Tour de France 2008

See Follow The Tour

2010-12-26T05:20:00.000-08:00

I found it odd to be pushing date-specific URLs to one site where I was following the Tour de France. Therefore I've created Follow The Tour and will be posting there for all subsequent Tours de France.

Thanks!

TDF09

2008-11-01T07:43:00.000-07:00

Better get ready for the 2009 version of Jeff Cutler follows the Tour de France.

Going to set it up this weekend and I'll talk about the course and the riders and Lance and all that happy crap.

See you soon. URL will be announced here once I establish it on blogspot.

Or just go to TDF09.com - I own that domain.

Lance is back

2008-10-01T21:17:00.001-07:00

Lance has announced that he's riding the 2009 Tour de France. That means I'll likely have to go back over to France to cover the race.

I'll keep you updated here and on Jeff Cutler dot com.

Company Synchronicity

2008-08-12T19:19:00.001-07:00

Now it seems that there are two other Novel Ideas companies in the nation. I'm guessing the count is much higher, but when I opened my writing services firm on January 1, 1992 I didn't realize that the world would shrink so much as the Internet brought us together.

With my Novel Ideas writing site at Ideas2Words dot com - www.ideas2words.com - I attract a modest amount of business. But as you can guess, the reason my Novel Ideas site isn't at NovelIdeas.com is two-fold.

One - the name was taken. Pure and simple. Novel Ideas is a bookmark company in North Carolina. Good name. Fair product. I was too slow.

Two - NovelIdeas looks like Noveiideas or NoveLLdeas when written out. Having two of the same letter - unless you're google - in your domain name is bad news. So I haven't pursued it.

But now there's a writer marketing herself and her company - Novel Ideas - out in the western part of the United States.

What to do? Cease and desist? Nice letter asking her to give up the name? Combine forces and have two offices of Novel Ideas?

I don't know. Send me your suggestions.

Right now I'm on a writing sabbatical, but still have some billing through both Jeff Cutler and Novel Ideas. So the company isn't on hiatus and isn't going away.

It begs the question of intellectual property in this age of fast-moving people and concerns.

Keep reading...I'll let you know how it all turns out.

The last Saab Word of the Day

2008-07-27T10:20:00.002-07:00

For the final stage, here is the Saab Fly to the Finish word of the day...

"Paris"

Duh!

Good luck. See you in 09.

Final Standings 2008 Tour de France

2008-07-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

Here's the list. George Hincapie finished 35th.

1. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 87h 52' 52"
2. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 87h 53' 50" + 00' 58"
3. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 87h 54' 05" + 01' 13"
4. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 87h 55' 02" + 02' 10"
5. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 87h 55' 57" + 03' 05"
6. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 87h 57' 20" + 04' 28"
7. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 87h 59' 17" + 06' 25"
8. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 87h 59' 47" + 06' 55"
9. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 88h 00' 04" + 07' 12"
10. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 88h 01' 57" + 09' 05"
11. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 88h 02' 47" + 09' 55"
12. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 88h 04' 24" + 11' 32"
13. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 88h 05' 51" + 12' 59"
14. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 88h 12' 15" + 19' 23"
15. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 88h 16' 23" + 23' 31"
16. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 88h 16' 32" + 23' 40"
17. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 88h 17' 47" + 24' 55"
18. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 88h 20' 03" + 27' 11"
19. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 88h 21' 23" + 28' 31"
20. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 88h 21' 25" + 28' 33"
21. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 88h 24' 42" + 31' 50"
22. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 88h 25' 51" + 32' 59"
23. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 88h 28' 33" + 35' 41"
24. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 88h 29' 16" + 36' 24"
25. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 88h 30' 12" + 37' 20"
26. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 88h 37' 35" + 44' 43"
27. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 88h 38' 11" + 45' 19"
28. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 88h 39' 23" + 46' 31"
29. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 88h 40' 35" + 47' 43"
30. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 88h 41' 15" + 48' 23"
31. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 88h 41' 50" + 48' 58"
32. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 88h 43' 11" + 50' 19"
33. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 88h 53' 56" + 1h 01' 04"
34. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 88h 58' 30" + 1h 05' 38"
35. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 89h 01' 07" + 1h 08' 15"
36. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 89h 02' 17" + 1h 09' 25"
37. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 89h 04' 47" + 1h 11' 55"
38. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 89h 05' 50" + 1h 12' 58"
39. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 89h 12' 58" + 1h 20' 06"
40. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 89h 13' 16" + 1h 20' 24"
41. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 89h 18' 19" + 1h 25' 27"
42. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 89h 19' 14" + 1h 26' 22"
43. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 89h 19' 32" + 1h 26' 40"
44. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 89h 19' 34" + 1h 26' 42"
45. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 89h 19' 52" + 1h 27' 00"
46. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 89h 22' 51" + 1h 29' 59"
47. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 89h 26' 14" + 1h 33' 22"
48. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 89h 29' 13" + 1h 36' 21"
49. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 89h 29' 49" + 1h 36' 57"
50. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 89h 29' 52" + 1h 37' 00"
51. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 89h 32' 29" + 1h 39' 37"
52. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 89h 34' 51" + 1h 41' 59"
53. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 89h 37' 16" + 1h 44' 24"
54. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 89h 40' 14" + 1h 47' 22"
55. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 89h 40' 16" + 1h 47' 24"
56. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 89h 41' 19" + 1h 48' 27"
57. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 89h 42' 32" + 1h 49' 40"
58. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 89h 42' 41" + 1h 49' 49"
59. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 89h 42' 46" + 1h 49' 54"
60. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 89h 43' 16" + 1h 50' 24"
61. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 89h 47' 17" + 1h 54' 25"
62. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 89h 48' 31" + 1h 55' 39"
63. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 89h 48' 44" + 1h 55' 52"
64. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 89h 48' 56" + 1h 56' 04"
65. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 89h 50' 01" + 1h 57' 09"
66. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 89h 51' 08" + 1h 58' 16"
67. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 89h 52' 05" + 1h 59' 13"
68. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 89h 52' 31" + 1h 59' 39"
69. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 89h 58' 02" + 2h 05' 10"
70. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 89h 58' 38" + 2h 05' 46"
71. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 89h 59' 13" + 2h 06' 21"
72. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 90h 00' 25" + 2h 07' 33"
73. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 90h 01' 15" + 2h 08' 23"
74. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 90h 01' 42" + 2h 08' 50"
75. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 90h 02' 15" + 2h 09' 23"
76. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 90h 05' 55" + 2h 13' 03"
77. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 90h 06' 33" + 2h 13' 41"
78. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 90h 06' 42" + 2h 13' 50"
79. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 90h 07' 17" + 2h 14' 25"
80. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 90h 09' 25" + 2h 16' 33"
81. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 90h 09' 35" + 2h 16' 43"
82. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 90h 12' 25" + 2h 19' 33"
83. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 90h 13' 41" + 2h 20' 49"
84. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 90h 15' 25" + 2h 22' 33"
85. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 90h 15' 56" + 2h 23' 04"
86. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 90h 16' 08" + 2h 23' 16"
87. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 90h 19' 56" + 2h 27' 04"
88. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 90h 23' 04" + 2h 30' 12"
89. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 90h 23' 28" + 2h 30' 36"
90. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 90h 25' 11" + 2h 32' 19"
91. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 90h 26' 47" + 2h 33' 55"
92. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 90h 27' 00" + 2h 34' 08"
93. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 90h 27' 04" + 2h 34' 12"
94. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 90h 28' 00" + 2h 35' 08"
95. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 90h 29' 21" + 2h 36' 29"
96. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 90h 30' 59" + 2h 38' 07"
97. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 90h 31' 05" + 2h 38' 13"
98. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 90h 32' 50" + 2h 39' 58"
99. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 90h 38' 12" + 2h 45' 20"
100. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 90h 41' 25" + 2h 48' 33"
101. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 90h 46' 43" + 2h 53' 51"
102. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 90h 48' 21" + 2h 55' 29"
103. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 90h 49' 04" + 2h 56' 12"
104. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 90h 50' 36" + 2h 57' 44"
105. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 90h 51' 23" + 2h 58' 31"
106. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 90h 51' 26" + 2h 58' 34"
107. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 90h 56' 54" + 3h 04' 02"
108. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 90h 57' 44" + 3h 04' 52"
109. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 91h 00' 38" + 3h 07' 46"
110. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 91h 00' 49" + 3h 07' 57"
111. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 91h 01' 15" + 3h 08' 23"
112. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 91h 02' 48" + 3h 09' 56"
113. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 91h 06' 30" + 3h 13' 38"
114. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 91h 07' 29" + 3h 14' 37"
115. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 91h 08' 45" + 3h 15' 53"
116. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 91h 09' 03" + 3h 16' 11"
117. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 91h 09' 28" + 3h 16' 36"
118. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 91h 09' 53" + 3h 17' 01"
119. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 91h 10' 37" + 3h 17' 45"
120. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 91h 13' 20" + 3h 20' 28"
121. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 91h 14' 24" + 3h 21' 32"
122. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 91h 15' 28" + 3h 22' 36"
123. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 91h 16' 09" + 3h 23' 17"
124. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 91h 16' 45" + 3h 23' 53"
125. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 91h 17' 00" + 3h 24' 08"
126. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 91h 18' 26" + 3h 25' 34"
127. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 91h 19' 08" + 3h 26' 16"
128. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 91h 19' 39" + 3h 26' 47"
129. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 91h 20' 21" + 3h 27' 29"
130. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 91h 20' 55" + 3h 28' 03"
131. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 91h 20' 59" + 3h 28' 07"
132. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 91h 22' 52" + 3h 30' 00"
133. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 91h 23' 39" + 3h 30' 47"
134. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 91h 24' 22" + 3h 31' 30"
135. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 91h 25' 17" + 3h 32' 25"
136. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 91h 26' 32" + 3h 33' 40"
137. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 91h 28' 16" + 3h 35' 24"
138. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 91h 28' 22" + 3h 35' 30"
139. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 91h 28' 44" + 3h 35' 52"
140. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 91h 30' 14" + 3h 37' 22"
141. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 91h 32' 40" + 3h 39' 48"
142. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 91h 41' 10" + 3h 48' 18"
143. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 91h 44' 47" + 3h 51' 55"
144. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 91h 47' 44" + 3h 54' 52"
145. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 91h 48' 37" + 3h 55' 45"

And it's over - YES SPOILER

2008-07-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here's how the last stage of the Tour went.

Everyone rode together, drank champagne and enjoyed the journey.

Sastre finished seven seconds behind Cadel Evans and 14 seconds behind stage winner Quickstep's Gert Steegmans.

The top ten in the stage were...

1. Gert Steegmans (BEL) QST
2. Gerald Cioleck (GER) THR
3. Oscar Freire (ESP) RAB
4. Robbie McEwen (AUS) SIL
5. Thor Hushovd (NOR) C.A
6. Julian Dean (NZL) GAR
7. Stefan Schumacher (GER) GST
8. Robert Forster (GER) GST
9. Leonardo Duque (COL) COF
10. Robert Hunter (RSA) BAR

The top ten in the 2008 Tour de France are...

1. Carlos Sastre (ESP) CSC - 3,559.5km in 87h52’52" (40.490km/h)
2. Cadel Evans (AUS) SIL at 58"
3. Bernhard Kohl (AUT) GST at 1’13"
4. Denis Menchov (RUS) RAB at 2’10"
5. Christian Vande Velde (USA) TSL at 3’05"
6. Frank Schleck (LUX) CSC at 4’28"
7. Samuel Sanchez (ESP) EUS at 6’25"
8. Kim Kirchen (LUX) THR at 6’55"
9. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) GCE at 7’12"
10. Tadej Valjavec (SLO) ALM at 9’05"

The full list will come in a second.

SPOILER - Overall Standings after Stage 20

2008-07-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

The Tour is effectively over. If the gap were 0:20 or so I could see some riders trying to bridge that gap in Paris. But Carlos Sastre and the CSC team have cemented their win.

Unless Sastre falls and breaks something, the 2008 version of the Tour de France has been wrapped up.

Here's how they stand after today...

1. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 84h 01' 00"
2. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 84h 02' 05" + 01' 05"
3. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 84h 02' 20" + 01' 20"
4. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 84h 03' 00" + 02' 00"
5. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 84h 04' 12" + 03' 12"
6. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 84h 05' 28" + 04' 28"
7. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 84h 07' 32" + 06' 32"
8. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 84h 08' 02" + 07' 02"
9. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 84h 08' 26" + 07' 26"
10. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 84h 10' 12" + 09' 12"
11. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 84h 11' 02" + 10' 02"
12. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 84h 12' 32" + 11' 32"
13. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 84h 13' 49" + 12' 49"
14. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 84h 20' 23" + 19' 23"
15. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 84h 24' 31" + 23' 31"
16. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 84h 24' 40" + 23' 40"
17. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 84h 26' 02" + 25' 02"
18. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 84h 28' 18" + 27' 18"
19. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 84h 29' 31" + 28' 31"
20. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 84h 29' 33" + 28' 33"
21. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 84h 32' 50" + 31' 50"
22. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 84h 33' 59" + 32' 59"
23. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 84h 36' 48" + 35' 48"
24. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 84h 37' 31" + 36' 31"
25. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 84h 38' 34" + 37' 34"
26. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 84h 45' 43" + 44' 43"
27. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 84h 46' 19" + 45' 19"
28. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 84h 47' 31" + 46' 31"
29. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 84h 48' 50" + 47' 50"
30. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 84h 49' 23" + 48' 23"
31. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 84h 49' 58" + 48' 58"
32. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 84h 51' 19" + 50' 19"
33. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 85h 02' 04" + 1h 01' 04"
34. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 85h 06' 45" + 1h 05' 45"
35. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 85h 09' 22" + 1h 08' 22"
36. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 85h 10' 25" + 1h 09' 25"
37. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 85h 12' 55" + 1h 11' 55"
38. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 85h 13' 58" + 1h 12' 58"
39. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 85h 21' 06" + 1h 20' 06"
40. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 85h 21' 24" + 1h 20' 24"
41. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 85h 26' 27" + 1h 25' 27"
42. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 85h 27' 12" + 1h 26' 12"
43. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 85h 27' 54" + 1h 26' 54"
44. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 85h 27' 56" + 1h 26' 56"
45. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 85h 28' 07" + 1h 27' 07"
46. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 85h 30' 49" + 1h 29' 49"
47. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 85h 34' 12" + 1h 33' 12"
48. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 85h 37' 21" + 1h 36' 21"
49. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 85h 37' 47" + 1h 36' 47"
50. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 85h 37' 50" + 1h 36' 50"
51. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 85h 40' 27" + 1h 39' 27"
52. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 85h 42' 59" + 1h 41' 59"
53. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 85h 45' 38" + 1h 44' 38"
54. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 85h 48' 12" + 1h 47' 12"
55. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 85h 48' 24" + 1h 47' 24"
56. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 85h 49' 34" + 1h 48' 34"
57. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 85h 50' 40" + 1h 49' 40"
58. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 85h 50' 49" + 1h 49' 49"
59. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 85h 50' 54" + 1h 49' 54"
60. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 85h 51' 24" + 1h 50' 24"
61. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 85h 55' 15" + 1h 54' 15"
62. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 85h 56' 39" + 1h 55' 39"
63. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 85h 56' 52" + 1h 55' 52"
64. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 85h 56' 54" + 1h 55' 54"
65. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 85h 58' 23" + 1h 57' 23"
66. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 85h 59' 16" + 1h 58' 16"
67. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 86h 00' 19" + 1h 59' 19"
68. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 86h 00' 27" + 1h 59' 27"
69. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 86h 06' 10" + 2h 05' 10"
70. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 86h 07' 00" + 2h 06' 00"
71. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 86h 07' 35" + 2h 06' 35"
72. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 86h 08' 23" + 2h 07' 23"
73. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 86h 09' 13" + 2h 08' 13"
74. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 86h 09' 40" + 2h 08' 40"
75. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 86h 10' 23" + 2h 09' 23"
76. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 86h 14' 17" + 2h 13' 17"
77. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 86h 14' 31" + 2h 13' 31"
78. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 86h 14' 50" + 2h 13' 50"
79. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 86h 15' 15" + 2h 14' 15"
80. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 86h 17' 33" + 2h 16' 33"
81. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 86h 17' 33" + 2h 16' 33"
82. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 86h 20' 24" + 2h 19' 24"
83. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 86h 20' 35" + 2h 19' 35"
84. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 86h 22' 10" + 2h 21' 10"
85. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 86h 24' 06" + 2h 23' 06"
86. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 86h 24' 18" + 2h 23' 18"
87. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 86h 27' 54" + 2h 26' 54"
88. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 86h 30' 43" + 2h 29' 43"
89. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 86h 31' 36" + 2h 30' 36"
90. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 86h 33' 09" + 2h 32' 09"
91. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 86h 34' 58" + 2h 33' 58"
92. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 86h 35' 02" + 2h 34' 02"
93. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 86h 35' 09" + 2h 34' 09"
94. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 86h 36' 22" + 2h 35' 22"
95. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 86h 37' 19" + 2h 36' 19"
96. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 86h 39' 03" + 2h 38' 03"
97. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 86h 39' 07" + 2h 38' 07"
98. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 86h 41' 12" + 2h 40' 12"
99. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 86h 46' 34" + 2h 45' 34"
100. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 86h 49' 33" + 2h 48' 33"
101. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 86h 54' 51" + 2h 53' 51"
102. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 86h 56' 29" + 2h 55' 29"
103. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 86h 57' 12" + 2h 56' 12"
104. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 86h 58' 51" + 2h 57' 51"
105. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 86h 59' 21" + 2h 58' 21"
106. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 86h 59' 48" + 2h 58' 48"
107. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 87h 05' 16" + 3h 04' 16"
108. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 87h 05' 59" + 3h 04' 59"
109. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 87h 08' 46" + 3h 07' 46"
110. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 87h 09' 11" + 3h 08' 11"
111. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 87h 09' 37" + 3h 08' 37"
112. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 87h 09' 44" + 3h 08' 44"
113. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 87h 14' 28" + 3h 13' 28"
114. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 87h 15' 44" + 3h 14' 44"
115. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 87h 17' 00" + 3h 16' 00"
116. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 87h 17' 16" + 3h 16' 16"
117. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 87h 17' 25" + 3h 16' 25"
118. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 87h 18' 01" + 3h 17' 01"
119. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 87h 18' 45" + 3h 17' 45"
120. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 87h 21' 35" + 3h 20' 35"
121. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 87h 22' 22" + 3h 21' 22"
122. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 87h 23' 50" + 3h 22' 50"
123. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 87h 24' 17" + 3h 23' 17"
124. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 87h 24' 43" + 3h 23' 43"
125. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 87h 25' 22" + 3h 24' 22"
126. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 87h 26' 41" + 3h 25' 41"
127. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 87h 26' 56" + 3h 25' 56"
128. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 87h 27' 54" + 3h 26' 54"
129. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 87h 28' 38" + 3h 27' 38"
130. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 87h 28' 43" + 3h 27' 43"
131. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 87h 28' 53" + 3h 27' 53"
132. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 87h 30' 50" + 3h 29' 50"
133. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 87h 31' 47" + 3h 30' 47"
134. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 87h 32' 08" + 3h 31' 08"
135. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 87h 33' 32" + 3h 32' 32"
136. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 87h 34' 30" + 3h 33' 30"
137. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 87h 36' 30" + 3h 35' 30"
138. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 87h 36' 31" + 3h 35' 31"
139. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 87h 36' 42" + 3h 35' 42"
140. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 87h 38' 12" + 3h 37' 12"
141. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 87h 40' 26" + 3h 39' 26"
142. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 87h 49' 18" + 3h 48' 18"
143. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 87h 52' 55" + 3h 51' 55"
144. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 87h 54' 58" + 3h 53' 58"
145. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 87h 55' 51" + 3h 54' 51"

SPOILER - Time Trial Winner - Stage 20

2008-07-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

HOLY MOSES!

Evans gained only marginally on Sastre in the Stage 20 Time Trial and Carlos Sastre will go on to win the Tour de France. His decisive win in the Alpe d'Huez stage set him up to take the Yellow Jersey in Paris.

While Sastre lost 2:34 to Schumacher - the stage winner - he held off the rest of the guys around him and will likely win the Tour by 1:05 tomorrow.

Cadel Evans is going to - barring any disasters tomorrow - be on the podium in second place for the second year in a row.

Here are the standings of the Stage 20 time trial...

The finishing times are REALLY tight. Only a gap of 11:00 between first and last. Wow.

1. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 1h 03' 50"
2. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 04' 11" + 00' 21"
3. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 04' 51" + 01' 01"
4. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 04' 55" + 01' 05"
5. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 05' 27" + 01' 37"
6. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 1h 05' 45" + 01' 55"
7. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 05' 55" + 02' 05"
8. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 1h 06' 09" + 02' 19"
9. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 1h 06' 11" + 02' 21"
10. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 18" + 02' 28"
11. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 19" + 02' 29"
12. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 06' 24" + 02' 34"
13. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 06' 26" + 02' 36"
14. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 06' 44" + 02' 54"
15. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 06' 48" + 02' 58"
16. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 1h 06' 50" + 03' 00"
17. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 06' 54" + 03' 04"
18. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 06' 57" + 03' 07"
19. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 07' 00" + 03' 10"
20. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 1h 07' 03" + 03' 13"
21. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 07' 04" + 03' 14"
22. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 1h 07' 09" + 03' 19"
23. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 1h 07' 11" + 03' 21"
24. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 07' 17" + 03' 27"
25. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 1h 07' 21" + 03' 31"
26. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 07' 24" + 03' 34"
27. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 07' 26" + 03' 36"
28. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 07' 40" + 03' 50"
29. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 07' 48" + 03' 58"
30. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 07' 52" + 04' 02"
31. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 1h 07' 55" + 04' 05"
32. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 1h 08' 00" + 04' 10"
33. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 08' 02" + 04' 12"
34. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 08' 02" + 04' 12"
35. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 08' 03" + 04' 13"
36. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 08' 15" + 04' 25"
37. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 08' 17" + 04' 27"
38. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 08' 22" + 04' 32"
39. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 25" + 04' 35"
40. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 27" + 04' 37"
41. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 1h 08' 35" + 04' 45"
42. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 08' 39" + 04' 49"
43. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 08' 39" + 04' 49"
44. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 1h 08' 44" + 04' 54"
45. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 1h 08' 48" + 04' 58"
46. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 1h 08' 51" + 05' 01"
47. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 1h 08' 52" + 05' 02"
48. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 09' 06" + 05' 16"
49. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 1h 09' 12" + 05' 22"
50. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 1h 09' 18" + 05' 28"
51. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 09' 22" + 05' 32"
52. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 23" + 05' 33"
53. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 09' 26" + 05' 36"
54. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 09' 28" + 05' 38"
55. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 29" + 05' 39"
56. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 31" + 05' 41"
57. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 33" + 05' 43"
58. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 09' 37" + 05' 47"
59. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 09' 41" + 05' 51"
60. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 09' 42" + 05' 52"
61. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 09' 42" + 05' 52"
62. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 1h 09' 47" + 05' 57"
63. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 09' 51" + 06' 01"
64. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 09' 53" + 06' 03"
65. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 1h 09' 56" + 06' 06"
66. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 1h 09' 56" + 06' 06"
67. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 09' 57" + 06' 07"
68. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 1h 09' 59" + 06' 09"
69. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 10' 09" + 06' 19"
70. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 1h 10' 17" + 06' 27"
71. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 1h 10' 19" + 06' 29"
72. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 21" + 06' 31"
73. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 10' 22" + 06' 32"
74. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 10' 22" + 06' 32"
75. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 23" + 06' 33"
76. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 1h 10' 26" + 06' 36"
77. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 10' 32" + 06' 42"
78. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 10' 33" + 06' 43"
79. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 10' 33" + 06' 43"
80. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 10' 37" + 06' 47"
81. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 10' 43" + 06' 53"
82. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 43" + 06' 53"
83. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 10' 51" + 07' 01"
84. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 10' 59" + 07' 09"
85. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 03" + 07' 13"
86. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 04" + 07' 14"
87. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 11' 07" + 07' 17"
88. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 11" + 07' 21"
89. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 11' 11" + 07' 21"
90. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 1h 11' 14" + 07' 24"
91. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 1h 11' 15" + 07' 25"
92. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 1h 11' 18" + 07' 28"
93. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 11' 19" + 07' 29"
94. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 19" + 07' 29"
95. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 1h 11' 24" + 07' 34"
96. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 1h 11' 27" + 07' 37"
97. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 1h 11' 28" + 07' 38"
98. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 11' 28" + 07' 38"
99. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 1h 11' 34" + 07' 44"
100. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 11' 36" + 07' 46"
101. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 11' 37" + 07' 47"
102. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 1h 11' 39" + 07' 49"
103. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 1h 11' 41" + 07' 51"
104. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 11' 44" + 07' 54"
105. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 11' 50" + 08' 00"
106. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 1h 11' 52" + 08' 02"
107. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 1h 11' 53" + 08' 03"
108. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 1h 11' 55" + 08' 05"
109. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 1h 11' 58" + 08' 08"
110. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 1h 11' 58" + 08' 08"
111. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 1h 12' 00" + 08' 10"
112. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 1h 12' 02" + 08' 12"
113. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 12' 05" + 08' 15"
114. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 1h 12' 09" + 08' 19"
115. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 1h 12' 10" + 08' 20"
116. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 1h 12' 16" + 08' 26"
117. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 1h 12' 16" + 08' 26"
118. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 12' 21" + 08' 31"
119. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 12' 26" + 08' 36"
120. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 12' 27" + 08' 37"
121. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 1h 12' 28" + 08' 38"
122. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 12' 48" + 08' 58"
123. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 12' 56" + 09' 06"
124. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 1h 13' 02" + 09' 12"
125. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 04" + 09' 14"
126. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 1h 13' 07" + 09' 17"
127. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 13' 11" + 09' 21"
128. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 13' 11" + 09' 21"
129. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 13" + 09' 23"
130. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 1h 13' 15" + 09' 25"
131. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 13' 20" + 09' 30"
132. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 1h 13' 20" + 09' 30"
133. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 1h 13' 24" + 09' 34"
134. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 1h 13' 28" + 09' 38"
135. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 1h 13' 48" + 09' 58"
136. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 1h 13' 48" + 09' 58"
137. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 1h 13' 54" + 10' 04"
138. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 1h 14' 10" + 10' 20"
139. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 1h 14' 29" + 10' 39"
140. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 14' 42" + 10' 52"
141. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 1h 14' 44" + 10' 54"
142. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 1h 14' 46" + 10' 56"
143. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 1h 14' 54" + 11' 04"
144. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 15' 02" + 11' 12"
145. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 1h 15' 09" + 11' 19"

Saab Fly to the finish sweepstakes - Stage 20

2008-07-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

Word is...

"Time Trial"

Good luck.

See you in a few hours

2008-07-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

The race is well underway. Trouble with a time trial is that if I give info here about the results of any one rider, that will affect what you know has to happen with other riders.

I don't want to give spoilers, so that's all for now. Come back at 9PM to get the results.

And even more from letour.fr

2008-07-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

Just giving you some interesting stuff I've seen on letour.fr...

In 1989, Greg LeMond posted the fastest ever time in a race against the clock over 20km at the Tour de France when he won the final stage in the year of France’s bicentenary celebrations. He overtook Laurent Fignon and famously won the title by eight seconds.
In 1990, Greg LeMond overtook Claudio Chiappucci to take the yellow jersey. The stage was won by Erik Breukink and the American won the title without winning a stage.
In 2003, David Millar won the final time trial on a day or torrential rain but the general classification was confirmed when Lance Armstrong finished third and Jan Ullrich – who had been a challenger to the Texan for three weeks – crashed on a roundabout and lost any chance of making up the deficit to the overall leader.
In 2006, Floyd Landis’ took the yellow jersey off the shoulders of Oscar Pereiro on the penultimate day but it was a victory that wouldn’t last… as the American would surrender the title retrospectively after testing positive for testosterone.

In 1968, Jan Janssen became the first Dutchman to win the Tour de France. He claimed the final stage, a time trial from Izier to Paris, and overtook Herman van Springel on the final day to take the title by 38”.
In 1977, Bernard Thevenet confirmed his victory over Hennie Kuiper by winning the last individual test.
In 1978, Joop Zoetemelk was 14 seconds ahead of Bernard Hinault before the final time trial but the rider from Brittany ended up winning the Tour by 3’56”.

According to the early results of our poll on LeTour.fr, many believe that this final time trial will determine a new leader of the general classification. In the post-WWII period (ie. races since 1947), the final time trial has contributed to a change of race leader 12 times.
In 1958, Charly Gaul won the final time trial and inherited the lead from Vito Favero in Dijon.
In 1962, Jacques Anquetil won the stage in Lyon and overtook Joseph Planckaert in the general classification.
In 1964, the final stage was a time trial from Versailles to Paris. Anquetil was just 14 seconds ahead Poulidor but his victory on the last day sealed his fifth victory.

More from letour.fr

2008-07-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

13:15 - Redant – “We’re racing for yellow…”

Cadel Evans rode the course early today, starting at about 10.30am. “We left the hotel at nine,” said Silence-Lotto directeur sportif Hendrik Redant, “and we were on the course after a bit of a drive. Cadel rode the entire course to make sure he understands what lies ahead today. He does it as always: paying close attention to all the corners and even stopping, turning back and riding some again to make sure he understand what the best path to take is.
“There were some corners that he rode three or four times.
“It’s a course that suits him and I’m confident about his chances. We know what we’re here for: we’re racing for the yellow jersey!”
13:10 - Evans Has Just Returned From Reconnaissance...

LeTour.fr recently spoke to the man who will be calling the shots for Cadel Evans who is due to start the time trial at 4.17pm. Hendrik Redant explained, "The course suits him with plenty of power pieces, sections where he can really stamp on the pedals. This is where he’s going to gain a bit of time."
The Belgian directeur sportif will not follow any other riders from the Silence-Lotto team and is looking forward to the challenge that’s facing him this afternoon when he’s going to call the race for Evans. "I’ll be there in the car like I have been all through the Tour. Today it’s a little different but the atmosphere in the team is tranquil. Cadel is calm and I’m confident."

Stage 20 underway

2008-07-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here's some neat info from letour.fr...

11:25 - Battle For ’Lanterne Rouge’ Begins... The first two men to start the 20th stage are on their way. Wim Vansevenant (SIL) has been the ’Lanterne Rouge’ (ie. the last rider in the general classification) in the two previous editions of the Tour de France. He has held the same position for much of the 2008 race but the rider who finished last in stage 19, Bernhard Eisel (COL), has stolen his ’title’ with two stages remaining this year.
Eisel is three hours, 47 minutes and 11 seconds behind Sastre after 3,362km of racing. Vansevenant is ranked 144th three hours, 46 minutes and 29 seconds behind the overall leader.

And......

11:56 - Vansevenant Could Be The First Triple ’Lanterne Rouge’

Before the 2008 Tour, six riders have finished as the last rider in the general classification of the Tour. The latest is Wim Vansevenant (2006 and 2007); he is currently ranked second last after 19 stages but challenging to become the first rider to finish last three times.
The other double ’lanterne rouge’ winners are: Masson (1922 and 1923); Schambacher (1979 and 1980); Hermans (1987 and 1989); Casper (2001 and 2004) and Flores (2002 and 2005).

I guess many of us focus too much on the first place rider and not on the maneuvering that's necessary to finish last.

More shortly.

As with yesterday, I'll post a couple more and then post the spoilers to appear AFTER 9PM EST.

Stage 20 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today is Stage 20. If Cadel Evans can make up a couple minutes he'll win the 2008 Tour de France. I don't think that will happen.

As of Friday's result, here are the top six and their position...

1. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 82h 54' 36"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 82h 56' 00" + 01' 24"
3. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 82h 56' 09" + 01' 33"
4. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 82h 56' 10" + 01' 34"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 82h 57' 15" + 02' 39"
6. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 82h 59' 17" + 04' 41"
7. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 83h 00' 11" + 05' 35"

Bernhard Kohl is only back a minute and a half and has been really aggressive this tour. He could catch Sastre easy.

Cadel Evans is back 1:34 and he could go faster than Kohl and be in first.

But the wild-card here is Christian Vandevelde. He is back four minutes and 41 seconds. BUT, he can fly and didn't exert himself much in stage 19.

This means that if he can finish a couple minutes ahead of Evans, the Tour could be closer than LeMond Hinault and will require a sprint finish on Sunday.

Stay tuned!

Oh, today's time trial is 53KM from Cerilly to Saint Amand Montrond. The stage is rolling terrain and is LONG for a time trial.

That favors Menchov, Vandevelde and Kohl. Evans will have to be well rested and give something special to get himself into yellow.

Saab Fly to the finish sweepstakes - Stage 18 and 19

2008-07-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Saab has been really forgiving this year and is allowing us to put in codes even after a day has passed.

The word for yesterday (really two words) is "Green Jersey". That's for stage 18.

The word for today is "Saddle".

Good luck.

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 19

2008-07-25T18:01:00.000-07:00

Here's the list. And Saab Sweeps word coming up.

Please note that the BOTTOM of the GC has changed. Bernhard Eisel is now last after William Vansevenant held that spot for about 18 stages. Crazy.

1. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 82h 54' 36"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 82h 56' 00" + 01' 24"
3. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 82h 56' 09" + 01' 33"
4. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 82h 56' 10" + 01' 34"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 82h 57' 15" + 02' 39"
6. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 82h 59' 17" + 04' 41"
7. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 83h 00' 11" + 05' 35"
8. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 83h 00' 28" + 05' 52"
9. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 83h 02' 46" + 08' 10"
10. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 83h 03' 00" + 08' 24"
11. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 83h 03' 11" + 08' 35"
12. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 83h 04' 40" + 10' 04"
13. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 83h 06' 38" + 12' 02"
14. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 83h 11' 44" + 17' 08"
15. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 83h 14' 43" + 20' 07"
16. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 83h 17' 35" + 22' 59"
17. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 83h 17' 37" + 23' 01"
18. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 83h 19' 05" + 24' 29"
19. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 83h 20' 15" + 25' 39"
20. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 83h 20' 25" + 25' 49"
21. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 83h 22' 41" + 28' 05"
22. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 83h 24' 03" + 29' 27"
23. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 83h 29' 24" + 34' 48"
24. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 83h 29' 43" + 35' 07"
25. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 83h 34' 44" + 40' 08"
26. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 83h 37' 08" + 42' 32"
27. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 83h 37' 09" + 42' 33"
28. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 83h 38' 16" + 43' 40"
29. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 83h 38' 24" + 43' 48"
30. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 83h 38' 30" + 43' 54"
31. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 83h 39' 10" + 44' 34"
32. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 83h 44' 02" + 49' 26"
33. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 83h 53' 20" + 58' 44"
34. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 83h 57' 05" + 1h 02' 29"
35. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 83h 57' 54" + 1h 03' 18"
36. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 84h 03' 04" + 1h 08' 28"
37. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 84h 04' 16" + 1h 09' 40"
38. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 84h 06' 07" + 1h 11' 31"
39. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 84h 09' 27" + 1h 14' 51"
40. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 84h 10' 13" + 1h 15' 37"
41. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 84h 15' 44" + 1h 21' 08"
42. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 84h 17' 50" + 1h 23' 14"
43. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 84h 18' 25" + 1h 23' 49"
44. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 84h 18' 34" + 1h 23' 58"
45. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 84h 18' 51" + 1h 24' 15"
46. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 84h 20' 08" + 1h 25' 32"
47. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 84h 25' 23" + 1h 30' 47"
48. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 84h 27' 07" + 1h 32' 31"
49. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 84h 27' 46" + 1h 33' 10"
50. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 84h 28' 00" + 1h 33' 24"
51. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 84h 28' 01" + 1h 33' 25"
52. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 84h 32' 00" + 1h 37' 24"
53. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 84h 33' 30" + 1h 38' 54"
54. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 84h 34' 02" + 1h 39' 26"
55. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 84h 38' 31" + 1h 43' 55"
56. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 84h 39' 35" + 1h 44' 59"
57. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 84h 39' 43" + 1h 45' 07"
58. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 84h 41' 03" + 1h 46' 27"
59. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 84h 41' 57" + 1h 47' 21"
60. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 84h 42' 12" + 1h 47' 36"
61. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 84h 45' 11" + 1h 50' 35"
62. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 84h 46' 37" + 1h 52' 01"
63. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 84h 48' 15" + 1h 53' 39"
64. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 84h 48' 36" + 1h 54' 00"
65. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 84h 48' 54" + 1h 54' 18"
66. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 84h 49' 24" + 1h 54' 48"
67. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 84h 54' 12" + 1h 59' 36"
68. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 84h 54' 52" + 2h 00' 16"
69. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 84h 55' 33" + 2h 00' 57"
70. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 84h 57' 08" + 2h 02' 32"
71. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 84h 58' 09" + 2h 03' 33"
72. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 84h 59' 07" + 2h 04' 31"
73. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 84h 59' 44" + 2h 05' 08"
74. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 85h 01' 13" + 2h 06' 37"
75. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 85h 01' 43" + 2h 07' 07"
76. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 85h 03' 13" + 2h 08' 37"
77. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 85h 04' 14" + 2h 09' 38"
78. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 85h 04' 43" + 2h 10' 07"
79. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 85h 05' 49" + 2h 11' 13"
80. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 85h 06' 02" + 2h 11' 26"
81. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 85h 07' 15" + 2h 12' 39"
82. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 85h 07' 37" + 2h 13' 01"
83. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 85h 11' 59" + 2h 17' 23"
84. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 85h 13' 00" + 2h 18' 24"
85. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 85h 15' 20" + 2h 20' 44"
86. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 85h 15' 44" + 2h 21' 08"
87. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 85h 17' 21" + 2h 22' 45"
88. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 85h 20' 24" + 2h 25' 48"
89. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 85h 22' 42" + 2h 28' 06"
90. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 85h 23' 34" + 2h 28' 58"
91. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 85h 23' 41" + 2h 29' 05"
92. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 85h 23' 54" + 2h 29' 18"
93. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 85h 24' 06" + 2h 29' 30"
94. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 85h 24' 30" + 2h 29' 54"
95. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 85h 24' 48" + 2h 30' 12"
96. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 85h 26' 39" + 2h 32' 03"
97. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 85h 30' 35" + 2h 35' 59"
98. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 85h 33' 38" + 2h 39' 02"
99. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 85h 33' 51" + 2h 39' 15"
100. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 85h 40' 10" + 2h 45' 34"
101. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 85h 44' 14" + 2h 49' 38"
102. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 85h 46' 48" + 2h 52' 12"
103. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 85h 46' 49" + 2h 52' 13"
104. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 85h 46' 59" + 2h 52' 23"
105. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 85h 48' 29" + 2h 53' 53"
106. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 85h 49' 22" + 2h 54' 46"
107. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 85h 53' 52" + 2h 59' 16"
108. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 85h 55' 47" + 3h 01' 11"
109. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 85h 56' 17" + 3h 01' 41"
110. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 85h 56' 24" + 3h 01' 48"
111. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 85h 57' 44" + 3h 03' 08"
112. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 85h 59' 59" + 3h 05' 23"
113. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 86h 00' 44" + 3h 06' 08"
114. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 86h 02' 29" + 3h 07' 53"
115. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 86h 03' 48" + 3h 09' 12"
116. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 86h 04' 39" + 3h 10' 03"
117. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 86h 05' 51" + 3h 11' 15"
118. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 86h 06' 24" + 3h 11' 48"
119. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 86h 07' 47" + 3h 13' 11"
120. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 86h 07' 54" + 3h 13' 18"
121. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 86h 10' 32" + 3h 15' 56"
122. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 86h 11' 45" + 3h 17' 09"
123. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 86h 12' 12" + 3h 17' 36"
124. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 86h 12' 18" + 3h 17' 42"
125. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 86h 12' 24" + 3h 17' 48"
126. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 86h 12' 47" + 3h 18' 11"
127. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 86h 16' 40" + 3h 22' 04"
128. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 86h 16' 43" + 3h 22' 07"
129. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 86h 16' 51" + 3h 22' 15"
130. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 86h 17' 03" + 3h 22' 27"
131. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 86h 18' 57" + 3h 24' 21"
132. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 86h 19' 20" + 3h 24' 44"
133. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 86h 19' 39" + 3h 25' 03"
134. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 86h 20' 25" + 3h 25' 49"
135. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 86h 20' 43" + 3h 26' 07"
136. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 86h 21' 36" + 3h 27' 00"
137. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 86h 22' 21" + 3h 27' 45"
138. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 86h 24' 02" + 3h 29' 26"
139. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 86h 26' 09" + 3h 31' 33"
140. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 86h 26' 38" + 3h 32' 02"
141. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 86h 28' 14" + 3h 33' 38"
142. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 86h 34' 16" + 3h 39' 40"
143. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 86h 39' 53" + 3h 45' 17"
144. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 86h 41' 05" + 3h 46' 29"
145. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 86h 41' 47" + 3h 47' 11"

SPOILER - Stage 19 Wrap-Up and Winner

2008-07-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the dispatches from letour.fr regarding the stage today...

17:14 - Sastre: 38th In Stage - First Overall...

As expected, there has been no change to the top order of the general classification after the 19th stage. The overall leader Carlos Sastre finished 38th in the stage, 1’13" behind Sylvain Chavanel. The Spaniard will be the last rider to start the 20th stage - a 53km time trial.
17:12 - Top 10 In Stage 19

The peloton finished 1’13" behind the two escapees who joined forces at the 81km mark. The top 10 in the 19th stage is:
1. Sylvain Chavanel (FRA) COF
2. Jeremy Roy (FRA) FDJ at same time
3. Gerald Ciolek (GER) COL at 1’13"
4. Erik Zabel (GER) MRM at 1’13"
5. Heinrich Haussler (GER) GST at 1’13"
6. Leonardo Duque (COL) COF at 1’13"
7. Filippo Pozzato (ITA) LIQ at 1’13"
8. Thor Hushovd (NOR) C.A at 1’13"
9. Robert Forster (GER) GST at 1’13"
10. Julian Dean (NZL) GAR at 1’13"

Overall standings coming up.

Stage 19 - Things are winding down

2008-07-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

I had an epiphany today about blogging the Tour and what value I add to the cycling and reading public. It may not be all that important a topic for people to follow via blogs because there are so many outlets providing dispatches, video and commentary.

My thoughts are informed ones, of course. But I'm not Phil Ligget and I haven't raced a road bike for many years. Even when I rode with Sean Kelly in Ireland in 1998, I had trouble keeping up with him.

So here's the plan for the next few days. Since the tour is only three days from the end (and really just two as the last day is pure ceremony if anyone is up by a minute or so after Saturday), I'm going to just give you the standings and my picks.

If you'd rather I post what's occurring minute by minute, you can either call 206-888-2715 or leave a comment here on the blog.

Otherwise, stay tuned for Stage 19 results.

OH, the upcoming posts won't appear until 9PM as I STILL believe in not giving spoilers.

