The Handsome Man with Athletic Thighs
Running In Circles |
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Thursday, July 19th I correctly predicted the stage winner, but things didn't go down like I expected. I figured I'd see a small break, a catch with about 10K to go, and a solid bunch sprint. Not even close. And the reason was Vinokourev. That guy's a monster. He called up his team to break apart the peloton when the wind changed. Then, with 4K to go, Vino attacked from the front. He didn't stay clear, but I had to admire his audacity. It's no wonder he's a fan favorite, even if he's no longer a race favorite (although today's stage probably made some people go, "hmm, I wonder"). The echelons Astana established worked to blow open the race, although Moreau was the only G.C. contender who suffered. The biggest victim could have been Erik Zabel in the Green Jersey race, because Tom Boonen made the split and he didn't. Things mostly worked out for the German sprinter, though, as Tornado Tom got hung up behind a crash in the last few hundred meters and scored no points. Robbie Hunter, besides winning the stage, made up a lot of ground to make the Green Jersey race really interesting. He's now slightly ahead of Zabel and just a bit behind Boonen. He's also now the first ever rider from Africa to win a Tour stage. Not too shabby for a guy on a wildcard team. Poor Old Freddie Rodriguez crashed again. That guy always seems to run into bad luck when the cards seem stacked in his favor. Tomorrow's Stage: Stage 12 - Montpellier - Castres (178.5km) This stage is as unpredictable as they get. There's a pretty big climb near the end, which should break up the peloton and prevent a bunch sprint; however, there's a long descent to the finish line, so it will be hard for a single rider or a small group to stay clear. Since I have no definite favorite based on logic, I'm going to pick one based on hope: George Hincapie. I know he wants to win a stage, and this is the last one that really fits his style. I think Discovery Channel would rather have him working to protect Contador and Leipheimer, but if he gets in the right break, he'll get the green light to try for the win. Go George! |
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Sometimes I feel like I'm breathing underwater.