It's Coming Together!

The following article from the Krakow Post is written by Daniel Van Hoven.

Lance Armstrong Forms Team RadioShack
Daniël van Hoven | 28th July 2009

Role rumoured for Polish champion Marcin Sapa

The Tour de France 2009 is over and Alberto Contador has won with a dominant performance. After two out of three weeks into the Tour, attention therefore was shifted from the results in the race, to the rivalry between the young master Contador and the returning Tour de France legend, Lance Armstrong. Contador called Armstrong "completely incompatible" to work together with, bouncing a Twitter remark by Armstrong in which he called Contador talented, but with "lots to learn".

Armstrong (38) returned after not being present in the peloton for almost three years. But immediately he clashed with the new master of the grand Tours, Contador (26), who happened to be his teammate in the Astana formation. And so, after being defeated, feeling imprisoned within team tactics and being tired of the constant tensions within the team, Armstrong decided to form his own team: Team RadioShack. Alberto Contador is likely to join a Spanish formation, of which Caisse d’Erpagne is the favourite. That team took the Tour de France in 2006, with Oscar Perreiro Sio finishing in the yellow jersey in Paris.

It is likely that Armstrong will take along his faithful followers, such as team managers Johan Bruyneel (BEL) and Dirk Demol (BEL) and long time teammates Levi Leipheimer (USA), Yaroslav Popovich (UKR) and Andreas Klöden (GER), who finished sixth in the last Tour. Numbers two and five, the Luxembourg brothers Andy and Frenk Schleck, currently racing for Team Saxobank, have been approached to assist Armstrong’s attempt to win the Tour de France for the eighth time next year, but that would mean that they would have to give up their own chances, which significantly reduces the chances of them joining "The Boss", as Armstrong is sometimes referred to.

Other candidates to join the team, to make the team more compatible for the classic one day races in spring and autumn are Stijn Devolder (BEL), Brice Feillu (FRA), Fabian Cancellara (SUI) and Polish champion Marcin Sapa, currently driving for the Italian Lampre formation. The Pole showed his stuff in this year’s Tour de France by escaping in the fifth stage only to be caught just before the finish. Before that, he claimed the Polish elite championship in Złotoryja (Lower Silesia). He’s known to be a very attacking driver, always taking part in long distance escapes whenever possible, especially when there are hills along the way.

Photo: Pole Marcin Sapa prepares to race (Pro-cycling.org) / photo Damian Bujło

Cavendish Wins Sixth.

Nice day for a ride on the Champs Elysees. Fantastic lead out by Team Columbia gave Mark Cavendish his 6th stage victory, but Thor Hushovd stays close enough to win the green jersey.
A good day of celebration for Team Astana, winning the team competition and finishing 1st and 3rd in the overall classification. The white jersey for best young rider under age 25 was won by Andy Schleck who placed 2nd overall and the king of the mountains Polka Dot jersey, easily won by Franco Pellizotti. One can only wonder how the race would have ended had Levi Leipheimer not crashed sustaining a broken wrist that kept him from continuing in the Tour. Now we get ready for next year and Team Radio Shack. This will be a third USA based team in the tour, along with Team Columbia-Highroad and Garmin-Slipstream.


Tour de France 2010 is going to be very interesting. Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador will not be on the same team and Andy Schleck will be a much improved time trialist. There may also be the return of Ivan Basso, Floyd Landis and Vinnie Vinokourov.

Questions that will be answered include, how well will Contador do with a weaker team for support and how well will Armstrong do against Contador? How well will Bruyneel and Lance do putting together a new team? Will they have enough good domestiques to support Lance?
Can Contador deflate his ego enough to be a team player? He has shown his immaturity in this year's tour and that possibly, or should I say probably cost team Astana a 1, 2, 3, sweep.
Time will tell.

Final Standings, Tour de France 2009 (all catagories) ...click here

photograph: Eric Gaillard/reuters

Toughest Stage Does Not Change Standings

Going into this years Tour de France, stage 20 was supposed to decide Sunday's podium.
In a way you can say it did, but in reality the podium was decided after stage 18. Only tactical race in stage 20 was the attempt by the Schleck brothers to put older brother Frank on the podium. Armstrong and Contador did what they had to do to prevent that from happening and keep Lance in 3rd. One can only dream now of what would have played out if Levi was not injured. For sure team Astana would have placed 4 riders in the top 10.
Juan Manuel Garate and Tony Martin did well to stay in the lead the entire stage, with Garate winning his first tour stage. Only jersey now up for grabs is the green points jersey. All Thor Hushovd has to do now is finish in the top 20 tomorrow assuming Cavendish will win the stage.

Prediction for stage 21 on the Champs Elysees: Who else! Mark Cavendish with Thor right behind.