Thanks for reading!

Stage 19 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

It's only 163KM and has a couple short climbs. So today's 19th stage will only be dangerous for the leaders if riders take it upon themselves to snatch the win right here and right now.

Based on the standings, the only people I see trying to do that are Kim Kirchen and Denis Menchov. Both have the power to go and stay away. Kirchen could do very well in the time trial and Menchov will just need to get four minutes ahead to reach the podium on Sunday.

That's what I see happening.

Sadly, it looks like George Hincapie won't be able to make up an hour and eight minutes on Sastre today.

C'est la vie.

Oh, the stage goes from Roanne to Montlucon.

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 18

2008-07-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Even though Burghardt finished about six minutes ahead of the pack, the standings didn't change much. Oh, around Burghardt they did. He moved from 134th all the way up to 123rd. OK. He didn't do much damage to Carlos Sastre or the others because they all finished together.

As for poor Cunego, he only dropped to 20th position. But so close to top 10 and now NOT.

Here's how they stand after 18 stages of the 2008 Tour de France.

1. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 79h 16' 14"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 79h 17' 38" + 01' 24"
3. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 79h 17' 47" + 01' 33"
4. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 79h 17' 48" + 01' 34"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 79h 18' 53" + 02' 39"
6. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 79h 20' 55" + 04' 41"
7. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 79h 21' 49" + 05' 35"
8. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 79h 22' 06" + 05' 52"
9. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 79h 24' 24" + 08' 10"
10. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 79h 24' 38" + 08' 24"
11. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 79h 24' 49" + 08' 35"
12. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 79h 26' 18" + 10' 04"
13. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 79h 28' 16" + 12' 02"
14. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 79h 33' 22" + 17' 08"
15. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 79h 36' 21" + 20' 07"
16. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 79h 39' 13" + 22' 59"
17. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 79h 39' 15" + 23' 01"
18. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 79h 40' 43" + 24' 29"
19. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 79h 41' 53" + 25' 39"
20. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 79h 42' 02" + 25' 48"
21. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 79h 42' 03" + 25' 49"
22. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 79h 44' 19" + 28' 05"
23. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 79h 45' 41" + 29' 27"
24. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 79h 51' 02" + 34' 48"
25. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 79h 51' 21" + 35' 07"
26. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 79h 56' 22" + 40' 08"
27. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 79h 58' 46" + 42' 32"
28. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 79h 58' 47" + 42' 33"
29. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 79h 59' 54" + 43' 40"
30. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 80h 00' 02" + 43' 48"
31. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 80h 00' 08" + 43' 54"
32. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 80h 00' 48" + 44' 34"
33. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 80h 05' 40" + 49' 26"
34. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 80h 14' 58" + 58' 44"
35. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 80h 18' 43" + 1h 02' 29"
36. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 80h 19' 32" + 1h 03' 18"
37. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 80h 24' 42" + 1h 08' 28"
38. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 80h 25' 54" + 1h 09' 40"
39. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 80h 27' 45" + 1h 11' 31"
40. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 80h 31' 05" + 1h 14' 51"
41. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 80h 31' 51" + 1h 15' 37"
42. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 80h 37' 22" + 1h 21' 08"
43. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 80h 39' 28" + 1h 23' 14"
44. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 80h 40' 03" + 1h 23' 49"
45. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 80h 40' 12" + 1h 23' 58"
46. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 80h 40' 29" + 1h 24' 15"
47. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 80h 41' 46" + 1h 25' 32"
48. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 80h 46' 27" + 1h 30' 13"
49. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 80h 47' 41" + 1h 31' 27"
50. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 80h 48' 45" + 1h 32' 31"
51. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 80h 49' 15" + 1h 33' 01"
52. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 80h 49' 24" + 1h 33' 10"
53. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 80h 49' 38" + 1h 33' 24"
54. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 80h 49' 39" + 1h 33' 25"
55. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 80h 53' 38" + 1h 37' 24"
56. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 80h 54' 43" + 1h 38' 29"
57. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 80h 55' 08" + 1h 38' 54"
58. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 80h 55' 40" + 1h 39' 26"
59. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 81h 00' 09" + 1h 43' 55"
60. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 81h 01' 21" + 1h 45' 07"
61. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 81h 02' 41" + 1h 46' 27"
62. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 81h 03' 35" + 1h 47' 21"
63. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 81h 03' 50" + 1h 47' 36"
64. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 81h 06' 49" + 1h 50' 35"
65. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 81h 10' 04" + 1h 53' 50"
66. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 81h 10' 32" + 1h 54' 18"
67. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 81h 11' 02" + 1h 54' 48"
68. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 81h 11' 06" + 1h 54' 52"
69. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 81h 13' 28" + 1h 57' 14"
70. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 81h 15' 21" + 1h 59' 07"
71. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 81h 16' 30" + 2h 00' 16"
72. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 81h 17' 11" + 2h 00' 57"
73. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 81h 18' 46" + 2h 02' 32"
74. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 81h 19' 47" + 2h 03' 33"
75. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 81h 20' 45" + 2h 04' 31"
76. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 81h 21' 22" + 2h 05' 08"
77. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 81h 22' 17" + 2h 06' 03"
78. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 81h 23' 21" + 2h 07' 07"
79. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 81h 24' 51" + 2h 08' 37"
80. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 81h 25' 52" + 2h 09' 38"
81. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 81h 26' 21" + 2h 10' 07"
82. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 81h 27' 27" + 2h 11' 13"
83. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 81h 27' 40" + 2h 11' 26"
84. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 81h 29' 15" + 2h 13' 01"
85. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 81h 30' 48" + 2h 14' 34"
86. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 81h 33' 37" + 2h 17' 23"
87. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 81h 34' 38" + 2h 18' 24"
88. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 81h 35' 03" + 2h 18' 49"
89. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 81h 37' 22" + 2h 21' 08"
90. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 81h 38' 59" + 2h 22' 45"
91. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 81h 39' 57" + 2h 23' 43"
92. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 81h 41' 28" + 2h 25' 14"
93. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 81h 45' 12" + 2h 28' 58"
94. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 81h 45' 19" + 2h 29' 05"
95. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 81h 45' 32" + 2h 29' 18"
96. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 81h 45' 44" + 2h 29' 30"
97. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 81h 46' 08" + 2h 29' 54"
98. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 81h 46' 26" + 2h 30' 12"
99. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 81h 48' 17" + 2h 32' 03"
100. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 81h 52' 13" + 2h 35' 59"
101. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 81h 55' 16" + 2h 39' 02"
102. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 81h 55' 29" + 2h 39' 15"
103. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 82h 01' 48" + 2h 45' 34"
104. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 82h 05' 52" + 2h 49' 38"
105. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 82h 08' 26" + 2h 52' 12"
106. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 82h 08' 27" + 2h 52' 13"
107. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 82h 08' 37" + 2h 52' 23"
108. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 82h 08' 38" + 2h 52' 24"
109. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 82h 10' 07" + 2h 53' 53"
110. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 82h 15' 30" + 2h 59' 16"
111. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 82h 17' 25" + 3h 01' 11"
112. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 82h 17' 55" + 3h 01' 41"
113. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 82h 18' 02" + 3h 01' 48"
114. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 82h 19' 22" + 3h 03' 08"
115. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 82h 21' 13" + 3h 04' 59"
116. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 82h 22' 22" + 3h 06' 08"
117. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 82h 24' 07" + 3h 07' 53"
118. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 82h 24' 46" + 3h 08' 32"
119. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 82h 25' 26" + 3h 09' 12"
120. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 82h 26' 17" + 3h 10' 03"
121. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 82h 27' 29" + 3h 11' 15"
122. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 82h 28' 02" + 3h 11' 48"
123. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 82h 28' 12" + 3h 11' 58"
124. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 82h 28' 31" + 3h 12' 17"
125. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 82h 28' 59" + 3h 12' 45"
126. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 82h 29' 32" + 3h 13' 18"
127. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 82h 30' 27" + 3h 14' 13"
128. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 82h 33' 23" + 3h 17' 09"
129. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 82h 33' 23" + 3h 17' 09"
130. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 82h 33' 23" + 3h 17' 09"
131. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 82h 33' 56" + 3h 17' 42"
132. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 82h 34' 02" + 3h 17' 48"
133. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 82h 34' 25" + 3h 18' 11"
134. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 82h 37' 48" + 3h 21' 34"
135. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 82h 38' 21" + 3h 22' 07"
136. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 82h 38' 25" + 3h 22' 11"
137. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 82h 38' 41" + 3h 22' 27"
138. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 82h 40' 35" + 3h 24' 21"
139. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 82h 40' 58" + 3h 24' 44"
140. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 82h 41' 17" + 3h 25' 03"
141. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 82h 42' 21" + 3h 26' 07"
142. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 82h 43' 14" + 3h 27' 00"
143. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 82h 45' 40" + 3h 29' 26"
144. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 82h 47' 35" + 3h 31' 21"
145. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 82h 47' 47" + 3h 31' 33"
146. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 82h 47' 59" + 3h 31' 45"
147. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 82h 49' 52" + 3h 33' 38"
148. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 82h 49' 53" + 3h 33' 39"
149. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 82h 55' 54" + 3h 39' 40"
150. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 83h 02' 02" + 3h 45' 48"

George Hincapie is still 37th.

SPOILER - Stage 18 Winner and Standings

2008-07-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Nice finish overall by the two breakaway riders and Cunego. Cunego found a way to pull back a little time, but he's still back a lot further than he was at the beginning of the day.

How horrible it must be to stand in 14th position with three or four days to go in the Tour and now be somewhere down in the middle of the pack.

Here's how the top five crossed the line in today's 18th Stage...

1. Marcus Burghardt (GER) COL - 196.5km in 4h30’21" (43.61km/h)
2. Carlos Barredo (ESP) QST - at same time
3. Roman Feillu (FRA) AGR - at 3’33"
4. Christophe Le Mevel (FRA) C.A - at 3’33"
5. Mikel Astarloza (ESP) EUS - at 3’35"

YES, Team Columbia won ANOTHER stage. This might hurt the CSC team lead, but I THINK they measure team points or position based on the cumulative times of all the riders. I don't know what they do if a rider drops out.

Be nice if someone would comment and let me know.

Thanks,

Jeff

Only 15KM To Go

2008-07-24T17:50:00.001-07:00

The two leaders are ahead by 10:20 and Cunego is behind the peloton by 12:20. There is 15KM left in the stage from where the leaders are spinning and the peloton is nearly 20KM from the end.

From here on out I'll delay the reports until 9PM EST.

But a ten-minute lead might be able to stand because the final climb of the day is at the 8.5KM to go mark.

GO TEAM COLUMBIA. Where is George?

Not really slip sliding away

2008-07-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Even though the peloton is letting some riders jump clear, the yellow jersey isn't in real jeopardy.

With two leaders - Burghardt and Barredo leading, there is a threesome nearly four minutes behind and the peloton is about 11 minutes back.

Sadly, Cunego is ANOTHER ten minutes behind the peloton. But his teammates are helping pull him back into the pack. We'll see if that works.

Oh, all this is happening 108KM into a stage that's nearly 200KM long (197KM to be exact).

Unfortunate for Cunego

2008-07-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

While he may not have had a great chance at getting on the podium, a crash has all but taken Cunego out of the race.

According to a dispatch at letour.fr...

13:38 - Cunego Was 14th Overall...

After 3,000.5km of racing, Damiano Cunego was ranked 14th overall. His deficit to Sastre was 12’26" at the start of the day. He crashed at the 28km mark and is racing again with the help of three Lampre team-mates but the last time check had him 9’40" behind a fast moving peloton.

Supreme BUMMER.

After 63KM - Update

2008-07-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

The riders have gone 63KM so far in the 18th stage of the 2008 Tour de France and the peloton is all together.

There was a breakaway early on in the race and seven riders were clear by about 48 seconds.

There were also two major crashes - not in terms of numbers but in terms of severity. In one crash Sandy Casar was knocked out of the lead group and rejoined the peloton.

In the other, Damiano Cunego fell and was slow to get up. It took him nearly six minutes to get rolling again and is off the back of the race by seven minutes at this point.

Just Four Days Left

2008-07-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

Today's Stage 18 is going to be a trial for the guys who are in the spots 5-10. They're all about 6+ minutes back and to have a whisper of a hope they must blast the peloton open and race for glory today.

In a second I'll give some info about the racing action today. So hold tight while I get race radio tuned in and Tivo buzzing.

*You could do this too, by the way. I'm just serving as a delivery boy for TDF info. When I've been blogging FROM the Tour de France, the updates have a lot more personal flavor to them because I'm surrounded by people, the weather and the food.

When I'm sitting at my desk with a cup of Earl Grey at my elbow, the recaps probably lack a little umph.

Well, I'm trying. If you have something to say or want to share your own Tour memories, leave them in the comments. Back shortly.

An Open Note to Bicycling Magazine

2008-07-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

The idiots at Bicycling Magazine who send out their daily Tour email don't understand the protocol behind NOT spoiling the race result.

Day after day I get an email from them with the stage result trumpeted in the subject line.

I weep for the audience who hasn't had the time to watch the latest stage and I shake my fist at Bicycling for not waking up.

How hard would it be for the people running emails at Rodale to just put - STAGE 17 Results - in the subject line instead of - Sastre Takes Yellow From Schleck?

That's like telling other people who got booted from Top Chef or what happened in the latest episode of Burn Notice.

I know you're living in Floyd Landis country and might not have the knowledge of how technology should be used. But let this serve as your friendly reminder that some people don't flip to the last page of a book to see how it turns out.

Thanks in advance for fixing your methods.

Stage 18 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

Stage 18 runs back out of Alpe d'Huez country and across a handful of mountains. The stage is a hilly 197KM jaunt and will prove difficult for some who had trouble in the previous mountain stages.

Carlos Sastre has to hang on and ride at the front with such a small lead. He might even entertain thoughts of attacking and putting more time into Schleck and Evans.

George Hincapie is done for the 2008 race - he's still in it but won't win. Bummer.

My thoughts for today's stage are that it's anyone's game. This and stage 19 are the riders' last chances to win a stage and maybe even take home the overall victory.

You won't see Cadel far from the front. You MIGHT see riders like Denis Menchov and Christian Vandevelde team up to blast away from the front.

Like I said, anyone's game.

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 17

2008-07-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here's the shake-out after Carlos Sastre's heroic effort up Alpe d'Huez today.

One more rider dropped out (there are 150 left) and George Hincapie lost some more time but moved up in the GC places. He's now 37th.

1. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 74h 39' 03"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 74h 40' 27" + 01' 24"
3. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 74h 40' 36" + 01' 33"
4. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 74h 40' 37" + 01' 34"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 74h 41' 42" + 02' 39"
6. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 74h 43' 44" + 04' 41"
7. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 74h 44' 38" + 05' 35"
8. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 74h 44' 55" + 05' 52"
9. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 74h 47' 13" + 08' 10"
10. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 74h 47' 27" + 08' 24"
11. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 74h 47' 38" + 08' 35"
12. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 74h 49' 18" + 10' 15"
13. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 74h 51' 16" + 12' 13"
14. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 74h 51' 29" + 12' 26"
15. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 74h 56' 11" + 17' 08"
16. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 75h 02' 02" + 22' 59"
17. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 75h 02' 04" + 23' 01"
18. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 75h 02' 25" + 23' 22"
19. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 75h 03' 32" + 24' 29"
20. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 75h 04' 42" + 25' 39"
21. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 75h 04' 52" + 25' 49"
22. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 75h 07' 08" + 28' 05"
23. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 75h 08' 13" + 29' 10"
24. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 75h 13' 51" + 34' 48"
25. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 75h 14' 10" + 35' 07"
26. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 75h 19' 11" + 40' 08"
27. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 75h 21' 35" + 42' 32"
28. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 75h 21' 47" + 42' 44"
29. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 75h 22' 26" + 43' 23"
30. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 75h 22' 51" + 43' 48"
31. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 75h 22' 57" + 43' 54"
32. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 75h 23' 37" + 44' 34"
33. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 75h 28' 12" + 49' 09"
34. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 75h 37' 47" + 58' 44"
35. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 75h 41' 32" + 1h 02' 29"
36. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 75h 42' 21" + 1h 03' 18"
37. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 75h 47' 31" + 1h 08' 28"
38. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 75h 48' 43" + 1h 09' 40"
39. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 75h 50' 34" + 1h 11' 31"
40. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 75h 53' 54" + 1h 14' 51"
41. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 75h 57' 57" + 1h 18' 54"
42. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 75h 59' 05" + 1h 20' 02"
43. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 76h 00' 11" + 1h 21' 08"
44. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 76h 02' 00" + 1h 22' 57"
45. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 76h 02' 52" + 1h 23' 49"
46. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 76h 03' 01" + 1h 23' 58"
47. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 76h 03' 18" + 1h 24' 15"
48. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 76h 04' 35" + 1h 25' 32"
49. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 76h 09' 16" + 1h 30' 13"
50. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 76h 10' 13" + 1h 31' 10"
51. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 76h 11' 34" + 1h 32' 31"
52. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 76h 12' 04" + 1h 33' 01"
53. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 76h 12' 11" + 1h 33' 08"
54. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 76h 12' 13" + 1h 33' 10"
55. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 76h 16' 10" + 1h 37' 07"
56. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 76h 17' 15" + 1h 38' 12"
57. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 76h 17' 40" + 1h 38' 37"
58. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 76h 18' 29" + 1h 39' 26"
59. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 76h 22' 58" + 1h 43' 55"
60. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 76h 23' 53" + 1h 44' 50"
61. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 76h 25' 30" + 1h 46' 27"
62. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 76h 26' 24" + 1h 47' 21"
63. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 76h 26' 39" + 1h 47' 36"
64. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 76h 29' 21" + 1h 50' 18"
65. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 76h 32' 36" + 1h 53' 33"
66. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 76h 33' 21" + 1h 54' 18"
67. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 76h 33' 51" + 1h 54' 48"
68. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 76h 33' 55" + 1h 54' 52"
69. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 76h 35' 23" + 1h 56' 20"
70. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 76h 38' 10" + 1h 59' 07"
71. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 76h 39' 19" + 2h 00' 16"
72. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 76h 40' 00" + 2h 00' 57"
73. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 76h 40' 15" + 2h 01' 12"
74. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 76h 41' 18" + 2h 02' 15"
75. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 76h 42' 36" + 2h 03' 33"
76. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 76h 43' 17" + 2h 04' 14"
77. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 76h 43' 54" + 2h 04' 51"
78. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 76h 44' 49" + 2h 05' 46"
79. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 76h 46' 10" + 2h 07' 07"
80. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 76h 47' 40" + 2h 08' 37"
81. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 76h 48' 41" + 2h 09' 38"
82. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 76h 48' 53" + 2h 09' 50"
83. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 76h 49' 59" + 2h 10' 56"
84. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 76h 50' 12" + 2h 11' 09"
85. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 76h 52' 04" + 2h 13' 01"
86. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 76h 54' 39" + 2h 15' 36"
87. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 76h 57' 27" + 2h 18' 24"
88. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 76h 57' 35" + 2h 18' 32"
89. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 76h 59' 54" + 2h 20' 51"
90. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 77h 01' 28" + 2h 22' 25"
91. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 77h 01' 31" + 2h 22' 28"
92. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 77h 02' 59" + 2h 23' 56"
93. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 77h 07' 00" + 2h 27' 57"
94. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 77h 08' 01" + 2h 28' 58"
95. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 77h 08' 33" + 2h 29' 30"
96. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 77h 08' 40" + 2h 29' 37"
97. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 77h 09' 15" + 2h 30' 12"
98. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 77h 10' 49" + 2h 31' 46"
99. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 77h 13' 15" + 2h 34' 12"
100. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 77h 14' 58" + 2h 35' 55"
101. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 77h 18' 01" + 2h 38' 58"
102. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 77h 18' 05" + 2h 39' 02"
103. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 77h 24' 20" + 2h 45' 17"
104. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 77h 28' 41" + 2h 49' 38"
105. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 77h 30' 59" + 2h 51' 56"
106. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 77h 31' 15" + 2h 52' 12"
107. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 77h 31' 26" + 2h 52' 23"
108. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 77h 31' 27" + 2h 52' 24"
109. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 77h 32' 39" + 2h 53' 36"
110. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 77h 38' 19" + 2h 59' 16"
111. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 77h 39' 30" + 3h 00' 27"
112. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 77h 40' 14" + 3h 01' 11"
113. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 77h 40' 44" + 3h 01' 41"
114. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 77h 41' 54" + 3h 02' 51"
115. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 77h 42' 50" + 3h 03' 47"
116. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 77h 43' 45" + 3h 04' 42"
117. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 77h 45' 11" + 3h 06' 08"
118. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 77h 47' 07" + 3h 08' 04"
119. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 77h 47' 35" + 3h 08' 32"
120. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 77h 47' 58" + 3h 08' 55"
121. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 77h 48' 54" + 3h 09' 51"
122. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 77h 49' 06" + 3h 10' 03"
123. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 77h 49' 33" + 3h 10' 30"
124. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 77h 50' 34" + 3h 11' 31"
125. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 77h 51' 36" + 3h 12' 33"
126. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 77h 52' 04" + 3h 13' 01"
127. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 77h 54' 25" + 3h 15' 22"
128. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 77h 55' 05" + 3h 16' 02"
129. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 77h 55' 07" + 3h 16' 04"
130. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 77h 55' 55" + 3h 16' 52"
131. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 77h 56' 45" + 3h 17' 42"
132. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 77h 56' 51" + 3h 17' 48"
133. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 77h 57' 14" + 3h 18' 11"
134. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 77h 57' 51" + 3h 18' 48"
135. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 78h 00' 20" + 3h 21' 17"
136. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 78h 01' 10" + 3h 22' 07"
137. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 78h 01' 14" + 3h 22' 11"
138. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 78h 01' 41" + 3h 22' 38"
139. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 78h 01' 44" + 3h 22' 41"
140. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 78h 03' 47" + 3h 24' 44"
141. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 78h 04' 06" + 3h 25' 03"
142. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 78h 04' 53" + 3h 25' 50"
143. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 78h 06' 03" + 3h 27' 00"
144. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 78h 10' 07" + 3h 31' 04"
145. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 78h 10' 36" + 3h 31' 33"
146. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 78h 10' 48" + 3h 31' 45"
147. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 78h 12' 25" + 3h 33' 22"
148. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 78h 12' 41" + 3h 33' 38"
149. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 78h 18' 26" + 3h 39' 23"
150. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 78h 24' 24" + 3h 45' 21"

SPOILER - Top 10 in Stage 17

2008-07-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

George Hincapie is nowhere to be found right now. I hope he didn't crack.

