Category — Le Tour

Revel – Ax 3 Domaines

Distance: 184.5 kilometers.

Christophe Riblon led a group that broke away early in the stage and was never reeled in. They made their break and maintained it on the rolling hills with a couple of sprints and capped it by staying ahead up the Hors Catégorie Port de Pailheres, the descent and immediate category 1 climb to the finish at Ax 3 Domaines. Geraint Thomas was originally part of the group with Samuel Sanchez and Denis Menchov, but he faded on the climb and was reeled in by the peloton.

With only 31 seconds separating Schleck and Contador, if neither makes a major mistake, the Yellow will be decided in the individual time trials.

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 68h 02m 30s
Alessandro Petacchi ( Ita – LAM – 208 ) [Green] 187 points
Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot] 115 points
Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) 6 [White]
Team: Caisse d’Epargne GCE ( 161-169 ) [Yellow numbers]
Stage winner: Christophe Riblon ( Fra – ALM – 089 )
Combative: Christophe Riblon ( Fra – ALM – 089 ) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 2,728.4 kilometers [1,695.3 miles] at an average speed of 40.1 kph [24.9 mph].

OVERALL STANDINGS:

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 68h 02m 30s
2 Alberto Contador ( Esp – AST – 001 )
3 Samuel Sanchez ( Esp – EUS – 181 )
4 Denis Menchov ( Rus – RAB – 191 )
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck ( Bel – OLO – 101 )
6 Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) [White]
7 Levi Leipheimer ( USA – RSH – 025 )
8 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 )
9 Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 )
10 Ivan Basso ( Ita – LIQ – 041 )
11 Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 )
12 Roman Kreuziger ( Cze – LIQ – 044 )
13 Ryder Hesjedal ( Can – GRM – 054 )
14 Nicolas Roche ( Irl – ALM – 081 )
15 Carlos Sastre ( Esp – CTT – 091 )
16 Thomas Lövkvist ( Swe – SKY – 037 )
17 Andréas Klöden ( Ger – RSH – 024 )
18 Bradley Wiggins ( GBr – SKY – 031 )
19 Cadel Evans ( Aus – BMC – 121 )
20 Ruben Plaza Molina ( Esp – GCE – 168 )

27 Christophe Riblon ( Fra – ALM – 089 ) [Red numbers] [Stage winner]
38 Lance Armstrong ( USA – RSH – 021 )
48 Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot]
57 Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 )
58 Geraint Thomas ( GBr – SKY – 039 )
128 Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 )
140 Alessandro Petacchi ( Ita – LAM – 208 ) [Green]
150 Mark Cavendish ( GBr – THR – 111 )
154 Julian Dean ( NZl – GRM – 052 )
156 David Millar ( GBr – GRM – 057 )
166 Robbie McEwen ( Aus – KAT – 075 )

Rodez – Revel

Distance: 196 kilometers.

Alexandre Vinokourov waited to the end of the stage and then took it in the last climb and short sprint. The top twenty are cruising in anticipation of the return to the mountains.

A couple of easy [4s] climbs followed by a sprint. Then a two more climbs [3 & 4] and another sprint. Finally a category 3 to the finish. A good stage for an all-arounder, and the last stage to make a move before the Pyrenees.

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 63h 08m 40s
Alessandro Petacchi ( Ita – LAM – 208 ) [Green] 187 points
Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot] 107 points
Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) 7 [White]
Team: Radio Shack RSH ( 021-029 ) [Yellow numbers]
Stage winner: Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 )
Combative: Juan Antonio Flecha ( Esp – SKY – 034 ) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 2,543.9 kilometers [1,580.7 miles] at an average speed of 40.3 kph [25.0 mph].

