The Garmin-Cervelo Sandwich with Rainbow Stripes!
Double Trouble... That's what I call it for Eddy Boasson Hagen in the final run up to Gap.
The Team Sky rider found himself against the odds riding beside the Garmin-Cervelo duo of Ryder Hesjedal and Thor Hushovd. Hesjedal did a sterling effort bridging up to lone leader Mikhail Ignatyev and flying passed him. I was on the edge of my seat as I thought this maybe Hesjedal's moment of reckoning. He's come so close to the big win and this could finally be the big one.
Boasson Hagen attacked and The God of Thunder had to follow. The Norwegian pair reached Hesjedal and in the last few metres a stronger Hushovd took the sprint in convincing fashion. His second stage win of the race. Boasson Hagen finished second in a Garmin-Cervelo sandwich and Ryder Hesjedal triumphantly in third, a yeoman's work well done.
The next three stages are in the Alps and firing on all cylinders is Cadel Evans. He's put time in on Andy Schleck and Thomas Voeckler and looks determined to make history.
Today, Ryder Hesjedal had a shot at Tour glory and tomorrow may bring ...another sterling opportunity.
Ryder passing Ignatyev.
Photo: Casey Gibson
Celebrating!
Photo: Sirotti
Comments
Hesjedal is always so underrated in the media. Everybody was going off about Gesink and Roche being outsiders for Tour glory, and ignoring Ryder, although he always puts in amazing rides when it comes down to the crunch.
It was funny watching the stage on Eurosport UK. Sean Kelly and another dude were commentating, saying that Boasson Hagen and Thor were really good descenders when they were at the top of the last climb, and that Hesjedal would have to struggle to keep up. Obviously they hadn't done their homework, as a few minutes later we see BH and Thor almost crashing through each curve while trying to stay on Ryder's wheel :)
You can't mess with Ryder's ex-mountainbiker skillz...
Hesjedal had a tough first week but he gradually got back to form in the last two weeks finishing very well. He's the real thing with super mtnbike skills. I believe he will come back and win a big race this year!