Here's the top ten in stage 17 of the 2008 Tour de France...

1. Carlos Sastre (ESP) CSC - 210.5km in 6h’07’58" (34.323km/h)
2. Samuel Sanchez (ESP) EUS - at 2’03"
3. Andy Schleck (LUX) CSC at 2’03"
4. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) GCE - at 2’13"
5. Frank Schleck (LUX) CSC - at 2’13"
6. Vladimir Efimkin (RUS) ALM - at 2’15"
7. Cadel Evans (AUS) SIL - at 2’15"
8. Denis Menchov (RUS) RAB - at 2’15"
9. Christian Vande Velde (USA) GAR - at 2’15"
10. Bernhard Kohl (AUT) GST - at 2’15"

SPOILER - SASTRE WINS

2008-07-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

He's blasted the pack and won his second stage in the Tour de France. His first occurred in 2003.

Nice work Carlos. You've put two minutes into the field and might just hang on for a few stages or even to Paris.

What about your time trialing ability? Hmmmmmm. That could be the clincher or could give Evans back the yellow on the Champs-Elysees.

Complete standings shortly.

SPOILER - 1KM TO GO

2008-07-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

Sastre is only 1KM from the finish. The CSC rider is going to win this stage.

Results and standings in a few moments.

SPOILER - 3KM to go in Stage 17

2008-07-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

Sastre is still ahead - now by 2:20 - with only 3KM to go.

At this pace he's smashing the top five and will be the seventh yellow jersey wearer of this year's Tour.

Evans is trying to eat into that time by pedaling furiously, but it's not reeling Sastre back yet.

SPOILER - 5KM left in the race

2008-07-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

The other post was a little premature as the peloton and Sastre had a few KM to go before hitting the first of 21 bends in the vicious Alpe d'Huez ascent. He's now 5KM from the finish and looks to have the race well in hand. As long as he doesn't crack on the mountain.

Race radio tells me that Sastre has a lead of 1:50 over the field and that puts him 1:01 ahead of Schleck and 1:03 or so ahead of Evans.

This was unexpected. Not as unexpected as KFC sauceless hot wings, but still kinda whacky.

SPOILER - The Situation on Alpe d'Huez

2008-07-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

On the mountain it looks like we will have a change AGAIN in the yellow jersey.

Before even mounting the Alpe d'Huez, Sastra was 0:48 ahead of the peloton and not slowing. If he wins the stage, it will be his second of the 2008 TDF and will put him in the lead.

He started the day behind by 0:49. In the time it took me to write this he has built his lead to 0:55.

Where is George?????

Fly to the Finish Sweepstakes Stage 17 Word

2008-07-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

The Saab contest word of the day is "Soar".

Let me tell you that some of these words are lame. Did I already tell you that the other day? Well, it bears repeating.

LAME!

Out of Bourg d'Oisans and on to Alpe d'Huez

2008-07-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

The low level slopes of Alpe d'Huez are ahead of the peloton. There are two riders ahead - Sastre and Pineau.

With the scant lead Sastre has, he could be the overall leader if he finishes with the same gap he possesses now.

The rest of my info will be in SPOILER form and won't show up here until after 9PM tonight.

Oh, Saab word of the day is coming.

Lead is cut by CSC

2008-07-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Fabian Cancellara and the rest of the CSC crew has demolished the lead. The yellow jersey peloton is now made up of these guys and more -

Evans, Arvesen, Frank, Andy, Kohl, Valverde, Menchov, Fofonov, Siutsou, Moncoutie, Aerts, Arroyo, Kirchen, Efimkin, Valjavec, Weening, Mounard, Vandevelde.

I'm hoping Hincapie is close.

The leader is just one rider, Velits, and he's just over a minute ahead. Two hors category climbs loom and here comes destruction.

Hincapie CRASH

2008-07-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

George crashed but quickly got up and rejoined the peloton.

Phew. Hope my predictions aren't causing people to run into danger.

As the four breakaway riders arrived at the Col de la Croix de Fer, they were nearly 7:00 ahead of the peloton.

The hors category climb is 29KM and I fear it will further splinter the riders. It's time for George to attack.

Col du Galiber

2008-07-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

At the top of this first hors category climb the results were as follows...

1. Stefan Schumacher (GST) 20pts - and 5,000 Euros for ’Souvenir Henri Desgrange’
2. Remy Di Gregorio (FDJ) 18pts
3. Peter Velits (MRM) 16pts
4. Ruben Perez (EUS) 14pts
5. Bernhard Kohl (GST) 12pts - at 4’45"
6. Thomas Voeckler (BTL) 10pts
7. John-Lee Augustyn (BAR) 8pts
8. Amets Txurruka (EUS) 7pts - at 4’55"
9. Kantstantin Siutsou (COL) 6pts
10. Carlos Barredo (QST) 5pts - at 5’00"

Schumacher, Perez, Velits and Di Gregorio lead the yellow jersey's peloton by four minutes on the descent.

Even after Perez crashed over the side of the mountain!

Kohl has broken away and is the virtual leader on the road as of right now at the top of Galiber. More in a second, I don't think the Kohl lead can last.

First climb of the day

2008-07-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of letour.fr...

The points for the first climb of stage 17 were won by:
1. Stefan Schumacher (GST) 4pts
2. Remy Di Gregorio (FDJ) 3pts
3. Ruben Perez (EUS) 2pts
4. Peter Velits (MRM) 1pt

The peloton seems as if it doesn't care about the group ahead, and based on the riders' positions that makes sense. But some teams want to ensure a team title in the 2008 Tour, so I bet CSC will start reeling these breakaway riders back in at some point before the next climb.

All that's left are hors category mountains culminating with the Alpe d'Huez.

Stage 17 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Today's Alpe d'Huez stage is a mere 210KM. Think about that.

In 2004 I drove up Alpe d'Huez in a rental car. The car was suicidal by the time we finished the 20+ switchbacks.

It's daunting, it's dangerous, it will crack the pack.

I have NOT looked at any dispatches yet today and I KNOW the stage is about over. But I'll start giving recaps in a minute up to the base of the Alpe d'Huez. Then the rest of me posts will be after 9PM so as not to spoil your enjoyment of the race.

Oh, just in case you were wondering, Alpe d'Huez is only ONE of THREE hors category climbs in today's Stage 17.

It runs from Embrun to Alpe d'Huez and there's a catagory 3 climb right at the beginning.

My thoughts?

A peloton that's blasted to bits. Hincapie wins the stage. We lose nine riders just on the stage itself. The top ten riders will be separated by five minutes, but the gap to the top man will be 4 minutes PLUS. It will end up being Denis Menchov who breaks away with Hincapie and takes 2nd.

Wild predictions? Sure. But since I haven't been right yet, I might as well throw in some fun. Enjoy.

Stage 16 - STANDINGS

2008-07-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here's what the field looked like at the start of today's Alpe d'Huez stage.

Another handful of riders gone and only 151 cyclists still in the race.

1. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 68h 30' 16"
2. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 68h 30' 23" + 00' 07"
3. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 68h 30' 24" + 00' 08"
4. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 68h 31' 05" + 00' 49"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 68h 31' 29" + 01' 13"
6. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 68h 33' 31" + 03' 15"
7. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 68h 33' 39" + 03' 23"
8. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 68h 34' 27" + 04' 11"
9. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 68h 34' 54" + 04' 38"
10. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 68h 35' 39" + 05' 23"
11. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 68h 37' 14" + 06' 58"
12. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 68h 37' 59" + 07' 43"
13. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 68h 38' 19" + 08' 03"
14. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 68h 39' 17" + 09' 01"
15. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 68h 39' 23" + 09' 07"
16. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 68h 40' 07" + 09' 51"
17. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 68h 41' 35" + 11' 19"
18. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 68h 42' 48" + 12' 32"
19. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 68h 47' 05" + 16' 49"
20. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 68h 48' 00" + 17' 44"
21. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 68h 48' 26" + 18' 10"
22. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 68h 49' 26" + 19' 10"
23. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 68h 50' 04" + 19' 48"
24. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 68h 50' 35" + 20' 19"
25. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 68h 51' 26" + 21' 10"
26. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 68h 52' 21" + 22' 05"
27. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 68h 55' 15" + 24' 59"
28. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 68h 55' 20" + 25' 04"
29. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 68h 55' 34" + 25' 18"
30. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 69h 02' 55" + 32' 39"
31. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 69h 03' 05" + 32' 49"
32. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 69h 04' 06" + 33' 50"
33. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 69h 04' 16" + 34' 00"
34. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 69h 05' 31" + 35' 15"
35. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 69h 07' 56" + 37' 40"
36. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 69h 08' 58" + 38' 42"
37. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 69h 14' 34" + 44' 18"
38. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 69h 15' 15" + 44' 59"
39. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 69h 24' 06" + 53' 50"
40. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 69h 25' 41" + 55' 25"
41. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 69h 26' 06" + 55' 50"
42. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 69h 26' 30" + 56' 14"
43. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 69h 28' 35" + 58' 19"
44. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 69h 30' 36" + 1h 00' 20"
45. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 69h 30' 45" + 1h 00' 29"
46. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 69h 31' 42" + 1h 01' 26"
47. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 69h 32' 19" + 1h 02' 03"
48. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 69h 35' 03" + 1h 04' 47"
49. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 69h 36' 10" + 1h 05' 54"
50. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 69h 37' 00" + 1h 06' 44"
51. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 69h 37' 36" + 1h 07' 20"
52. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 69h 37' 55" + 1h 07' 39"
53. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 69h 39' 18" + 1h 09' 02"
54. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 69h 42' 26" + 1h 12' 10"
55. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 69h 43' 54" + 1h 13' 38"
56. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 69h 45' 56" + 1h 15' 40"
57. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 69h 46' 38" + 1h 16' 22"
58. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 69h 47' 23" + 1h 17' 07"
59. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 69h 47' 53" + 1h 17' 37"
60. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 69h 47' 57" + 1h 17' 41"
61. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 69h 49' 05" + 1h 18' 49"
62. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 69h 49' 52" + 1h 19' 36"
63. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 69h 51' 52" + 1h 21' 36"
64. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 69h 52' 12" + 1h 21' 56"
65. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 69h 53' 21" + 1h 23' 05"
66. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 69h 54' 23" + 1h 24' 07"
67. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 69h 55' 19" + 1h 25' 03"
68. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 70h 01' 16" + 1h 31' 00"
69. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 70h 01' 42" + 1h 31' 26"
70. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 70h 02' 43" + 1h 32' 27"
71. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 70h 02' 55" + 1h 32' 39"
72. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 70h 03' 57" + 1h 33' 41"
73. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 70h 04' 01" + 1h 33' 45"
74. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 70h 04' 01" + 1h 33' 45"
75. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 70h 04' 22" + 1h 34' 06"
76. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 70h 05' 12" + 1h 34' 56"
77. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 70h 06' 06" + 1h 35' 50"
78. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 70h 06' 24" + 1h 36' 08"
79. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 70h 08' 41" + 1h 38' 25"
80. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 70h 09' 02" + 1h 38' 46"
81. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 70h 11' 01" + 1h 40' 45"
82. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 70h 11' 29" + 1h 41' 13"
83. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 70h 11' 30" + 1h 41' 14"
84. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 70h 12' 01" + 1h 41' 45"
85. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 70h 12' 33" + 1h 42' 17"
86. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 70h 15' 30" + 1h 45' 14"
87. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 70h 17' 56" + 1h 47' 40"
88. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 70h 21' 02" + 1h 50' 46"
89. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 70h 22' 03" + 1h 51' 47"
90. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 70h 22' 42" + 1h 52' 26"
91. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 70h 23' 07" + 1h 52' 51"
92. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 70h 24' 51" + 1h 54' 35"
93. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 70h 26' 34" + 1h 56' 18"
94. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 70h 27' 17" + 1h 57' 01"
95. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 70h 28' 47" + 1h 58' 31"
96. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 70h 30' 43" + 2h 00' 27"
97. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 70h 32' 03" + 2h 01' 47"
98. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 70h 32' 07" + 2h 01' 51"
99. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 70h 37' 25" + 2h 07' 09"
100. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 70h 37' 56" + 2h 07' 40"
101. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 70h 38' 55" + 2h 08' 39"
102. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 70h 41' 44" + 2h 11' 28"
103. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 70h 42' 43" + 2h 12' 27"
104. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 70h 45' 01" + 2h 14' 45"
105. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 70h 45' 17" + 2h 15' 01"
106. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 70h 45' 28" + 2h 15' 12"
107. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 70h 45' 29" + 2h 15' 13"
108. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 70h 46' 41" + 2h 16' 25"
109. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 70h 48' 17" + 2h 18' 01"
110. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 70h 52' 21" + 2h 22' 05"
111. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 70h 54' 16" + 2h 24' 00"
112. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 70h 54' 46" + 2h 24' 30"
113. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 70h 55' 56" + 2h 25' 40"
114. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 70h 57' 47" + 2h 27' 31"
115. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 70h 59' 13" + 2h 28' 57"
116. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 71h 01' 09" + 2h 30' 53"
117. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 71h 01' 37" + 2h 31' 21"
118. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 71h 02' 00" + 2h 31' 44"
119. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 71h 02' 56" + 2h 32' 40"
120. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 71h 03' 04" + 2h 32' 48"
121. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 71h 03' 08" + 2h 32' 52"
122. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 71h 03' 35" + 2h 33' 19"
123. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 71h 04' 36" + 2h 34' 20"
124. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 71h 05' 38" + 2h 35' 22"
125. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 71h 08' 27" + 2h 38' 11"
126. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 71h 09' 07" + 2h 38' 51"
127. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 71h 09' 09" + 2h 38' 53"
128. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 71h 09' 57" + 2h 39' 41"
129. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 71h 10' 47" + 2h 40' 31"
130. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 71h 10' 53" + 2h 40' 37"
131. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 71h 11' 06" + 2h 40' 50"
132. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 71h 11' 08" + 2h 40' 52"
133. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 71h 14' 08" + 2h 43' 52"
134. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 71h 14' 22" + 2h 44' 06"
135. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 71h 15' 12" + 2h 44' 56"
136. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 71h 15' 16" + 2h 45' 00"
137. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 71h 15' 43" + 2h 45' 27"
138. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 71h 15' 46" + 2h 45' 30"
139. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 71h 17' 49" + 2h 47' 33"
140. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 71h 18' 08" + 2h 47' 52"
141. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 71h 18' 55" + 2h 48' 39"
142. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 71h 19' 48" + 2h 49' 32"
143. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 71h 20' 05" + 2h 49' 49"
144. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 71h 22' 00" + 2h 51' 44"
145. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 71h 24' 09" + 2h 53' 53"
146. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 71h 24' 38" + 2h 54' 22"
147. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 71h 24' 50" + 2h 54' 34"
148. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 71h 26' 27" + 2h 56' 11"
149. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 71h 26' 43" + 2h 56' 27"
150. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 71h 32' 28" + 3h 02' 12"
151. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 71h 38' 26" + 3h 08' 10"

Where did the day go?

2008-07-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well, after being ensconced at a marvelous breakfast with marvelous people, I returned home to a non-working phone, edits from my editor (that's how it works people), a slew of other new projects and laundry.

The laundry still sits in a tub in the middle of the floor, but the rest of the stuff is moving along slowly. And that gives me a tiny bit of time to catch up. Not like the catching up BIG GEORGE HINCAPIE is going to have to do if he wants to even sniff the podium this year, but some catching up.

Here is how the top handful finished YESTERDAY'S Stage 16...

1. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 31' 27"
2. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 31' 27" + 00' 00"
3. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 31' 27" + 00' 00"
4. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 31' 30" + 00' 03"
5. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 31' 51" + 00' 24"
6. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 31' 51" + 00' 24"
7. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 31' 51" + 00' 24"
8. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 4h 32' 30" + 01' 03"
9. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 32' 55" + 01' 28"
10. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 4h 32' 55" + 01' 28"
11. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 32' 55" + 01' 28"
12. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 32' 55" + 01' 28"
13. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 32' 55" + 01' 28"

Photos from this morning

2008-07-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

Watching the Tour with Friends

2008-07-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

This morning I spent about two hours with 50 of my closest friends. OK. These other 49 people and I had four things in common...

We like cycling.
We watch the Tour de France as much as we can.
We like breakfast.
We were willing to jet into Somerville, MA at 9AM on a Tuesday to eat breakfast with strangers while watching the Tour.

I’ve been blogging the race for the past 15 stages (today is stage 16) and I’ve been doing it practically solo.

This blog entry will run both at TDF08.com and here on Bowl of Cheese. But that’s because while I was watching the Tour I met some riders and took some photos.

In order for them to find the photos, they’re going to look at my Tour de France blog and not here.

The interesting thing was that so many people were up, coherent and willing to spend social time with other people while watching TV.

Social and community norms were followed. No serious topics, no seriously blatant cheering, and a generous respect for ‘morning’ moods.

As an article, the slant would be going after a bunch of cyclists and finding out how far they rode to be with other like-minded riders.

I’d find out what types of bikes were in the complimentary bike parking lot (bike valets took bikes at the door and stored them in the basement while people ate).

And I’d find out who had been to a stage of the Tour in person.

With this group, I found that many had ridden long distances and had nice bikes. They also harbor a healthy respect for the skills of the riders, are angered by the repeated doping, and hope that each stage is as exciting as this one.

From a rider almost flinging himself 2800 meters down a mountain, to a breakaway that lasted all the way to the finish, to the very real possibility that yellow would change hands again - this was a really great morning.

By next year I’ll have another road bike - or more likely a cross bike - and will make an effort to attend on the proper two wheels.

Today I scooted to the city to be with my brethren and I realized what I’ve been missing by being off the bike.

I guess I’ll have to find a way to fit the dirt, pavement and scooter into my recreational life.

As I type this I’m still grinning about the colorful kits (these are biking uniforms), the fun stories people shared (the worst muscle cramps anyone has had), and the tasty buffet-style breakfast provided by Redbones (eggs, sausage, home fries and pulled pork hash).

What a ride!

Updates and standings to come. Also, maybe a change in the format of how things are presented here at TDF08.com.

Saab Fly to the finish sweepstakes - Stage 16

2008-07-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

I'm up early and still debating the journey into Somerville, MA. Looks like rain and now it's already 8:04AM. Not sure I'll make it by 9 (still need to put out the trash) and there's been no real notifications (their emails had today's date and the right stage ... but they said FRIDAY) saying how big an event this would be.

Going to check the weather now and get the trash put out.

In the meantime, you go to the Saab site and enter today's word - "Alps" - and see if you've won.

Good luck.

Stage 16 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-22T02:17:00.000-07:00

If I get up in time, I'm going to dash into SOmerville, MA to join the regional Mountain Biking group (NEMBA) to watch Stage 16 at a barbecue restaurant (Redbones) with other cycling fanatics.

The gathering begins at 9AM and you get a full breakfast while watching the first of a bunch of Alps' stages.

So, before I put out the trash and hop on the scooter, here is what I think will take place today in the Tour.

The riders leave Italy and tackle two Hors Category climbs. The mountain in France features the highest mountain pass in all of that country - a staggering 2802 meters!

The stage goes from Cuneo Italy to Jausiers France...a distance of 157KM.

There are no more rest days, and today WILL solidify either Cadel Evans' fall from grace or the dominance and eventual win of Christian Vandevelde.

Today's winner will be a climber, but it might also feature a jump by Kim Kirchen and you KNOW I'm always hoping that George Hincapie will slam the peloton with a massive effort and get himself close to the podium.

I'll do a post-race bunch of entries after lunch today.

Rest Day Saab Fly to the Finish Word

2008-07-22T02:15:00.000-07:00

For the Rest Day, the word is...

"Shift"

Back in a little bit with Stage 16 Overview and Predictions.

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 15

2008-07-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

Cadel Evans is no longer in Yellow.

This is how the riders stand after 15 stages are complete in the 2008 Tour de France...

1. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 63h 57' 21"
2. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 63h 57' 28" + 00' 07"
3. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 63h 57' 29" + 00' 08"
4. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 63h 57' 59" + 00' 38"
5. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 63h 58' 00" + 00' 39"
6. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 63h 58' 10" + 00' 49"
7. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 64h 00' 09" + 02' 48"
8. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 64h 00' 57" + 03' 36"
9. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 64h 01' 32" + 04' 11"
10. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 64h 01' 55" + 04' 34"
11. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 64h 02' 39" + 05' 18"
12. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 64h 02' 43" + 05' 22"
13. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 64h 03' 48" + 06' 27"
14. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 64h 04' 36" + 07' 15"
15. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 64h 05' 04" + 07' 43"
16. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 64h 05' 55" + 08' 34"
17. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 64h 06' 22" + 09' 01"
18. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 64h 07' 13" + 09' 52"
19. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 64h 09' 54" + 12' 33"
20. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 64h 11' 16" + 13' 55"
21. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 64h 11' 21" + 14' 00"
22. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 64h 12' 51" + 15' 30"
23. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 64h 13' 20" + 15' 59"
24. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 64h 13' 49" + 16' 28"
25. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 64h 16' 27" + 19' 06"
26. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 64h 16' 32" + 19' 11"
27. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 64h 18' 34" + 21' 13"
28. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 64h 18' 44" + 21' 23"
29. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 64h 19' 51" + 22' 30"
30. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 64h 20' 07" + 22' 46"
31. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 64h 21' 48" + 24' 27"
32. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 64h 25' 49" + 28' 28"
33. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 64h 29' 25" + 32' 04"
34. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 64h 30' 46" + 33' 25"
35. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 64h 30' 52" + 33' 31"
36. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 64h 31' 38" + 34' 17"
37. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 64h 32' 49" + 35' 28"
38. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 64h 34' 50" + 37' 29"
39. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 64h 37' 25" + 40' 04"
40. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 64h 38' 59" + 41' 38"
41. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 64h 39' 46" + 42' 25"
42. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 64h 41' 43" + 44' 22"
43. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 64h 43' 05" + 45' 44"
44. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 64h 43' 17" + 45' 56"
45. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 64h 43' 19" + 45' 58"
46. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 64h 43' 24" + 46' 03"
47. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 64h 43' 42" + 46' 21"
48. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 64h 43' 46" + 46' 25"
49. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 64h 45' 58" + 48' 37"
50. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 64h 48' 49" + 51' 28"
51. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 64h 49' 58" + 52' 37"
52. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 64h 51' 28" + 54' 07"
53. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 64h 52' 07" + 54' 46"
54. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 64h 53' 18" + 55' 57"
55. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 64h 55' 57" + 58' 36"
56. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 64h 56' 48" + 59' 27"
57. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 64h 58' 32" + 1h 01' 11"
58. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 64h 58' 47" + 1h 01' 26"
59. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 64h 58' 49" + 1h 01' 28"
60. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 64h 59' 09" + 1h 01' 48"
61. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 64h 59' 32" + 1h 02' 11"
62. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 65h 00' 06" + 1h 02' 45"
63. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 65h 00' 34" + 1h 03' 13"
64. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 65h 01' 03" + 1h 03' 42"
65. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 65h 05' 49" + 1h 08' 28"
66. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 65h 06' 57" + 1h 09' 36"
67. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 65h 07' 28" + 1h 10' 07"
68. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 65h 09' 26" + 1h 12' 05"
69. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 65h 10' 02" + 1h 12' 41"
70. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 65h 10' 34" + 1h 13' 13"
71. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 65h 10' 38" + 1h 13' 17"
72. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 65h 11' 02" + 1h 13' 41"
73. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 65h 12' 17" + 1h 14' 56"
74. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 65h 12' 55" + 1h 15' 34"
75. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 65h 14' 20" + 1h 16' 59"
76. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 65h 15' 32" + 1h 18' 11"
77. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 65h 15' 42" + 1h 18' 21"
78. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 65h 16' 15" + 1h 18' 54"
79. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 65h 17' 15" + 1h 19' 54"
80. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 65h 19' 44" + 1h 22' 23"
81. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 65h 21' 28" + 1h 24' 07"
82. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 65h 23' 25" + 1h 26' 04"
83. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 65h 24' 36" + 1h 27' 15"
84. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 65h 25' 24" + 1h 28' 03"
85. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 65h 25' 44" + 1h 28' 23"
86. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 65h 26' 14" + 1h 28' 53"
87. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 65h 26' 17" + 1h 28' 56"
88. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 65h 26' 25" + 1h 29' 04"
89. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 65h 27' 18" + 1h 29' 57"
90. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 65h 28' 44" + 1h 31' 23"
91. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 65h 29' 44" + 1h 32' 23"
92. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 65h 29' 47" + 1h 32' 26"
93. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 65h 29' 58" + 1h 32' 37"
94. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 65h 34' 02" + 1h 36' 41"
95. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 65h 34' 33" + 1h 37' 12"
96. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 65h 35' 32" + 1h 38' 11"
97. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 65h 36' 02" + 1h 38' 41"
98. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 65h 36' 34" + 1h 39' 13"
99. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 65h 38' 21" + 1h 41' 00"
100. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 65h 38' 43" + 1h 41' 22"
101. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 65h 39' 20" + 1h 41' 59"
102. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 65h 41' 38" + 1h 44' 17"
103. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 65h 41' 45" + 1h 44' 24"
104. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 65h 41' 54" + 1h 44' 33"
105. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 65h 42' 05" + 1h 44' 44"
106. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 65h 42' 06" + 1h 44' 45"
107. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 65h 43' 18" + 1h 45' 57"
108. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 65h 44' 54" + 1h 47' 33"
109. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 65h 48' 58" + 1h 51' 37"
110. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 65h 50' 43" + 1h 53' 22"
111. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 65h 51' 23" + 1h 54' 02"
112. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 65h 53' 49" + 1h 56' 28"
113. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 65h 54' 24" + 1h 57' 03"
114. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 65h 55' 50" + 1h 58' 29"
115. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 65h 58' 14" + 2h 00' 53"
116. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 65h 58' 37" + 2h 01' 16"
117. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 65h 59' 33" + 2h 02' 12"
118. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 65h 59' 41" + 2h 02' 20"
119. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 65h 59' 45" + 2h 02' 24"
120. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 66h 01' 13" + 2h 03' 52"
121. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 66h 02' 05" + 2h 04' 44"
122. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 66h 02' 36" + 2h 05' 15"
123. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 66h 05' 04" + 2h 07' 43"
124. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 66h 05' 44" + 2h 08' 23"
125. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 66h 05' 46" + 2h 08' 25"
126. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 66h 06' 34" + 2h 09' 13"
127. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 66h 07' 24" + 2h 10' 03"
128. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 66h 07' 30" + 2h 10' 09"
129. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 66h 07' 43" + 2h 10' 22"
130. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 66h 07' 45" + 2h 10' 24"
131. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 66h 07' 49" + 2h 10' 28"
132. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 66h 07' 49" + 2h 10' 28"
133. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 66h 10' 45" + 2h 13' 24"
134. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 66h 10' 49" + 2h 13' 28"
135. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 66h 11' 49" + 2h 14' 28"
136. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 66h 11' 53" + 2h 14' 32"
137. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 66h 12' 20" + 2h 14' 59"
138. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 66h 12' 23" + 2h 15' 02"
139. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 66h 14' 26" + 2h 17' 05"
140. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 66h 14' 45" + 2h 17' 24"
141. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 66h 15' 32" + 2h 18' 11"
142. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 66h 16' 25" + 2h 19' 04"
143. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 66h 16' 42" + 2h 19' 21"
144. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 66h 18' 37" + 2h 21' 16"
145. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 66h 20' 46" + 2h 23' 25"
146. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 66h 21' 05" + 2h 23' 44"
147. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 66h 21' 27" + 2h 24' 06"
148. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 66h 23' 04" + 2h 25' 43"
149. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 66h 23' 20" + 2h 25' 59"
150. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 66h 26' 39" + 2h 29' 18"
151. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 66h 29' 05" + 2h 31' 44"
152. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 66h 35' 03" + 2h 37' 42"
153. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 66h 39' 36" + 2h 42' 15"

SPOILER - Stage 15 Stage Standings

2008-07-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Here's how they stacked up after today's exciting Stage 15 finish...

1. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 50' 44"
2. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 50' 47" + 00' 03"
3. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 50' 54" + 00' 10"
4. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 51' 39" + 00' 55"
5. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 4h 54' 47" + 04' 03"
6. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 54' 47" + 04' 03"
7. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 54' 56" + 04' 12"
8. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 4h 55' 07" + 04' 23"
9. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 55' 25" + 04' 41"
10. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 55' 27" + 04' 43"
11. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 4h 55' 30" + 04' 46"
12. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 55' 34" + 04' 50"
13. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 55' 34" + 04' 50"
14. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 55' 42" + 04' 58"
15. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 56' 18" + 05' 34"
16. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 4h 56' 26" + 05' 42"
17. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 56' 26" + 05' 42"
18. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 56' 28" + 05' 44"
19. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 56' 30" + 05' 46"
20. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 4h 56' 30" + 05' 46"
21. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 56' 30" + 05' 46"
22. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 56' 44" + 06' 00"
23. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 56' 53" + 06' 09"
24. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 56' 53" + 06' 09"
25. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 57' 10" + 06' 26"
26. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 4h 57' 32" + 06' 48"
27. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 4h 57' 32" + 06' 48"
28. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 57' 32" + 06' 48"
29. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 4h 57' 58" + 07' 14"
30. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 58' 19" + 07' 35"
31. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 58' 30" + 07' 46"
32. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 58' 30" + 07' 46"
33. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 58' 30" + 07' 46"
34. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 58' 30" + 07' 46"
35. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 4h 58' 36" + 07' 52"
36. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 58' 59" + 08' 15"
37. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 58' 59" + 08' 15"
38. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 59' 11" + 08' 27"
39. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 4h 59' 44" + 09' 00"
40. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 4h 59' 55" + 09' 11"
41. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 5h 00' 04" + 09' 20"
42. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 5h 00' 19" + 09' 35"
43. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
44. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
45. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
46. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
47. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
48. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
49. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
50. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
51. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
52. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
53. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
54. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 5h 01' 38" + 10' 54"
55. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 5h 04' 47" + 14' 03"
56. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 5h 05' 55" + 15' 11"
57. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
58. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
59. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
60. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
61. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
62. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
63. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
64. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
65. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
66. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
67. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 5h 07' 13" + 16' 29"
68. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
69. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
70. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
71. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
72. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
73. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
74. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
75. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
76. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
77. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
78. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
79. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
80. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
81. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
82. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
83. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
84. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
85. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
86. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
87. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
88. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
89. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
90. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
91. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
92. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
93. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
94. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
95. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
96. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
97. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
98. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
99. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
100. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 5h 11' 30" + 20' 46"
101. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 5h 11' 38" + 20' 54"
102. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 5h 11' 52" + 21' 08"
103. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 5h 11' 52" + 21' 08"
104. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 5h 12' 09" + 21' 25"
105. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 5h 12' 41" + 21' 57"
106. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 5h 14' 15" + 23' 31"
107. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 5h 14' 15" + 23' 31"
108. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
109. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
110. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
111. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
112. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
113. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
114. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
115. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
116. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
117. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
118. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
119. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
120. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
121. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
122. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
123. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
124. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
125. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
126. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
127. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
128. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
129. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
130. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
131. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
132. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
133. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
134. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
135. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
136. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
137. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
138. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
139. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
140. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
141. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
142. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
143. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
144. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
145. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
146. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
147. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 5h 16' 17" + 25' 33"
148. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 5h 17' 23" + 26' 39"
149. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 5h 17' 40" + 26' 56"
150. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 5h 20' 30" + 29' 46"

You'll notice that only 150 riders listed. They might still be coming in. I'll see what I can find out about the riders who also abandoned during today's journey.

SPOILER - Stage 15 Wrap-Up and Winner

2008-07-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Gerrans, Martinez, Arrieta and Pate were still ahead by 11:45 when they got to the base of the last climb of the day.

1. Simon Gerrans (C.A)
2. Egoi Martinez (EUS) at 3"
3. Danny Pate (USA) at 10"
4. Jose Luis Arrieta (ALM) at 55"
5. Bernhard Kohl (GST) at 4’03"
6. Carlos Sastre (CSC) at 4’03"
7. Alejandro Valverde (GCE) at 4’12"
8. Denis Menchov (RAB) at 4’23"
9. Frank Schleck (CSC) at 4’41"
10. Christian Vande Velde (TSL) at 4’43"
Evans was 13th at 4’50"

Overall Stage Standings in a moment.

Saab Fly to the finish sweepstakes - Stage 15

2008-07-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, here's the word for the day. Good luck.

"Performance"

15KM to go in Stage 15

2008-07-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Here's the last of my updates to you before I post the 9PM spoilers.

At 15KM from the finish, the four breakaway riders are still in the lead by 12:35. The pace behind them is heating up and riders are being dropped off the back.

The last of the climbs for the stage is about 3KM away and it's a biggie - a category 1.

Riders who have been flung off the back include O’Grady, Sorensen, Eisel and several others.

As mentioned, the next few entries will appear after 9PM EST so as not to ruin the race result for those of you who hate SPOILERS.

Better Diagnosis for Pereiro

2008-07-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

From letour.com,

Despite early diagnosis of a possible broken femur for Pereiro, the race director Christian Prudhomme has just confirmed that the 2006 Tour champion has sustained a broken shoulder; nothing else. He is on his way to hospital in Cuneo.

CRASH on the descent

2008-07-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Oscar Pereiro crashed at the 80KM point of the race, during the descent on the back side of col Agnel.

According to race radio, Pereiro slammed into the guardrail and launched down to the road below. He broke his femur and his shoulder and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

Accounts say that he was conscious the entire time.

The crash - on wet roads - has dramatically slowed the rest of the peloton and the breakaway bunch is now up around 15 minutes ahead.

As noted, Pereiro was given the status of winner of the 2006 Tour de France after Floyd Landis' appeal fell flat. So the 2006 champion is out of the 2008 race.

Now there are 154 riders in the race. If this keeps up, we'll barely have enough riders to make a peloton by the end of Stage 15.

Dropping like flies

2008-07-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

Two more riders have quit the Tour de France today.

Before reaching the top of col Agnel, Stijn Devolder and Mark Renshaw both dropped out.

That leaves 155 riders in the field.

The hors category climb

2008-07-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

According to letour.com,

Details Of Col Agnel

The first ascent of the 15th stage is the Col Agnel. The sun is shining as Gerrans, Arrieta, Martinez and Pate make their way up the 2,744m high pass that peaks at the 58km mark. The climb is 20.5km long with an average gradient of 6.6 percent. The steepest sections are the 16th, 17th and 19th kilometers which are nine percent.

The breakaway group is at the base of this climb and has a lead in the range of 12 minutes over the peloton.

30KM into Stage 15

2008-07-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

At 30KM into the 15th stage, Gerrans, Arrieta, Martinez and Danny Pate have a lead of 9:10 over the peloton.

The group broke away early and is being allowed to remain away by Cadel Evans' Silence-Lotto team which is keeping the pace at the front of the peloton.

I suspect this will change and someone on Team Columbia will try to bridge the gap in the next 50KM.

The big climbs are coming. Remember - category 1 and an hors category today.

I WAS RIGHT

2008-07-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Finally, in a Tour de France that has seen doping and odd results and crashes, I've been proven correct.

OK, once out of about 35 predictions isn't that good, but I'll take it.

Team Columbia rider Mark Canvendish has abandoned the Tour before the start of Stage 15.

That means the mantle of leader falls to George Hincapie and this is the stage that could see a total turnaround in standings.

Stay tuned.

And into Italy we go

2008-07-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Stage 15 is where the heat gets turned up on the riders. The hills become alive with the whir of the cassette and the riders start to feel lactic acid build up in their legs.

Little climbers will go skyward and sprinters will abandon the tour. In fact, I'll check with race radio in a second to see if there really are 157 riders left in the Tour at the start of this stage.

Also, even with six stages left after today, the riders get one more rest day tomorrow and then it's north toward Paris.

If you've been slouching and not paying attention, the only think you've missed so far are two doping scandals, one team abandoning the race (an entire team), a rider from the UK winning FOUR stages and Australian Cadel Evans solidifying his hold on the overall lead.

This will be dual posted at JeffCutler.com and at TDF08.com. But if you're rabid for racing news, come on over to TDF08.com for regular stage updates.

As always, no spoilers until after 9PM EST.

Stage 15 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

First time in this year's Tour that the riders go above 2500 feet in altitude. They're headed to Italy over the Alps and will hit a category 1 and an hors category climb on their 183KM journey.

This is where the real shakeout will happen.

Abandons today will include Thor Hushovd, Robbie Mc Ewen and even Mark Cavendish.

You will see a major attack from George Hincapie as someone from Team Columbia has to take over the torch for the team.

And you'll see Cadel Evans either reel in Big George or take an even more commanding lead.

The wildcard in all this is Christian Vandevelde. He could pull a Floyd Landis (sas drugs) and create some real drama for the rest of the race.

Speaking of rest, we're off on Monday and then Tuesday is back out of Italy and north toward Alpe d'Huez.

Cool and the gang!

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 14

2008-07-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Coming up I'll give you a little insight into Stage 15 (a nice hard jaunt into Italy tomorrow). But for now, here's how things stand after 14 stages of the 2008 Tour de France.

Oh, I think I've been spelling Oscar Freire's name wrong. Sorry Oscar.

1. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 59h 01' 55"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 59h 01' 56" + 00' 01"
3. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 59h 02' 33" + 00' 38"
4. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 59h 02' 41" + 00' 46"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 59h 02' 52" + 00' 57"
6. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 59h 03' 23" + 01' 28"
7. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 59h 03' 51" + 01' 56"
8. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 59h 04' 27" + 02' 32"
9. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 59h 05' 46" + 03' 51"
10. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 59h 06' 13" + 04' 18"
11. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 59h 06' 21" + 04' 26"
12. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 59h 06' 36" + 04' 41"
13. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 59h 07' 18" + 05' 23"
14. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 59h 07' 32" + 05' 37"
15. PEREIRO SIO Oscar 37 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 59h 07' 56" + 06' 01"
16. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 59h 08' 02" + 06' 07"
17. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 59h 08' 21" + 06' 26"
18. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 59h 09' 02" + 07' 07"
19. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 59h 09' 06" + 07' 11"
20. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 59h 10' 40" + 08' 45"
21. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 59h 11' 18" + 09' 23"
22. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 59h 13' 44" + 11' 49"
23. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 59h 13' 54" + 11' 59"
24. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 59h 14' 55" + 13' 00"
25. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 59h 15' 19" + 13' 24"
26. DEVOLDER Stijn 91 QUICK STEP 59h 15' 46" + 13' 51"
27. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 59h 16' 10" + 14' 15"
28. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 59h 17' 57" + 16' 02"
29. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 59h 18' 34" + 16' 39"
30. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 59h 20' 03" + 18' 08"
31. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 59h 20' 04" + 18' 09"
32. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 59h 20' 10" + 18' 15"
33. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 59h 22' 16" + 20' 21"
34. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 59h 23' 33" + 21' 38"
35. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 59h 26' 50" + 24' 55"
36. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 59h 27' 37" + 25' 42"
37. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 59h 30' 00" + 28' 05"
38. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 59h 31' 46" + 29' 51"
39. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 59h 31' 49" + 29' 54"
40. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 59h 32' 32" + 30' 37"
41. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 59h 32' 33" + 30' 38"
42. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 59h 32' 33" + 30' 38"
43. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 59h 32' 59" + 31' 04"
44. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 59h 34' 19" + 32' 24"
45. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 59h 35' 47" + 33' 52"
46. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 59h 37' 17" + 35' 22"
47. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 59h 37' 51" + 35' 56"
48. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 59h 40' 05" + 38' 10"
49. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 59h 41' 27" + 39' 32"
50. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 59h 41' 46" + 39' 51"
51. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 59h 41' 48" + 39' 53"
52. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 59h 42' 04" + 40' 09"
53. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 59h 44' 15" + 42' 20"
54. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 59h 44' 18" + 42' 23"
55. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 59h 44' 27" + 42' 32"
56. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 59h 44' 54" + 42' 59"
57. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 59h 46' 48" + 44' 53"
58. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 59h 47' 19" + 45' 24"
59. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 59h 49' 04" + 47' 09"
60. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 59h 49' 35" + 47' 40"
61. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 59h 51' 19" + 49' 24"
62. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 59h 54' 19" + 52' 24"
63. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 59h 55' 07" + 53' 12"
64. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 59h 55' 11" + 53' 16"
65. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 59h 55' 58" + 54' 03"
66. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 59h 57' 17" + 55' 22"
67. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 59h 58' 28" + 56' 33"
68. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 59h 59' 04" + 57' 09"
69. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 59h 59' 08" + 57' 13"
70. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 60h 00' 39" + 58' 44"
71. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 60h 01' 25" + 59' 30"
72. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 60h 02' 03" + 1h 00' 08"
73. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 60h 02' 49" + 1h 00' 54"
74. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 60h 03' 07" + 1h 01' 12"
75. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 60h 04' 02" + 1h 02' 07"
76. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 60h 08' 48" + 1h 06' 53"
77. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 60h 09' 24" + 1h 07' 29"
78. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 60h 09' 58" + 1h 08' 03"
79. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 60h 10' 39" + 1h 08' 44"
80. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 60h 11' 55" + 1h 10' 00"
81. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 60h 12' 27" + 1h 10' 32"
82. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 60h 12' 42" + 1h 10' 47"
83. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 60h 13' 41" + 1h 11' 46"
84. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 60h 13' 54" + 1h 11' 59"
85. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 60h 14' 37" + 1h 12' 42"
86. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 60h 14' 44" + 1h 12' 49"
87. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 60h 14' 47" + 1h 12' 52"
88. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 60h 14' 55" + 1h 13' 00"
89. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 60h 17' 23" + 1h 15' 28"
90. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 60h 17' 31" + 1h 15' 36"
91. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 60h 18' 14" + 1h 16' 19"
92. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 60h 18' 16" + 1h 16' 21"
93. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 60h 18' 17" + 1h 16' 22"
94. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 60h 18' 31" + 1h 16' 36"
95. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 60h 22' 32" + 1h 20' 37"
96. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 60h 23' 03" + 1h 21' 08"
97. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 60h 24' 02" + 1h 22' 07"
98. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 60h 24' 03" + 1h 22' 08"
99. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 60h 24' 32" + 1h 22' 37"
100. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 60h 25' 04" + 1h 23' 09"
101. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 60h 25' 21" + 1h 23' 26"
102. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 60h 25' 37" + 1h 23' 42"
103. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 60h 25' 48" + 1h 23' 53"
104. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 60h 27' 13" + 1h 25' 18"
105. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 60h 30' 36" + 1h 28' 41"
106. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 60h 31' 40" + 1h 29' 45"
107. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 60h 33' 24" + 1h 31' 29"
108. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 60h 34' 26" + 1h 32' 31"
109. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 60h 35' 06" + 1h 33' 11"
110. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 60h 36' 24" + 1h 34' 29"
111. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 60h 36' 58" + 1h 35' 03"
112. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 60h 37' 28" + 1h 35' 33"
113. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 60h 38' 02" + 1h 36' 07"
114. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 60h 39' 33" + 1h 37' 38"
115. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 60h 41' 57" + 1h 40' 02"
116. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 60h 42' 19" + 1h 40' 24"
117. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 60h 42' 20" + 1h 40' 25"
118. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 60h 42' 54" + 1h 40' 59"
119. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 60h 43' 16" + 1h 41' 21"
120. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 60h 43' 24" + 1h 41' 29"
121. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 60h 44' 56" + 1h 43' 01"
122. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 60h 45' 48" + 1h 43' 53"
123. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 60h 46' 19" + 1h 44' 24"
124. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 60h 48' 15" + 1h 46' 20"
125. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 60h 48' 47" + 1h 46' 52"
126. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 60h 49' 27" + 1h 47' 32"
127. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 60h 49' 29" + 1h 47' 34"
128. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 60h 50' 17" + 1h 48' 22"
129. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 60h 50' 17" + 1h 48' 22"
130. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 60h 51' 07" + 1h 49' 12"
131. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 60h 51' 13" + 1h 49' 18"
132. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 60h 51' 26" + 1h 49' 31"
133. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 60h 51' 28" + 1h 49' 33"
134. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 60h 51' 32" + 1h 49' 37"
135. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 60h 54' 28" + 1h 52' 33"
136. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 60h 54' 32" + 1h 52' 37"
137. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 60h 56' 03" + 1h 54' 08"
138. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 60h 56' 06" + 1h 54' 11"
139. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 60h 56' 19" + 1h 54' 24"
140. CAVENDISH Mark 43 TEAM COLUMBIA 60h 57' 26" + 1h 55' 31"
141. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 60h 57' 34" + 1h 55' 39"
142. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 60h 58' 09" + 1h 56' 14"
143. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 60h 58' 28" + 1h 56' 33"
144. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 60h 59' 15" + 1h 57' 20"
145. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 61h 00' 25" + 1h 58' 30"
146. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 61h 00' 57" + 1h 59' 02"
147. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 61h 00' 57" + 1h 59' 02"
148. RENSHAW Mark 89 CREDIT AGRICOLE 61h 03' 29" + 2h 01' 34"
149. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 61h 04' 29" + 2h 02' 34"
150. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 61h 04' 33" + 2h 02' 38"
151. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 61h 05' 03" + 2h 03' 08"
152. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 61h 05' 53" + 2h 03' 58"
153. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 61h 06' 47" + 2h 04' 52"
154. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 61h 07' 03" + 2h 05' 08"
155. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 61h 09' 13" + 2h 07' 18"
156. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 61h 12' 48" + 2h 10' 53"
157. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 61h 17' 40" + 2h 15' 45"

