Touroscopy - Stage 9 Off to the mountains
Monday, 14 July 2008
The first mountain stage was one that was eagerly awaited by the cycling world yesterday. All the shadow boxing and the questions were put aside as it was simply two major climbs and a hammer down to the finish. The show was definitely going to be with the climbers as the sprinter's only thoughts were on survival. But what was supposed to be a separation of those on GC turned out to be something a little different.
Winners
- Riccardo Ricco - Not only did he top the firstoffthebike.com Hit List he also took out his second stage of the week. Ricco had a great time in the Giro d"Italia and is having fun in France too. While he might've been a few minutes down he has no pressure on him to be an overall winner. A super attack and courageous descent saw Ricco cement his place as one of the best young talents in world cycling. His ability to recover will be the big question.
- Alejandro Valverde - We might need to change his status from racer to cyclo-tourist. Valverde's Caisse d'Epargne Team is in control and he looks like he is just cruising. Or he is foxing in a major way. Valverde is operating very much in a relaxed mode and it shows with his team being so organised. His climbing will be tested in Stage 10 and so wil the casual exterior.
Losers
- Cadel Evans - Even though he toughed it out like champion Evans must be quietly very unhappy with falling in a stage that should have been straight forward. After avoiding the stress and carnage of the first week he goes down in a fairly 'safe' stage. With Stage 9 finished he now must check to make sure he is one piece and that the damage will not take its' toll.
State of Play
The big day in the mountains will be today. Surely the riders will need to make a break and the GC contenders will need to be proactive in grabbing the yellow jersey. The last climb is an interesting one. Each time the Hautacam has seen a rider take the yellow jersey, that rider has gone on to win the Tour. This has happened three times. Will we see the 2008 Tour de France winner crowned today?