Results of 20th stage:
1. Juan Manuel Garate, (ESP), Rabobank, 04:39:21
2. Tony Martin, (GER), Team Columbia, +:03 seconds behind
3. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +:38
4. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, same time
5. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +:41
6. Frank Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +:43
7. Roman Kreuziger, (CZE), Liquigas, +:46
8. Franco Pellizotti, (ITA), Liquigas, +:56
9. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +:58
10. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +1:03 minutes

Overall standings after 20 stages:
1. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, 81:46:17
2. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +4:11 minutes behind
3. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +5:24
4. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +6:01
5. Frank Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +6:04
6. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +6:42
7. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +7:35
8. Christian Vande Velde, (USA), Garmin Slipstream, +12:04
9. Roman Kreuziger, (CZE), Liquigas, +14:16
10. Christophe le Mevel, (FRA), FDJeux, +14:25

Surprise, Surprise

I never did expect for a sprint finish on stage 19, but it happened. What was a relatively boring race turned into a very exciting finish. Mark Cavendish was not supposed to win this stage. There were too many climbs, a 9km climb near the finish, the finish line was on top of a small incline and he started his sprint too soon. Great job by Team Columbia getting Cavendish to the finish and great job by Thor Hushovd to stay on his wheel and only lose 5 pts in the green jersey race. Had Thor not been there his green jersey would be in jeopardy. Lance was only able to gain :04 sec on Andy Schleck and now remains in 3rd 1 min. 10 secs. behind Andy. Can't wait till tomorrow.

How does this sound: New Team (Radio Shack) managed by Johan Bruyneel with Lance and Levi?

Prediction for stage 20:
I haven't been doing that well predicting the stages this year and this is the most crucial stage of the race. What I'd like to see is Lance attack, crack the Schlecks and get 2nd. Actually I now would like to to see him win, but I doubt that will happen. Andy and brother Frank will do the attacking and will not let Contador out of their sight. Look for Lance to win stage, but time differences won't change the leaders.

Results of 19th stage:
1. Mark Cavendish, (GBR), Team Columbia, 03:50:35
2. Thor Hushovd, (NOR), Cervelo,
3. Gerald Ciolek, (GER), Milram,
4. Greg Avermaet, (BEL), Silence-Lotto,
5. Oscar Freire, (ESP), Rabobank,
6. Jerome Pineau, (FRA), Quick Step,
7. Fumiyuki Beppu, (JPN), Skil-Shimano,
8. Nicolas Roche, (IRE), AG2R,
9. Christophe le Mevel, (FRA), FDJeux,
10. Martijn Maaskant, (NED), Garmin-Slipstream, all same time

Overall standings after 19 stages:
1. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, 77:06:18
2. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +4:11 minutes behind
3. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +5:21
4. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +5:36
5. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +5:38
6. Frank Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +5:59
7. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +7:15
8. Christian Vande Velde, (USA), Garmin Slipstream, +10:08
9. Christophe le Mevel, (FRA), FDJeux, +12:37
10. Mikel Astarloza, (ESP), Euskaltel-Euskadi, +12:38

Lance Back in Third

I was a little disappointed in Lance's TT performance today. I was hoping he would pick up at least one minute on Andy Schleck, but Andy rode his best TT ever and lost only :14 sec to Lance.
Lance did move back to 3rd and holds about an :11 sec lead over Bradley Wiggins. Chances for an Astana sweep after Saturdays stage have now disappeared after Andreas Kloden performance today. I'll have more to say on that issue when the tour ends Sunday.
Best performance of the day has to go to Alberto Contador beating out favorite Fabian Cancellara for the stage victory. Knowing what Alberto can do in the mountains and seeing what he can now do in a TT, Lance's 7 TDF victories are now threatened.
Best news of the day was a news article on Bicycling.com on Johan Bruyneel leaving Team Astana and with Lance Armstrong, forming their own team. We should know all the details before the tour ends. Rumors are starting to float that Nike will be the sponsor.

Prediction for stage 19:
Another tough climb near the end and a long dissent to the finish. The battle will be on the climb. I am now a believer in Andy Schleck and don't believe Lance will be able to catch him for 2nd place in the overall. Contador now has a lot of breathing room and has secured (barring an injury) the yellow jersey. Unless Lance, Wiggins or Kloden do something special there will be no change in the leaders. If all the leaders are ahead over the climb and stay together to the finish it will be between Wiggins and Kloden. I'll take Kloden on a sprint and just maybe by the few seconds he needs to overtake Wiggins for 4th place.

Results of 18th stage:
1. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, 00:48:30
2. Fabian Cancellara, (SUI), Saxo Bank, +:03 seconds behind
3. Mikhail Ignatiev, (RUS), Katusha, +:15
4. Gustav Larsson, (SWE), Saxo Bank, +:33
5. David Millar, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +:41
6. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +:43
7. Luis Leon Sanchez, (ESP), Caisse d'Epargne, +:44
8. Christophe Moreau, (FRA), Agritubel,+:45
9. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +:54
10. David Zabriskie, (USA), Garmin Slipstream, +1:02 minutes

Overall standings after 18 stages:
1. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, 73:15:39
2. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +4:11 minutes behind
3. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +5:25
4. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +5:36
5. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +5:38
6. Frank Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +5:59
7. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +7:15
8. Christian Vande Velde, (USA) , Garmin Slipstream, +10:08
9. Mikel Astarloza, (ESP), Euskaltel-Euskadi, +12:38
10. Christophe le Mevel, (FRA), FDJeux, +12:40

Lance Drops to 4th!

