The field is starting to thin already. Last place finisher from yesterday, Danilo Di Luca, didn't sign in this morning. Sounds like the heat stayed with him as he was feverish after the race. Too bad for Danny Boy although he lasted a lot longer than I ever would have. Thor has stitches and says he doesn't have full use of his right arm. So, what does he have to do with his right arm anyway?

On to the good news, George did sign in and he was wearing yellow when he did it! He says he happy. It sure beats crying after his crash in Paris Roubiax. He seemed a bit tentative on the podium trying to put on the yellow jersey. I say Johan and the team give him a few more chances to practice (especially in about 3 weeks).

Since NASA wasn't able to launch the shuttle, a couple Spaniards decided to blast off today. De la Fuente and Hernandez attack early. The pair work well together and enjoy their spotlight gaining a maxium gap of 11:40. The DC Express was finally told to reel in the fish and the gap begins to close.

Hushovd is a quick learner and decides to pick up a couple seconds from a 3rd place sprint bonus. Hmmm, wonder where he's seen that before? Hernandez and De la Fuente break apart. De la Fuente is hanging tough at 20 k to go and holding a dwindling 1:15 lead. Then our first peloton crash happens. It topples a few racers and order is restored shortly. Hincapie decides to give up yellow as he watches McEwen win. Thor power pops out of his pedals (maybe with help from McEwen) and still gets third. He'll probably get over it by the time he puts on his new jersey.

There was a bit of excitement today. George is out of yellow already but maybe he's keeping the big picture in mind. Thor won't have to be worried about once he meets a higher grade. Then, we will start thinking about Floyd.

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