LE TOUR EST ARRIVE    

The 'Tour' has arrived, Aberto Contador is causciously optimistic, todays stage will be decisive with 13kms of cobbles and only 6kms to to the end from this point. The Schlecks have been on the tarmac and Cancellera proved that a great leader of the tour dictates how the peloton should race.

He put an end to racing after a dangerous descent, I don't recall anyone ever doing this in recent years and the only other rider that I do remember doing this is Bernard Hinault of France decades back.

Is this deja vu or what? Just the other day I was saying to my wife would it not be marvelous if the French could wear the Mailot Jaune as they have not won the Tour for such a long time. Chavanel may not win the Tour but he sure can hold on to that 'jersey' for at least 10days.

The old dogs like Sastre and Armstrong are in there with a shout but neither will win this year's race.
Cadel can't win this tour either and maybe the only jersey he'll be wearing for a while is the 'rainbow jersey'.

Tony Martin looks good but we will have to see and as always Spain looks to be the strongest.   This tour is going to be a great one.