14 July is a national holiday in France, the anniversary of the French revolution in 1789. As well as a Soviet-era military parade up in Paris – I think only North Korea still does on of these – it also means massive pressure on French riders to win the day’s stage. Many people have the … Read more
Le Roi est mort! Vive le Roi de la Montagne! Appropriately enough for 14 of July – Bastille Day – we’re seeing the mountain royalty denied the crown of King of the Mountains, instead so far the jersey is being contested by flatland peasants. Here’s the top-10 in the standings after Stage 9:1 Anthony Charteau … Read more
I really feel for Cadel Evans. Six kilometres into the first mountain stage and an innocuous crash fractures his elbow. He struggles on, collects the yellow jersey in Avoriaz but the following day on the Col de la Madeleine the injury’s too much and he has to surrender the race lead. If it wasn’t for … Read more
It seems German electronics manufacturer Siemens will be the replacement sponsor for Saxo Bank. The company will join US IT services company Sungard. EDIT, 11pm Euro time – some questions as to where I’ve got this information from. Well it was mentioned during the TV coverage of today’s stage by France Télévision‘s main cycling commentator … Read more
Tick, tick, tick… that’s the sound ringing inside some teams right now. Time is already running out for some squads to take a coveted stage win. With the race well under way, the glory has been monopolised by four teams so far: Lampre: two stages (Petacchi)HTC-Columbia: two stages (Cavendish)Saxo Bank: two stages (Cancellara, Schleck)Quick Step: … Read more
I think it started last year but it’s back for 2010: the Livestrong foundation is painting the roads of France with various message. Using a giant version of an inkjet printer, a “paintjet” if you like, “people from everywhere can spread messages of hope and cancer survival to an entire world, on the streets” according … Read more
A reader who’s part of the Tour entourage has been in touch with the following information about the rest day. No rest: the town is heaving with tourists, I suspect riders wanting a quiet day will be holed up in their hotel rooms. The festival of local produce, the band music and the big crowds … Read more
Whilst the tar was melting, sun irradiating the riders and the race hotted up, revenge was on the mind of several riders. I attacked first and he beat me for the gold medal in Beijing. This is revenge. So said Andy Schleck after beating Samuel Sanchez for the stage win. Also when several riders hit … Read more
Oh the irony! For years the first mountain stage was the stage where Lance Armstrong killed the Tour de France. A summit finish would often see him gain control of the race. First his team would shrink the bunch, then one or two lieutenants would select the pace for a select group and then we’d … Read more
OK, this is only for French readers but having panned TV commentator Thierry Adam, I’m willing to eat my words and praise him. The France Télévisions broadcaster has really upped his game. Whether it’s memory or notes, he’s now able to cite past winners and supply anecdotes. Thankfully, for multiple reasons, Laurent Fignon is often … Read more