Spaniard Samuel Sanchez wins on Bastille Day

I imagine the French might be a bit “agace” that on this Bastille Day, a Spaniard won stage 12 of the Tour de France.  Fortunately for the French, their man Thomas Voeckler holds onto the yellow jersey, which should no doubt help keep today’s celebrations going.

It’s been said Le Tour really begins today, considering the first mountain stage of this year’s journey.  Now we see the climbers really go to work.  After all, there’s certainly a big difference between sprinting and climbing, while each rider has his own strong suit.

Today’s stage winner Samuel Sanchez weighs 140 pounds, as does defending TDF champion Alberto Contador, definitely a climbing advantage over other riders who weigh 165, 170 or more.

Meanwhile, congrats yet again to Mark Cavendish on his third stage win of the year yesterday.  The leading sprinter lagged a bit behind today on those climbs, even though he’s down to 150 pounds apparently.

Let’s just say the climbs carry a lot of weight in the Tour, so to speak. At my weight I guess I’d have to drive up the mountain!