Stage 9 - Contador in Control as Weening Weakens

Firstly, lets get those Stage 8 scores out of the way. While they may no longer be on Velogames, I had the foresight to write them down on a handy piece of handlebar tape.

Stage 9 then brought the race to Sicily and up to Mount Etna.

It looked like the big names were maybe going to let the early break get the glory, but as the riders were reeled in on the slopes of the volcano Alberto Contador decided it was time to let everyone know who's boss. In case anyone was in any doubt as to whether he was really trying when he got second on stage 8, he put the hammer down and rode away from all the top contenders, to win the stage and take the Pink Jersey.

Scores after Stage 9 then. Chanbots still ahead then, with the Drunk Riders in second while the Bile Beans languish in third. Things are not looking good for the Dodgem Geezers. They lost another rider today, as Robbie McEwen failed to finish inside the time limit. And the team is Contador-less, which could cost Warwick dearly, as Bertie looks like he'll be taking a fair slice of points this race.

A well deserved rest-day today then. Although the riders will have to make a big transfer from Sicily to Termoli, which is up North somewhere.  I've said it before and I'll say it again - surely this is a stage for Cav - although it does have a bit of a hill at the finish, so probably another chance for Petacchi to get some more points in for my rivals.