TdF '06: Post Stage 11 Quick Observations
Although, I haven't had a chance to watch the stage on OLN, this thing called work prevents that, I was able to keep apprised of the happenings via the official tour web site. Here's my thoughts:
- I'm thrilled Floyd Landis is wearing the Maillot Jaune. In watching his interviews with OLN's Frankie Andreu, he's been extremely confidant but in a very low key manner during this years Tour. This was quite a contrast compared to George Hincapie's interview this morning, where he'd hardly look into the camera. He seemed like a dispirited prize fighter that knows he's going to taste the canvas before the bell even rings.
- I think I knew deep down that it was going to be virtually impossible for Team Discovery to put another one of it's riders on the top of the podium in successive Tours. However after Operacion Puerto ravaged the field, I was thinking anything was possible, hence my pick of Hincapie. Sometimes I just won't let the Vulcan in me win.
- If stage 11 demonstrated one thing, it was that we can still get some excitement out of the Tour this year. After the first 10 stages, I was starting to question whether this race was going to turn out to be anything special. In my opinion it was a real snoozefest and the first Pyrenean stage did nothing to diminish my opinion.
- One thing that is painfully obvious, Operacion Puerto turned this years Tour on it's head. Many of the teams seem ruderless, unsure of whether to ride tempo, attack, defend, or just abandon. Although, some teams may not have been directly impacted by Operacion Puerto, i.e. riders suspended, indirectly every team has been effected, especially as it relates to the tactics of racing.
- Next stage worth watching: Tuesday, July 18th - L'Alpe-D'Huez. I'm taking that day off!