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

Classic Lance

Most exciting stage of this years tour as Lance showed a classic move to catch back up with the group of leaders. That move was what we Lance fans have been waiting to see.
No change though, in the top five. Looks as if battle for the yellow jersey will be between Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck, but watch out for Lance.
All other jersey winners have pretty much been decided, unless A. Schleck suffers a bad day(which I doubt). Andy should win the Young Rider white jersey, Hushovd the green and Franco Pellizotti the King of the Mountains. Team Astana has a good lead in the team race but Saxo-Bank is still there. The loss of Jens Voigt on that terrible spill on the final descent puts him out of the race and that will effect Saxo-Bank and quite possibley Schleck's chance for yellow.

Top Riders Stage 16 Results:

• 1. Mikel Astarloza(ESP) Euskaltel - Euskadi in 4:14:20
• 2. Sandy Casar(FRA) Francaise Des Jeux +0:06
• 3. Pierrick Fedrigo(FRA) Bbox Bouygues Telecom +00:06
• 4. Nicolas Roche(IRE) Ag2r La Mondiale + 00:06
• 5. Broeck Jurgen Van Den(BEL) Silence - Lotto +00:06
• 6. Amaël Moinard(FRA) Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne +00:06
• 7. Franco Pellizotti(ITA) Liquigas +00:11
• 8. Stephane Goubert(FRA) Ag2r La Mondiale +00:11
• 9. Christophe Moreau(FRA) Agritubel +00:59
• 10. Alberto Contador(ESP) Astana +00:59

GC Standings after Stage 16:

• 1. Alberto Contador(ESP) Astana 67:33:15
• 2. Lance Armstrong(USA) Astana +01:37
• 3. Bradley Wiggins(GBR) Garmin - Slipstream +01:46
• 4. Andréas Kloden(GER)Astana +02:17
• 5. Andy Schleck(LUX)Team Saxo Bank +02:26
• 6. Vincenzo Nibali(ITA)Liquigas +02:51
• 7. Christophe Le Mevel(FRA)Francaise Des Jeux +03:09
• 8. Frank Schleck(LUX)Team Saxo Bank +03:25
• 9. Carlos Sastre(ESP) Cervelo Test Team +03:52
• 10. Christian Vande Velde(USA) Garmin - Slipstream +03:59

Team Standings after Stage 16

• 1. Astanan 201:08:46
• 2. Ag2r La Mondiale +00:2:32
• 3. Garmin - Slipstream +05:54
• 4. Team Milram +11:29
• 5. Team Saxo Bank +11:43
• 6. Euskaltel - Euskadi +13:12
• 7. Cervelo Test Team +13:41
• 8. Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne +16:45
• 9. Liquigas +17:10
• 10. Francaise Des Jeux +18:10

Hincape Makes Boring Stage Exciting

The only thing worth even mentioning is the ride of George Hincape. One of cycling fans most favorite riders misses the yellow jersey by 5 seconds. Nice ride George.
This kinda pissed Lance who blamed another American team(Garmin-Slipstream) for leading the charge that kept his long time friend from winning the yellow. Well, so long Garmin, you pissed off Lance and Johan, you're done!!
Also was the disqualification of Mark Cavendish for forcing Thor Hushovd into the barrier on the approach to the finish. Cavendish was relegated to last place and gave Hushovd 13th place, strengthening his lead in the race for the green jersey.
What was a boring stage turned out to be pretty good, news wise anyway.

Prediction for state 15. At last, in the Alps and a mountain top finish. The pretenders will be gone tomorrow. I am getting impressed with Team Saxo-Bank and believe they will make their move on stage 15. look for Andy Schleck to win the stage. Lance and Alberto won't be far behind and yellow should go to Albert Contador.

Top Ten Riders Stage 14 Results:

• 1. Serguei Ivanov Team Katusha in 4:37:46
• 2. Nicolas Roche Ag2r La Mondiale at 00:16
• 3. Hayden Roulston Cervelo Test Team in 4:38:02 at 00:16
• 4. Martijn Maaskant Garmin - Slipstream in 4:38:02 at 00:16
• 5. Sébastien Minard Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne in 4:38:02 at 00:16
• 6. Daniele Righi Lampre - N.g.c in 4:38:02 at 00:16
• 7. Christophe Le Mevel Francaise Des Jeux in 4:38:02 at 00:16
• 8. George Hincapie Team Columbia - Htc in 4:38:02 at 00:16
• 9. Daniele Bennati Liquigas in 4:38:02 at 00:16
• 10. Gerald Ciolek Team Milram in 4:38:08 at 00:22

GC Standings after Stage 14:

• 1. Rinaldo Nocentini Ag2r La Mondiale in 58:13:52
• 2. George Hincapie Team Columbia - Htc at 00:05
• 3. Alberto Contador Astana in 58:13:58 at 00:06
• 4. Lance Armstrong Astana in 58:14:00 at 00:08
• 5. Christophe Le Mevel Francaise Des Jeux in 58:14:35 at 00:43
• 6. Bradley Wiggins Garmin - Slipstream in 58:14:38 at 00:46
• 7. Andréas KlÖden Astana in 58:14:46 at 00:54
• 8. Tony Martin Team Columbia - Htc in 58:14:52 at 01:00
• 9. Christian Vande Velde Garmin - Slipstream in 58:15:16 at 01:24
• 10. Andy Schleck Team Saxo Bank in 58:15:41 at 01:49

Levi Out!

