Pack Your Passports

Stage 16 weaves through three countries- Switzerland, Italy, and France. Amidst the cultural landscape, the common language of the peloton today will be PAIN. Straight out of the gate, the climbing begins up the Grand Saint-Bernard.

This region of Switzerland is famous for the DOG of the same name. The first mention of the breed was exactly 300 years ago. The original purpose was as a guard dog, but as most of you know, they became famous MOUNTAIN RESCUE DOGS.

The dogs always work in groups of four- two to lie down on either side of the victim to keep them warm, another licks the victim to wake him and keep him awake, and the fourth looks for human assistance by barking or fetching someone.

Napoleon Bonaparte crossed over the Grand Saint-Bernard pass in 1800 on his way to fight against the Austrians and enter Italy via the pass. 60,000 troops, 35,000 horses, and 50 pieces of artillery did not slow him down, it was here that he delivered his famous quote upon being told the army may not make it through the pass, "The possible can be achieved by everyone, I want to attempt the impossible."

The famous writer, poet, and adventurer, Richard Halliburton crossed over the pass in 1935 as he attempted (and succeeded) to duplicate Hannibal's famous feat (in 218 BC) aboard the back of an elephant.

They traveled at an average speed of 3km/HR...i think our cyclists will be just a tad faster today!

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!

The Last Word- Stage 15

As predicted, the peloton exploded on the slopes of Verbier today, and the pain was evident on the faces of every rider. Alberto Contador's acceleration on the final climb left the world's best in his wake, and Astana's two-week gamesmanship finally gave way to survival of the fittest.

With 3 Aces up his sleeve, Johan Bruyneel finally set the Spaniard free, and what a flight it was.

In one fell swoop, Contador claimed the stage AND the jersey he's sought to defend for two years.

Lance's Armstrong's effort was more than admirable. He may not be the best on his team, but he is still one of the best in the world, finishing the stage in 9th, but more importantly, moving into 2nd overall for the Yellow Jersey.

Stage 15 will be remembered as 'The Shake Up in Switzerland', or perhaps a 'shakedown' by Astana. As we head into the 2nd rest day, they tactically take control with three men in the Top Four. They have been doing most of the work the past week, now they finally reap the rewards to show for it.

Verbiage prior to Verbier

To be or not to be in Yellow. Everyone's got an opinion on this one that's for sure. I, along with every American cycling fan, feel horrible for George. Fate has dealt him such brutal blows in the Classics, that i have always loved to see his demeanor during July. That's what made it so hard to take yesterday. For him to question the motives of his best friend, and former teammate, means his heart and even his will was broken. The 'Maillot Jaune' would have stood as a symbol of his lifetime of service and sacrifice, and to have it be stripped away by 5 seconds is almost too cruel.

That said, i'm going to reserve judgement as to how and why it happened, and who played the key role in it's collapse, before i choose a side. I want to lash out at someone, or something, but everyone involved may have a valid reason as to why they did what they did.

Bottom line, today's another day for LEGS, rather than LIPS, and the ascent up the final climb is harder than a few of the riders realize.

The town of Verbier is one of Europe's most famous resorts. It's considered a playground for the rich and famous- Richard Branson and Diana Ross are frequent visitors. The 'off piste' skiing is considered second to none, and for the past 15 years, the town has been known for it's classical musical festival.

It's the first time the Tour will visit, but it has been used multiple times by the Tour of Switzerland over the years.

Bonne Nuit

Well, it was with great regret that i rolled out of bed this AM. Only because i can honestly say that last night, i stayed in the best hotel EVER when we have covered the Tour de France. And i'll take it a step further...the rooms were 2nd only to a couple of hotels in Las Vegas i've been lucky enough to visit. Hotel Nevai. Look it up, book it, then travel here and prepare to be 'wow'd'!

Dueling decks (either side of the suite), hot tub, fireplace, plasma screens, walk in shower...the list goes on...going to be very hard to convince anyone this is a 'tough' job after this.

The Last Word- Stage 14

On a day when everyone thought it would be the Columbia-HTC Express in action, it was their "Pappa Bear" who put on a performance, as Mark Cavendish's exploits took a backseat to George Hincapie's breakaway effort. As the 12 in front clicked off the kilometers, it looked like Hincapie had the Yellow Jersey in hand, but ultimately, the effort would come up a miniscule SIX SECONDS SHORT, and Rinaldo Nocentini stayed in yellow.

As George himself said afterwards, "It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and it didn't work out.", but you can bet somehow, someway, somewhere down the road, he'll use this as motivation for a pinnacle performance.

For Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, and the other 'overall' contenders, it's finally time to play their cards. Tomorrow we CLIMB, and anyone without wings will crash out of the contender's race.

Windy, Wet, and Cold- All Day?

As expected, the rain has returned. It should make for a less-than-ideal day in the saddle. But hopefully it motivates the men to get to Besancon as quickly as possible. We made it here last night in a reasonable amount of time, so a sit-down dinner was in order. 'Filet de boeuf avec pomme frites' was the call- hard to pass that up, wherever you are in the world.

Look for the fast men to finish in a flurry. Mark Cavendish should be smarting from Thor Hushovd's cagey move to steal back the Green Jersey, so expect him to marshall the troops to the front and ratchet up the pace as they crank out the final few kilometers.

So, Besancon...mentioned in the journals of Julius Caesar, it has been historically significant through the times of Charlemagne, the Holy Roman Empire, and both World Wars. It is perhaps best known, however, for it's famed 'Citadel'. Designed by French military engineer VAUBAN, the fort would fall to Spain after he drew up the original plans, so the Spanish saw no reason why they shouldn't follow his design. Once the fort returned to the French, it would take Vauban nearly 30 years to complete.

Known as the 'watch making capitol' of France, Besancon is also the birthplace of Victor Hugo. His best known works are 'Les Miserables' and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame', and some call him France's greatest poet and exponent of the Romantic Movement in France.

The Last Word- Stage 13

On a day when the rain returned to the Tour, no one was able to rein in the power, and the passion, of Cervelo's Heinrich Haussler. While most were content to seek shelter in the peloton, Haussler ventured into the elements virtually alone. Breaking free of Sylvain Chavanel on the descent of the Category 1 Col du Platerwasel, the German used a combination of skill, speed, and fearlessness to assure the greatest win of his young career.

Rinaldo Nocentini did enough to keep the Yellow Jersey for another day, while Lance Armstrong and Astana regrouped, and refocused, after the devastating news of the loss of Levi Leipheimer this morning.

Lance knows all too well that the show must go on, and while he's lost a loyal sidekick for the remainder of the race, Lance often finds motivation when his back is against the wall. Oddly enough, Levi's departure could prove a powerful catalyst in the days to come.