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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@Ron
Outside of the bibs, I'm not seeing too many violations.
On another note, Levi just needs to hang it up. Pretty sad showing from the Eggtimer.
I'm already feeling a TDF hangover creeping on and we are not even to Paris. Have to admit, today was a flagrant Rule 62 violation during my AM ride. I had to have the live stream going in one ear as I rode my favorite climb. It gets you pretty pumped hearing Phil and Paul shouting out the time gaps for Cadel and Andy. What a way to start my Saturday.
Now, time to turn Netflix, settle in with a cold Fosters and wach a little Crocodile Dundee. May have to even throw a few shrimp on the bbq later just to celebrate. (Am I missing any stereotypes?)
Thank you Alpin!
Amazing pictures - and what great luck to be able to be there to take them!
For the record, Pierre Rolland will end France's TdF drought. Not next year, but he looks to have what it takes to be the first Frenchman since Hinault to win the home tour.
Tweet from the ET says his "bad luck continued today." Did he crash, mechanical? Or just suck?
Sorry for the quality ! Most photos are mostly bluuuury ( my old Pentax isn' TT compliant ..at 40km/h , it just stops going... it does like myself and stay in foetal position , detached from reality, ignoring the fact that i suck on the flat).. a french-japanese guy next to me was really doing amazing "professionnal" shots with proper gear..well, i do what i can !
However, it was really nice to be there !!!!
Quel beau tour, n'est-ce pas?
I need a cigarette and a nap after watching that. Damn good job Cadel.
@alpin - Thanks for the pics. Lucky you to be there.