OVERALL STANDINGS:

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow]
2 Alberto Contador ( Esp – AST – 001 )
3 Samuel Sanchez ( Esp – EUS – 181 )
4 Denis Menchov ( Rus – RAB – 191 )
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck ( Bel – OLO – 101 )
6 Levi Leipheimer ( USA – RSH – 025 )
7 Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) [White]
8 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 )
9 Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 )
10 Roman Kreuziger ( Cze – LIQ – 044 )
11 Ivan Basso ( Ita – LIQ – 041 )
12 Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 ) [Stage winner]
13 Ryder Hesjedal ( Can – GRM – 054 )
14 Nicolas Roche ( Irl – ALM – 081 )
15 Carlos Sastre ( Esp – CTT – 091 )
16 Bradley Wiggins ( GBr – SKY – 031 )
17 Michael Rogers ( Aus – THR – 118 )
18 Cadel Evans ( Aus – BMC – 121 )
19 Thomas Lövkvist ( Swe – SKY – 037 )
20 Andréas Klöden ( Ger – RSH – 024 )

36 Lance Armstrong ( USA – RSH – 021 )
51 Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot]
55 Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 )
58 Geraint Thomas ( GBr – SKY – 039 )
74 Juan Antonio Flecha ( Esp – SKY – 034 ) [Red numbers]
128 Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 )
133 Alessandro Petacchi ( Ita – LAM – 208 ) [Green]
144 Mark Cavendish ( GBr – THR – 111 )
150 Julian Dean ( NZl – GRM – 052 )
153 David Millar ( GBr – GRM – 057 )
164 Robbie McEwen ( Aus – KAT – 075 )

Bourg-de-Péage – Mende

Distance: 210.5 kilometers.

Update: This was the leaders going to work for a change and challenging rather than just clumping. Alexandre Vinokourov led the break-away that enabled Alberto Contador to attempt to take the Mende stage, something he has been successful at in the past. While picking up 10 seconds on Andy Schleck, Alberto’s goal was foiled by Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver, who won by inches with a better sprint.

That short, steep climb is well suited to Alberto, and Alexandre was in position to help him make the attempt when Andy chose not to pursue the break-away.

It’s the finish that wipes them out. This stage starts with a couple of category 3 climbs followed by a sprint. Then there is a category 2 climb, a category 3 climb, and another sprint. Since that isn’t enough, you end with a 3 kilometer category 3 that rises at 10% or better to face a 2 kilometer sprint to the finish.

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 53h 43m 46s
Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green] 167 points
Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot] 107 points
Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) 7 [White]
Team: Radio Shack RSH ( 021-029 ) [Yellow numbers]
Stage winner: Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 )
Combative: Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 ) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 2,347.9 kilometers [1,458.9 miles] at an average speed of 40.0 kph [24.9 mph].

OVERALL STANDINGS:

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow]
2 Alberto Contador ( Esp – AST – 001 )
3 Samuel Sanchez ( Esp – EUS – 181 )
4 Denis Menchov ( Rus – RAB – 191 )
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck ( Bel – OLO – 101 )
6 Levi Leipheimer ( USA – RSH – 025 )
7 Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) [White]
8 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 ) [Stage winner]
9 Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 )
10 Roman Kreuziger ( Cze – LIQ – 044 )
11 Ivan Basso ( Ita – LIQ – 041 )
12 Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 ) [Red numbers]
13 Ryder Hesjedal ( Can – GRM – 054 )
14 Nicolas Roche ( Irl – ALM – 081 )
15 Carlos Sastre ( Esp – CTT – 091 )
16 Bradley Wiggins ( GBr – SKY – 031 )
17 Michael Rogers ( Aus – THR – 118 )
18 Cadel Evans ( Aus – BMC – 121 )
19 Thomas Lövkvist ( Swe – SKY – 037 )
20 Andréas Klöden ( Ger – RSH – 024 )

32 Lance Armstrong ( USA – RSH – 021 )
48 Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot]
61 Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 )
63 Geraint Thomas ( GBr – SKY – 039 )
135 Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green]
148 David Millar ( GBr – GRM – 057 )
150 Mark Cavendish ( GBr – THR – 111 )
159 Julian Dean ( NZl – GRM – 052 )
163 Robbie McEwen ( Aus – KAT – 075 )

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Sisteron – Bourg-lès-Valence

Distance: 184.5 kilometers.

Mark Cavendish won his third stage, but Alessandro Petacchi took the Green Jersey. The top twenty are biding their time as the Tour moves out of the Alps and heads for the Pyrenees.

A category 3 climb a third of the way into the stage, then it’s down hill with a couple of sprints thrown in. The best sprinters are well back from the lead, so they are focusing on the Green Jersey, not the Yellow.

