FTDF Stage 12 - Sammy Slips Away

A day of mixed fortunes for the Bile Beans today. Things started off nicely, with young Geraint Thomas in the early break. He had a spot of bother descending on the Hourquette d'Ancizan, but stayed mostly upright, got back into the group and managed to stay away till the climb of Luz-Ardiden. Once the big boys behind started riding hard though, it was all over for the Welshman, who finished the day over 5 mins down.

The winner of the day was Sammy Sanchez, who made up a bit of time in his bid for a podium spot.

However, most eyes were on the elite group just behind him. As Paul Sherwen would say, it was the "Heads of State of the Tour de France" in the chase group, and many a Velogames pick had been left behind as the road went uphill. So there was no Tony Martin or Robert Gesink, but we did see both Schlecks, Evans, Basso, Cunego and Contador battling it out on the mountain.

For once the Schlecks seemed to grasp the concept of taking it in turns to attack, instead of trying to ride away together hand-in-hand. It was Frank who managed to sneak away and gained 20 seconds on the "Heads of State". Not only that, but Contador lost another few seconds, as he was left behind in the last km. Frank must be pleased, but he'll need more than 17 seconds lead over Evans going into the time trial, that's for sure.

Maybe the key to the Schelck's success is a good diet. According to the Twitters, this is the sort of thing the Ley-O-pard Trek team eat on a typical day.

I guess I need to start eating a bit better if I want to get on the podium.

Although the Bile Beans are still hanging on at the top of the main table, today's events haven't filled me with confidence for the coming days. On the other hand, I think I've already scored more points this year than I had by the end of the race last year, so I guess that's progress.

One man who won't be earning me any more points is Denis Galimzyanov, (or Денис Рамильевич Галимзянов, as he's known to his friends) who quit the race today. The young Russian sprinter has been doing OK for a man in his first Tour, but the route today must have been a bit much for him. Don't be surprised to see him back next year though, and challenging the more established sprinters for the high placings.

Those riders still left, will be off over the Col d'Aubisque tomorrow. The big hill doesn't come at the end of the stage though, and there's 40km or so for things to come back together before the finish. Don't expect another big name show-down, it should be a day for a plucky break. Or Pip GIlbert.