Only real news from stage 13 is the broken wrist of Levi Leipheimer. With Levi no longer in the race, Team Astana loses a major rider in their attempt to win the yellow jersey. His help in the Alps was crucial for Astana efforts to crack their contenders. Popovych and Zubeldia will now have to step up their game.
Another breakaway holds on to win stage 13. I still cannot remember any of the grand tour stages being won so often by successful breakaways. A great ride by Heinrich Haussier and no panic or attempt in the peloton to catch the attack gave Cervelo Test Team their second win.
The race for the green jersey between Hushovd and Cavendish is now becoming the most interesting battle of this years tour. Hushovd regained the jersey today and stands a good chance of winning it if he can stay near the front during some of the upcoming moutain stages. He proved that he can do just that by spinting to a 6th place finish today. Actually with a 5 point lead all he needs now is the stay with Cavendish and not allow him to pick up points during the stages.

Prediction for stage 14: The sprinters should be there for the finish. Look out for Cavendish.
He did not look happy when finding out the jersey was lost today! A small climb 19 km from the finish may affect the result, but I am going with Cavendish.

Stage 13 Results:
1. Heinrich Haussler, (GER), Team Cervelo, 4:56:26
2. Amets Txerruka, (ESP), Euskatel, +4:11 minutes behind
3. Brice Feillu, (FRA), Agritubel, +6:13
4. Sylvain Chavanel, (FRA), Quick Step,+ 6:31
5. Peter Velits, (SLO), Milram, +6:43
6. Thor Hushovd, (NOR), Cervelo,
7. Vladimir Efemkin, (RUS), AG2R,
8. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream,
9. George Hancapie, (USA), Team Columbia,
10. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, all same time 6 to 10

Overall standings after 13 stages:
1. Rinaldo Nocentini, (ITA), AG2R, 53:30:30
2. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, +:06 seconds behind
3. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +:08
4. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +:46
5. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +:54
6. Tony Martin, (GER), Team Columbia, +1:00
7. Christian Vande Velde, (USA), Garmin-Slipstream, +1:24
8. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +1:49
9. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +1:54
10. Luis-Leon Sanchez, (ESP), Caisse d'Epargne, +2:16

* (AP Photo / Laurent Rebours) Heinrich Haussler tears of joy!

Nicki Sorensen wins Stage 12

A sprint stage and Cavendish does not win! Who'd thunk!
Other than knocking Cavendish off his bike or surrounding him with 40 other riders during the last 100 meters, the only honest way to beat him is to break away from the peloton and attack at the right time. Nicki Sorensen did just that today. I enjoy seeing the breakaways being caught most of the time, but this tour it's ridiculous, they are never caught. IT'S BORING! The only thing exciting about stage 12 was the sprint for 8th place. Thank God, no more sprints til the Champs Elysees.

Prediction for stage 13: With two Cat 1's and a 17 km Cat 2, the sprinters will not be near the lead after a 21 km downhill finish. Any rider with a 2 min lead over the Col du Firstplan should hold on for the win. Just depends on how many go over the summit at that time. Would like to see Christian Vande Velde in that group, but he got pretty beat up today. Look for Team Saxo-Bank to try to move up Andy Schleck, but Team Astana will now show their power. Kloden is good on the desent, but the battle will be between Lance and Alberto. This day will go to Alberto Contador.



Overall rankings after stage 12:
1 Rinaldo Nocentini (Ita) AG2R La Mondiale 48:27:21
2 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 0:00:06
3 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana 0:00:08
4 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana 0:00:39
5 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream 0:00:46
6 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana 0:00:54
7 Tony Martin (Ger) Team Columbia - HTC 0:01:00
8 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Garmin - Slipstream 0:01:24
9 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank 0:01:49
10 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas 0:01:54
11 Luis León Sánchez Gil (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne 0:02:16
12 Maxime Monfort (Bel) Team Columbia - HTC 0:02:21
13 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank 0:02:25
14 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas 0:02:40
15 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale 0:02:45
16 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Cervelo Test Team 0:02:52
17 Mikel Astarloza Chaurreau (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 0:03:02
18 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto 0:03:07
19 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia - HTC 0:03:16
20 Vladimir Karpets (Rus) Team Katusha 0:03:49
21 Sandy Casar (Fra) Française des Jeux 0:03:58
22 Haimar Zubeldia Aguirre (Spa) Astana 0:04:14
23 Yaroslav Popovych (Ukr) Astana 0:04:20
24 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) Team Milram
25 Brice Feillu (Fra) Agritubel 0:04:26

Cavendish Regains Green Jersey with Win

What else can be said, but 24 year old Mark Cavendish has already established himself as the greatest sprinter ever! As long as he stays healthy and races clean of drugs, he will win more stages than any rider in the history of pro cycling and the Tour de France. You might as well also throw in the Giro d' Italia and the Vuelta a Espana. I did not think he had the power to win stage 10's uphill finish, but, as usual, I was wrong. Congrats on winning his 4th stage of this years Tour.