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 53h 43m 46s
Alessandro Petacchi ( Ita – LAM – 208 ) [Green] 161 points
Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 ) [Polka Dot] 92 points
Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) 7 [White]
Team: Caisse d’Epargne GCE ( 161-169 ) [Yellow numbers]
Stage winner: Mark Cavendish ( GBr – THR – 111 )
Combative: Stéphane Auge ( Fra – COF – 172 ) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 2,137.4 kilometers [1,328.1 miles] at an average speed of 39.8 kph [24.7 mph].

OVERALL STANDINGS:

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow]
2 Alberto Contador ( Esp – AST – 001 )
3 Samuel Sanchez ( Esp – EUS – 181 )
4 Denis Menchov ( Rus – RAB – 191 )
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck ( Bel – OLO – 101 )
6 Levi Leipheimer ( USA – RSH – 025 )
7 Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) [White]
8 Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 )
9 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 )
10 Ivan Basso ( Ita – LIQ – 041 )
11 Roman Kreuziger ( Cze – LIQ – 044 )
12 Ryder Hesjedal ( Can – GRM – 054 )
13 Nicolas Roche ( Irl – ALM – 081 )
14 Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 )
15 Michael Rogers ( Aus – THR – 118 )
16 Carlos Sastre ( Esp – CTT – 091 )
17 Bradley Wiggins ( GBr – SKY – 031 )
18 Cadel Evans ( Aus – BMC – 121 )
19 Thomas Lövkvist ( Swe – SKY – 037 )
20 Andréas Klöden ( Ger – RSH – 024 )

32 Lance Armstrong ( USA – RSH – 021 )
38 Sylvain Chavanel ( Fra – QST – 131 )
60 Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 ) [Polka Dot]
129 Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 )
132 Robbie McEwen ( Aus – KAT – 075 )
143 David Millar ( GBr – GRM – 057 )
145 Mark Cavendish ( GBr – THR – 111 ) [Stage winner]
146 Alessandro Petacchi ( Ita – LAM – 208 ) [Green]
163 Stéphane Auge ( Fra – COF – 172 ) [Red numbers]

Chambéry – Gap

Distance: 179 kilometers.

Jérôme Pineau regained the Polka Dot Jersey while the peloton kept their enthusiasm in check after getting mugged by the mountains yesterday. Sergio Paulinho won the stage by centimeters over Vasil Kiryienka. They were part of a six-rider break-away that the peloton didn’t even pretend to pursue. The “leaders” showed up 15 minutes after the stage winner.

The stage starts with a sprint then a category 1 climb to the highlands, followed by a category 3, then a 2, and finally the sprint to the finish.

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 49h 00′ 56″
Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green] 138 points
Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 ) [Polka Dot] 91 points
Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) 7 [White]
Team: Caisse d’Epargne GCE ( 161-169 ) [Yellow numbers]
Stage winner: Sergio Paulinho ( Por – RSH – 027 )
Combative: Mario Aerts ( Bel – OLO – 102 ) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 1,952.9 kilometers [1,213.5 miles] at an average speed of 39.8 kph [24.8 mph].

OVERALL STANDINGS:

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow]
2 Alberto Contador ( Esp – AST – 001 )
3 Samuel Sanchez ( Esp – EUS – 181 )
4 Denis Menchov ( Rus – RAB – 191 )
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck ( Bel – OLO – 101 )
6 Levi Leipheimer ( USA – RSH – 025 )
7 Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) [White]
8 Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 )
9 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 )
10 Ivan Basso ( Ita – LIQ – 041 )
11 Roman Kreuziger ( Cze – LIQ – 044 )
12 Ryder Hesjedal ( Can – GRM – 054 )
13 Nicolas Roche ( Irl – ALM – 081 )
14 Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 )
15 Michael Rogers ( Aus – THR – 118 )
16 Carlos Sastre ( Esp – CTT – 091 )
17 Bradley Wiggins ( GBr – SKY – 031 )
18 Cadel Evans ( Aus – BMC – 121 )
19 Thomas Lövkvist ( Swe – SKY – 037 )
20 Andréas Klöden ( Ger – RSH – 024 )

31 Lance Armstrong ( USA – RSH – 021 )
33 Mario Aerts ( Bel – OLO – 102 ) [Red numbers]
43 Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 )
54 Sergio Paulinho ( Por – RSH – 027 ) [Stage winner]
56 Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 ) [Polka Dot]
137 Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green]
139 Robbie McEwen ( Aus – KAT – 075 )
149 David Millar ( GBr – GRM – 057 )
151 Mark Cavendish ( GBr – THR – 111 )
152 Alessandro Petacchi ( Ita – LAM – 208 )

Morzine-Avoriaz – Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

Distance: 204.5 kilometers.

