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.
I agree w/ commish here, I'm thinking that the 2 leaders today really surprised the pack. I doubt that any of the
directors sportif of TMO, et al saw these guys gaining that much of a lead. I think their maintaining that lead now is a predictable result (due to the long run-outs after the last 2 climbs) of the lead they were able to gain at the first climb.
Armstrong letting guys like this go is one thing, Hincapie, Lanis, etc may not be able to afford giving up this much time.