TdF July 18 – Rest Day Wrap-up
Or the new Badger! Every newspaper in France today has a story about Thomas Voeckler. He’s either the next Bernard Hinault or he’s the new Romain Poulidor – a new great champion – or an eternal-almost-gonna-make it. But either way Voeckler has energized a new passion for the Tour de France among the French commentators and journalists. The fact that there are established cycling experts willing to say “yes, Voeckler can win the tour” is a key change in even the last three days. That’s what a ride up the Plateau de Beille in the company of giants will do for you.
I showed this in yesterday’s blog but it’s so good it should be shown every day – this is a guy with a suitcase full of courage as Phil Liggett likes to say. Look at his battle from 2004 and then look at the video below – his battle from Thursday. He’s a dude who knows how to suffer – and even if (when) he gets dropped in the Alps there will no one doubting his legitimacy in at the front of the Tour de France.
VIDEO - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-5bt7Yjn3Q
VIDEO - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE6uSDzGozw
Watch his jump when Andy attacks. That’s confidence.
Voeckler Quotes
Here's what's being said today about Tommy V and his chances to take this jersey all the way to Paris.
Equipe - Front Page - "WE WANT TO BELIEVE IN HIM... the idea is starting to form that Thomas Voeckler is not done with impressing us"
Bernard Hinault - "Yes he impresses me. At plateau de Beille he didn't win the final yellow jersey, but he fought. With the jersey on his back he does not neglect it, he respects it. It makes to happy to see him at the front. I'm staring to like him"
Bernard Thevenet - "For me it was Luz-Ardiden when he surprised me, at plateau de Beille it was a non-race. He's progressed in the mountains and has much more experience - when he responds to attacks he does not panic"
Bjarne Riis - "We made a mistake letting him get away. He is going to be a fighter and has a strong team with him"
But on the topic of can he win the Tour. Lance already said maybe but of the French Bernard Hinault is of course the most vocal.
Bernard - "When we see what's waiting in the Alps - I don't think so. The triple HC day is too hard. Even if it's impossible anything can happen. That's why we race."
But if you leave the final word to the man himself - Thomas Voeckler says "I estimate I have zero chance to win the Tour." That's ok - stranger things have happened on the Tour de France roads.
It's incredibly refreshing to watch the Tour this year with less of a cynical eye. The media is only starting to ask the right questions about why the speeds are lower, why the attacks are shorter and why the mix at the front isn't always the same. The riders are still exciting and the racing has been unpredictable day after day. What's next for the final week?
Tour de France in the Alps
Get ready for a big four days of suffering. The final push to Paris will start with a long up-hill slog to Gap with only one categorized climb - expect there to be some attacking on that climb. Probably Sammy Sanchez, maybe Vanendert again, it would be a good spot for a Schleck attack (probably Frank) and maybe David Moncoutie trying to salvage his Tour.
The main focus on the day will be for the boys to try and not get too tired for Wednesday and Thursday's super-stages. The big teams will try to offer as much rest as possible and will protect their guys.
Honestly a guy who should give a dig tomorrow would be Levi Leipheimer. I can't even remember the last time I saw him on TV here at the Tour. He lost a ton of time on Saturday and can't be considered a contender anymore. His team doesn't have a GC rider and they all ride for each other anyway. Come on Levi - save your tour and your reputation and give it a shot... Lance did last year over the Aubisque and you can too...
I'll pick a winner tomorrow morning - so for now - he's a video of Levi attacking - I had to look hard to find it.
Even this isn't exactly a dramatic attack... come on Levi. Do it. Attack.
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