2008 Tour de France - Stage 12

Oh no, the R man is gone. Riccardo “Slow-worm” Ricco’s test from stage four was positive for EPO. The entire Saunier Duval team departs. I guess they wanted to leave now rather than wait until next year and not get invited.

Barloworld might be the next to go. Two of their teammates abandoned yesterday after crashing. Then, early in today’s stage, Baden Cooke, from the team crashed. He rejoined the peloton. Hold that! Ten minutes later Cooke stops and is stripped of his number. Here’s another newsflash, APPLY NOW AT BARLOWORLD…MUST HAVE BIKE HANDLING SKILLS.

In the meantime, Samuel Dumoulin and Arnaurd Gerard are leading by over four minutes as they start today’s cat 4 climb. Late in the race Oroz joins the two leaders. There’s been no drama yet. There’s no suspense from the break as they won’t win. We will have to wait until the sprint for our daily dose of drama.

Ladies and Gentlemen, here comes the sprint! Mark “the Cippo” Cavendishlini makes it a hat trick with his third stage victory. He was able to power to the line without a lead-out.

Today was somewhat uneventful. There’s a lot going on but not much happens. To counter any boredom, Roadcycling.com is announcing a contest. Cast your vote in the Cadel Evans look alike contest. To get the ball rolling, Editor Thomas casts his vote for Michael Jackson. We’re talking Michael’s post surgery looks of course! I’m not sure who Cadel looks like but I think he sounds like Mickey Mouse. Send your votes (and photos?) to Roadcycling.com!

Super Dave (Enjoy my dribbles, hate them? Suggestions? Feedback is welcomed!)