Also noted today, the 15 seconds lost in stage 10 by Levi Leipheimer and Bradley Wiggins was given back after further review of the yesterday's finish.

Prediction for stage 12:
This one is going to be tough to call. With six small climbs, will Team Columbia be able to get
Cavendish to the finish? This will be the last good day for the sprinters until Champ Elysees on the final day, so I believe they will. But, will he have the legs to sprint 50 meters after all the climbs? I don't think so. I'm picking Oscar Freire or Gerald Ciolek. I would like to see Tyler Farrar win, but the climbs will do him in.

Stage 11 Results:
1. Mark Cavendish, (GBR), Team Columbia, 04:17:55
2. Tyler Farrar, (USA), Garmin-Slipstream,
3. Yauheni Hutarovich, (BLR), FDJeux,
4. Oscar Freire, (ESP), Rabobank,
5. Thor Hushovd, (NOR), Cervelo,
6. Leonardo Duque, (COL), Cofidis,
7. Gerald Ciolek, (GER), Milram,
8. Lloyd Mondory, (FRA), AG2R,
9. William Bonnet, (FRA), Bouygues Telecom,
10. Nicolai Trussov, (RUS), Katusha, all same time

Overall standings after 11 stages:
1. Rinaldo Nocentini, (ITA), AG2R, 43:28:59
2. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, +:06 seconds behind
3. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana, +:08
4. Levi Leipheimer, (USA), Astana, +:39
5. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +:46
6. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +:54
7. Tony Martin, (GER), Team Columbia, +1:00
8. Christian Vande Velde, (USA), Garmin-Slipstream, +1:24
9. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +1:49
10. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +1:54

*Photograph - Bogdan Cristel/Reuters

Cavendish Again

O' Well, another sprint, another win for Cavendish. At least the breakaway was caught this time.
I don't know about every body else, but stage 10 was more boring than the ride to Paris after all the jersey winners have been determined. The sprint at the end is becoming old hat. Tomorrow doesn't promise to be any different with the exception of two cat. 4 climbs nowhere near the finish.
This may be vulnerable for another breakaway to hold on and win.

Prediction for stage 11. How can you not pick Mark Cavendish? Although he may tire out some on the two climbs, I think he will still be there at the end. What's New?


Stage 10 results
1. Mark Cavendish, (GBR), Team Columbia, 04:46:43
2. Thor Hushovd, (NOR), Cervelo
3. Tyler Farrar, (USA), Garmin-Slipstream
4. Leonardo Duque, (COL), Cofidis
5. Jose Joaquin Rojas, (ESP), Caisse d'Epargne
6. Lloyd Mondori, (FRA), AG2R
7. Kenny van Hummel, (NED), Skil-Shimano
8. William Bonnet, (FRA), Bouygues
9. Daniele Bennati, (ITA), Liquigas
10. Said Haddou, (FRA), Bouygues all same time

Overall standings after 10 stages:
1. Rinaldo Nocentini, Italy, AG2R, 39:11:04
2. Alberto Contador, Spain, Astana, +:06 sec
3. Lance Armstrong, United States, Astana, +:08
4. Andreas Kloeden, Germany, Astana, +:54
5. Levi Leipheimer, United States, Astana, +:54
6. Tony Martin, Germany, Team Columbia, +1:00
7. Bradley Wiggins, Britain, Garmin-Slipstream, +1:01
8. Christian Vande Velde, United States, Garmin-Slipstream, +1:24
9. Andy Schleck, Luxembourg, Saxo Bank, +1:49
10. Vincenzo Nibali, Italy, Liquigas, +1:54

Another Breakaway Wins Stage.

Can anyone figure out why the breakaways are being so successful this year? With the power of Team Astana it would not have been surprising to see just the opposite results, but then again it just may be because of that power that it is.
Can it be that all the teams with GC contenders are being overly cautious of Team Astana, or are they all now going to wait for the two mountain top finishes in the Alps(Stages 15 and 20) to break Nocentini? I believe the latter. Nocentini has proven he can stay with the climbers and will probably hold on to the yellow jersey til stage 15.
One more question: Is there anybody in the cycling community that would believe that Bradley Wiggins would be in among the leaders after three mountain stages. Not me. He can sprint, he can time trial and now he can climb. Still don't think he'll finish in top 20.

Prediction for stage 10: Well it's now back to the flat and rolling stages so my obvious choice is Cavendish, but now there is a battle for the green jersey and Thor is hungry. Both though, better watch out, there are some new kids on the block that can spoil the show. Cavendish will still win the green and that may not be decided til Paris, but I'm going with Tyler Farrar in stage 10. Team Garmin - Slipstream is in need of a stage win and have been doing pretty good at giving Tyler than chance.

