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.

Which way to the Future?

Not sure which group is headed in the 'right' direction.

Yesterday after the stage in Saint-Girons, it was debatable as to who made more 'progress'.

The independent spirit is alive and well in the south of France that is for sure. This man looked at me like i WAS THE CRAZY ONE when i asked if i could take his picture. I found the contrast telling.

Bikes, Bottles and Lance

What a scene at the hotel last night- Astana was there, and so were the cast of characters who we've been talking about all week. I spoke with Lance briefly, and aside from some playful banter, his most notable remark was "Strange race, huh?"

What was interesting, and probably refreshingly to see from Lance's point of view, was someone else was garnering MOST of the attention in the dining room. That distinction went to Edouard Mouiex, the director of sales of one of the most famous Bordeaux labels in the land- Petrus.

I was lucky enough to try a bit of the bottle you can see here back at Christmas last year, and i can honestly say, it was the most sublime wine i have ever experienced.

It would have gone marvelously well with our menu last night, but Bob Roll chose a more modestly priced prize. A 2001 White Bordeaux that he considered an undiscovered gem on the menu. The sommelier even gave him an acknowledging nod upon seeing his selection- a true sign that Bob Roll was on his A-Game!

One of the perks of traveling with the man many consider to be the FACE of American cycling, he's got a brain to back up all that craziness!

The Last Word- Stage 8

On the day that the Tour returned to the roads of France, it would be three OTHER "E.U." countries that would celebrate.

It was a brilliant combination of gamesmanship and gusto by Spaniard Luis-Leon Sanchez. Like a professional poker player, he held his cards close to his chest, and waited for the 'river' to reveal the Ace.

Italian Rinaldo Nocentini benefited from great teamwork and great tenacity to hold onto yellow, while Norwegian Thor Hushovd studied the race book to perfection. The God of Thunder placed himself amongst the breakaway early on- no easy feat considering the day started with a Category 1 climb- to take full advantage of the sprint bonus points.

His calculated move moved him into the Green Jersey, an honor he hopes to build on as we wind towards Paris, but a war he will have to wage with Mark Cavendish every step of the way.

Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador and the Astana juggernaut did just enough out on the road to keep their vice grip on the standings. While there is no debating their strength on the bike, MOST are debating the strength of the BOND that tenuously holds the team together.

Stage 8- Saint Girons

Not a fun drive last night, it's always AGONIZING getting off of a mountain top, and Arcalis was our first reminder this year, that no matter how much 'modernization' takes place- faster cars, better paved roads, GPS systems...all that is useless when you're sitting in bumper-to-bumper, stand-still traffic.

The good news is that today brought sun, mild temps, and a revitalized vibe to the TV compound due to TWO things. First, and foremost, the Lance-Alberto soap opera is too good, and too fun, to ignore. Second, Astana is actually staying in our hotel tonight, so we'll get to see firsthand, how the two, and the team, interact.

At the finish line, we've already anticipated a 'breakaway' to go from the start, but the difficulty of the 1st climb has made it hard to prognosticate who could, or will, stay away until the line here in Saint Girons.

It's peaceful here at the moment, that will NOT be the case in a few hours.

The Shot Heard Round the World

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!!

Alberto Contador is the BOSS! It seems the whole cycling universe wants to know WHY Contador accelerated in the final few kilometers. Let's call Oliver Stone. Conspiracists are already having a field day with how Stage 7 played out. Without directly accusing him of anything, Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer both hinted that the TEAM PLAN was a bit different than how we saw it unfold.

Suffice to say, the Astana dinner table was probably a bit quite last night, at the least, a tad subdued! The exact opposite can be said for dining tables around the world- we've got plenty to CHEW ON these next few days...let the conversations commence and the determined debate rage on!

The Last Word- Stage 6 (one more from the TARDY FILE)

On a day when storm clouds loomed on the horizon, and torrential rain pounded the peloton, it seems only fitting that when the riders crested the final climb, it would be the God of Thunder, Thor Hushovd, throwing down the hammer. The Norwegian strongman danced his way through the final kilometers like it was a BOLERO, picking the perfect time to power across the line.

Lance Armstrong and Astana practiced proper positioning again. Always near the front, they realize tomorrow is their chance to fly high, and put more time into their rivals.

Speaking of flying…it may have been a ‘yellow’ swan song for Fabian Cancellara in Barcelona. His scrappy riding kept him in the overall lead, but with a host of hounds nipping at his heels as we head into the hills, it seems he may be forced to relinquish his grip on the leader’s jersey in less than 24 hours.

The Last Word- Stage 5 (yep, you guessed it-late)

Every athlete born with the desire for greatness must first DREAM of what is POSSIBLE. Since 2004, the world has known Thomas Voeckler has the heart of a champion. Today, the Frenchman was rewarded with his first career stage win at the Tour. He seized his moment, and now has memories that will last a lifetime.

For Lance Armstrong and his Astana squad, it was a day of calculation and coordination. They rode smartly, and at times strongly, to stay out of trouble, AND, out of the wind. It was a tactical show of force.

Fabian Cancellara, the Swiss Sparticus, kept his wits about him as well. He rolls into Spain tomorrow with the Maillot Jaune on his shoulders, an honor only a select few ever earn.