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Well done, Tony Martin!
Quite right, Chris. Too soon to think of the yellow jersey.
But it is Tony Martin's first, so very worth his while going for it. His sponsors will be delighted.
I was hoping Geraint Thomas would have a go.
Brief chat between him and Froome seemed to settle that!
I thought that Froome's ungainly style got over the cobbles well. He seemed very undergeared but it worked!
And Le Tour has come home to France!
Pigale, you will be pleased!

Hello again!

I feel exhausted from having watched that formidable end of race by T. Martin - He'll be happy to have the yellow that he has been chasing from Day 1 !

I agree that Froome and Sky did not really try to keep the yellow at all cost. And I agree also about Contador waiting for the mountain stages - the same may apply to Voeckler and Quintana.

Not sure what to make of Pinot today - It seems odd that no car came along more quickly to change his tyre, it is not right to have to ride someone else's bike, particularly if there is a difference in height.

He lost his temper a bit there, which might be explained by his lack of experience - he is still young as far as the Tour is concerned.

Hello, Pigale!
Yes, a tiring day, but no significant crashes.
The rain stayed away from the cobbles!
Yes, what is Voeckler up to?
He seemed to be at the back all day.
I found Pinot very annoying.
He seemed to be blaming his mechanic for his misfortunes. His team mate stopped to offer his bike, as normal. He should have took it, and rode!
Argue at the team meeting.
I read about Laurens Ten Dam this morning.
He was in one of the crashes yesterday.
His shoulder was dislocated. Laurens asked the mechanic to put his shoulder back in place, and rode on!
Today he started and is in great pain, but riding.
I hope he finished. Great courage!

Brilliant finish by Tony Martin
I've been watching since 13.30h. so about time I did some work.

Me too, Jazzgirl!
You will be looking forward to the rest day!

Yes Rusty, I am quite pleased that we are now in France - after all, it IS Le Tour de France ! Seriously, I don't mind two or three days abroad, but I would not like to have a week of it.

As ChrisE said yesterday regarding Cancellara, Chapeau today to Laurens ! I had not heard the story.

I hope Pinot's attitude can be excused by his relative lack of experience, and not due to a temperamental trait in his character; that would be a shame and not in the spirit of sport.

I tend to think that a lot of the big names just played it safe, and it is so early days yet, so why take a risk today, particularly after yesterday's disaster. They should have easier rides now for a few days.

Arras to Amiens tomorrow.? Hope to see a good view of the Cathedral. Must go and eat now....

Pigale and Jazzgirl.
Laurens Ten Dam finished 16.53 down today in a large group containing, Basso, Voeckler, etc.
So, Chapeau, Laurens.
I tried to find out more on Google, but all the articles were in Dutch!
A swift boot in the bum from Pinot's Directeur Sportif may bring a change to Pinot's attitude.
Tomorrow looks like one for the sprinters.
Does tomorrow's stage take in the Somme, Pigale?
I am a bit of a World War 1 nut, and would like to see some of it.
Are you enjoying the scenery, Jazzgirl?
Plenty more to see. We are still a long, long, way, from Paris!

rusty
I am enjoying the whole experience , not just the race itself; and the scenery is a bonus. The helicopters are doing an excellent job giving us lovely views of the Chateaux , abbeys, cattle, and the humour of the agricultural workers with their tractors and field sculptures. The tennis has taken a back seat for sure.

http://www.letour.com/le-tour/2015/us/stage-5.html

This gives coverage of the next stage and what you may see in the way of scenery.