Another exciting stage today. One major blunder by Contador dropped Andreas Kloden to 5th place. His attack on the final climb may have cost Andreas a podium finish. Lance showed he is a true team player by staying back to watch Bradley Wiggins. Once Wiggins was isolated Lance took off in an attempt to make up his lost time, but never got under the 2:00 min. deficit.
Tomorrows time trial will change the leader board again. Lance and Andreas should get their positions back, but this has been a weird tour and anything can happen.
Good news today was the condition of Jens Voigt. In a pre-race interview, team manager Bjarne Riis let us all know that Jens is OK.
Prediction for stage 18:
If his legs survived todays climbs, nobody will catch Fabian Cancellara. The real race will between Contador, Armstrong, and Kloden for time gains. All three will be able to push the Schleck brothers out of the top 3. However, Andy Schleck had a good opening day time trial finishing only 1 minute behind the leader and only :20 sec behind Armstrong.
Will be interesting. Great set up stage before Saturday's assault on Mont Ventoux.
EDIT: I think I should answer a few questions I received from friends about the blog.
Some would like the standings posted in the mornig right after the race instead of later in the evening (very late, sometimes). Usually, the stage finishes about the same time I am jumping into a shower and getting ready for my day job at the USPS. Results are yet to be posted on line and I have very little time to write anything. When I return home from work, I edit my post and add the standings.
Also, I was reminded in a comment that I left out any mention on Thor's ride today!
Thor did what he had to do to quiet the critics that accused him of winning the green jersey because of the Mark Cavendish issue. Congrat's to Thor Hushovd, the critics are now quiet, the ride was brilliant.
Results of 17th stage:
1. Frank Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, 4:53:54
2. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, same time (same time)
3. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, (same time)
4. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +2:18 minutes behind
5. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +2:18
6. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +2:27
7. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR)n, Garmin-Slipstream, +3:07
8. Christophe Moreau, (FRA), Agritubel, +4:09
9. Christian Vande Velde, (USA), Garmin Slipstream,+4:09
10. Remi Pauriol, (FRA), Cofidis, +6:10
Overall standings after 17 stages:
1. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, 72:27:09
2. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +2:26 minutes behind
3. Frank Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +3:25
4. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +3:55
5. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +4:44
6. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +4:53
7. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +5:09
8. Christian Vande Velde, (USA), Garmin Slipstream, +8:08
9. Christophe le Mevel, (FRA), FDJeux, +9:19
10. Mikel Astarloza, (ESP), Euskaltel-Euskadi, +10:50
Time Trialling Inspiration Courtesy of Cancellara
8 months ago
3 comments:
Quick question: what does the green "S" mean on the stage topography maps? It seems to reference hills... But anything else?
I've been somewhat of a quiet reader here and have enjoyed ur blog:)
But howcome u didnt comment on Thors amazing riding on this stage? This man just keeps on impressing me n proves that he is infact a deserving winner! Any thoughts?:P
RTS: The Green "S" on the topography maps indicates areas were sprint points are awarded to the first 3 riders over that point.
Anonymous: great point. Thor is one of my favorite riders, a class act,
and I should have mentioned that ride. My apology.
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