[Baynative]

I think Contador got a little mental damage today when Andy just sat on his wheel during all the attacks. It was like he was telling him that he hasn't got what it takes to break him on a climb but, he left him wondering what he might have in his arsenal to open up with when the time is right.

I would bet that Schleck is planning on an attack where he can drop Contador early and then take a lot of time out of him. My guess is he will have to do it by himself because setting up such a move with a companion gives the rival some protection and some warning.

[Baynative]

SUNDAY!

Medium mountains - A sporting perspective JEAN-FRANÇOIS PESCHEUX’S ANALYSIS :
Made to measure for a strong man

“This is a long stage with a very up-and-down profile particularly as it features the Pas de Peyrol and the first-ever ascent of the Col de Perthus. Except for the opening 50km, it’s just climbs and descents all of the way. It’s a real leg-breaker. And if the action really takes off then there certainly won’t be 100 riders coming in together to contest the finish. It’s the kind of stage that should suit Sylvain Chavanel. Last year he won the stage at Les Rousses in the Jura when there were numerous attacks. On this stage, a group containing one of the race’s strong guys could get clear, which could in turn set off any number of counter-attacks, especially as a stage like this is never easy to control.”

Now it starts to get interesting.

[luv2ski]

I just watched a video of the polka dot jersey presentation today. (The live coverage ran out before they could do it b/c Hoogerland was so banged up.) It is just heart breaking. He took out a fence post in the fall which also nearly tore his pants completely off. That is in addition to having barbed wire tearing at his skin.
He is very emotional during the presentation of the polka dot and most aggressive rider awards. In fact he is overcome and starts to cry. I feel so badly for him and Fletcha. They were completely innocent victims of that idiot driving the TV car.
Here’s the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJarentZE2g