Some movie star named Arnold was there…I guess that means we’re back!
Jens Voight gave it all he had but the heat and/or flu forced him to the sidelines. His Credit Agricole teammate waited to help him and ended up missing the cut off time. Ooops! Steinhauser from Bianchi and Wilson from FDJeux.com are gone. The best news of the day was a rookie Juan Flecha winning the stage. About 8 riders went on a break, including big guns O’Grady and McEwen. It looked like a bunch of brothers fighting over something stupid, as there was no flow to the break. Flecha coasted in. By the looks of his sprint, I think he’s the next Petacchi! Unfortunately, Flecha probably will not do so well in his TT. Seems that his girlfriend lives in the finishing town of Toulouse…hehe, lucky guy!
Stage 12
Since the break was so pathetically organized yesterday, LeBlanc made everyone ride alone today. They all wore funny helmets with no vent holes. Probably to keep bird excrements out of their hair! Also looks like Jan rode with his helmet on during a hail storm. I love the way Phil says Bianchi so I’m glad Ullrich won so I could hear him say it. What’s with Armstrong saying the heat may have affected him? He’s from Texas for crying out loud! He still wears yellow though. What did I tell ya about Flecha?? 157th out of 166, hope it was worth it!
Stage 13
Sorry Tyler, but I think the big balls jersey now goes to Ullrich. The guy has no team, has to fetch his own water, and still cranks up the mountain in front of Lance! CSC still makes a show of it by having team member Sastre win the stage signaling love for his daughter by crossing the line with a baby pacifier in his mouth. Lance says he lost 15 pounds yesterday from dehydration, WOW! Somebody give him some beer! He lost 19 seconds to the green machine but they gained time on everyone else. Since Phil and Paul didn’t say it, I will. “Ullrich might be the next Cipo… er, I mean the next Armstrong!” I must be getting dehydrated, time for a beer!
Stage 14
Simoni looks to be back in form after being the first to cross the finish of another tough, hot stage. Vinokourov was the real winner though. He hacked off 43 seconds and remains 3rd in GC. Lance keeps the yellow and says he’s not worried about Vino. That’s good enough for me as Vino isn’t able to match Lance or Jan in the TT. Mayo gained back 43 seconds and poor Tyler is suffering and lost 3:07. Lance wants Team Bianchi to take some responsibility and show their stuff. HEY LANCE, it’s a one-man team and he’s right behind ya!
Stage 15
Oh my God! I thought I already decided which stage was the most exciting, but NOT! Jan kept the pressure on but the cool hand Lance didn’t crack even after the bump. As usual, the commentators overreacted during Ullrich’s attack on the bad ass Tourmalet. This was the last stage for Lance to make his move but when was it going to come? I was screaming GO, GO! But he let Ullrich slip ahead. They regrouped, and then BANG, Mayo and Armstrong are down. A couple low life racers keep the pressure on but the respectful Ullrich and Hamilton wait for their return. That’s true sportsmanship and it doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world. Then the attack we’ve all been waiting for comes. I bet Lance’s adrenaline level was off the scale! He spanks Ullrich and pulls out a 1:07 lead while Vino drops off to 2:45. Zubeldia and Moreau put in great efforts. Poor Tyler loses more time but the guy still gives it all he has. This man is NOT a quitter. By the way, I don’t think there’s any truth to the rumor about the guy who knocked Lance down being a German national!
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