SPOILER - Stage 14 Stage Standings

2008-07-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

They line up like this in today's Stage 14...

1. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 4h 13' 08"
2. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
3. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
4. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
5. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
6. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
7. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
8. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
9. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
10. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
11. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
12. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
13. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
14. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
15. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
16. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
17. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
18. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
19. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
20. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
21. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
22. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
23. PEREIRO SIO Oscar 37 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
24. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
25. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
26. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
27. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
28. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
29. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
30. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
31. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
32. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
33. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
34. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
35. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
36. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
37. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
38. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
39. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
40. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
41. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
42. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
43. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
44. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
45. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
46. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
47. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
48. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
49. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
50. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
51. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
52. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
53. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
54. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
55. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
56. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
57. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
58. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
59. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
60. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
61. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
62. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
63. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
64. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
65. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
66. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
67. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
68. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
69. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
70. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
71. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
72. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
73. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
74. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
75. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
76. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
77. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
78. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
79. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
80. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
81. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
82. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
83. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
84. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
85. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
86. DEVOLDER Stijn 91 QUICK STEP 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
87. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
88. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
89. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
90. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 13' 08" + 00' 00"
91. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 4h 13' 25" + 00' 17"
92. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 13' 25" + 00' 17"
93. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 52" + 00' 44"
94. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 57" + 00' 49"
95. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 4h 13' 57" + 00' 49"
96. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 14' 12" + 01' 04"
97. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
98. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
99. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
100. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
101. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
102. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
103. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
104. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
105. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 15' 58" + 02' 50"
106. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
107. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
108. CAVENDISH Mark 43 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
109. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
110. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
111. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
112. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
113. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
114. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
115. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
116. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
117. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
118. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
119. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 16' 35" + 03' 27"
120. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
121. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
122. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
123. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
124. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
125. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
126. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
127. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
128. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
129. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
130. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 18' 06" + 04' 58"
131. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
132. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
133. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
134. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
135. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
136. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
137. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
138. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
139. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
140. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
141. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
142. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
143. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
144. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
145. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
146. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
147. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
148. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
149. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
150. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
151. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
152. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
153. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
154. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 20' 51" + 07' 43"
155. RENSHAW Mark 89 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 21' 37" + 08' 29"
156. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 21' 41" + 08' 33"
157. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 26' 12" + 13' 04"

Only 157 riders left. And I'm an idiot. Did I pick Chavanel to win today...or was that his brother? Hmmm.

SPOILER - Stage 14 Top 10

2008-07-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Here's how Stage 14 shaped up in the top 10 after Freire's stage win. Look down the line to see how close to the top Evans finished (that's right, he's not there. He finished 28th). And this stage might have put the nail in Valverde's chances to win this year. He's WAY down now.

1. Oscar Freire (ESP) RAB - 4h16’08" (46.102km/h)
2. Leonardo Duque (COL) COF
3. Erik Zabel (GER) MRM
4. Julian Dean (NZL) TSL
5. Steven De Jongh (NED) QST
6. Alessandro Ballan (ITA) LAM
7. Ruben Perez (ESP) EUS
8. Jerome Pineau (FRA) BTL
9. Matteo Tosatto (ITA) QT
10. Thor Hushovd (NOR) C.A)

SPOILER - 12KM to go in Stage 14

2008-07-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

It's like a boxing match. If you follow the on TV, here's how the online version showed up today. They missed telling us where and when Gutierrez got caught.

Freire has given Rabobank its first stage win in the 2008 Tour. He celebrated in green by beating Duque and Zabel to the line in Digne-les-Bains.
16:36 - Freire Wins The Day!

Oscar Freire has finally picked up the stage win he wanted so much. Not bad at all for a guy who insists he wasn’t in the peak condition only yesterday.
16:35 - ’Flamme Rouge’ - Columbia & Milram In Control...

Burghardt is leading Zabel in the last kilometer of the 14th stage. We’ll wait for the sprint and post the winner in a matter of moments.
16:34 - Escape Over

Chavanel will have to try another day. The peloton is now setting up a sprint and Valverde is following an Euskaltel rider who attacked at the 1,500m to go mark.
16:34 - Lead Just Five Seconds!

Chavanel’s advantage over the peloton is just five seconds. There are riders from Milram and Columbia trying to spoil his party and it seems that they will (again!).
16:33 - 3km To Go...

With 3km to go Chavanel is still in the lead. He was caught at this mark in yesterday’s stage but this time he appears to have a better advantage.
16:32 - 4km To Go...

Chavanel is still in the lead of the stage. Could this be the day that his attacking antics pay off? He’s tried and tried and tried and tried... etc. But never yet has he won a stage of the Tour. His advantage is 10".
16:31 - 5km To Go...

Sylvain Chavanel has a lead of 10" with 5km to go in the stage. The Columbia team is now driving the peloton. Cavendish has been dropped but they stated earlier today that Ciolek will be their ace today.
16:30 - Chavanel Attacking... Again

Sylvain Chavanel has attacked the peloton with 6km to go. He has a lead of about 100m and is trying his luck again just as he did yesterday.
16:30 - Gutierrez: Wins Most Aggressive Prize

The judges have voted Gutierrez the most aggressive rider in the 14th stage. He was caught on the final climb.
16:29 - Results Of Final Climb

The points for the final climb were won by:
1. Kreuziger (LIQ) 3pts
2. Kohl (GST) 2pts
3. Andy Schleck (CSC) 1pt
16:28 - Pereiro Leading Peloton

The peloton is being led by Pereiro. We believe Gutierrez has been caught although we haven’t seen any images of his capture.
16:27 - Evans Accelerating

Near the top of the climb, Evans has come through with a fast turn to limit his losses to the attacking riders that include Valverde.
16:26 - Cavendish Dropped

Cavendish won’t get his hat-trick. He has been dropped by the peloton on the final climb.
16:25 - Barredo Caught

The attack by Barredo is rendered void by the Liquigas team.
16:25 - 10km To Go...

Barredo has attacked the peloton on the final climb. He has caught Tirralongo and just passed under the 10km mark.
16:24 - Voeckler Chased Down...

Voeckler has been caught and passed by a rider from Lampre, Tirralongo.
16:23 - Gutierrez On Final Climb

Gutierrez is on the final ascent. There has been attack from Voeckler at the head of the peloton... ah, so that’s what the Bougyues Boys have been planning!

See? Well, Oscar Freire has won Stage 14 of the 2008 Tour de France.

Jalabert abandons, Barloworld dumps cycling

2008-07-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Those are two stories.

Nicolas Jalabert of the Agritubel team has abandoned the Tour de France.

And team Barloworld has decided that it will cease sponsorship of cycling effective the day after the end of the 2008 Tour de France.

Jalabert was just tired and he decided enough was enough with Alps coming tomorrow.

Barloworld made their move because their rider - and the winner of the time trial in stage 6 - tested positive for EPO. And their company policy forbids drug use. So, to be consistent they cannot rightly keep paying riders if any of those riders are using drugs.

Idiot riders! Stupid doping.

Yellow numbers

2008-07-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

As an American, I really like it when my team is in the lead. This year, my team is Columbia. But as of today's stage (or really after stage 13) team CSC has taken over the team lead.

If you're watching the Tour on television, you can tell which team is winning this contest by looking at their numbers. The team that has their numbers in yellow is in the lead.

Just a little FYI as I watch the riders blast toward the Alps.

Word of the day - Saab

2008-07-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here's the Saab Fly to the Finish Sweepstakes word for Stage 14.

"Cervelo"

Could this word of the day be any more blatant advertising. C'est la vie.

78KM done in Stage 14

2008-07-19T15:28:00.001-07:00

And the breakaway group of 21 has been gobbled up EXCEPT for four riders. They are Sandy Casar (FDJ), Jose Ivan Gutierrez (GCE), Bram Tankink (RAB) and William Bonnet (C.A).

This works in perfectly with my prediction that Sandy Casar will win today's stage. Well, my prediction took place AFTER I saw he was in the breakaway.

We'll see what happens.

Missed two

2008-07-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

In the 21-person breakaway are Sandy Casar and Stuart O'Grady. I think maybe Casar could be the stage winner unless O'Grady can stay with the pack all the way to the finish. Then he's the sure winner as he's the only pure sprinter in that bunch.

More in a second. I guess I'd better read a little more carefully.

Less than 10KM into Stage 14, a 21-person breakaway

2008-07-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

21 riders dashed away from the peloton today after less than 10KM. The size of the breakaway makes it likely that someone in this aggressive group will stay away for the entire 194.5KM.

Here's who's in the breakaway, courtesy of letour.fr...

At the 5km mark, Stijn Devolder instigated the first successful escape of stage 14. The riders involved are: O’Grady (CSC), Oroz and Txurruka (EUS), Garcia-Acosta and Gutierrez (GCE), Eisel (COL), Quinziato (LIQ), Bono (LAM), Bonnet (C.A), Devolder (QST), Riblon (ALM), Haussler (GST), Gonzalo Ramirez and Lelay (AGR), Tankink (RAB), Sprick and Voeckler (BTL), Velo (MRM), Casar and Sebastian Chavanel (FDJ), Frischkorn (GAR).
The teams not represented are: Silence-Lotto, Barloworld and Cofidis.

My guess for the two guys who might stick it out and win today's stage are Voeckler and Chavanel.

Phew. Finally Home.

2008-07-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

No, not the riders...ME. I've been all over Boston today. Attended Podcamp Boston 3 PCB3 and also did a scooter ride at a rally in Boston. About 25 or more scooters drove all over the city and ended up in South Boston at the Castle Island recreation area.

A perfect day for being on two wheels. Just like I'm sure I'll find out as I watch the Tour de France's Stage 14 in a few minutes.

As it stands now, Cadel Evans is still in Yellow and is ahead of Frank Schleck by one second. The rest of the field is jumbled below him. Take a look at my second-to-last post from yesterday for all the standings before Stage 14.

Now into the race...

Stage 14 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

With a couple of category 4 climbs and a 194.5KM journey to the Alps, stage 14 is going to shake out a few riders I bet.

We'll probably see a little larger rift in the field as some of the sprinters realize their chance is gone for glory with Cavendish slamming home win after win. Teams will look at Columbia and realize that team glory is going to have to come in second place because Columbia now has a ton of money and a bunch of wins.

My guess for this stage is the predicted winners will take over unless the entire peloton is surprised by a major breakaway.

Stage 14 will either go to Menchov, Evans, Vandevelde or Valverde. They're going to have to start battling because anything can happen with Alpe d'Huez around the bend.

If it's not a major name in this stage, it's gonna be someone like Kim Kirchen or Damiano Cunego. I've been wrong 13 times in a row, let's keep up my perfect record.

By the way, tomorrow and Sunday I'm covering events for the Boston Globe. I will get to my recaps and commentary at some point before the weekend is over, but I urge you to catch some of the British Open and the Tour de France on TV and I'll see you back here in earnest on Tuesday.

MONDAY IS A REST DAY. SUNDAY and TUESDAY are the ONLY days the Tour is in a country other than France this year. And only for the end of one stage and the beginning of another. The country is Italy. More on that before the weekend is over.

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 13

2008-07-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

And here's how they remain after 13 stages of the 2008 Tour de France...

Still 158 riders. Huge battle for first place and last place. Scroll down and look at the times.

In a second I'll give you my thoughts on Stage 14.

1. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 54h 48' 47"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 54h 48' 48" + 00' 01"
3. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 54h 49' 25" + 00' 38"
4. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 54h 49' 33" + 00' 46"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 54h 49' 44" + 00' 57"
6. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 54h 50' 15" + 01' 28"
7. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 54h 50' 43" + 01' 56"
8. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 54h 51' 19" + 02' 32"
9. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 54h 52' 38" + 03' 51"
10. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 54h 53' 05" + 04' 18"
11. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 54h 53' 13" + 04' 26"
12. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 54h 53' 28" + 04' 41"
13. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 54h 54' 10" + 05' 23"
14. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 54h 54' 24" + 05' 37"
15. PEREIRO SIO Oscar 37 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 54h 54' 48" + 06' 01"
16. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 54h 54' 54" + 06' 07"
17. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 54h 55' 13" + 06' 26"
18. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 54h 55' 54" + 07' 07"
19. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 54h 55' 58" + 07' 11"
20. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 54h 57' 32" + 08' 45"
21. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 54h 58' 10" + 09' 23"
22. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 55h 00' 36" + 11' 49"
23. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 55h 00' 46" + 11' 59"
24. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 55h 01' 47" + 13' 00"
25. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 55h 02' 11" + 13' 24"
26. DEVOLDER Stijn 91 QUICK STEP 55h 02' 38" + 13' 51"
27. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 55h 03' 02" + 14' 15"
28. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 55h 04' 49" + 16' 02"
29. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 55h 05' 26" + 16' 39"
30. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 55h 06' 55" + 18' 08"
31. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 55h 06' 56" + 18' 09"
32. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 55h 07' 02" + 18' 15"
33. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 55h 09' 08" + 20' 21"
34. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 55h 10' 25" + 21' 38"
35. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 55h 10' 52" + 22' 05"
36. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 55h 11' 41" + 22' 54"
37. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 55h 14' 29" + 25' 42"
38. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 55h 15' 58" + 27' 11"
39. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 55h 16' 52" + 28' 05"
40. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 55h 18' 38" + 29' 51"
41. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 55h 18' 41" + 29' 54"
42. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 55h 19' 25" + 30' 38"
43. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 55h 19' 51" + 31' 04"
44. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 55h 21' 11" + 32' 24"
45. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 55h 22' 39" + 33' 52"
46. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 55h 23' 36" + 34' 49"
47. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 55h 24' 09" + 35' 22"
48. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 55h 24' 43" + 35' 56"
49. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 55h 25' 29" + 36' 42"
50. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 55h 25' 50" + 37' 03"
51. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 55h 25' 57" + 37' 10"
52. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 55h 26' 57" + 38' 10"
53. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 55h 28' 17" + 39' 30"
54. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 55h 28' 38" + 39' 51"
55. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 55h 28' 56" + 40' 09"
56. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 55h 31' 10" + 42' 23"
57. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 55h 31' 46" + 42' 59"
58. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 55h 34' 11" + 45' 24"
59. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 55h 35' 56" + 47' 09"
60. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 55h 36' 27" + 47' 40"
61. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 55h 38' 11" + 49' 24"
62. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 55h 41' 11" + 52' 24"
63. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 55h 41' 59" + 53' 12"
64. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 55h 42' 03" + 53' 16"
65. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 55h 42' 33" + 53' 46"
66. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 55h 42' 50" + 54' 03"
67. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 55h 44' 09" + 55' 22"
68. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 55h 45' 01" + 56' 14"
69. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 55h 45' 20" + 56' 33"
70. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 55h 45' 28" + 56' 41"
71. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 55h 45' 56" + 57' 09"
72. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 55h 47' 31" + 58' 44"
73. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 55h 48' 17" + 59' 30"
74. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 55h 48' 37" + 59' 50"
75. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 55h 50' 54" + 1h 02' 07"
76. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 55h 55' 40" + 1h 06' 53"
77. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 55h 55' 59" + 1h 07' 12"
78. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 55h 56' 49" + 1h 08' 02"
79. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 55h 56' 50" + 1h 08' 03"
80. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 55h 57' 14" + 1h 08' 27"
81. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 55h 58' 47" + 1h 10' 00"
82. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 55h 59' 19" + 1h 10' 32"
83. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 55h 59' 34" + 1h 10' 47"
84. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 56h 00' 33" + 1h 11' 46"
85. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 56h 00' 46" + 1h 11' 59"
86. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 56h 01' 29" + 1h 12' 42"
87. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 56h 01' 36" + 1h 12' 49"
88. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 56h 01' 39" + 1h 12' 52"
89. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 56h 01' 41" + 1h 12' 54"
90. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 56h 04' 13" + 1h 15' 26"
91. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 56h 04' 15" + 1h 15' 28"
92. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 56h 04' 23" + 1h 15' 36"
93. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 56h 04' 46" + 1h 15' 59"
94. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 56h 05' 06" + 1h 16' 19"
95. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 56h 05' 08" + 1h 16' 21"
96. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 56h 05' 09" + 1h 16' 22"
97. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 56h 05' 23" + 1h 16' 36"
98. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 56h 05' 57" + 1h 17' 10"
99. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 56h 06' 26" + 1h 17' 39"
100. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 56h 08' 04" + 1h 19' 17"
101. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 56h 08' 46" + 1h 19' 59"
102. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 56h 09' 45" + 1h 20' 58"
103. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 56h 09' 55" + 1h 21' 08"
104. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 56h 10' 38" + 1h 21' 51"
105. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 56h 12' 40" + 1h 23' 53"
106. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 56h 16' 07" + 1h 27' 20"
107. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 56h 18' 32" + 1h 29' 45"
108. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 56h 19' 27" + 1h 30' 40"
109. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 56h 21' 06" + 1h 32' 19"
110. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 56h 21' 09" + 1h 32' 22"
111. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 56h 21' 18" + 1h 32' 31"
112. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 56h 21' 29" + 1h 32' 42"
113. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 56h 21' 30" + 1h 32' 43"
114. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 56h 22' 25" + 1h 33' 38"
115. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 56h 22' 58" + 1h 34' 11"
116. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 56h 23' 16" + 1h 34' 29"
117. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 56h 24' 48" + 1h 36' 01"
118. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 56h 24' 54" + 1h 36' 07"
119. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 56h 25' 44" + 1h 36' 57"
120. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 56h 26' 49" + 1h 38' 02"
121. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 56h 27' 56" + 1h 39' 09"
122. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 56h 28' 21" + 1h 39' 34"
123. JALABERT Nicolas 126 AGRITUBEL 56h 29' 48" + 1h 41' 01"
124. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 56h 30' 09" + 1h 41' 22"
125. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 56h 30' 22" + 1h 41' 35"
126. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 56h 30' 37" + 1h 41' 50"
127. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 56h 31' 23" + 1h 42' 36"
128. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 56h 32' 11" + 1h 43' 24"
129. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 56h 32' 11" + 1h 43' 24"
130. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 56h 32' 40" + 1h 43' 53"
131. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 56h 33' 11" + 1h 44' 24"
132. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 56h 33' 41" + 1h 44' 54"
133. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 56h 35' 12" + 1h 46' 25"
134. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 56h 35' 28" + 1h 46' 41"
135. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 56h 35' 34" + 1h 46' 47"
136. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 56h 36' 19" + 1h 47' 32"
137. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 56h 37' 18" + 1h 48' 31"
138. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 56h 37' 59" + 1h 49' 12"
139. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 56h 38' 00" + 1h 49' 13"
140. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 56h 39' 28" + 1h 50' 41"
141. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 56h 39' 41" + 1h 50' 54"
142. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 56h 40' 06" + 1h 51' 19"
143. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 56h 40' 36" + 1h 51' 49"
144. CAVENDISH Mark 43 TEAM COLUMBIA 56h 40' 51" + 1h 52' 04"
145. RENSHAW Mark 89 CREDIT AGRICOLE 56h 41' 52" + 1h 53' 05"
146. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 56h 41' 53" + 1h 53' 06"
147. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 56h 42' 40" + 1h 53' 53"
148. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 56h 43' 11" + 1h 54' 24"
149. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 56h 43' 38" + 1h 54' 51"
150. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 56h 43' 42" + 1h 54' 55"
151. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 56h 43' 50" + 1h 55' 03"
152. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 56h 44' 12" + 1h 55' 25"
153. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 56h 44' 22" + 1h 55' 35"
154. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 56h 45' 56" + 1h 57' 09"
155. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 56h 46' 12" + 1h 57' 25"
156. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 56h 51' 07" + 2h 02' 20"
157. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 56h 53' 15" + 2h 04' 28"
158. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 56h 56' 49" + 2h 08' 02"

SPOILER - Stage 13 Standings

2008-07-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

George Hincapie was 41st, but here's the whole list...

