[Ready4Freddy]

Both Dessel & Mercado are little guys, they can climb (& obviously have no problem descending fast :). Their 9'+ lead now depends on how well they can work together, and how much time the peloton decides to grant them - the peloton could still cut some serious minutes off the leader's time advantage.

Gonchar is obviously history, but 9.5 min is a pretty serious time differential even this early in the mountains, especially if they can add to it tomorrow, then not lose much on the 2?? flat stages before the Alps.

[commish]

WOW, they are actually extending the lead. Now up to 9:30. I am shocked the Peleton is not chasing harder than it is.

[commish]

OH Man, how humbling is this. The Yellow Jersey is hauling water bottles from the team car to the rest of the team.