Tour de France *** 2011 *** [LIVE THREAD]

Various ^ | July 2, 2011 | Various

[Baynative]

30% on the flats is a given. Into a wind it’s even more value. On an incline it’s less physically, but no less important.

[Baynative]

If this all comes back together D-Huez is going to be a massacre.

[Mr. Blonde]

Just hoping Andy has enough left in the tank. Doesn’t seem to be in too much trouble yet. Getting back with Frank should definitely help.

[Baynative]

Will Sanchez help Contador?

Will Evans be strong in the switchbacks?

Will AC or Andy be able the break it all up?

I have a feeling it might be those two all alone at the top.

[luv2ski]

Which 2? Andy and AC? I predict that Frank will ride a strong Alpes D’Huez. He is just cruising right now- not working at all.

[Mr. Blonde]

It is well established that no one can truly climb with AC and AS when they go full bore. But I don’t know if they have expended too much so far. If not, it will be just the two of them, and a bunch of pained confused faces down the mountain.

[Baynative]

With Evans catching the group and Frank coming with him there is only one hope for Contador; that is to attack and keep the cadence up to break them all. Lance won on D-Huez by 7 minutes.

AC has to try it. It's all or nothing today. This is the end of his tour.

[Todd Kinsey]

I thought the same thing yesterday when Schleck made his move. Can you say blood transfusion?

[Baynative]

The test kits are all lined up in the medical van today!

[green iguana]

There goes Evans!

Oops... pulled back. There goes Contador!

You wearing a hole in your carpet yet?

[Wyatt's Torch]

16:18:48 BST

Frank Schleck is back with Sanchez and Cunego. Sanchez is setting the pace, but we’re still a long way from the finish, anything can still happen and Contador drops Rolland at last.

The Spaniard stamps on the pedals again, one look back, and he’s gone. Evans and Andy Schleck dont need to worry about Contador just yet, he’s almost 5 minutes down on GC.

[Baynative]

I’m sorry to see Voekler gone. He has shown a lot of heart.

[Wyatt's Torch]

16:26:45 BST

And Velits jumps off the front of the favourites’ group, and Sanchez goes after him.

The Schlecks need to test Evans more than they are. They can’t afford to wait for the TT.

[Baynative]

Lucky for me I have hardwood floors!

[Todd Kinsey]

I’m wondering if Cadel can take a minute on Schleck in the TT? This last week has been amazing.

[Wyatt's Torch]

He has but you knew it was coming. The only question was when. He did a great job holding on yesterday. He’s had a great Tour.

[Baynative]

8.5 K to go - Contador has one minute on them he’s going out of sight. They need to be able to see him. I expect something from Evans soon.

[Mom MD]

Help! Im stuck up in the mountains of NM with lousy internet coverage and no tv coverage. Whats going on??????

[Baynative]

All hell is breaaking loose in the last 3 k.

Contador is almost caught and Evans is attacking from the chase group.

Cunego is attacking the group. Sammy Sanchez is catching Contador but Pierre Rolland has gone in an effort to win a stage for France.

[Baynative]

The tour will not be decided today. OH MY!