Landis is attacking!
Wherein probably won't work but what the hell may as well try
Cycling News describes Stage 17 as:
Shit, this could get interesting:
That is one pissed Mennonite.
Cycling News describes Stage 17 as:
The final act in the 2006 Tour's Alpine Trilogy is the longest yet. At 200km, it contains two category one, one category two and a category three climb, with a final ascent of the steep Hors Category Col de Joux-Plane, where Lance Armstrong cracked big time in 2000, before a wild plunge to finish in Morzine. An early break can get an advantage on Stage 17, but can they hold it all the way to Morzine?
Shit, this could get interesting:
14:02 CEST 85km/115.5km to go
Landis is doing what Pantani did in 2000, when Armstrong almost cracked on the Joux-Plane. Pereiro had better take care - Landis was 'only' 8'08 behind. Landis continues with the bidon in his hand. He does everything his own way, that's for sure!
At the top of the Saisies, Landis is under three minutes behind the leaders, and over three minutes ahead of hte yellow jersey group, which is about 30 riders strong and led by Vicente Garcia Acosta.
14:13 CEST 94km/106.5km to go
Landis descends like a demon, and is now 1'56 behind the leading nine. He was renowned for doing this as an amateur rider - generally giving the pros a hard time.
Current race situation
Patrik Sinkewitz (T-Mobile - best on GC at 49'57), Pavel Padrnos (Discovery Channel), Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC), Daniele Righi (Lampre-Fondital), Juan Manuel Garate, Patrice Halgand, Christophe Le Mevel (Crédit Agricole), Philippe Gilbert (Francaise Des Jeux)
Stéphane Auge (Cofidis), Bram Tankink (Quick-Step-Innergetic)
Luca Paolini (Liquigas)
Floyd Landis (Phonak - 11th at 8'08) at 1'56
Group maillot jaune (30 riders) at 6'04
That is one pissed Mennonite.
posted by bill at 8:13 AM
6 Comments:
with 2 climbs and 84km left to go, Landis has a 4 minute gap on the yellow jersey. He's riding with a group of 4 and only one man ahead.
My guess, if the catch Hagland, Landis will try to get them to work together to open the gap further. He'll let someone else have the stage win if they help him gain back time.
15:07 CEST 126km/74.5km to go
Landis gets off the bike and gets a new one. He gets a push, and is on his way back to Halgand and Sinkewitz.
now has 5'21" on the yellow jersey
70.5km and in virtual 2nd place with a 6 minute gap. Only one rider left hanging on his wheel.
with 3 climbs down, he's on the final descent and then it's the final summit climb. He's almost the virtual yellow jersey!
Pereiro isn't chasing and has lost most of his teammates. I think Landis just might do it.
Even if Landis doesn't take back yellow today, staying within 2 minutes puts him in position to challange with the Saturday time trial.
Final climb, Pereiro looks popped and Sastre has broken free and is going for the yellow jersey.
Sastre started the day in second, 6'18" ahead of Landis. Last time check shows Landis ahead by 5'55" not including time bonuses.
Wow! Landis takes the stage and Pereiro barely holds on to yellow. Sastre is 11 seconds back and Landis is 31 seonds back in third.
Probably the greatest stage ride since Lemond pipped Fignon in 1989 during the final day time trial. Greatest ever?
Look for this to be decided Saturday during the time trial--I think Landis is now the favorite--and I wouldn't be surprised to see these guys racing for sprint bonuses over the next couple days.
Wow, what a race. I think I need a smoke.
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