The Tour is in the mountains and this sadistic stage was designed to convince the sprinters who have been holding on to some hope of a yellow jersey that it isn’t going to happen.

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow] 43h 35′ 41″
Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green] 124 points
Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot] 85 points
Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) 7 [White]
Team: Caisse d’Epargne GCE ( 161-169 ) [Yellow numbers]
Stage winner: Sandy Casar ( Fra – FDJ – 062 )
Combative: Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 ) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 1,773.9 kilometers [1,102.3 miles] at an average speed of 40.7 kph [25.3 mph].

OVERALL STANDINGS:

Andy Schleck ( Lux – SAX – 011 ) [Yellow]
2 Alberto Contador ( Esp – AST – 001 )
3 Samuel Sanchez ( Esp – EUS – 181 )
4 Denis Menchov ( Rus – RAB – 191 )
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck ( Bel – SIL – 101 )
6 Levi Leipheimer ( USA – RSH – 025 )
7 Robert Gesink ( Ned – RAB – 195 ) [White]
8 Luis-Leon Sanchez ( Esp – GCE – 161 )
9 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver ( Esp – KAT – 077 )
10 Ivan Basso ( Ita – LIQ – 041 )
11 Roman Kreuziger ( Cze – LIQ – 044 )
12 Ryder Hesjedal ( Can – GRM – 054 )
13 Alexandre Vinokourov ( Kaz – AST – 009 )
14 Michael Rogers ( Aus – THR – 118 )
15 Carlos Sastre ( Esp – CTT – 091 )
16 Bradley Wiggins ( GBr – SKY – 031 )
17 Nicolas Roche ( Irl – ALM – 081 )
18 Cadel Evans ( Aus – BMC – 121 )
19 Thomas Lövkvist ( Swe – SKY – 037 )
20 Andréas Klöden ( Ger – RSH – 024 )

24 Sandy Casar ( Fra – FDJ – 062 ) [Stage winner]
31 Lance Armstrong ( USA – RSH – 021 )
40 Anthony Charteau ( Fra – BBO – 153 ) [Polka Dot]
53 Jérôme Pineau ( Fra – QST – 135 )
67 Geraint Thomas ( GBr – SKY – 039 )
138 Thor Hushovd ( Nor – CTT – 095 ) [Green]
140 Robbie McEwen ( Aus – KAT – 075 )
147 David Millar ( GBr – GRM – 057 )

[Read more →]

It is a rest day on the Tour and Lance Armstrong can use it.

As the BBC reports he bad day on Stage 8:

Lance Armstrong said his hopes of winning a record eighth Tour de France are “finished” after he lost nearly 12 minutes on the eighth stage.

Armstrong fell twice and after losing contact with the leaders he lost more time all the way to the finishing line on Sunday’s first mountain stage.

Added to the minute and a half he lost on Stage 4 3 for a tire change, and the yellow jersey is just too far away.

He will stay and help Levi Leipheimer because the Tour is a team event. If Levi can beat Alberto Contador, that will almost be as good as winning… almost.

Station des Rousses – Avoriaz

Distance: 189 kilometers.

The Tour moved into the Alps and Cadel Evans of Australia puts on the Yellow. Andy Schleck, Luxembourg’s only remaining rider, keeps the White and wins the stage. Climbing will dominate for a while, so the top 20 will change.