1. CAVENDISH Mark 43 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 25' 42"
2. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
3. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
4. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
5. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
6. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
7. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
8. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
9. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
10. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
11. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
12. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
13. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
14. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
15. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
16. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
17. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
18. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
19. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
20. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
21. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
22. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
23. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
24. PEREIRO SIO Oscar 37 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
25. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
26. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
27. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
28. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
29. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
30. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
31. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
32. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
33. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
34. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
35. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
36. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
37. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
38. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
39. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
40. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
41. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
42. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
43. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
44. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
45. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
46. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
47. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
48. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
49. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
50. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
51. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
52. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
53. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
54. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
55. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
56. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
57. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
58. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
59. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
60. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
61. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
62. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
63. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
64. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
65. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
66. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
67. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
68. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
69. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
70. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
71. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 4h 25' 42" + 00' 00"
72. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
73. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
74. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
75. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
76. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
77. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
78. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
79. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
80. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 53" + 00' 11"
81. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
82. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
83. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
84. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
85. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
86. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
87. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
88. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
89. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
90. DEVOLDER Stijn 91 QUICK STEP 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
91. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
92. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
93. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
94. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
95. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
96. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
97. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
98. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
99. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
100. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
101. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
102. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
103. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
104. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
105. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
106. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
107. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
108. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
109. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
110. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
111. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
112. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
113. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
114. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
115. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
116. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
117. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
118. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
119. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
120. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
121. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
122. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
123. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
124. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
125. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
126. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
127. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
128. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
129. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
130. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
131. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
132. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
133. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 4h 25' 57" + 00' 15"
134. JALABERT Nicolas 126 AGRITUBEL 4h 26' 11" + 00' 29"
135. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 4h 26' 11" + 00' 29"
136. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 4h 26' 16" + 00' 34"
137. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 26' 21" + 00' 39"
138. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 4h 26' 28" + 00' 46"
139. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 26' 59" + 01' 17"
140. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 27' 01" + 01' 19"
141. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 4h 27' 03" + 01' 21"
142. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 27' 03" + 01' 21"
143. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 27' 30" + 01' 48"
144. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 4h 27' 30" + 01' 48"
145. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 4h 28' 09" + 02' 27"
146. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 4h 28' 09" + 02' 27"
147. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 28' 22" + 02' 40"
148. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 28' 22" + 02' 40"
149. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 4h 28' 22" + 02' 40"
150. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 4h 28' 22" + 02' 40"
151. RENSHAW Mark 89 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 28' 22" + 02' 40"
152. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 28' 22" + 02' 40"
153. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 4h 29' 16" + 03' 34"
154. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 29' 16" + 03' 34"
155. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 4h 29' 16" + 03' 34"
156. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 32' 59" + 07' 17"
157. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 32' 59" + 07' 17"
158. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 4h 40' 54" + 15' 12"

SPOILER - Winner of Stage 13 in Nimes

2008-07-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

With 10KM to go, the breakaway ended and Terpstra was caught after being on the attack for 172KM.

After the capture, the teams put on a furious pace to the finish line. They were moving along fine when at about 8KM, Sylvain Chavanel attacked and opened a lead of 150 meters. He was caught at the 3KM mark.

Team Columbia then took over the pacemaking for a bit and then QuickStep and Milram came front.

Only one KM away, it's a morass of wheels and riders and different colored jerseys at the front.

And with so much confusion at the front, and such a fantastic speed, who but Robbie Mc Ewen could blast ahead for the win? I'll tell you who! Mark Cavendish!

The Englishman has won his FOURTH stage of the 2008 Tour de France.

Here are the top 10 of the 182km stage from Narbonne to Nimes:
1. Mark Cavendish (GBR) COL - 182km in 4h25’42"
2. Robbie McEwen (AUS) SIL
3. Roman Feillu (FRA) AGR
4. Heinrich Haussler (GER) GST
5. Oscar Freire (ESP) RAB
6. Thor Hushovd (NOR) C.A
7. Leonardo Duque (COL) COF
8. Erik Zabel (GER) MRM
9. Julian Dean (NZL) TSL
10. Sebastian Chavanel (FRA) FDJ

According to letour,

Cavendish is making this sprinting game look easy. He was blocked in the middle of the bunch with 500m to go but when he opened it up, there was no one who could get close. Stage win number four for the Columbia rider!

Saab Fly to the finish sweepstakes - Stage 13

2008-07-18T07:30:00.001-07:00

Here it is. You're welcome!

"Jet Engine"

Good luck.

120KM into Stage 13

2008-07-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

We're about three hours into Stage 13 and the two riders in the breakaway are losing their advantage quickly. It's down to around two minutes (after a high of more than nine minutes) and the peloton looks poised to catch them.

Again, this stage isn't chock full of climbs...it's got a lot of flat...and that spells out a nearly certain bunch sprint at the end.

Some people on race radio are speculating that Mark Cavendish could win this stage again. I'm guessing that it will be the aim of Thor Hushovd and Robbie Mc Ewen to do everything in their power to ensure that doesn't happen.

Switching now to SPOILER mode. See you at 9PM tonight. Oh, I'll get the Saab word of the day for you in a moment.

More Nimes info from LeTour.fr

2008-07-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today is the 16th time that a stage of the Tour de France has concluded in Nimes. The last time was in 2004 when Aitor Gonzalez won the stage, relegating Nicolas Jalabert to second place in a stage from Carcassonne.
Before that, the previous stage finish in Nimes was in 1986 when Frank Hoste claimed the victory in a two-up sprint against Silvano Contini in in the 225.5km 15th stage from Carcassonne.

Nimes

2008-07-18T07:19:00.001-07:00

According to letour.fr,

The last time a stage of the Tour de France concluded in Nimes, the runner-up was Nicolas Jalabert. He was part of an escape group on the day the Tour visited this city in the Gard department in 2004. The winner was Aitor Gonzalez who was riding for the Fassa Bortolo team at the time.
Jalabert has just been seen hovering around the rear of the peloton expressing little interest in racing too hard in the first half of the 13th stage.

Pretty cool. I was in France in 2004 and actually in Nimes, as mentioned in an earlier post.

Unfortunately, I left the country before the start of the Tour.

Stage 13 has begun

2008-07-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

I'm reading about today's stage after doing a little ride myself. I'm nowhere near as fast as the peloton and WAY slower than the two guys who broke away from the pack at the 1KM mark.

The breakaway is now 20KM into the race and has a lead of 9:25 over the rest of the 158 riders still in the 2008 Tour de France.

The riders who broke away are:

Niki Terpstra (Milram) is 125th overall and 1:40:19 behind Cadel Evans.
Florent Brard (Cofidis) is 146th overall and 1:51:21 behind Cadel Evans.

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 12

2008-07-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

Here's how they stack up after losing an entire team before the start of stage 12. Only 158 riders left.

Take a look. The standings will probably remain this way until Alpe d'Huez in a handful of days.

1. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 50h 23' 05"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 50h 23' 06" + 00' 01"
3. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 50h 23' 43" + 00' 38"
4. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 50h 23' 51" + 00' 46"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 50h 24' 02" + 00' 57"
6. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 50h 24' 33" + 01' 28"
7. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 50h 25' 01" + 01' 56"
8. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 50h 25' 37" + 02' 32"
9. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 50h 26' 56" + 03' 51"
10. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 50h 27' 23" + 04' 18"
11. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 50h 27' 31" + 04' 26"
12. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 50h 27' 46" + 04' 41"
13. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 50h 28' 28" + 05' 23"
14. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 50h 28' 42" + 05' 37"
15. PEREIRO SIO Oscar 37 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 50h 29' 06" + 06' 01"
16. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 50h 29' 12" + 06' 07"
17. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 50h 29' 16" + 06' 11"
18. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 50h 30' 05" + 07' 00"
19. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 50h 30' 12" + 07' 07"
20. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 50h 31' 39" + 08' 34"
21. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 50h 31' 53" + 08' 48"
22. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 50h 34' 54" + 11' 49"
23. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 50h 35' 04" + 11' 59"
24. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 50h 36' 05" + 13' 00"
25. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 50h 36' 29" + 13' 24"
26. DEVOLDER Stijn 91 QUICK STEP 50h 36' 41" + 13' 36"
27. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 50h 37' 09" + 14' 04"
28. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 50h 39' 07" + 16' 02"
29. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 50h 39' 44" + 16' 39"
30. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 50h 41' 13" + 18' 08"
31. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 50h 41' 14" + 18' 09"
32. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 50h 41' 20" + 18' 15"
33. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 50h 43' 15" + 20' 10"
34. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 50h 44' 43" + 21' 38"
35. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 50h 44' 55" + 21' 50"
36. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 50h 45' 48" + 22' 43"
37. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 50h 48' 47" + 25' 42"
38. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 50h 50' 05" + 27' 00"
39. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 50h 51' 10" + 28' 05"
40. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 50h 52' 58" + 29' 53"
41. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 50h 52' 59" + 29' 54"
42. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 50h 53' 43" + 30' 38"
43. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 50h 53' 54" + 30' 49"
44. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 50h 55' 14" + 32' 09"
45. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 50h 56' 57" + 33' 52"
46. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 50h 57' 54" + 34' 49"
47. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 50h 58' 27" + 35' 22"
48. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 50h 58' 46" + 35' 41"
49. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 50h 59' 32" + 36' 27"
50. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 50h 59' 53" + 36' 48"
51. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 51h 00' 15" + 37' 10"
52. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 51h 01' 15" + 38' 10"
53. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 51h 02' 20" + 39' 15"
54. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 51h 02' 56" + 39' 51"
55. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 51h 03' 14" + 40' 09"
56. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 51h 05' 17" + 42' 12"
57. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 51h 05' 49" + 42' 44"
58. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 51h 08' 16" + 45' 11"
59. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 51h 10' 14" + 47' 09"
60. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 51h 10' 45" + 47' 40"
61. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 51h 12' 18" + 49' 13"
62. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 51h 12' 47" + 49' 42"
63. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 51h 14' 11" + 51' 06"
64. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 51h 15' 14" + 52' 09"
65. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 51h 16' 17" + 53' 12"
66. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 51h 16' 33" + 53' 28"
67. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 51h 18' 12" + 55' 07"
68. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 51h 19' 04" + 55' 59"
69. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 51h 19' 23" + 56' 18"
70. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 51h 19' 33" + 56' 28"
71. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 51h 20' 01" + 56' 56"
72. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 51h 21' 34" + 58' 29"
73. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 51h 21' 56" + 58' 51"
74. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 51h 22' 40" + 59' 35"
75. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 51h 23' 50" + 1h 00' 45"
76. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 51h 24' 59" + 1h 01' 54"
77. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 51h 29' 43" + 1h 06' 38"
78. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 51h 30' 02" + 1h 06' 57"
79. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 51h 30' 53" + 1h 07' 48"
80. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 51h 31' 17" + 1h 08' 12"
81. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 51h 32' 47" + 1h 09' 42"
82. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 51h 32' 50" + 1h 09' 45"
83. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 51h 33' 37" + 1h 10' 32"
84. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 51h 33' 37" + 1h 10' 32"
85. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 51h 34' 36" + 1h 11' 31"
86. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 51h 35' 04" + 1h 11' 59"
87. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 51h 35' 44" + 1h 12' 39"
88. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 51h 35' 46" + 1h 12' 41"
89. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 51h 35' 54" + 1h 12' 49"
90. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 51h 36' 45" + 1h 13' 40"
91. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 51h 38' 16" + 1h 15' 11"
92. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 51h 38' 26" + 1h 15' 21"
93. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 51h 39' 04" + 1h 15' 59"
94. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 51h 39' 24" + 1h 16' 19"
95. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 51h 39' 26" + 1h 16' 21"
96. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 51h 39' 26" + 1h 16' 21"
97. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 51h 39' 27" + 1h 16' 22"
98. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 51h 40' 00" + 1h 16' 55"
99. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 51h 40' 29" + 1h 17' 24"
100. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 51h 41' 36" + 1h 18' 31"
101. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 51h 42' 07" + 1h 19' 02"
102. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 51h 42' 49" + 1h 19' 44"
103. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 51h 44' 13" + 1h 21' 08"
104. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 51h 44' 41" + 1h 21' 36"
105. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 51h 46' 58" + 1h 23' 53"
106. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 51h 50' 10" + 1h 27' 05"
107. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 51h 51' 18" + 1h 28' 13"
108. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 51h 52' 50" + 1h 29' 45"
109. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 51h 54' 08" + 1h 31' 03"
110. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 51h 55' 11" + 1h 32' 06"
111. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 51h 55' 36" + 1h 32' 31"
112. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 51h 55' 47" + 1h 32' 42"
113. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 51h 55' 48" + 1h 32' 43"
114. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 51h 56' 43" + 1h 33' 38"
115. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 51h 57' 16" + 1h 34' 11"
116. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 51h 57' 21" + 1h 34' 16"
117. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 51h 58' 27" + 1h 35' 22"
118. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 51h 58' 37" + 1h 35' 32"
119. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 51h 58' 57" + 1h 35' 52"
120. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 51h 59' 12" + 1h 36' 07"
121. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 51h 59' 12" + 1h 36' 07"
122. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 51h 59' 47" + 1h 36' 42"
123. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 52h 02' 14" + 1h 39' 09"
124. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 52h 02' 24" + 1h 39' 19"
125. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 52h 03' 24" + 1h 40' 19"
126. JALABERT Nicolas 126 AGRITUBEL 52h 03' 37" + 1h 40' 32"
127. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 52h 04' 25" + 1h 41' 20"
128. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 52h 04' 27" + 1h 41' 22"
129. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 52h 04' 55" + 1h 41' 50"
130. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 52h 05' 26" + 1h 42' 21"
131. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 52h 06' 14" + 1h 43' 09"
132. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 52h 07' 13" + 1h 44' 08"
133. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 52h 07' 14" + 1h 44' 09"
134. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 52h 08' 31" + 1h 45' 26"
135. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 52h 09' 32" + 1h 46' 27"
136. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 52h 09' 46" + 1h 46' 41"
137. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 52h 10' 37" + 1h 47' 32"
138. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 52h 11' 21" + 1h 48' 16"
139. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 52h 12' 06" + 1h 49' 01"
140. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 52h 12' 18" + 1h 49' 13"
141. RENSHAW Mark 89 CREDIT AGRICOLE 52h 13' 30" + 1h 50' 25"
142. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 52h 13' 31" + 1h 50' 26"
143. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 52h 13' 33" + 1h 50' 28"
144. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 52h 13' 46" + 1h 50' 41"
145. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 52h 13' 59" + 1h 50' 54"
146. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 52h 14' 26" + 1h 51' 21"
147. CAVENDISH Mark 43 TEAM COLUMBIA 52h 15' 09" + 1h 52' 04"
148. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 52h 16' 24" + 1h 53' 19"
149. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 52h 16' 51" + 1h 53' 46"
150. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 52h 17' 14" + 1h 54' 09"
151. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 52h 17' 43" + 1h 54' 38"
152. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 52h 18' 30" + 1h 55' 25"
153. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 52h 18' 40" + 1h 55' 35"
154. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 52h 20' 14" + 1h 57' 09"
155. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 52h 20' 15" + 1h 57' 10"
156. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 52h 24' 53" + 2h 01' 48"
157. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 52h 25' 25" + 2h 02' 20"
158. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 52h 29' 19" + 2h 06' 14"

SPOILER - Top 57 in Stage 12

2008-07-17T18:05:00.001-07:00

Yep, you guessed it. George Hincapie finished the stage in 57th.

Here's the list.

1. CAVENDISH Mark 43 TEAM COLUMBIA 3h 40' 52"
2. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
3. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
4. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
5. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
6. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
7. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
8. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
9. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
10. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
11. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
12. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
13. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
14. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
15. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
16. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
17. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
18. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
19. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
20. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
21. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
22. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
23. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
24. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
25. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
26. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
27. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
28. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
29. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
30. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
31. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
32. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
33. PEREIRO SIO Oscar 37 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
34. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
35. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
36. RENSHAW Mark 89 CREDIT AGRICOLE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
37. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
38. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
39. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
40. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
41. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
42. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
43. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
44. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
45. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
46. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
47. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
48. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
49. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
50. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
51. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
52. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
53. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
54. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
55. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
56. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"
57. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 3h 40' 52" + 00' 00"

Stage 13 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Stage 13 is sentimental for me because I spent a week in the finishing town of Nimes a few summers ago. I love the south of France. The countryside is so picturesque and the food is great. If you get a chance, you should go. Seriously.

The stage today (Friday) is fairly flat. Not like a billiards table as there are some little climbs, but not a mountain stage by any means.

It's a 182KM journey from Narbonne into Provence that will likely see another sprint finish. If Cavendish has a say, he'll win his fourth stage in Nimes.

My other picks are still Hushovd and Mc Ewen. They HAVE to win a stage soon.

That's all for now. See you here tomorrow.

SPOILER - SPRINT FINISH

2008-07-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

UK rider - and Team Columbia rider Mark Cavendish has won his third stage of the 2008 Tour de France.

THREE STAGE WINS in only his second Tour de France.

Second place is Sebastian Chavanel.

So fast. So cool. Great finish.

If you have access to the telecast, make sure you see the finish.

Standings to come. Big shake-up in the standings because of the doping issue with Ricardo Ricco.

SPOILER - 3.5KM To Go

2008-07-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

All together again and the pace is blistering. 64.8KMH! I don't know what that comes out to but the riders are all single-file because they're going so fast.

In the time that I've typed this, they have gone all the way down to 2.2KM to go. Holy moses. Team Columbia is moving to the front and keeping the pace SUPER high.

Just now, at 1.5KM to go (can you believe it?) QuickStep have jumped forwrad and it's a mad bunch at the front.

Here comes the sprint finish.

SPOILER - 11KM To Go

2008-07-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

With a mere 11KM to go to the finish, three breakaway riders have a tiny 0:14 lead over the peloton.

That tells me that even with the wind at their backs, they'll be gobbled up soon and a mad dash will ensue for the line.

Saab word for stage 12

2008-07-17T06:10:00.000-07:00

The Fly to the Finish Sweepstakes word of the day is...

"Throttle"

Good luck.

Two Riders lead 58 miles to go

2008-07-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

With nearly 60 miles to go, two riders lead stage 12.

These two are ahead by more than two minutes. They are both Frenchmen.

Gerard and Dumoulin are the two cyclists in the breakaway.

The rest of today's updates will be spoilers and will be posted after 9PM EST.

In future Tours de France, I might just podcast this event live.

Saab Fly to the finish code word coming up.

Numbers

2008-07-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just after the start of today's stage 12, team Barloworld rider Baden Cooke abandoned leaving the Tour with 158 riders and just 10 intact teams.

Insanity. And Barloworld has been decimated. Not as bad as Saunier Duval I guess.

Perspective - part deux

2008-07-17T05:45:00.000-07:00

I'm angry at cheaters. I'm angry at the enforcement agency (as it seems they were targeting specific riders from the get-go). And I'm angry at organizations that allow their employees to cheat.

According to a number of commentators, this is just another shake-up in the Tour de France and it could signal the end of a classic event.

In-depth, here are my thoughts.

Cheaters have no place in the race. They put other riders who are clean at a disadvantage. These cheaters take away the chance for a super athlete to land on the podium. They affect the very lives of clean riders and they break the rules.

In so many situations I can look the other way when rules are bent. This is because there are times in life where common sense should be followed in lieu of rules. But as it applies to sport, without the rules we have nothing.

The enforcement agency employed what in-effect was a sting. They targeted a handful of riders at the start of the race (as reported they have been watching 10 or 12 riders). Then they are testing and retesting these riders until they get a positive result. That's not quite fair either.

