TdF Stage 14

Who?

I have to start off by saying I'm sorry to Thomas Voeckler for not mentioning what a b'dass he is.  The former National Champ of France is riding like a man possessed with, well his former self from a few years ago when Lance had to grind and claw every second he could to pry the yellow jersey from Voeckler.  Has everyone underestimated Thomas just as Lance did?  Voeckler can ride a bike, he may not be the most picturesque of climbers but the man can descend like an avalanche -and he will leave devastation in his wake.  Since his stint in the Yellow a few years ago he has been know as a stage hunter or breakaway artist, and if you want a dictionary definition of what he does best check out the last stage of Paris-Nice 2011.  Rainy nasty hilly, oh and cold.  Thomas is for real and by real I mean this guy is hardened dolomite.

Jelle Vanendert
Growing up in Texas I don't have the best pronunciation skills so his name comes out something like: Jello Van in the Dirt.  I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed.  No, Who is this guy again?  And, Wow what a performance he just laid down.  I will admit, I was waiting for him to blow into a million pieces about 5k to go.  Where has Omega been keeping this guy?  Did they just make him in the lab or something?  Nonetheless I am impressed and will keep an eye on this guy, could be a one hit wonder.

The GC guys were a little less animated on this stage.  I waited and waited for Andy and Frank to take off the gloves and start pimp slapping, but it never materialized.  Andy put in a dig in the end, but it only netted him a few seconds, it looked cool, but was not quite a stage stopper.  Contador looked a lot better than stage 12 when he was punched in the face by the Schlecks -repeatedly.  Basso was doing some work, WHY?  Evans looks like he is on a mission, a mission with a plan and he is sitting pretty.  Don't forget that Cadel can TT and can take a lot of time out of the Schlecks, Basso, and Sanchez.  Game on.