09-07-2017, 22:37
A day of carnage, brilliant attacks and a frenetic final sprint which was won right on the line by Rigoberto Uran - on a 2-geared bike for the last few kms - from Warren Barguil, who had led for long stretches of the race. Chris Froome is always a threat and finished 3rd, beating my favourite and late solo breakaway rider, Romain Bardet, with Fabio Aru and Jakob Fuglsang. The next closest finishers were 1m15s behind and included Dan Martin, who fell after he couldn't avoid Richie Porte when he spectacularly crashed. Rafal Majka also crashed bringing down Geraint Thomas halfway through the stage, but was able to continue, finishing 36m 21s behind the winner.
The withdrawals included Richie Porte, Geraint Thomas and yesterday's second place Robert Gesink after crashes and 7 riders who finished outside the time limit, the most notable being Arnaud Demare. It was indeed a tough day out there.
One thing that intrigued me is whether or not Chris Froome is able to dominate the rest of the riders by reputation only. When the group of 5 riders were chasing down Romain Bardet, they didn't let Froome do all the work and run the risk of tiring himself out. They took turns to help him chase and perhaps didn't want to let him go in front on his own in case he proved too strong for them. If that is the case, they might as well award him the Yellow Jersey now. To me, Chris Froome and Team Sky are so much in control of the race, it will take a considerable change in other Team's attitudes to alter the outcome.
Tomorrow is a rest day in the Dordogne and the Tour continues on Tuesday. As far as the positions are concerned, Chris Froome leads the Yellow Jersey ranking by 18 seconds from Fabian Aru, 51 seconds from Romain Bardet and 55 seconds from Rigoberto Uran. The Green Jersey will be worn by Marcel Kittel (Points), with Warren Barguil in the Polka Dot Jersey (King Of The Mountains)and Simon Yates in the White Jersey (Youth Rider). Team Sky lead the Team Competition.
The withdrawals included Richie Porte, Geraint Thomas and yesterday's second place Robert Gesink after crashes and 7 riders who finished outside the time limit, the most notable being Arnaud Demare. It was indeed a tough day out there.
One thing that intrigued me is whether or not Chris Froome is able to dominate the rest of the riders by reputation only. When the group of 5 riders were chasing down Romain Bardet, they didn't let Froome do all the work and run the risk of tiring himself out. They took turns to help him chase and perhaps didn't want to let him go in front on his own in case he proved too strong for them. If that is the case, they might as well award him the Yellow Jersey now. To me, Chris Froome and Team Sky are so much in control of the race, it will take a considerable change in other Team's attitudes to alter the outcome.
Tomorrow is a rest day in the Dordogne and the Tour continues on Tuesday. As far as the positions are concerned, Chris Froome leads the Yellow Jersey ranking by 18 seconds from Fabian Aru, 51 seconds from Romain Bardet and 55 seconds from Rigoberto Uran. The Green Jersey will be worn by Marcel Kittel (Points), with Warren Barguil in the Polka Dot Jersey (King Of The Mountains)and Simon Yates in the White Jersey (Youth Rider). Team Sky lead the Team Competition.
Cabbage is still good for you