Stage 9 Commentary

July 13, 2009

Doing this at the end of the rest day – and it’s already Bastille Day in France.

What’s my take on Stage 9? It was crap!

With the Col de Tourmelet in the middle of the stage, the last ride in the Pyrenees for 2009 was a waste of time.

If you’re going to try and shake up the field, make riders finish on top of the mountain or Start at the base and let them rocket ahead with a long run after. Don’t put it in the center of a day of racing.

No moves by anyone of consequence.

Team Astanà is still in turmoil – maybe moreso with Lances recent no-comment comments. And now we have three (I think) fast, flat stages before we hit the Alps.

I can’t wait for them.

See you tomorrow – or later today if you’re reading in Europe.