The Madeleine and the Galibier. Two legendary climbs. Today was a surprising day in the peloton. Alexander Vinokourov, who struggled all day long yesterday, managed a miraculous recovery and won today’s stage. Lance and Discovery let him get away on a break and win. He was over 7 minutes back at the start of the stage so he had some leeway to go for the win and he did.
Discovery had a great day with the team out in front of the peloton all day. Big George Hincapie actually paced the team to the top of the Galibier, a horribly long and steep climb. George hasn’t been known for his super strong climbing in the past, but he has been getting better and better over the years.
Other tidbits on the stage: Tom Boonen, the current sprint points leader, crashed on the descent of the Madeleine and fucked his knee up. He may not start tomorrow, which will put the Green Jersey on Thor Hushovd’s back. It will also give Robbie McEwen a new chance to compete for that Jersey.
Breaking news: Jens Voigt is out of the Tour. He failed to finish within the time cut today. That’s too bad.