So, everyone is a lot more sanguine about this than I am.
I look at numbers like 3:16 after 2:30 and think- that’s 45 seconds I’ll never get back, but all is good say the analysts. It was a great ride by Chavanel and he has nearly 2 minutes on everyone else too.
If he keeps this lead through the Alps he could hang on to it for a while (defined as up to 6 days by one commentator) which is quite possible if we get a string of Sprints, but most don’t think it will last. Armstrong predicts a ‘Selection’ today with the road literally melting under the heat and that things could break up as early as the first 9 mile climb up the Col de la Ramaz and it’s 10% gradients.
The names you’ll get used to hearing after today in addition to Contador will be Cadel Evans (last year’s runner up) and Andy Schleck.
Today’s 118 mile ride between Station des Rousses and Morzine-Avoriaz has climbs of 4, 4, 1, 3, and 1 severity with an overall downhill run through the first 2/3rds of the course. Tomorrow will be a recovery day so everyone can stiffen up and then another day of Alps on Tuesday.
In other sports the 2010 World Cup Final between Spain and the Netherlands @ 2:30 pm on ABC and Formula 1 @ noon on Fox (Silverstone, should be a Red Bull romp). Coverage of Le Tour starts at 7:30 am on Vs.
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Yawn.
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Today there has already been a crash that seems to have hurt Evans time wise worse than some.
Chavanel seems to be trying to stick with his lead.
Yes, you can hear the world cup in English by dreadful commentators on ABC affiliates. The commentary is dreadful, no excitement, no passion. In two words: bad TV. So I recommend if you receive it on cable or satellite (DirecTV Channel 402) watching on Univision. It’s in Spanish. The commenttors are fired up, they talk really fast, know the game perfectly, and get really, really excited. Turn it up. Best way I’ve found to watch the World Cup!
I spent way too much time watching tv yesterday between the tour and world cup action.
Andy Schleck powered for the victory. For some reason even though Contador is excellent I just don’t like him. I am cheering for Schleck though will he miss his brother? I would not mind seeing the “other” American on Radio Shack do well and there is a canuck in this year’s tour who is strong but not a top three contender.
I felt bad for Amstrong but I had a feeling that he went a bridge too far taking a shot this year. I do not think it is possible even in super condition to win at 38 and like many elite athletes he doesn’t know when to say when.