Location: Pamiers, Bagnères-de-Luchon
(187.5 km =114 miles)
Today's stage winner was Thomas Voeckler (France's "sweetheart" "le chouchou"). Congratulations to him!
(187.5 km =114 miles)
Today's stage winner was Thomas Voeckler (France's "sweetheart" "le chouchou"). Congratulations to him!
The controversy continues in this year's Tour which had previously started with rumors of a supposed re-ignition of a "like/hate" relationship between rivals Alberto Contador, last year's Tour Champion, and Lance Armstrong, who finished on the podium but in third place . Few bothered to even notice Andy Schleck (part of the Schleck bros.) who finished an impressive second place. I noticed and I remembered and thus began my intent viewing and following of this year's Tour cheering for him. What about Alberto Contador? I cheered him on very loudly last year and am going to be just fine if he wins again, but let me explain a few things first.
It was very difficult for me to chose which rider I wanted to see win overall GC this year at first because clearly I was hoping to see Contador try for his third consecutive Tour Championship. However remembering the brave antics of one Andy Schleck during last year's Tour was what pushed me towards cheering more for him to win over Alberto. Andy could have and should have won the Tour last year but he was too concerned over helping his brother Fränk win that Tour that he lost out on winning it himself. Andy has heart and courage unlike anyone I have seen - that is - until we think back to Lance Armstrong who overcame several personal adversities himself.
Today's stage through the Pyrenees and right before the descent by the riders was yet another reminder and proof of how much heart Andy has. Schleck's bike endured a "mechanical problem" (chain) and while he did not lose his cool and panic, he did appear indignant at his bad luck, but he rode on and pushed harder and pedalled faster than any rider that day. He lost his lead in GC and worse yet he lost the yellow jersey. All this loss handed over to Alberto Contador who clearly (and maybe unjustly) took advantage of the mechanical issues and attacked. In the end Alberto may have gained the GC lead and the maillot jaune, but he only managed to scrape 31 seconds off the previous time between himself and Andy and only has an 8 second lead over Schleck. The real Tour may have only just begun.
Today's stage through the Pyrenees and right before the descent by the riders was yet another reminder and proof of how much heart Andy has. Schleck's bike endured a "mechanical problem" (chain) and while he did not lose his cool and panic, he did appear indignant at his bad luck, but he rode on and pushed harder and pedalled faster than any rider that day. He lost his lead in GC and worse yet he lost the yellow jersey. All this loss handed over to Alberto Contador who clearly (and maybe unjustly) took advantage of the mechanical issues and attacked. In the end Alberto may have gained the GC lead and the maillot jaune, but he only managed to scrape 31 seconds off the previous time between himself and Andy and only has an 8 second lead over Schleck. The real Tour may have only just begun.
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