Stage 9 Results:
1. Pierrick Fedrigo, (FRA), Bouygues Telecom, 04:05:31
2. Franco Pellizotti, (ITA), Liquigas, same time
3. Oscar Freire, (ESP), Rabobank, +00:34
4. Sergey Ivanov, (RUS), Katusha
5. Peter Velits, (SLO), Milram
6. Jose Rojas, (ESP), Caisee d'Epargne
7. Greg van Avermaez, (BEL), Silence-Lotto
8. Geoffroy Lequatre, (FRA), Agritubel
9. Alessandro Ballan, (ITA), Lampre
10. Nicolas Roche, (IRE), AG2R all same time

Overall standings:
1. Rinaldo Nocentini, (ITA), AG2R, 34:24:21
2. Alberto Contador, (ESP), Astana, +:06 sec
3. Lance Armstrong,(USA) , Astana, +:08
4. Levi Leipheimer, (USA), Astana, +:39
5. Bradley Wiggins, (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +:46
6. Andreas Kloeden, (GER), Astana, +:54
7. Tony Martin, (GER), Team Columbia, +:01:00
8. Christian Vande Velde, (USA), Garmin-Slipstream, +:01:24
9. Andy Schleck, (LUX), Saxo Bank, +:01:49
10. Vincenzo Nibali, (ITA), Liquigas, +:01:54

Nocentini Still in Yellow

This must be the year for the successful breakaways. It's not unusual that a breakaway will succeed in one stage, but this year it has become all too common. The 42 km downhill finish would favor any riders with a 2 or 3 min edge, so I honestly thought that the race leaders would not allow that to happen. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and another mountain, but also another long downhill finish. A breakaway can win again depending on who is in the break. A rider too close to the overall leaders will be chased down. If Nocentini cannot be broke on the Col du Tourmalet, he will hold on to the yellow jersey for another week.

Stage 9 prediction: This time the peloton will finish together. If a sprint finish it's anybody's game.
I'll still go with Astana and Armstrong or Leipheimer. Watch out for Andy Schleck.

Stage 8 results:
1. Luis-Leon Sanchez, Spain, Caisee d'Epargne, 4 hours 31 minutes 50 seconds
2. Sandy Casar, France, FDJeux, same time
3. Mikel Astarloza, Spain, Euskaltel, st
4. Vladimir Efimkin, AG2R, Russia, 3 seconds behind
5. Jose Rojas, Spain, Caisee d'Epargne, 1:54
6. Christophe Riblon, France, AG2R, st
7. Peter Velits, Milram, Slovakia, st
8. Sebastien Minard, France, Cofidis, st
9. Jeremy Roy, France, FDJeux, st
10. Thomas Voeckler, France, Bouygues Telecom, st

Overall standings after eight stages:
1. Rinaldo Nocentini, Italy, AG2R, 30 hours 18 minutes 16 seconds
2. Alberto Contador, Spain, Astana, 6 seconds behind
3. Lance Armstrong, United States, Astana, 8
4. Levi Leipheimer, United States, Astana, 39
5. Bradley Wiggins, Britain, Garmin-Slipstream, 46
6. Andreas Kloeden, Germany, Astana, 54
7. Tony Martin, Germany, team Columbia, 1:00
8. Christian Vande Velde, United States, Garmin-Slipstream, 1:24
9. Andy Schleck, Luxembourg, Saxo Bank, 1:49
10. Vincenzo Nibali, Italy, Liquigas, 1:54

Alberto Claims Astana Leadership?

First mountain stage now in the books and big boys come to the front. The leadership of Team Astana may have been put in Contadors lap for now, but still way too close to put a seal on that assumption.
For the second time in the first week a breakaway succeeds and a Frenchman takes the stage.
Brice Feillu of Agritubel pulled away in the last 2 km to win the stage, but the big battle was in the peloton between Cadel Evans and Team Astana. An attack by Alberto Contador could not be brought back as Lance Armstrong stayed on the defensive keeping tabs on Evans.

Prediction for stage 8: This stage starts with a wicked climb and finishes on a long descent.
Look for team Astana to put the hammer down and find where there competition will come from.
I doubt the sprinters will be there at the end and look for Lance or Levi to finish first. My longshot is Denis Menchov or Andres Kloden.

The top 10 in Stage 7:

1. Brice Feillu (FRA) AGR

2. Christophe Kern (FRA) COF

3. Johannes Frohlinger (GER) MRM

4. Rinaldo Nocentini (ITA) ALM

5. Egoi Martinez (ESP) EUS

6. Christophe Riblon (FRA) ALM

7. Jerome Pineau (FRA) QSI

8. Jose Ivan Gutierrez (ESP) GCE

9. Alberto Contador (ESP) AST

10. Cadel Evans (AUS) SIL

Overall

1. Rinaldo Nocentini(ITA) Ag2r-La Mondiale 25:44:32
2. Alberto Contador(ESP) Astana +00:06
3. Lance Armstrong(USA) Astana +00:08
4. Levi Leipheimer(USA) Astana +00:39
5. Bradley Wiggins(GBR) Garmin - Slipstream +00:46
6. Andréas Kloden(GER) Astana +00:54
7. Tony Martin(GER) Team Columbia - Htc + 01:00
8. Christian Vande Velde(USA) Garmin - Slipstream +01:24
9. Andy Schleck(LUX) Team Saxo Bank +01:49
10. Vincenzo Nibali(ITA) Liquigas +01:54

The God of Thunder Roars

Looks as if Cavendish did not have the legs for this uphill finish on stage 6. Would have liked
to see Boonen in the sprint, but he crashed as the peloton started positioning themselves for the sprint. Thor Hushovd showed his strength to take the stage.
Another great day for Garmin-Slipstream. I vastly underestimated them. Tyler Farrar is looking very good and may challenge in some of the remaining flat stages and David Miller almost pulled off another successful breakway.

