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Day of Highs

21 Jul

The highest point of elevation in this year’s Tour happens to be followed by the highest-ever location for a stage finish.  So distinguishes today’s memorable Stage 18, aptly described as the “Battle of the Alps” and a day in the Tour history books.

From the Col Agnel to the Col du Galibier, 168 truly battle-tested riders hammered up mile after mile of steep climbs, then of course flew down some equally lengthy descents, carrying the pack ever closer to Paris!  It will be here before you know it, unless you already know Paris comes this Sunday.

The question remains:  Who will take yellow to the big finish?  Today’s stage winner proved yet again that anything could happen.  Go Andy!

Andy Schleck wins Stage 18

 
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Posted by on July 21, 2011 in 2011 Tour de France, Current Events, Cycling, News

 

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But Weight, The Climbs

14 Jul

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!

 
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Posted by on July 14, 2011 in 2011 Tour de France, Current Events, Cycling

 

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From Carnage to Rest

11 Jul

The aftermath of an unexpected type of crash.

Crashes are commonplace and largely expected in competitive cycling, but not crashes like this one!  The car and its driver have been removed from the remainder of the Tour, and rightfully so!

Stage Nine was definitely another day of carnage, the worst of the year yet in fact, wiping out eight riders in one day!  The Tour’s total number of riders has now dropped from 198 to 180.

All 180 of them certainly deserve today’s day of rest, after nine days of hard and crash-filled racing and before tomorrow’s 98-mile stage 10.  Unfortunately for Norwegian Thor Hushovd, he lost the yellow jersey yesterday to French favorite Thomas Voeckler.

Thor Hushovd loses the yellow jersey after stage nine.

In the spirit of Le Tour, I’m heading out now for my 10th consecutive ride day.  No day of rest pour moi!

 
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Posted by on July 11, 2011 in 2011 Tour de France, Current Events, Cycling, News

 

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