On this transitional stretch between the Alps and the Pyrenees returned another show for the sprinters, meaning of course another chance for a certain second place to become first.

From the start of stage 15 came a two-man breakaway that kept the peloton chasing all 138 miles to the finish line.  Then, the closer the end, the shorter the gap– and what for so long looked like victory for New Zealand’s Jack Bauer, sadly for him did not materialize.  After an entire day’s work ahead of the pack– through severe wind and rain to boot– Bauer was mere yards from handing his country its first-ever Tour stage win.  He really was so close, but then– caught at the line in a bitter defeat that was especially difficult to take.  Once again, c’est Le Tour.

As for that number two spot, Sagan did in fact move one place off of his seemingly “usual” second, just not in the direction he would have wanted.  But then, Le Tour n’est pas fini!

(Photos Courtesy LeTour.fr – ASO)