Now the Mountains. Stage seven will move the contenders to the GC lead and may determine who will lead Astana. The Astana dilemma though, I doubt will be settled til the Alps.

Stage 7 prediction:
Watch for Contador to take away the yellow jersey from Cancellara. This will be a great finish for Armstrong, but Contador has to prove he is the team leader and will push Lance all the way.
I'm also looking for a great finish from Vande Velde. Garmin is showing that they can contend and CVV will motivated to prove last year was not a fluke

Stage 6 results

• 1. Thor Hushovd Cervelo Test Team in 4:21:33
• 2. Oscar Freire Rabobank
• 3. Joaquin Rojas Jose Caisse D’epargne at 00:00
• 4. Gerald Ciolek Team Milram
  
• 5. Franco Pellizotti Liquigas
  
• 6. Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha
  
• 7. Alessandro Ballan Lampre - N.g.c
• 8. Rinaldo Nocentini Ag2r-La Mondiale
  
• 9. Cadel Evans Silence - Lotto
  
• 10. Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank all same time

Standings after Stage 6

Overall

1. Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank in 19:29:22
2. Lance Armstrong Astana in 19:29:22
3. Alberto Contador Astana in 19:29:41 at 00:19
4. Andréas KlÖden Astana in 19:29:45 at 00:23
5. Levi Leipheimer Astana in 19:29:53 at 00:31
6. Bradley Wiggins Garmin - Slipstream in 19:30:00 at 00:38
7. Tony Martin Team Columbia - Htc in 19:30:14 at 00:52
8. Christian Vande Velde Garmin - Slipstream in 19:30:38 at 01:16
9. Gustav Larsson Team Saxo Bank in 19:30:44 at 01:22
10. Maxime Monfort Team Columbia - Htc in 19:30:51 at 01:29

Points

1. Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - Htc 106 points
2. Thor Hushovd Cervelo Test Team 105 points
3. Gerald Ciolek Team Milram 66 points
4. Tyler Farrar Garmin - Slipstream 54 points
5. Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank 53 points
6. Joaquin Rojas Jose Caisse D’epargne 53 points
7. Oscar Freire Rabobank 47 points
8. Thomas Voeckler Bbox Bouygues Telecom 41 points
9. Romain Feillu Agritubel 39 points
10. Samuel Dumoulin Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne 36 points

King of the Mountains

1. Stéphane Auge Cofidis Le Credit En Ligne 14 points
2. Jussi Veikkanen Francaise Des Jeux 9 points
3. David Millar Garmin - Slipstream 8 points
4. Sylvain Chavanel Quick Step 8 points
5. Tony Martin Team Columbia - Htc 6 points
6. Anthony Geslin Francaise Des Jeux 6 points
7. Koen De Kort Skil-Shimano 6 points
8. Cyril Dessel Ag2r-La Mondiale 5 points
9. Amets Txurruka Euskaltel - Euskadi 5 points
10. Maxime Bouet Agritubel 4 points

Young Rider

1. Tony Martin Team Columbia - Htc in 19:30:14
2. Roman Kreuziger Liquigas in 19:30:53
3. Vincenzo Nibali Liquigas in 19:30:58 at 00:44
4. Andy Schleck Team Saxo Bank in 19:31:03 at 00:49
5. Rigoberto Uran Caisse D’epargne in 19:32:34 at 02:20
6. Nicolas Roche Ag2r-La Mondiale in 19:32:38 at 02:24
7. Joaquin Rojas Jose Caisse D’epargne in 19:32:39 at 02:25
8. Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - Htc in 19:32:55 at 02:41
9. Peter Velits Team Milram in 19:33:58 at 03:44
10. Nicolaï Trussov Team Katusha in 19:34:07 at 03:53

Team

1. ASTANA at 56:54:18
2. TEAM SAXO BANK at 02:33
3. TEAM COLUMBIA - HTC at 02:45
4. GARMIN - SLIPSTREAM at 03:05
5. LIQUIGAS at 04:26
6. CERVELO TEST TEAM at 05:40
7. TEAM MILRAM at 06:33
8. QUICK STEP at 06:42
9. AG2R-LA MONDIALE at 06:46
10. CAISSE D’EPARGNE at 06:57

Breakaway Suceeds (barely)

Almost done with the flat stages for now. Soon the real fun starts. It seems there is always one stage every tour where a breakaway succeeds. Today was that one. It is probably the only way to keep Cavendish from winning the final sprint.
Way to go Thomas Voeckler. His first stage victory in the tour.
I am disappointed so far with Denis Menchov. Doesn't look like he will make the podium as I predicted before the race, but there is a long way to Paris, so I will stick with my picks for now.

