Friday File: Lucky for some unlucky for others, Bahamontes and Clascia

Jean Christophe Peraud's unlucky 13th stage fall put him far behind in the hunt.

photo Lionel Bonaventure

Some of the lucky and unlucky riders in the Tour is featured along with some interesting data from Dimension Data who may step in to replace MTN (departing sponsor at the end of this season) as sponsor for MTN-Qhubeka.

Firsts...

Daniel Teklehaimanot was outstanding becoming the first African rider to wear the polka dot jersey for the first South African based MTN-Qhubeka.

photo Doug Pensinger

So close yet so far for Peter Sagan.

Paris...

Some interesting data from Dimension Data...

The big stars are enjoying the lucrative post Tour criteriums...

Now that's my kind of beer:

celebrating at the Nato Ur Criterium Aalst.

Classic Cool...

1959 Tour de France.

The Eagle of Toledo, Frederico Bahamontes is the first Spanish rider to win the Tour. Here's a wonderful portrait of the great climber who was the first to be KoMs in all three Grand Tours...

Tomorrow is one for the climber's or strong rouleurs...

Clasica de San Sebastian.


My prediction: 1. Philippe Gilbert, 2. Julian Alaphilippe 3. Purito Rodriguez