Finally! Maybe we will see some action and real racing on Thursday. So far this tour has been one of the least exciting in the past few years. Let’s hope that all changes in the Alps!
So far this tour has been one of the least exciting in the past few years.
Not for lack of a great course that could have presented opportunities for someone to step forward.
A friend of mine summarized it as "no Patron". Methinks the peleton is unwilling to give Contador that role, and many think he is incapable of donning that mantle.
I thought that Saturday’s stage was riveting, despite being a “no result” for all intents and purposes. Everything was set up for a major attack on the final climb, but Voekler answered every attempt.
I think it's really been a pretty exciting tour. I like tactical racing and team interplay. That's the heart of the sport. It is somewhat like baseball where most fans would like to see a lot of hits and booming home runs and a pitcher's duel seems boring. But if it goes beyond 7 innings with two pitchers battling it our the tension over what team might break the game open becomes the entertainment.
Who would have thought Andy would break on a Cat2 climb and lose time to the leaders? And who would have thought Voekler could protect yellow as he has done repeatedly in the hills over the last three climbing stages?
Nut now it looks like a battle between Cadel Evens and Frank Schelck unless something dramatic develops in the final mountains.
Maybe it will all come down to a classic duel on L’Alpe d’Huez. Or what about the clock deciding the race in the Grenoble TT on Saturday?
I think this is good stuff!
(On the subject of strategy and tactics: I've always wondered what might happen to the GC if the tour ever started out with some climbing days, then went to the long flat windy routes to force the teams to work.)