far more difficult than anything seen at the Dauphine or will be seen at the Tour.

I bivvied on the summit of Starav two years ago. Amazing experience, probably posted photos in this thread at the time.

Sgurr na Stri is a terrific wee hill. Best to start from Elgol or big lay-by on road towards Elgol. Can be tricky crossing the Camsunary river if in spate, but otherwise you should splash across ok.Make for obvious low point on the skyline. Easy dander to the top from there. Fantastic viewpoint. Views to Small Isles incredible but even more so down to Loch Coruisk. What makes for a superb day out is to descend to Coruisk and head back to Camsunary via the coast and the bad step. I'd recommend saving for good weather and camping at Camsunary. There's a new bothy being built, not sure if finished yet, the old one reclaimed by the owner to transform into a proper house.

Finally made it up Ben Nevis yesterday. Started at the North Face car park and climbed up Carn Mor Dearg, stunning views of the North Face of the Ben the whole way. Traversed over the CMD arete, which was fun, nothing too scary, but bit of scrambling required, and worth sticking to the crest for maximum exposure. Final pull up onto the Ben was through softening ankle deep snow, bit of a slog. Summit dome still absolutely caked in snow, crazy amount for mid June.

Great stuff from Nibali, Valverde and Costa today. Nibali living up to his reputation as a fine rider in rubbish weather.

Contador cracked big time on Finnestre, but the finishing climb to Sestrieres just wasn't tough enough for Astana to overhaul him. Catch 22 with Contador, he's obviously had his misdemeanours in the past, but glad Astana got beat. Quintana will prove to much for Alberto to overcome in the Tour IMO.

Great win for Anderson, punished MVG big time in that final.

Comeback is on.

Been a tremendous night of darts, plenty drama. Ando threatening to run away with this final like he did against Lewis in his previous PL victory. MVG will be a much tougher nut to crack though.

Was up the Drumochter hills last Wednesday, they are a bit on the boring side, but no matter when you get views like this...

Read somewhere that the driver had already slowed the train down approaching the crossing.

Sens in Bees out

Kristoff has to be favourite, untouchable right now. I don't think Wiggins will get remotely close. Got a strange feeling Sagan might do it.

The Hamburgler with another shutout against the Rangers last night means the Bruins are now on the outside looking in

3-1 up on Nashville in the second, take the win here and all is not lost.Ovechkin with a pair of goals in MSG tonight takes him to 49 for the season, way out in front for the Rocket Richard. Been a very poor season points wise for individual players, nobody will get close to 100, Crosby might have had he stayed fit, as it is he'll win the Art Ross anyway. Season 67-68 since the Art Ross winner failed to get to 90 points, that is very much on this season.

Great action at the Criterium International, on a par with Quintana's stage win at Tirreno as the best days racing this year(in a stage race).

Experience goes a long way when it comes to the winter hills. I was apprehensive as a youngster, but had a few older guys to introduce me. Now think nothing of soloing the Five Sisters of Kintail in winter for example. Wouldn't have dreamt of that years ago.

That's now Cancellara and Boonen injured. The cobbled classics could be very interesting.

Yes my mistake, didn't realise they had such a low points total. Jets and Kings both won again last night.Must win game for Calgary in Minnesota tonight now.

Kingussie v Newtonmore with carry out in hand on a nice sunny day is a fine way to send a summers afternoon.

The Kings had a huge win at MSG against the flying Rangers last night. Unless Dallas has an incredible run, Calgary will still get in as a wild card.

It has a bit of a scramble towards the summit of the Ben. Interesting for those with little experience. Had a superb day up Stob Ghabhar on Saturday. Positively warm in the sunshine.

LA are struggling to even make the playoffs at the moment. That capitulation against Vancouver was a horrible result for them.

Looks like Riis has been sacked. Don't agree with Tinkov very often, but ridding the sport of Riis would be great. Vino next please.

I fancy Michael Matthews or Van Avermaet for the win. Stybar looks good, might just need it a bit tougher, see him as a challenger for Flanders in the future.