And the testing routine hasn't changed since the start of drug testing in the sport. Riders are guilty from the get-go and there's very little recourse. Witness Floyd Landis' attempts to clear his name and retain the 2006 Tour de France win. I think that the difference between a natural high and a synthetic one could be mistaken, but I'm not a scientist.

If the cycling organizational bodies are going to continue to endorse and conduct witch hunts, the sport is doomed.

Teams are as bad as the rest of the groups. If you are with your riders more than anyone else, you should know if they're cheating. You should yank them off the team and make sure every single person in your organization buys into this approach.

Slipstream is doing it (or at least we think they are) and others could too.

The shame of more doping events casts doubt across the entire peloton. Can we even believe that a drug-free team is totally drug-free?

Bahhh! I'm peeved.

Top 5 Remain the Same

2008-07-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

The top five in the race - Evans, Schleck, Vandevelde, Kohl and Menchov - remain in their current spots. But there has been a shuffle as you look down the leaders list.

The riders in 8th and 9th place are gone along with Saunier Duval riders further down the standings.

Later today I'll update the overall classification list.

Ricco DOPING!

2008-07-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

Holy Crap. Overnight the entire complexion of the 2008 Tour de France changed. Stage winner Ricardo Ricco tested positive for Cera, a form of EPO, after stage 6.

The Saunier Duval rider was then suspended by his team. And then the team withdrew from the Tour.

An entire team departs!

Saunier Duval is no longer in the Race.

This will affect standings. This will affect perception.

What's going on?

Stage 12 Overview, Picks and Comment

2008-07-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

With 11 stages in the books, here's how the next stage shapes up.

It's a 168.5KM blast along the bottom of France. With few climbs (just one category 4 to even mention), this stage is really going to be fast. It's almost all downhill and should feature a massive sprint near the end.

With Thor Husovd riding well (finishing 13th in stage 11) and Robbie Mc Ewen yet to be heard from, I'm CERTAIN that these two will battle it out in a sprint for the ages.

The stage runs Lavelanet all the way to Narbonne.

In Cycle Sport America Magazine, they say,

A flat transition stage takes the peloton away from the Pyrenees to the mediterranean.

Simple. True. Fast. Fun.

We're more than halfway through the 2008 Tour de France. Coming soon is Alpe d'Huez and other fun stuff. I'm having a blast. I hope you are too.

SPOILER - Overall Standings After Stage 11

2008-07-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

George is in 57th and there is not a ton of shuffling in the overall classification.

Here's the list...

1. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 46h 42' 13"
2. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 46h 42' 14" + 00' 01"
3. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 46h 42' 51" + 00' 38"
4. KOHL Bernhard 115 GEROLSTEINER 46h 42' 59" + 00' 46"
5. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 46h 43' 10" + 00' 57"
6. SASTRE Carlos 11 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 46h 43' 41" + 01' 28"
7. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 46h 44' 09" + 01' 56"
8. COBO ACEBO Juan Jose 173 SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 46h 44' 23" + 02' 10"
9. RICCO Riccardo 171 SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 46h 44' 42" + 02' 29"
10. EFIMKIN Vladimir 104 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 46h 44' 45" + 02' 32"
11. ASTARLOZA Mikel 22 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 46h 46' 04" + 03' 51"
12. NIBALI Vincenzo 67 LIQUIGAS 46h 46' 31" + 04' 18"
13. SANCHEZ Samuel 27 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 46h 46' 39" + 04' 26"
14. VALVERDE Alejandro 31 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 46h 46' 54" + 04' 41"
15. VALJAVEC Tadej 109 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 46h 47' 36" + 05' 23"
16. CUNEGO Damiano 71 LAMPRE 46h 47' 50" + 05' 37"
17. PEREIRO SIO Oscar 37 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 46h 48' 14" + 06' 01"
18. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 46h 48' 20" + 06' 07"
19. SCHUMACHER Stefan 111 GEROLSTEINER 46h 48' 24" + 06' 11"
20. MONFORT Maxime 189 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 46h 49' 00" + 06' 47"
21. KREUZIGER Roman 65 LIQUIGAS 46h 49' 13" + 07' 00"
22. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 46h 50' 47" + 08' 34"
23. TEN DAM Laurens 138 RABOBANK 46h 51' 01" + 08' 48"
24. PIEPOLI Leonardo 179 SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 46h 53' 40" + 11' 27"
25. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 46h 54' 02" + 11' 49"
26. CARRARA Matteo 93 QUICK STEP 46h 54' 12" + 11' 59"
27. CASAR Sandy 161 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 46h 55' 13" + 13' 00"
28. BRUSEGHIN Marzio 74 LAMPRE 46h 55' 37" + 13' 24"
29. DEVOLDER Stijn 91 QUICK STEP 46h 55' 49" + 13' 36"
30. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 46h 56' 17" + 14' 04"
31. SIUTSOU Konstantsin 49 TEAM COLUMBIA 46h 58' 15" + 16' 02"
32. KNEES Christian 153 TEAM MILRAM 46h 58' 52" + 16' 39"
33. FOTHEN Markus 113 GEROLSTEINER 47h 00' 21" + 18' 08"
34. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 47h 00' 22" + 18' 09"
35. GONZALO RAMIREZ Eduardo 125 AGRITUBEL 47h 00' 28" + 18' 15"
36. GOUBERT Stephane 107 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 47h 02' 23" + 20' 10"
37. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 47h 03' 51" + 21' 38"
38. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 47h 04' 03" + 21' 50"
39. CIONI Dario 4 SILENCE - LOTTO 47h 04' 56" + 22' 43"
40. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 47h 07' 55" + 25' 42"
41. VOIGT Jens 19 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 47h 09' 13" + 27' 00"
42. DESSEL Cyril 101 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 47h 10' 18" + 28' 05"
43. LÖVKVIST Thomas 48 TEAM COLUMBIA 47h 10' 49" + 28' 36"
44. PINEAU Jérôme 145 BOUYGUES TELECOM 47h 12' 07" + 29' 54"
45. AERTS Mario 2 SILENCE - LOTTO 47h 12' 51" + 30' 38"
46. SZMYD Sylvester 78 LAMPRE 47h 13' 02" + 30' 49"
47. ARROYO David 32 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 47h 14' 22" + 32' 09"
48. ZUBELDIA Haimar 21 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 47h 16' 05" + 33' 52"
49. GUTIERREZ José Ivan 35 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 47h 17' 02" + 34' 49"
50. MILLAR David 198 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 47h 17' 35" + 35' 22"
51. GUSTOV Volodymir 14 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 47h 17' 54" + 35' 41"
52. TIRALONGO Paolo 79 LAMPRE 47h 18' 40" + 36' 27"
53. SANCHEZ Luis-Leon 39 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 47h 19' 01" + 36' 48"
54. TANKINK Bram 137 RABOBANK 47h 19' 23" + 37' 10"
55. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 47h 20' 23" + 38' 10"
56. DI GREGORIO Rémy 163 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 47h 21' 28" + 39' 15"
57. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 47h 22' 04" + 39' 51"
58. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 47h 22' 22" + 40' 09"
59. DEL NERO Jesus 175 SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 47h 22' 57" + 40' 44"
60. LE MEVEL Christophe 87 CREDIT AGRICOLE 47h 24' 25" + 42' 12"
61. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 47h 24' 57" + 42' 44"
62. LOPEZ GARCIA David 36 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 47h 26' 07" + 43' 54"
63. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 47h 29' 22" + 47' 09"
64. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 47h 29' 53" + 47' 40"
65. DUPONT Hubert 103 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 47h 31' 26" + 49' 13"
66. MARTINEZ Egoi 24 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 47h 31' 55" + 49' 42"
67. MONCOUTIE David 188 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 47h 33' 07" + 50' 54"
68. LOWE Trent 196 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 47h 33' 19" + 51' 06"
69. LANG Sebastian 117 GEROLSTEINER 47h 35' 25" + 53' 12"
70. POSTHUMA Joost 136 RABOBANK 47h 35' 41" + 53' 28"
71. CANCELLARA Fabian 13 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 47h 37' 20" + 55' 07"
72. TSCHOPP Johann 148 BOUYGUES TELECOM 47h 37' 24" + 55' 11"
73. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 47h 37' 52" + 55' 39"
74. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 47h 38' 12" + 55' 59"
75. AUGUSTYN John-Lee 52 BARLOWORLD 47h 38' 31" + 56' 18"
76. JUFRE POU Josep 177 SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 47h 39' 42" + 57' 29"
77. TXURRUKA Amets 28 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 47h 39' 46" + 57' 33"
78. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 47h 41' 04" + 58' 51"
79. LE BOULANGER Yoann 167 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 47h 41' 09" + 58' 56"
80. HESJEDAL Ryder 195 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 47h 41' 48" + 59' 35"
81. PORTAL Nicolas 38 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 47h 42' 50" + 1h 00' 37"
82. DE LA FUENTE David 174 SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 47h 43' 23" + 1h 01' 10"
83. GERRANS Simon 86 CREDIT AGRICOLE 47h 48' 51" + 1h 06' 38"
84. MARZANO Marco 75 LAMPRE 47h 49' 10" + 1h 06' 57"
85. TOSATTO Matteo 98 QUICK STEP 47h 49' 41" + 1h 07' 28"
86. CHAVANEL Sylvain 181 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 47h 50' 25" + 1h 08' 12"
87. WEENING Pieter 139 RABOBANK 47h 51' 55" + 1h 09' 42"
88. PAURIOL Rémi 88 CREDIT AGRICOLE 47h 51' 55" + 1h 09' 42"
89. FISCHER Murilo Antoniobil 64 LIQUIGAS 47h 51' 58" + 1h 09' 45"
90. VELITS Peter 158 TEAM MILRAM 47h 52' 45" + 1h 10' 32"
91. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 47h 52' 45" + 1h 10' 32"
92. SCHOLZ Ronny 118 GEROLSTEINER 47h 53' 35" + 1h 11' 22"
93. VAN SUMMEREN Johan 8 SILENCE - LOTTO 47h 53' 37" + 1h 11' 24"
94. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 47h 54' 12" + 1h 11' 59"
95. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 47h 55' 02" + 1h 12' 49"
96. VERDUGO Gorka 29 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 47h 55' 31" + 1h 13' 18"
97. VAN DE WALLE Jurgen 99 QUICK STEP 47h 55' 53" + 1h 13' 40"
98. LELAY David 127 AGRITUBEL 47h 56' 19" + 1h 14' 06"
99. CLEMENT Stef 142 BOUYGUES TELECOM 47h 57' 24" + 1h 15' 11"
100. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 47h 57' 51" + 1h 15' 38"
101. LEQUATRE Geoffroy 128 AGRITUBEL 47h 58' 32" + 1h 16' 19"
102. FROOME Christopher 57 BARLOWORLD 47h 58' 34" + 1h 16' 21"
103. VOGONDY Nicolas 129 AGRITUBEL 47h 58' 34" + 1h 16' 21"
104. PEREZ Ruben 26 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 47h 58' 35" + 1h 16' 22"
105. ARRIETA Jose Luis 102 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 47h 59' 08" + 1h 16' 55"
106. MÜLLER Martin 155 TEAM MILRAM 48h 00' 15" + 1h 18' 02"
107. BARREDO Carlos 92 QUICK STEP 48h 01' 15" + 1h 19' 02"
108. OROZ Juan José 25 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 48h 01' 57" + 1h 19' 44"
109. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 48h 03' 21" + 1h 21' 08"
110. ROSSELER Sébastien 96 QUICK STEP 48h 03' 29" + 1h 21' 16"
111. ISASI Inaki 23 EUSKALTEL - EUSKADI 48h 06' 06" + 1h 23' 53"
112. VOECKLER Thomas 149 BOUYGUES TELECOM 48h 09' 18" + 1h 27' 05"
113. SCHRÖDER Björn 156 TEAM MILRAM 48h 10' 26" + 1h 28' 13"
114. COOKE Baden 55 BARLOWORLD 48h 11' 10" + 1h 28' 57"
115. CIOLEK Gerald 44 TEAM COLUMBIA 48h 11' 58" + 1h 29' 45"
116. KUSCHYNSKI Aleksandr 66 LIQUIGAS 48h 13' 02" + 1h 30' 49"
117. HANSEN Adam 46 TEAM COLUMBIA 48h 13' 16" + 1h 31' 03"
118. DEAN Julian 193 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 48h 14' 44" + 1h 32' 31"
119. BONO Matteo 73 LAMPRE 48h 14' 55" + 1h 32' 42"
120. HUNTER Robert 58 BARLOWORLD 48h 14' 56" + 1h 32' 43"
121. PATE Danny 199 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 48h 15' 12" + 1h 32' 59"
122. FÖRSTER Robert 112 GEROLSTEINER 48h 15' 51" + 1h 33' 38"
123. O’GRADY Stuart 15 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 48h 16' 24" + 1h 34' 11"
124. BERTOGLIATI Rubens 172 SAUNIER DUVAL - SCOTT 48h 17' 29" + 1h 35' 16"
125. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 48h 17' 35" + 1h 35' 22"
126. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 48h 17' 45" + 1h 35' 32"
127. LEFEVRE Laurent 144 BOUYGUES TELECOM 48h 18' 05" + 1h 35' 52"
128. ROY Jérémy 168 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 48h 18' 20" + 1h 36' 07"
129. KRAUSS Sven 116 GEROLSTEINER 48h 18' 20" + 1h 36' 07"
130. CHEULA Gianpaolo 54 BARLOWORLD 48h 18' 55" + 1h 36' 42"
131. MC EWEN Robbie 6 SILENCE - LOTTO 48h 21' 22" + 1h 39' 09"
132. SORENSEN Nicki 18 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 48h 21' 32" + 1h 39' 19"
133. TERPSTRA Niki 157 TEAM MILRAM 48h 22' 32" + 1h 40' 19"
134. JALABERT Nicolas 126 AGRITUBEL 48h 22' 45" + 1h 40' 32"
135. GRABSCH Ralf 152 TEAM MILRAM 48h 23' 33" + 1h 41' 20"
136. COYOT Arnaud 33 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 48h 23' 35" + 1h 41' 22"
137. STEEGMANS Gert 97 QUICK STEP 48h 24' 03" + 1h 41' 50"
138. GILBERT Philippe 165 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 48h 24' 33" + 1h 42' 20"
139. MORI Massimiliano 76 LAMPRE 48h 24' 34" + 1h 42' 21"
140. BRANDT Christophe 3 SILENCE - LOTTO 48h 25' 22" + 1h 43' 09"
141. QUINZIATO Manuel 68 LIQUIGAS 48h 26' 21" + 1h 44' 08"
142. HOSTE Leif 5 SILENCE - LOTTO 48h 27' 23" + 1h 45' 10"
143. BICHOT Freddy 122 AGRITUBEL 48h 27' 39" + 1h 45' 26"
144. HAUSSLER Heinrich 114 GEROLSTEINER 48h 28' 54" + 1h 46' 41"
145. FEILLU Romain 124 AGRITUBEL 48h 29' 45" + 1h 47' 32"
146. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 48h 29' 59" + 1h 47' 46"
147. FRISCHKORN William 194 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 48h 30' 29" + 1h 48' 16"
148. DE JONGH Steven 94 QUICK STEP 48h 31' 14" + 1h 49' 01"
149. MAASKANT Martijn 197 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 48h 31' 26" + 1h 49' 13"
150. BURGHARDT Marcus 42 TEAM COLUMBIA 48h 31' 28" + 1h 49' 15"
151. RENSHAW Mark 89 CREDIT AGRICOLE 48h 32' 38" + 1h 50' 25"
152. LANGEVELD Sebastian 134 RABOBANK 48h 32' 54" + 1h 50' 41"
153. CHAVANEL Sébastien 162 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 48h 33' 07" + 1h 50' 54"
154. BRARD Florent 183 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 48h 33' 34" + 1h 51' 21"
155. DUMOULIN Samuel 185 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 48h 33' 42" + 1h 51' 29"
156. CAVENDISH Mark 43 TEAM COLUMBIA 48h 34' 17" + 1h 52' 04"
157. LANCASTER Brett Daniel 154 TEAM MILRAM 48h 35' 11" + 1h 52' 58"
158. GARCIA ACOSTA Vicente 34 CAISSE D’EPARGNE 48h 35' 34" + 1h 53' 21"
159. ENGOULVENT Jimmy 84 CREDIT AGRICOLE 48h 35' 59" + 1h 53' 46"
160. CHICCHI Francesco 63 LIQUIGAS 48h 37' 38" + 1h 55' 25"
161. CASPER Jimmy 123 AGRITUBEL 48h 37' 48" + 1h 55' 35"
162. EISEL Bernhard 45 TEAM COLUMBIA 48h 38' 09" + 1h 55' 56"
163. RIBLON Christophe 108 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 48h 39' 23" + 1h 57' 10"
164. AUGE Stéphane 182 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 48h 42' 46" + 2h 00' 33"
165. SPRICK Matthieu 146 BOUYGUES TELECOM 48h 44' 33" + 2h 02' 20"
166. VANSEVENANT Wim 9 SILENCE - LOTTO 48h 46' 15" + 2h 04' 02"

SPOILER - Top 30 in Stage 11

2008-07-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

George Hincapie is hanging on, but so is Cadel Evans, right behind him in this stage. They finished 26th and 27th respectively.

Here's the top 30 in the stage...

1. ARVESEN Kurt-Asle 12 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 3h 58' 13"
2. ELMIGER Martin 105 AG2R-LA MONDIALE 3h 58' 13" + 00' 00"
3. BALLAN Alessandro 72 LAMPRE 3h 58' 13" + 00' 00"
4. MOERENHOUT Koos 135 RABOBANK 3h 58' 15" + 00' 02"
5. BOTCHAROV Alexandre 83 CREDIT AGRICOLE 3h 58' 24" + 00' 11"
6. FEDRIGO Pierrick 141 BOUYGUES TELECOM 3h 58' 27" + 00' 14"
7. POZZATO Filippo 61 LIQUIGAS 3h 58' 27" + 00' 14"
8. VAUGRENARD Benoît 169 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 3h 58' 27" + 00' 14"
9. WEGMANN Fabian 119 GEROLSTEINER 3h 58' 27" + 00' 14"
10. VELO Marco 159 TEAM MILRAM 3h 58' 27" + 00' 14"
11. FOFONOV Dmitriy 85 CREDIT AGRICOLE 3h 58' 27" + 00' 14"
12. MOINARD Amaël 187 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 3h 58' 42" + 00' 29"
13. HUSHOVD Thor 81 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
14. ZABEL Erik 151 TEAM MILRAM 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
15. DUQUE Leonardo 186 COFIDIS CREDIT PAR TELEPHONE 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
16. FREIRE Oscar 133 RABOBANK 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
17. KIRCHEN Kim 41 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
18. FLORENCIO Xavier 143 BOUYGUES TELECOM 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
19. VANDEVELDE Christian 191 GARMIN CHIPOTLE 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
20. FLECHA Juan Antonio 132 RABOBANK 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
21. POPOVYCH Yaroslav 7 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
22. GERARD Arnaud 164 FRANCAISE DES JEUX 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
23. RIGHI Daniele 77 LAMPRE 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
24. BONNET William 82 CREDIT AGRICOLE 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
25. WILLEMS Frederik 69 LIQUIGAS 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
26. HINCAPIE George 47 TEAM COLUMBIA 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
27. EVANS Cadel 1 SILENCE - LOTTO 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
28. SCHLECK Frank 17 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
29. MENCHOV Denis 131 RABOBANK 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"
30. SCHLECK Andy 16 TEAM CSC SAXO BANK 4h 13' 04" + 14' 51"

SPOILER - The Sprint and WINNER

2008-07-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, this didn't turn out at all like I had envisioned.

Shortly after Elmiger caught Moinard, Arvesen of team CSC jumped ahead too and then it was just Elmiger and Arvesen at the front battling.

Ballan then jumped ahead and they were joined by a couple more riders within sprint range.

With three of them battling, Arvesen surged ahead and got his first stage win. He is the second Norwegian to win a stage in the 2008 Tour de France.

Coming up are the finishers in the top 12 or so - whoever was in that breakaway.

I'll just post it here because race radio has just given the official results for that group. The peloton is still 15 minutes away.

By the way, Amael Moinard was voted the most aggressive rider of the 11th stage. Small surprise there.

OK. Here is the finishing group. And the shame of it is that Moinard finished 12th out of the top 12. BUMMER!

1. Kurt-Asle Arvesen (NOR) CSC - 167.5km in 3h58’13"
2. Martin Elmiger (SUI) ALM - at same time
3. Alesssandro Ballan (ITA) LAM - at same time
4. Koos Moerenhout (NED) RAB - at 2"
5. Alexandre Botcharov (RUS) C.A - at 11"
6. Pierrick Fedrigo (FRA) BTL - at 14"
7. Filippo Pozzato (ITA) LIQ - at 14"
8. Benoit Vaugrenard (FRA) FDJ - at 14"
9. Fabian Wegmann (GER) GST - at 14"
10. Marco Velo (ITA) MRM - at 14"
11. Dmitriy Fofonov (KAZ) C.A - at 14"
12. Amael Moinard (FRA) COF - at 29"

SPOILER - 4KM to go

2008-07-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

With only 4KM to go in stage 11, Elmiger caught Moinard and now the two of them are frantically trying to pedal away from the remaining ten riders.

It's probably not going to work (although my guess that Moinard would be caught on the climb was wrong, so who knows?).

The two riders are only 11 seconds ahead.

The remaining riders in the breakaway right behind Elmiger and Moinard are...

Arvesen, Ballan, Botcharov, Fofonov, Wegmann, Moerenhout, Velo, Vaugrenard, Pozzato and Fedrigo.

More in seconds!