These last 2 days have just about killed me. I DVR’d both but couldn’t watch until after 6 pm b/c I wanted to wait and watch with my husband. You can’t imagine how hard it is to stay away from this thread, facebook, twitter, the TdF site, etc all of which are spoilers.
I was so nervous as we watched today’s stage. Epic. There’s no other way to describe it. Three HC’s in. one. day. Inconceivable.
I think the reason that Cadel and the others didn’t chase Andy when he attacked was that it was sooo far from the end of the stage. There was a long descent and valley ride + the climb up the Col de Galbier. (= brutal) I think they thought there was no way he could stay away for 60.4 km and that they would waste their energy in chasing him.
It’s interesting but Tuesday Mark Steyn was subbing for Rush and he said that the British special forces have a motto which is “He who dares, wins”. MS was discussing politics but it could not be more true for today’s stage.
Andy who dared, won.
Just when everyone (Phil and Paul) had written him off. Just when everyone was saying Contador is back! It all changed. Andy won his first stage, Contador cracked, Voekler held on to yellow in a HEROIC effort, Frank breezed in , Cadel challenged but couldn’t match, Sanchez cracked, Cunigo looked strong.
Paul said “this is a great move! It is an iconic move! It is the sort of thing that is written about in the legends of the Tour de France!”
Tomorrow is a brand new day. Wouldn’t you just love to hear what was said at the dinner tables of all the teams tonight?
I think tomorrow, the Schleck brothers hit the field with the old 1-2 again. This time perhaps Frank wins but both can attack the peloton. Frank has won Alpes D’huez before so we shall see what the tactics are.
Cadel needs to regroup and stay strong if he is going to finish high this year. Contador is going to either be desperate or resigned. My guess is desperate. Ditto Sanchez. Basso is going to hang around and look for an opportunity.
I, for one, can’t wait! I told my husband that we may just have to watch it live starting at 6! ha! Forget about work! ;-)
ps. After the stage Phil predicted the 2 Schlecks and Cadel Evans on the podium this year. IN MY DREAMS!
My mistake! Phil or Paul said that today was Andy’s first stage win but that was wrong. He won a stage in last year’s TdF- stage 8.
Even on the stage when the commentators were all about, “Contador is back!” I was scratching my head as you. “Whuuut!?” He was never back. This will be a Schleck/Evans podium. Personally I hope Cadel prevails. We shall see!!
For those that are up early:
http://cycling.sportrightnow.com/?refresh (selected cycling tweets)