The Handsome Man with Athletic Thighs
Running In Circles
 
Monday, July 3rd

Course: Firecracker 5000 (pending)
Distance: 5K
Time: I'll let you know (or not)

Comments: I'm leaving in a few minutes to run a midnight 5k downtown, but before I do, it's Tour de France time.

Today's stage unfolded exactly as I expected, although Matthias Kessler gave me a scare. I thought he was going to hold them off even though I could see his legs buckling in the last kilometer. In the end, however, the sprinters prevailed. McEwen didn't get corked up this time and came through for the victory. My prediction was correct.

Now, on to my prediction for tomorrow's stage. I think Valverde will take it. He'll blast up the Cauberg, put a good chunk of time into the sprinters, and easily fend off anyone who can stay with him on the climb during the final sprint. However, the finish up the Cauberg is exactly the same as in the Amstel Gold. Frank Schleck won there, and he could repeat his success if Valverde hangs back.
 
Sometimes I feel like I'm breathing underwater.