Stage five: 196.5km Le Cap d'Agde to Perpignan:

1. Thomas Voeckler (FRA), Bbox-Bouygues 4:29:35

2. Mikhail Ignatiev (RUS), Katusha + :07

3. Mark Cavendish (GBR), Columbia-Highroad

4. Tyler Farrar (USA), Garmin-Slipstream

5. Gerald Ciolek (GER), Milram

6. Danilo Napolitano (ITA), Katusha

7. Jose Joaquin Rojas (ESP), Caisse d'Epargne

8. Lloyd Mondory (FRA), AG2R

9. Oscar Freire (ESP), Rabobank

10. Thor Hushovd (NOR), Cervelo

10. Thor Hushovd (Norway - Cervelo) all same time

Overall classification after Stage 5:

1. Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Team Saxo Bank, 15:07:49

2. Lance Armstrong (USA), Astana, +00:00

3. Alberto Contador (ESP), Astana, +00:19

4. Andreas Kloden (GER), Astana, +00:23

5. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana, +00:31

6. Bradley Wiggins (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +00:38

7. Haimar Zubeldia (ESP), Astana, +00:51

8. Tony Martin (GER), Columbia-Highroad, +00:52

9. David Zabriskie (USA), Garmin-Slipstream, +1:06

10. David Millar (GBR), Garmin-Slipstream, +1:07

Cavendish Wins First

No big surprises in stage two. Cavendish cannot be beat in the sprints. I thought he may have took off a bit too early, but I was wrong as usual.
Do miss Robbie McEwen, although I doubt that would have changed the outcome. The only way Cavendish will be beaten in the sprints will be to block him in at the last 200 meters and even that may not work.

A little bit of surprise was the finish of Tyler Farrar. If he can continue to do well in the flat stages and Vande Velde can repeat last years performance, Garmin-Slipstream will not fade away after TTT as I predicted after stage one.

RESULTS:

Stage two: Monaco-Brignoles, 187km
1. Mark Cavendish, (GB), Columbia-HTC , 4 hrs,30 min,02 sec
2. Tyler Farrar, (USA), Garmin-Slipstream
3. Romain Feillu, (Fra) , Agritubel
4. Thor Hushovd, (Nor), Cervelo
5. Yukiya Arashiro, (Jap), Bbox Bouygues Telecom
6. Gerald Ciolek, (Ger), Milram
7. William Bonnet, (Fra), Bbox Bouygues Telecom
8. Nicolas Roche, (Ire), Ag2r-La Mondiale
9. Koen de Kort, (Ned), Skil-Shimano
10. Lloyd Mondory, (Fra), Ag2r-La Mondiale, all same time

Overall classification after stage two
1. Fabian Cancellara, (Swi), Saxo Bank, 4 hrs,49min,34sec
2. Alberto Contador, (Spa), Astana -18secs
3. Bradley Wiggins, (GB), Garmin-Slipstream -19secs
4. Andreas Kloden, (Ger), Astana -22secs
5. Cadel Evans, (Aus), Silence-Lotto -23secs
6. Levi Leipheimer, (USA), Astana -30secs
7. Roman Kreuziger, (Cze), Liquigas -32secs
8. Tony Martin, (Ger), Columbia-HTC -33secs
9. Vincenzo Nibali, (Ita), Liquigas -37secs
10. Lance Armstrong, (USA), Astana -40secs

Prediction for stage three: Cavendish again (who else). He will have some catching up to do after Col de la Vayede, but he'll have over 90 km to do that in. Only other way he loses if is a breakaway succeeds.

Next post after stage 4, so I'll give that prediction now. (Cavendish) TTT-Astana

Statement Made

After the stage 1 Time Trial, Team Astana has made their statement. The tour is theirs to lose and the strongest competition will be fighting for chance of being on the podium.
Contador, Kloden, Leipheimer and Armstrong all look to be ready to hold off any threats to their goal. Team will ride defensively on flat stages and take control in the mountains, with the added help of Popyvich and Zubeldia.

Stage 1 Results:

1. Fabian Cancellara, Switzerland, Team Saxo Bank, 19 minutes, 32 seconds.

2. Alberto Contador, Spain, Astana, 18 seconds behind.

3. Bradley Wiggins, Britain, Garmin-Slipstream, :19.

4. Andreas Kloden, Germany, Astana, :22.

5. Cadel Evans, Australia, Silence-Lotto, :23.

6. Levi Leipheimer, United States, Astana, :30.

7. Roman Kreuziger, Czech Republic, Liquigas, :32.

8. Tony Martin, Germany, Team Columbia-High Road, :33.

9. Vincenzo Nibali, Italy, Liquigas, :37.

10. Lance Armstrong, United States, Astana, :40.

Best ride of the day goes to stage favorite Fabian Cancellara, who tore up the route. Still the best Time Trialist, but no threat for overall.

Biggest disappointment of the day is Team Columbia-Highroad who placed only one rider in Top 20, and that was their youngest rider at age 24. However, they have excellent chance of winning up to six stages.

And hats off to Team Garmin-Slipstream. 4 riders in top 20. Look for them to do well in Team Time Trial and then fade away.

Stage two prediction. Mark Cavendish, anyone not picking him is just guessing.

My final picks for overall: 1. Contador, 2. Menchov, 3. Leipheimer