Yesterday's stage was a tale of persistence, idiots and sportsmanship and here's why.
The stage was won by Spanish Rabobank rider Luis Leon Sanchez, who after surviving in the break made an attack to take the win. LL Sanchez is an exciting rider to watch. So gutsy, and one of my favourites. He has been in three breaks at this years tour so his persistence has finally paid off.
The so called 'action' of the day was one that no cycling fan ever wants to see. At the top of the Mur de Péguère some idiot/s (I can think of a few better terms to describe them) had thrown tacks onto the road. A callous and dangerous attack. The result was maddening. Over 30 riders punctured, some multiple times, including Cadel Evans who in turn lost contact with the descending peloton after having to wait for his team car and then puncturing yet again.
This caused the whole race to be turned on its head.
Team Sky, race leader Bradley Wiggins and the peloton in general must be commended for their sportsmanlike manner as they followed unwritten race etiquette, slowing the pace to allow Evans to get back on after the unfortunate mishap.
It did seem however that there were a few though who had other ideas with Pierre Rolland launching an attack during the 'truce' and then Liquigas and Lotto Belisol heading to the front to pick up the pace again. Of course Rolland denies being aware of what was happening and Liquigas and Belisol claim they were only chasing down Rolland.
Fortunately Evans, through some great pacework from his BMC team was able to make it back to the bunch without losing any time. He lives to fight another day.
As I said, this isn't the kind of action we like to see at the tour and lets hope that these 'idiots' have had their 'fun' and karma repays them threefold.
As for the race, another sprint opportunity beckons tonight. Although not entirely flat, we could well see another Saga/Greipel/Goss show down and let's not forget Cavendish who no doubt would love to have a crack!
What did you think of Pierre Rolland's attack? An error in judgement or a cheeky move?
I think Rolland was a BIT cheeky but probably just thought 'hey bad luck Cadel'.
ReplyDeleteI think the yellow jersey group held up only because they realised there were shenanigans that caused Cadel's multiple punctures. And of course it helped that Wiggins had one of his own. If Cadel's puncture was just misfortune (and could he have picked a worse place to have misfortune) I think they would have made him chase very very hard for the catch.
It was so disappointing that this happened. Who knows what Cadel was planning. I heard that he actually punctured a way before the top. Was he planning a late attack and then gaining ground on the decent? Who knows? Makes me feel better thinking that.
ReplyDeleteCertainly the 'truce' has been a good PR move for Wiggins too!