Cadel Evans (Aus-BMC-121) [Yellow]
2 Andy Schleck (Lux-SAX-011) [White] [Stage winner]
3 Alberto Contador (Esp-AST-001)
4 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel-SIL-101)
5 Denis Menchov (Rus-RAB- 191 )
6 Ryder Hesjedal (Can-GRM-054)
7 Roman Kreuziger (Cze-LIQ-044)
8 Levi Leipheimer (USA-RSH-025)
9 Samuel Sanchez (Esp-EUS-181)
10 Michael Rogers (Aus-THR-118)
11 Robert Gesink (Ned-RAB- 195 )
12 Carlos Sastre (Esp-CTT-091)
13 Ivan Basso (Ita-LIQ-041)
14 Bradley Wiggins (GBr-SKY-031)
15 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz-AST-009)
16 Nicolas Roche (Irl-ALM-081)
17 Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver (Esp-KAT-077)
18 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe-SKY-037)
19 Rafael Valls Ferri (Esp-FTS-219)
20 Luis-Leon Sanchez (Esp-GCE-161)

58 Jérôme Pineau (Fra-QST-135) [Polka Dot – 44 points]
129 Thor Hushovd (Nor-CTT-095) [Green -118 points]
54 Mario Aerts (Bel-SIL- 102 ) [Red numbers]
Rabobank ( 191-199 ) [Yellow numbers]

39 Lance Armstrong (USA-RSH-021)
69 Geraint Thomas (GBr-SKY-039)
117 David Millar (GBr-GRM-057)
131 Robbie McEwen (Aus-KAT-075)

They’ve gone 1,569.4 kilometers [975.2 miles] at an average speed of 41.4 kph [25.7 mph].

Tournus – Station des Rousses

Distance: 165.5 kilometers.

Throw in a couple of climbs and things change. Sylvain Chavanel won his second stage and the yellow jersey again. A lot of people who have been in the top 10 have slipped well back in the pack.

Robbie McEwen “was left nursing a sore back, which required a hospital visit, when he crashed just after the finish line after a television cameraman got in his way.” Robbie slipped from 23 to 98. Some would have been because of the climbs, but you can’t ride well with a sore back.

1 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra-QST-131) [Yellow]
2 Cadel Evans (Aus-BMC-121)
3 Ryder Hesjedal (Can-GRM-054)
4 Andy Schleck (Lux-SAX-011) [White]
5 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz-AST- 009 )
6 Alberto Contador (Esp-AST- 001 )
7 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel-SIL-101)
8 Nicolas Roche (Irl-ALM-081)
9 Johan Van Summeren (Bel-GRM-058)
10 Denis Menchov (Rus-RAB-191)
11 Bradley Wiggins (GBr-SKY-031)
12 Roman Kreuziger (Cze-LIQ-044)
13 Luis-Leon Sanchez (Esp-GCE-161)
14 Lance Armstrong (USA-RSH-021)
15 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe-SKY-037)
16 Rafael Valls Ferri (Esp-FTS-219)
17 Levi Leipheimer (USA-RSH-025)
18 Juan Manuel Garate (Esp-RAB-194)
19 Janez Brajkovic (Slo-RSH-022)
20 Michael Rogers (Aus-THR-118)

43 Jérôme Pineau (Fra-QST- 135 ) [Polka Dot – 44 points] [Red numbers]
94 Thor Hushovd (Nor-CTT-095) [Green -118 points]

31 Geraint Thomas (GBr-SKY-039)
58 Fabian Cancellara (Sui-SAX-013)
73 David Millar (GBr-GRM-057)
98 Robbie McEwen (Aus-KAT-075)

Astana ( 001-009 ) [Yellow numbers]

They’ve gone 1,380.4 kilometers [857.7 miles] at an average speed of 41.8 kph [26.0 mph].

Montargis – Gueugnon

Distance: 227.5 kilometers.

This is longest stage in the Tour, and Mark Cavendish’s second stage win in row, which has moved him up from 107^th to …. 107^th place. Last year Mark won six stages, more than anyone else, and ended in 131^st place. In contrast, Fabian Cancellara, won the 8.9 kilometer Prologue, and has finished in the top 10 only once since, but was only out of the yellow jersey for one stage.

