2nd Rest Day Reflections-Mont Blanc and More

First and foremost, an epic ride this AM with Bob Roll. We descended from out hotel at 6000ft, down into the valley that houses Bourg-St.-Maurice, and then we turned right around and came back up the 22KM climb to Les Arcs 1950.

For an ocean rat like myself, the rarified air was noticeable, and it added an element of calculation as to how hard to ride.

As for the REAL RACE that's going on around us, well, part of me doesn't want to believe Lance has thrown in the towel, although every interview he's given since the finish of Stage 15 points to that fact. That said, i think 2 things: first, Lance has never given up on ANY GOAL until the proverbial 'finish line', and second, if he really has come to terms with his 'cycling mortality', then it came not in an epiphany, but in a slow simmer on the climb to Verbier. Lance is a master of control, not just of himself, but of his surroundings. An ancillary benefit to that is he is able to recognize what qualities made him the best- IN OTHERS. No one knows better what it takes to win the Tour than a certain someone from Austin, TX. If he's willing to concede that Alberto is the better man, well, than Lance is a 'better man' for it.

Andy Schleck is conceding nothing however. His comments leading up to tomorrow are exactly what you would expect from a 'fighter', and from someone who is confident in his ability. He's made it clear, this race is not over until Paris.

Bradley Wiggins continues to be the 'wild card' and the wildest revelation of this year's race. If he can climb as well, or better, in the coming days, he'll put himself in a great position for the Time Trial in Annecy.

Carlos Sastre is bemoaning his lack of respect, so look for him to channel his anger into a huge day either tomorrow or, better yet, on Wednesday.

And finally, Cadel Evans. The 'Land Down Under' so desperately wants him to rise to the occasion after his 2nd place finishes the past 2 years, but he admitted Stage 15 was his worst day on the bike EVER at the Tour. Let's face it, there is NO WAY he is going to win the Tour de France, and he has very little hope of even finishing on the podium, so...is it smarter for him to try to seize time in the mountains (tomorrow's descent gives him some advantage) or rest up for the Time Trial on Thursday (where, at best, he'll gain 20-30 seconds on anyone)?

Ah, Le Tour...je t'aime!