Makes you wonder if the peleton got a bit of a talking to last night from the various powers that be. Even Phil and Paul seemed to be allowed to speak of the ‘non-sprint’ finish as a bad choice for the riders to make. With yesterday’s tantrums under the bridge, the TdF riders put on a fabulous race today. Hardship, drama and heroes. Great stuff. One’s heart to go out to Chavanel for his misfortune with bad tyres and for the massive effort of Hesjedal, caught so close to the end. France needs a cycling hero for their grand event and certainly Canada could do with another road star, its been a while since the days of Bauer, Stieda and Hayman. We’ve had some great participants in the likes of Barry and Fraser in recent times but the Euro winners still evade us.
Great to see Armstrong’s late effort on the stones to pull back a bit of vital time in that tough going. I’ve only ever ridden Belgian cobbles once and I can tell you its not like riding over a bunch of relatively smooth brick as some seem to think. Imagine loaves of bread made of stone….with the occasional one missing.
This may well turn out to be the most REAL Tour de France in some years. Can’t wait.