Reach for your recovery drink of choice, grab a little massage if you can, load up on carbs tonight, and get ready for the ultimate showdown for final Tour glory tomorrow to be contested in 41 kilometers contra la montre. I’m talking about the fans, not the riders, obviously. Because these last two days have nearly killed us.
This is anyone’s time trial. At 41km, it’s just long enough for Cadel to pull one out, and it’s just short and hilly enough for Andy to retain enough of his lead. Sure, Evans will certainly beat the Grimplette, but by how much? In last year’s final ITT, Andy almost pulled out the upset, until the wind kicked up and the youngster’s sit up and beg TT position had him more sail that sailor. It’s hilly enough to give the climbers a chance of staying in it, and the long descent to the finish will play to the fastmen against the clock.
Will his new Maillot Juane play Redbull to Andy and give him wings? Or will the scent of Yellow drag the Cadelamonster to his prize? Both Andy and Cadel know what it’s like to stand on the second step of the podium. Neither wants to stand there again. And both riders are different men than they were the last time it happened. Both have been hardened by the bitter taste of defeat that lingers long on the tongue.
I, for one, can hardly take it any more. Vive le Tour.
You know the drill, get your picks in by 5am Pacific tomorrow morning. Good luck.
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Awesome for Cuddles!!
Dear Schleckles,
Facebook friend this site, read the Rules, and ride with Spartacus everyday!
Wow - how good was he?!? Aldo Sassi told him years ago that 10/11 was his peak. I didn't believe in him after last year. But he did it. So pleased for him.
@Ron Love you pal -but Canterbury is a Kiwi company!
Good on Cadel, man. He doesn't look like he believes it.
Did I just hear that Oz is thinking of making this a national holiday? Really?
Those tears are made of pure V. Good on ya', CADEL!!
@Leroy
Stop being so silly!
Sorry 'bout that. I couldn't think of the make of shorts the Aussie blokes prefer. A lot more Canterbury stuff in NZed than over there on that big island to the left.
Thanks for the correction, Marcus & harminator.
Nice win, Cadel! Enjoy the celebration all you Aussies!
And @Sgt takes the Le Tour VSP. Rockin' race, incredible TT by Evans, who rode a perfect Tour from start to finish. Amazing that he was as strong on day one as the second last. Un be fuckin' leivable.
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I've never heard the Aussie national anthem. Is it played by beating rocks on dingo heads?
Just woke up at 3am to watch, and missed Cadel's ride! But AWESOME!
Congrats to a deserving winner, and a great battle from the Swivels over the 3 weeks, and Tommy 5! Amazing Tour...
Chapeau, Cadel! Congratulations, Australia!