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Great day for a Yank to win, but it is a short individual time trial and I can't think of any American fast enough to win that?
Another thing I have noticed is, the second last stage is up Alpe d'Huez. Probably where the race will be decided.
Earlier in the race they are going over some the Paris-Roubaix cobbles.

Thibaut Pinot was just a 'baby' when he started his first Tour (1911/12 I think?) but he did show great potential. He has obviously gained experience but I have not any cycling this year yet.

Contador is ALWAYS dangerous (I think)

Three different mountains to tackle too, In between the Pyrenees and the Alps, they are going to have a couple or so climbing days in the Massif Central - which is not always as innocent as one thinks, perhaps not as tricky as the other two, but still.

All in all, I think the accent has been put on mountain days and that will take its toll on the riders, especially if hot!

I've been up Alpe d'Huez. It was really really hard
















I probably wouldn't have managed it if I hadn't been in a car.

I'm in that part of the world again in mid July. I must look to see if the Tour might impact on what we are doing.

Know nothing about cycling but impressed by Thibaut Pinot doing so well at the age of 125 plus...

~Well spotted Ab, did not even click what I was typing !

No - we're back on the 18th, when they are still in the Massif.


I had an extraordinary meal once in Rodez. I been a leader on a venture scout trip to the Pyrenees. The camping was much cheaper than expected, so the overall leader and the committee of senior scouts had a meeting to decide what to do with the leftover money. The two alternatives were "refund your parents" or "see if we can spend it all on the trip back through France". Unsurprisingly the second option was chosen, and we ate out every night. The meal in Rodez was in what looked like someone's front room, with the kitchen across a narrow cobbled street. We had about 7 or 8 courses, each with only one thing on the plate, mostly smothered in garlic. Memorable!

The other driver in my vehicle on that trip had an unusual claim to fame - he won an Olympic Gold Medal without actually doing anything. Anyone guess how? (No tricks - genuine Olympic Gold.)

1066 Battle of Hastings

Appropriately elle had the privilege of posting no. 1000, I see.

spooky