High five for the Flying Frenchmen!
Stage 15 Pamiers-Bagnères-de-Luchon:
Today was extra special in Le Tour. 100 year anniversary for the Pyrenees with the climb to the Portet d'Aspet and the eventful Port de Bales.
In 1995, Motorola's Fabio Casartelli died tragically on the descent. I remember it and the shocking images still give me goose bumps. As French champ Thomas Voeckler, at times, staggered up the fearsome Port de Bales everyone seem to let him go. On the descent he sped down like a demon smelling victory. He took chances almost losing it on a switchback with only a side of a barn for him to bounce off. Thankfully, he didn't fall. He soloed putting it away for another French stage win. That's number five. A high five for the Frenchmen at this exciting Tour.
Behind with 21km left, Schleck accelerated from his arch rival Contador and dropped his chain. Was a honored tradition of not attacking the yellow jersey when he's down not followed? A cycling code of conduct broken? Contador accelerated and attacked with dangermen, Menchov and Sanchev leaving a helpless Schleck fiddling with the chain.
At the finish, Andy Schleck loss 39 secs and ownership of the yellow jersey to Alberto Contador. Perhaps not the moral way, especially with the chorus of boos erupting as he pulled on the yellow jersey. An opportunistic Contador did make 'his' right move ...it's a bike race, no?
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