The Last Word- Stage 9

The Tourmalet plays no favorites, and holds no grudges. Each year she is a blank canvas on which someone can create a masterpiece. Today, destiny teased two men, and it was Pierrick Fedrigo who fought off his rival, and one of nature's greatest mountains, to add his name to the history books.

The French riders, long dormant in their 'summers' of discontent, have awakened with a new-found 'joie de vivre'. With 3 stage wins, and a 'home team' with the Yellow Jersey, the Tour is already a success beyond their wildest imagination.

Rinaldo Nocentini held on to the Maillot Jaune for another day, and, conceivably, for another week. AG2R-La Mondial defended the honor, and took the responsibility, on the day, relieving Astana of any 'play making' duties.

For their part, Bruyneel and his Kazak-backed brigade did what they had to do- at one point, it was Lance himself who worked on the front to close the break- maintaining an 'order' amongst the rank and file, and continuing to look forward to the Alps.

A rest day tomorrow, but it far from puts to REST any of the questions that remain in this July's developing drama on wheels.