Stage 12 - Contador Schlips Away From Schleck

Some critics have been disappointed by my lack of outrage over the decision to kick Renshaw off the race. I do think it was over the top. Last place for the day and a bit of a fine would have been sufficient. For a thorough analysis of the sprint, I suggest you look at this. Whether Renshaw's elimination is part of a French conspiracy, to stop Cav winning stages, I'm not so sure. It's not like a Frenchman is going to win a sprint, so what's the point? All this talk of French conspiracies reminds me of the things Floyd Landis used to say, back when he was pretending he was innocent.

It was a tough old day in the saddle on the Tour today. Firstly, it was very hot, and secondly, they were going very fast. The early break was unusual in both quantity and quality. A big, eighteen-man move containing the likes of Alexandre Vinokourov, Ryder Hesjedal and Andreas Kloden, couldn't be allowed too far up the road, and Saxo Bank had to do a job of chasing. Also along for the ride in the break, was Thor Hushovd, who was after the intermediate sprint points. He bagged enough of them to re-take the jersey from Petacchi, but he could lose it again tomorrow.

He may be a big strong guy, but it seems getting into a can of Coke is a bit tricky for him.



The break eventually fell apart. For a while it looked like Vino was going to survive till the line. It wasn't to be though, and as the peloton hit the super-steep final climb, the attacks started. Joaquin Rodriguez kicked off the action and was quickly followed by Contador. Andy Scheck tried to follow, but couldn't quite get up there. In the end Rodriguez got the win, just ahead of Contador.

So Andy Schleck lost a precious ten seconds to Contador today. Is it a sign that Contador will be stronger come the Pyrenees? Or is it just 10 seconds. It's too early to say.

Still no scores to report for stage 11 and 12. You can always entertain yourself by looking the the spreadsheet and noting that we've lost a few more riders recently. Biggest name departure is probably Garmin's young sprinter, Tyler Farrar. He's been riding with a broken wrist since stage 2 and couldn't cope with the high pace today. Apparently he couldn't even keep up with Lars Boom.

Still to come is stage 13. It should be another one for the sprinters and will be their last chance to get some green jersey points, for the race will hit the Pyrenees soon. Lets see if Cav can still win without Renshaw. And whether Thor can hang onto that green jersey.