Insert foot in mouth. In the high mountains of the Tour de France yesterday, the GC saw a major shake up as some top contenders faded away from the overall fight while other underdogs were able to put on impressive displays of strength. And none of those underdogs were a bigger surprise than Christian Vande Velde of the Garmin-Chipotle team. The American stayed with the world's best on the steep climb up to Hautacam, showing that his form is good enough for a run at the podium.
Many pundits (including this one) didn't think that Vande Velde would be able to keep pace in stage ten, but he was able to stay with the new race leader Cadel Evans, and now sits in third a scant 38 seconds off the leading time. The Tour is far from over, but it is looking increasingly likely that Vande Velde can go top ten . . . or higher . . . as long as his form holds.
In the battle for the overall title, it was Cadel Evans who rode tempo to limit his losses to a rampaging Frank Schleck. Schleck, climbing ahead of the chasing group by himself, was able to take almost two minutes out of his competitors, and is now in second place only one second behind Evans. With more solid performances in the mountains, Schleck will be in with a chance at the overall title. He will need a cushion in the long time trial though, as both Evans and Menchov are excellent time trialists.
Some of the pre-race favorites for the Tour saw thier GC hopes dissappear, as Stijn Devolder, Damiano Cunego and Alejandro Valverde all lost significant time on the day. Devolder was the worst off of the three, losing a staggering 14:38 on the stage. Cunego and Valverde meanwhile conceded just under six minutes, effectively ending their chances for an overall victory. At this point, it is really a six man race for the overall, between, Evans, Schleck, Menchov, Sastre, Vande Velde, and Kirchin.
After a rest day today, the second half of the Tour continues with a 165 kilometer run from Lannemezan to Foix. The field will pass over the catagory 1 Col de Portel, providing yet another look at the form of the overall contenders. The top GC threats will rest today with an eye on the second half of the Tour, as each pursues the most coveted title in all of cycling.
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2 comments:
Nice to see you admit ur wrong. I hope CVDV goes high and would be over the moon if he got GC, but one thing bugs me. In post stage 10 interviews Christian was kicking himself for not going when he had the chance, instead playing it safe back with Evans and Menchov. As i said to my wife over dinner, can u imagine Lance ever saying that? He'd have gone and not thought twice. Im worried all those years of domestique have blunted VDV's killer instinct.
So happy you've gotten caught up Briggs! So smiling!
Anon (above)...
C attacked on an earlier stage so he has the instinct. Sadly we all 2nd guess in the moment decisions. New role will come with learning curve but he's doing great and right there! Go C!
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