There are 176 racers today. It?s going to be hot and the only wind will be the speed of the racers. Usually there's nothing to get you on the edge of your seat...but we will see.

Typically, this is the stage when I look at my guide and try to find out who are these guys? Sure enough, there are a group of no names who break out and have some fun at the front. Seven racers, who I will call Bill, Ted, and Alice roll out 5 minutes ahead of the peloton before their gap starts to diminish.

Thor probably wouldn?t mind staying in yellow. Wait, what's this, Hincapie is wondering what he would look like in yellow so picks up some bonus time by sliding into 3rd place at a sprint line. It's always the little things that matter.

Now the sprinters are going to arrange themselves for the show. It reminds me of body building contest when everyone does a free for all pose off! Then, everyone starts screaming about Thor crashing but he was scraped by something when he was racing too close to the barrier.

We have a newbie taking the win. Congrats to Casper who is shouldered by some common names. But look who is putting on yellow. Nice job George! Kinda makes up for losing by a fart yesterday. Has Johan made up his mind?

Not only is George in yellow, but the leading team gets to wear cute race numbers with yellow background. Time for a group picture, eh Team Discovery?

Check out our 2006 Tour de France coverage section for live updates, rider diaries, virtual stage maps (in live updates section) and more.