As predicted Team Radio Shack got a rider in the breakaway, Sergio Paulinho, and managed to pull out their first stage win. Paulinho narrowly edged out Vasili Kiryienka, Caisse d’Epargne, at the line. Both riders were part of a 6-man breakaway that included 2 French riders who both hoped to bring home a stage win on Bastille Day. Fortunately for Team Radio Shack, they were unsuccessful – besides the French almost never win on Bastille Day!
Team Radio Shack very much needed the win – in what has been a very disappointing Tour thus far. Part of that is obviously Lance Armstrong losing any chance for a place on the podium in Paris. Much of it has to do with the overall performance of the Team. Coming in to the Tour Team Radio Shack was thought to be “scary strong". That along with Johan Bruyneel, arguably the best tactician in professional bike racing today, made them look hard to beat.
Goals have changed for Radio Shack as a result of Armstrong slipping out of contention. Goals now are for stage wins, the team classification and if they get lucky, 3rd place for Levi Leipheimer who currently sits in 6th overall.
Otherwise, it was a normal day in the peloton at the Tour de France. There was a crash – this one involving 4 riders. All were able to remount and return to the race. The team of the yellow jersey, Saxo Bank, controlled the race sitting on the front protecting Andy Schleck. Alberto Contador, 2nd place to Schleck, stayed in the front as well with his teammates. Armstrong rode in the front, as did Leipheimer. Although there was a category 1 climb, there was no splitting in the peloton because Saxo Bank maintained a very moderate tempo. There were a lot of tired legs and bodies today and the peloton raced accordingly.
Stage 11
Tomorrow’s stage is a day for the sprinters and a race for points in the Green jersey chase. Look for the breakaway to be caught before the finish. It has been several days since a true sprint finish and the sprinters will not be denied.
I happened across your blog while researching the KATY trail. I’ll be a regular if you don’t mind.
p.s. I recently read “The Book Thief”. Wasn’t that a wonderful book?
Hi, Midnight, Thanks for reading and following! As you can see I’m crazy about biking and the Tour. Glad to have you here.
Yes, “The Book Thief” was wonderful, best book I’ve read in some time. Currently reading Bill Strickland’s book on Lance, “Tour de Lance”. Easy reader and timely with the Tour going on.