Final Thoughts- Stage 16

It was an effort worthy of winning, but Carlos Barredo was caught with 1 KM to go! Amongst the breakaway was the American legend himself, Lance Armstrong. HE did everything he could to stamp a fairy-tale ending on his time in France. But like the 2 1/2 weeks prior, luck was not on his side.

There was a truce in the physical and psychological war for the 'maillot jaune'. Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck were content to coexist on some of the most historic climbs the Tour can serve up. They'll rest for 24 hours, then resume the hostilities when they revisit the Tourmalet on Thursday.

While it was a day off for YELLOW, GREEN was on Thor Hushovd's mind. The God of Thunder proved his metal yet again, crushing climbs that make mortals cringe, and winning enough points in the final dash to reclaim the prize he considers his own.

A much needed rest day, then a final 4 day dash into Paris...