The entire peloton apparently decided that today was not the day to make a move. All of the yellow jersey contenders were happy to sit behind AG2R and allow them to set the pace. That was surprising for a mountain stage, but today’s route was apparently designed to encourage the riders to cruise, rather than try to open up gaps.
Now the Tour climbs down out of the mountains, takes a day off, and then has flat stages most of next week. A week from today starts the Alps, where we’ll find out who really wants to win the yellow jersey.
Until then, the sprinters will take center stage again, as the overall contenders try not to lose time to each other.
As for Astana, their internecine drama was moved to the back burner today, but look for it to resume in the first Alpine stage (or earlier, if Nocentini drops 6 seconds and Contador gets yellow).
I’m a little concerned for Andy Schleck, who is one of my favorites. He’s less than 2 minutes down on Armstrong and Contador, but I’m not sure he’s going to be able to get any time off them. He’ll have to ride very strongly in the Alps to have a chance, but this increasingly looks like a 2 man race.
Rider of the Day
Rinaldo Nocentini really impressed me today. It was not an easy stage at all, but he and his teammates shouldered the responsibilities of the yellow jersey and set the pace for the peloton. Nocentini was visible at the front of the pack all day, which is not an easy task for a non-climber. He certainly proved himself worthy of wearing the maillot jaune, and now he’s probably earned himself another few days in it.
The Alps seem to capture the imagination of most cycling fans, but for me the Pyrenees are always more interesting. The climbs seem steeper, the fans more passionate, and the mountains are just harsher. As the Tour leaves the mountain range behind, I'll miss it until next year.
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