I am pretty sad for Andy. He had it in his grasp and it slipped away. Cadel rode the time trial of his life. He was like a man possessed. Plus, he is not going to have many (if any) more chances to win the TdF whereas Andy (and Frank for that matter) could win several.
For a while there I was in a full panic that AC might get up to 3rd or even 2nd. I would have puked had that been the case. Bleh!
If you’d told me on Day 1 that the podium would be the 2 Schlecks and Cadel Evans, I would have replied that was my dream podium. So, that said, I am happy with the results.
Voeckler richly deserves his 4th place finish. Good for him! He rode like a champion. AC won’t be particularly happy with 5th. C’est la Tour!
Some new names for the future who had great Tours: Rolland, Danielson, Voeckler.
One more day to enjoy!
I've only one minor quibble and it's that I'd have preferred Voelker had the privilege of stepping up to a podium in Paris today somehow.
But hopefully, he'll get lots of endorsement contracts in compensation for his heroic hard work serving as the Energizer lapin of the TdF this year.
Yeah, I wanted Andy to take it. But for a while there I wanted Voekler to take it.
Cadel was magnificently humble on the top of the podium. It always makes me feel good to see a strong man cry from pure emotional overflow, Australia has a good champion and a fine man won it all today.
Next year kids, could be one of the Schlecks, or not. Either way, as always, I’ll be tuned in. See you kids next time, same channel.
God Bless Henri Desgrange for starting this madness ;)