1 Fabian Cancellara (Sui-SAX- 013 ) [Yellow]
2 Geraint Thomas (GBr-SKY-039) [White]
3 Cadel Evans (Aus-BMC-121)
4 Ryder Hesjedal (Can-GRM-054)
5 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra-QST-131)
6 Andy Schleck (Lux-SAX- 011 )
7 Thor Hushovd (Nor-CTT-095) [Green -118 points]
8 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz-AST-009)
9 Alberto Contador (Esp-AST-001)
10 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel-SIL-101)
11 Nicolas Roche (Irl-ALM-081)
12 Johan Van Summeren (Bel-GRM-058)
13 Denis Menchov (Rus-RAB-191)
14 Bradley Wiggins (GBr-SKY-031)
15 David Millar (GBr-GRM-057)
16 Roman Kreuziger (Cze-LIQ-044)
17 Luis-Leon Sanchez (Esp-GCE-161)
18 Lance Armstrong (USA-RSH-021)
19 Jose Joaquin Rojas (Esp-GCE-169)
20 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe-SKY-037)

82 Jérôme Pineau (Fra-QST-135) [Polka Dot – 13 points]
107 Mark Cavendish (GBr-THR-111) – stage winner
145 Mathieu Perget (Fra-GCE- 167 ) [Red numbers]

Saxo Bank ( 011-019 ) [Yellow numbers]

They’ve gone 1,214.9 kilometers [754.9 miles] at an average speed of 42.4 kph [26.4 mph].

It’s the Jura foothills tomorrow, and the Alps after that, as the sprinters are replaced by the climbers.

Epernay – Montargis

Distance: 187.5 kilometers.

The sprinters got a workout on this run through champagne country, but the same people are still wearing the jerseys, and Saxo Bank still has yellow numbers.

1 Fabian Cancellara (Sui-SAX-013) [Yellow]
2 Geraint Thomas (GBr-SKY-039) [White]
3 Cadel Evans (Aus-BMC-121)
4 Ryder Hesjedal (Can-GRM-054)
5 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra-QST-131)
6 Andy Schleck (Lux-SAX-011)
7 Thor Hushovd (Nor-CTT-095) [Green -102 points]
8 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz-AST-009)
9 Alberto Contador (Esp-AST-001)
10 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel-SIL-101)
11 Nicolas Roche (Irl-ALM-081)
12 Johan Van Summeren (Bel-GRM-058)
13 Denis Menchov (Rus-RAB-191)
14 Bradley Wiggins (GBr-SKY-031)
15 David Millar (GBr-GRM-057)
16 Roman Kreuziger (Cze-LIQ-044)
17 Luis-Leon Sanchez (Esp-GCE-161)
18 Lance Armstrong (USA-RSH-021)
19 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe-SKY-037)
20 Jose Joaquin Rojas (Esp-GCE-169)

83 Jérôme Pineau (Fra-QST-135) [Polka Dot – 13 points]

49 José Ivan Gutierrez (Esp-GCE-164) [Red numbers]

They’ve gone 987.4 kilometers [613.5 miles] at an average speed of 42.9 kph [26.7 mph]. The averages are down a bit as those sprints require recovery.

Cambrai – Reims

Distance: 153.5 kilometers.

Team managers and senior riders obviously decided that today would be a time to take it easy after surviving the cobblestones because there were no changes in much of anything including jerseys, although from the looks of pictures from yesterday, a number of people are wearing new helmets, and no few bandages.

1 Fabian Cancellara (Sui-SAX-013) [Yellow]
2 Geraint Thomas (GBr-SKY-039) [White]
3 Cadel Evans (Aus-BMC-121)
4 Ryder Hesjedal (Can-GRM-054)
5 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra-QST-131)
6 Andy Schleck (Lux-SAX-011)
7 Thor Hushovd (Nor-CTT-095) [Green – 80 points]
8 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz-AST-009)
9 Alberto Contador (Esp-AST-001)
10 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel-SIL-101)
11 Nicolas Roche (Irl-ALM-081)
12 Johan Van Summeren (Bel-GRM-058)
13 Denis Menchov (Rus-RAB-191)
14 Bradley Wiggins (GBr-SKY-031)
15 David Millar (GBr-GRM-057)
16 Roman Kreuziger (Cze-LIQ-044)
17 Luis-Leon Sanchez (Esp-GCE-161)
18 Lance Armstrong (USA-RSH-021)
19 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe-SKY-037)
20 Jose Joaquin Rojas (Esp-GCE-169)

83 Jérôme Pineau (Fra-QST-135) [Polka Dot – 13 points]
156 Dimitri Champion (Fra-ALM-083) [Red numbers]
Saxo Bank has the yellow numbers

So far the Tour has traveled 799.9 kilometers [497.0 miles] at an average speed of 43.3 kph [26.9 mph]. Only 35 minutes, 32 seconds separate the first rider to the last, and Rojas is only 2 minutes, 35 seconds behind Cancellara.

