[Ready4Freddy]

Man, at this point Dessell & Mercado are looking good! My guess is that at least those 2, plus Moreni & Vasseur, will end up in the GC top 10. Not sure what happened here - did TMO, et al simply let these guys get away by mistake, or was it a case of them letting the escapees go 'cuz the GC contenders weren't worried about a shakeup this early in the mountains?

[Steve_Seattle]

How far are they from Marie-Blanque?

[BaBaStooey]

This seems to happen every year. Virenque used to do this, and Rasmussen did it last year. Someone attacks the first mountain stage as a stepping stone to the KOTM jersey. Sometimes they also end up in yellow. Virenque did it in 2003 after winning Stage 7. Armstrong let him go because he knew he would make up the time on Virenque later.

[commish]

did TMO, et al simply let these guys get away by mistake, or was it a case of them letting the escapees go 'cuz the GC contenders weren't worried about a shakeup this early in the mountains?

I think it is a little of both. I think Mercado and Dessel surprised them a little with their strength, and I also think that T-Mo, Disco, etc all realize that tomorrow is the real day to make a move. Not to mention L'Alpe Duez is looming on the horizon next week.

[Ready4Freddy]

BTW, I intended that to mean that they would maintain their lead today & end up in the GC top 10 after today, not in Paris! ;>)

My guess is that at least those 2, plus Moreni & Vasseur, will end up in the GC top 10.