Davitamon-Lotto takes the stage
Robbie McEwen was quick to credit his teammates' hard work that allowed him to sprint in for his third stage win of this year's Tour. They were able to bring back a group that had built a lead of nine minutes. Their feat today gives some insight into the power of the Discovery team. Take a rider like McEwen who has proven to his team that when it comes to a bunch sprint he can take the win. This motivates and brings his teammates to a new level as they are confident in him. In turn they are given the opportunity to rise to the occasion and show their own value and strength as riders. The camaraderie is high in the Davitamon-Lotto camp.
Chris Horner continues to showcase himself in his first Tour de France. He was only meters short of a stage win. We were listening to the end of the race on the radio and only caught the last kilometer on TV. I understand why he had to gamble and follow Chavanel at the end -- Horner had spent the day off the front and wasn't going to just lead out Chavanel so that his jab in the final kilometers would succeed. If Horner couldn't win, at least Chavanel wouldn't either.
Fred Rodriguez is reminding us of his presence anytime the race presents an opportunity for him to set up McEwen. It's great to see him come out of the Alps and showcase his stuff on his turf.
Quick transition as it's right back into the mountains. A tough opener in the Pyrenees with a mountain top finish. Alejandro Valverde retired from the Tour today due to knee pain. It has been a funny Tour with riders experiencing extreme highs along with extreme lows and not always in that order. Tom Boonen exploded on to the scene with two victories and the green jersey only to crash and drop out because of injuries. Vinokourov went from crisis on the stage to Courchevel to winning the next stage. Now Valverde -- victorious in front of Lance at Courchevel -- pulls out due to knee pain while in the white jersey of best young rider.
Stage 14: Lance may have to show his hand. Given the current state of his competitors, if Lance feels good, you have to believe he will ride to gain more time. Let's see how much has changed in a few days and how the race is shaping up for Levi Leipheimer and Floyd Landis.
Chris Horner continues to showcase himself in his first Tour de France. He was only meters short of a stage win. We were listening to the end of the race on the radio and only caught the last kilometer on TV. I understand why he had to gamble and follow Chavanel at the end -- Horner had spent the day off the front and wasn't going to just lead out Chavanel so that his jab in the final kilometers would succeed. If Horner couldn't win, at least Chavanel wouldn't either.
Fred Rodriguez is reminding us of his presence anytime the race presents an opportunity for him to set up McEwen. It's great to see him come out of the Alps and showcase his stuff on his turf.
Quick transition as it's right back into the mountains. A tough opener in the Pyrenees with a mountain top finish. Alejandro Valverde retired from the Tour today due to knee pain. It has been a funny Tour with riders experiencing extreme highs along with extreme lows and not always in that order. Tom Boonen exploded on to the scene with two victories and the green jersey only to crash and drop out because of injuries. Vinokourov went from crisis on the stage to Courchevel to winning the next stage. Now Valverde -- victorious in front of Lance at Courchevel -- pulls out due to knee pain while in the white jersey of best young rider.
Stage 14: Lance may have to show his hand. Given the current state of his competitors, if Lance feels good, you have to believe he will ride to gain more time. Let's see how much has changed in a few days and how the race is shaping up for Levi Leipheimer and Floyd Landis.
2 Comments:
Kevin - Why did Credit Agricole do nothing to help pull back the break today? They`ve got Hushvod in green, in good form but without a stage win, yet they leave all the work to McEwen`s team. Are they saving themselves for Moreau? Thanks!
Ed,
It could be they have no choice as the team is spread out with riders protecting Moreau and also Hushovd. Plus if McEwen wants the jersey it's up to him and his team to come after it. The fewer points available the better for Hushovd if McEwen is beating him in the final sprints.
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