We were expecting a more challenging stage today, with more fights and attacks from the riders, but it wasn't as great as I thought it would be. Given the OK performance of Frank Schleck, I even feel like the Tour de France is already over as Cadel Evans is by far the fastest time trialist among all the contenders.
If you think about it, Schleck and the other contenders will have to pretty much win by four minutes on Evans in tomorrow's stage to have a chance to win in Paris. But who is going to take four minutes on Evans on the Alpe d'Huez?
Despite the fact that the Tour might already be over (even if it's never over until you cross the finish line), I think we are having one of the greatest in decades. Can you believe that we have three guys within 10 seconds after two weeks? They have spent more then 68 hours on their bikes and only 10 seconds separate them. Wow!
Some may say that the Tour lacks a real "boss" in the peloton and it's sometimes good to see someone like that, but it feels really fresh without one. I will say this: the Tour would be perfect so far if we didn't have some stupid guys doping themselves.
Tomorrow's l'Alpe d'Huez is always a great moment in the Tour, but with today's rankings, it's just going to be crazy! 500,000 people are predicted to line the roads! And who knows, maybe Schleck didn't do so well today so he can strike hard tomorrow. I'm all excited about it and I hope you are too!
Please do not hesitate to post your comments, as I will be glad to share ideas and comments with you. And remember, if you want to enjoy the Tour de France from the inside, do it with www.RonanPensecTravel.com, the official Tour de France operator. VIP passes, exclusive interviews with the pros, and so much more to live together!
Ronan Pensec participated in 8 Tours, and wore the yellow jersey in 1990 while racing for Greg Lemond's Z team. He now operates Ronan Pensec Events, an official Tour de France operator hosting VIP cycling tours for recreational cycling enthusiasts.
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VeloJon
in response to: Sass Bergeis
Yes, an enjoyable Tour, but as many have mentioned, Evans is not the most charismatic favorite, he is simply the most efficient. What we are really missing is the personalities that animate the race - we NEED the Contadors, Riccos, and Valverdes to be right in the mix attacking.
Gravel Dog (Canada)
I totally agree with you that it looks like Cadel is lining up the Yellow Jersey in Paris. However, Cadel could have another bad MTN stage like near the end of Prato Nevoso. I read an article / interview that he got a chill earlier on and that zapped a lot of his energy. There is always a possibility that this will happen again.
CSC is the strongest TEAM shown this TOUR (esp. in Mtn. stages). What do you think could be a CSC tactic to blow this TDF wide apart and scuttle Cadel's chances (?). Cadel will keep a close eye on Frank and Carlos, so why don't they send Andy on a huge breakaway - carrot for Cadel to chase. This will make all the GC contenders to chase. Let me know what you think.
GD (Canada)
Gravel Dog (Canada)
in response to: VeloJon
It is up to the riders who are in the race to animate things.
What could have, should have and did not happen is speculation. So go with the start up sign in sheet. I am tired of hearing asterisk for this race.
It is what it is - with no Alberto and Levi. Johan and Astana are a great bunch; let's focus on who is there. It was all decided by ASO (even though I disagree with their logic).
jaycee2
in response to: Gravel Dog (Canada)
Yes I agree, its looking more like Cadels win after today. I think whover wins overall, is deserving because-not including those 3 idiots (is all I can call them) we`ve had a real spectacle this year. I thought Frank Schleck looked particularly tired today-although resplendent in the maillot jeune-and I can`t help but to wonder if they have anything else left in the tank? Should be good anyway, but I think you`re right Ronan.
BikingBob
in response to: VeloJon
You've got to be kidding! The last thing we need is an artificial attack by the likes of the "Riccos" - that's not a "personality" thats a "cheat".
Big Frank
in response to: Sass Bergeis
totally agree about the bogus chicken ... reason for not allowing Astana into the Tour-- would be totally different. The way Contador rode the tour of italy would be great to have seen him in the Tour. But oh well it is a good thing with so many riders so close so late in the game and it is Cadel's to lose tommorrow or win.
I too am enjoying the Tour but perhaps there should be an asterisk after the winner this year because 2 of the best riders and the rest of their superior teams put led by the most successful team manager of all time were denied entry to the race for very bogus reasons. It's like having Wimbledon or the US Open without Federer or Nadal. Cadel Evens is the only man with the all around package that it takes to win the Tour (a great climber and a great time trialer) and he has a weak team. Frank Schleck has the best team but his time trial ability is weak. If Astana were there it would be a totally different story and one I would enjoy very much more.