Wanze – Arenberg Porte du Hainaut

Distance: 213 kilometers.

Four fewer riders and a change of all jerseys except the Polka Dot, in a stage designed by dentists, proctologists, orthopedists, and the makers of tires – there were cobblestones. Lance Armstrong already said he would be taking no chances on this stage, as he has been attacked by cobblestones before.

1 Fabian Cancellara (Sui-SAX-013) [Yellow]
2 Geraint Thomas (GBr-SKY-039) [White]
3 Cadel Evans (Aus-BMC-121)
4 Ryder Hesjedal (Can-GRM-054) [Red numbers]
5 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra-QST-131)
6 Andy Schleck (Lux-SAX-011)
7 Thor Hushovd (Nor-CTT-095) [Green – 63 points]
8 Alexandre Vinokourov (Kaz-AST-009)
9 Alberto Contador (Esp-AST-001)
10 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel-SIL-101)
11 Nicolas Roche (Irl-ALM-081)
12 Johan Van Summeren (Bel-GRM-058)
13 Denis Menchov (Rus-RAB-191)
14 Bradley Wiggins (GBr-SKY-031)
15 David Millar (GBr-GRM-057)
16 Roman Kreuziger (Cze-LIQ-044)
17 Luis-Leon Sanchez (Esp-GCE-161)
18 Lance Armstrong (USA-RSH-021)
19 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe-SKY-037)
20 Jose Joaquin Rojas (Esp-GCE-169)

83 Jérôme Pineau (Fra-QST-135) [Polka Dot – 13 points]

Half of Luxembourg’s Tour effort is out, as Andy Schleck’s brother, Frank, had to withdraw, but Canada, Australia, and Ireland are moving up to the big time with 3 Brits.

Update: The orthopedists got Frank Schleck – broken collarbone from the cobblestones – while Lance lost a tire.

The race started on 3 July in Rotterdam and will finish on 25 July in Paris, so I thought I should explain some of what I’ll be ranting about.

The cartoon characters from my header are wearing the various colored jerseys that indicate the leader in the different classifications in the race.

The Maillot Jaune, Yellow Jersey is worn by the rider with the lowest time overall in the race. The eventual winner of the race may never have come in first in any stage, but was near the lead throughout the race and achieved the lowest time over the entire course of the event. The winner is normally an “all-arounder”, someone is very good at the sprints and the hill climbing, even if they aren’t the best. Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, and Fabian Cancellara are “all-arouders”, showing up on the lists of the sprinters and the climbers, while staying in the top ten for overall time.

The Maillot Vert, Green Jersey, is for the speed demons, the sprinters. The guys who hit the highest gears on the bike. They are the flat-out, flat land fliers, reaching suicidal speeds. They win points for sprints on certain portions of the course. Sylvain Chavanel currently has 44 points after today, while Alessandro Petacchi has 35. The top sprinters tend to be found in the back of the overall times, Petacchi slipped from 38 yesterday to 157 today. There were some hills on the course today, and good sprinters tend to be lousy climbers.

The Maillot À Pois, Polka Dot Jersey, is for the climbers. The hills on the course are assigned levels of difficulty, and points are assigned based on finishing order at the top. The hills weren’t that tough today, so Jérôme Pineau won the initial jersey with 13 points over Chavanel’s 8. Once the course reaches the mountains in the South, the points really start to climb and hills of Ardennes will be forgotten. The best climbers are those that high strength to weight ratios. These are the guys who are comfortable in the low gears, but manage to be one gear higher than everyone else.

The Maillot Blanc, White Jersey, is the Yellow Jersey for young riders. To be eligible you can’t have reached your 26^th birthday on 1 January of this year. Tony Martin will be wearing it until the climbing starts, and then Andy Schleck will probably take it for the third time.

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