Stage 8, Brittany: Welcome to Badger Country, First French Victory, Classic Cool Bretons: Badger and Bobet

Welcome to Brittany,

Badger country.

'You must have the will to win.'

- Bernard Hinault

Today's stage 8 rode into Brittany the hotspot of French cycling. Producing many great riders such as two Tour greats; Louison Bobet and The Badger. 

Louison Bobet, 3-time Tour champion.

Vive Alexis Vuillermoz!

Frenchman Alexis Vuillermoz of AG2R won on top of the summit of steep Mur de Bretagne, a major win and deal for French cycling. First Frenchman to win in this Tour. Surprisingly, Vincenzo Nibali (big loser of the day) lost 20 seconds and looked vulnerable being chucked out of the leading group.



"It's been a violent effort."

- Alexis Vuillermoz, stage 7 winner.


"It was too late. We'll try again.'

- Dan Martin, second place.

No pressure, in a good mood,

A stage win is upcoming.

photo Graham Watson

'I was hoping to win the stage. I come to the finish, I was died. Today I'm in the green jersey but maybe tomorrow I'll be in yellow. Still I'm hoping to do our best tomorrow. I start my Tour de France.'

- Peter Sagan, leader in green and white jersey classifications.

Green Jersey: 1. Sagan (213) 2. Greipel (210) 3. Cavendish (159) 4. Degenkolb (158)

Fab Faves: 1. Froome (31h 01'56") 2. Sagan (11") 3. Van Garderen (13") 6. Uran (34") 7, Contador (36") 13. Nibali (1'48") 16. Quintana (1'56")

BMC is the favorite for tomorrow's TTT but watch out for the Spanish train of Movistar to possibly upset the party.