Vuelta stage 8

As promised Gilbert lost the GC, but not without a fight. You have to give it to the big man. Five, count 'em 5 categorized climbs on stage 8. Not an easy day in the saddle. Omega did a great job protecting their leader for the days that he was in the jersey. I like Gilbert, and enjoyed seeing him win a stage and wear the leader's jersey.

Team Sky has had a rough go at la Vuelta and Friday evening Txema Gonzalez, a team Sky soigneur died of a blood infection. Sky has had several riders abandon la Vuelta due to a virus not related to Gonzalez's infection. With this news and all of the abandons Sky pulled out of the race.

What's up with Tommy D? So far the dude is looking like he should have three years ago, or is it just a matter of time before he implodes and ends up in the team car headed for the hotel? I've been disappointed by him in the past, but I always end up coming back and rooting for him. Only to be let down. Go Tom!!!

Tejay is still hanging in there, all 22years. The commentators were talking about his chances of lasting the full three weeks. Age does have a great deal to do with the rider, but sometimes, sometimes it makes no difference. I would like to see a product of our USAC kick some ... in his first Grand.

David Moncoutié wants a third KOM of la Vuelta, and he went for it today, not only did he work his way up the standings he also took home the stage win. Not a bad way to start a campaign for the dots. This should be a crazy crazy crazy race for the KOM, seems like every stage has at least one climb.