Reach for your recovery drink of choice, grab a little massage if you can, load up on carbs tonight, and get ready for the ultimate showdown for final Tour glory tomorrow to be contested in 41 kilometers contra la montre. I’m talking about the fans, not the riders, obviously. Because these last two days have nearly killed us.
This is anyone’s time trial. At 41km, it’s just long enough for Cadel to pull one out, and it’s just short and hilly enough for Andy to retain enough of his lead. Sure, Evans will certainly beat the Grimplette, but by how much? In last year’s final ITT, Andy almost pulled out the upset, until the wind kicked up and the youngster’s sit up and beg TT position had him more sail that sailor. It’s hilly enough to give the climbers a chance of staying in it, and the long descent to the finish will play to the fastmen against the clock.
Will his new Maillot Juane play Redbull to Andy and give him wings? Or will the scent of Yellow drag the Cadelamonster to his prize? Both Andy and Cadel know what it’s like to stand on the second step of the podium. Neither wants to stand there again. And both riders are different men than they were the last time it happened. Both have been hardened by the bitter taste of defeat that lingers long on the tongue.
I, for one, can hardly take it any more. Vive le Tour.
You know the drill, get your picks in by 5am Pacific tomorrow morning. Good luck.
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Outside bet Voeckler to get on the podium (step 2!)?
Fabian is given freedom to ride and take the stage, Martin told to hold back to ensure Cav gets the win in Paris, Voeckler rides the TT of his life to move Frank down to 5th, while Spanish Beef makes time on both for 4th OA.
VSP PICKS:
1. Spartacus
2. Cuddles
3. Tony Martin
4. El Steakelero
5. Voeckler
3 picks from the head, two from the heart. Cuddles fr the final win in Paris. Andy might be the new Ray Polidour. Or Jan Ullrich.
VSP PICKS:
1. Spartacus
2. GoodCuddles
3. Levi
4. Ten Dam
5. Hoogerland
VSP PICKS:
1. Cancellara
2. Millar
3. Leipheimer
4. Evans
5. Boasson Hagen
VSP PICKS:
1. Cancellara
2. Martin
3. Evans
4. D. Miller
5. Voeckler
Anyone see that tweet from Bonnie D Ford suggestion ASO thinking reversion to national teams? If it was anyone but Ford, I'd say utter bullshit.
Initial thought.
VSP PICKS:
1. Faboo
2. Martin
3. Miller
4. Porte
5. Levi
Way late to the VSP party, so this is just for fun - Team Leotard Schleck will win the day with Spartacus, but Good Cadel will ride in yellow on Sunday, much to Raggedy Frandy's (the Schleck's after any time trial that isn't entirely uphill) chagrin
VSP PICKS:
1. Cancellara
2. Martin
3. Millar
4. Evans
5. Velits
VSP PICKS:
1. Sparticus
2. Eggtimer
I really hope Cadel puts in some V and gets yellow!
VSP PICKS:
1. Cancellara
2. Millar
3. Martin
4. Evans
5. Boasson Hagen