TDF stage 13

woah!!!! what a day, that was incredible to watch, so much happened! Not too much of a surprise it was Lance and Basso again, but Hamilton withdraws and Ullrich cracks huge again. Poor Tyler, I was really hoping to see that guy do well, guess there's always next year. So stoked to see Lance win, and Voekler still hang on to the Maillot Jaune for a few more days now, what a ride! I think it's great that Mayo and Heras are sucking it up after talking so much shit in the early season. Stage 16 is going to be the next big one to see, Alp D'huez baby!

Today's stage was unbelievable, definitely sorry to see Tyler bow out. I'm curious to see what caused him to drop out.

Amazing to see Voekcler hang on to the Jersey for another day or so.

Two incredible days of racing. It's great that there is someone going at it with Lance. It's amazing that these riders like Hamilton, Ulrich and Heras that were supposed to be the main contenders have fallen apart. Too bad for Tyler, he gets banged up too easily, it seems like that he might not ever make to the Tour podim. Basso is in there tight, I don't know what his time trial abilities are, but it should be a great last week of the Tour.

I got the chills when Lance burst across the line today, the 32oz of coffee I pounded probably added to the excitement. Basso was looking a little worn at the end, he seemed to give Lance a nice leadout befor the land. Also great riding by Voekler, he stepped it up at the end to hold onto the yellow.

GC:


1 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Brioches La Boulangère 58.00.27
2 Lance Armstrong (USA) US Postal p/b Berry Floor 0.22
3 Ivan Basso (Ita) Team CSC 1.39
4 Andreas Klöden (Ger) T-Mobile Team 3.18
5 Francisco Mancebo Pérez (Spa) Illes Balears - Banesto 3.28
6 Georg Totschnig (Aut) Gerolsteiner 6.08
7 Jose Azevedo (Por) US Postal p/b Berry Floor 6.43
8 Jan Ullrich (Ger) T-Mobile Team 7.01
9 Pietro Caucchioli (Ita) Alessio-Bianchi 7.59
10 Sandy Casar (Fra) Fdjeux.com 8.29

Hamilton said his back was screwed. He took off his jersey to climb in the team car and there are some pretty serious bruises/scrapes. His back has been tight because of it and he can't move to pedal properly. That was his line at least.

I'm sure Basso will time trial just fine on the L'alpe du huez. I expect it'll be 1-2 for him and Lance again with the edge going to Lance. On the final flat time trial I'm sure Lance will crush him (Basso) but I bet Ullrich wins that one just to re gain some pride.

It would be interesting to see what Lance could do if he had to go it alone. He's getting unbelieveable support from the blue train. First they crack the whole field before they let him loose to duke it out with one remaining rival (Basso).

Quote:

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Originally posted by L7
... but I bet Ullrich wins that one just to re gain some pride.

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no way! i don't think he's got it in him this year. 7 minutes back already, he's crushed.

I like Tap's post. :)

The only way Jan would win the L'alpe du Huez TT is if they steam-rolled the mountain flat. :D

Quote:

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Roberto Heras ... crashed on the descent from the Col de la Core. Though he got back into the lead group, he was later dropped on the Col d'Agnes and finished the stage over 21 minutes behind.

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I didn't know that Heras had crashed.

Go Lance!

Once again, an amazing day of racing. Pretty much summed up in all the above posts. And yes Lance looks strong. Almost unreal, but he does have the blue train as mentioned above.

This week will be nice. Can't wait till Friday (edit: I mean Sunday, bad calculations on my part) to see the champ.

Don't forget that lance wouldn't have the blue train if he wasn't the best. the best riders always get the best support, but they have to earn it.
I'm not sure if i was more excited for lance crushing everyone or voelkler hanging on to the lead. amazing racing:D

Voekler did hang on by his teeth, which was nice on his part. But Lance showed us what the tour was all about and how teams make the winner, not the individual.

I really want to go to France and ride and eat and drink.