There are two big ones today. No, I’m not talking about the egos of Astana racers.  I bet Cavendish didn’t sleep well last night. He lost the green jersey and then has to ride a more difficult stage today. The good news is, if you can make it over the top of the Tourmalet, there’s a lengthy flat segment before the finish so you can catch up.

The normal antics of attacks with minuscule gaps come and go. Big bad Lance “attacks” for a few seconds. It was a breathtaking display of meaningless authority. A meaningful attack has been established by Leonardo Duque (COF), Pierrick Fedrigo (BBO), Jens Voigt (SAX), and Franco Pellizotti (LIQ). Nocentini is making it look good by holding onto yellow riding among the Astana gang. It looks like a normal day in the office for the peloton.

Pellizotti is the first decide four is a crowd. Fedrigo goes with him and makes it a pair. There are other attacks here and there and a small chase group forms. It seems business as usual for the peloton. They will more than likely chase down the leading duo in the valley, the valley so low. (now that song is stuck in my head)

It seems like the last 5 km has been in slow motion. The peloton has been breathing down the necks of Pellizotti and Fedrigo but they weren’t gobbled up. It was a good battle and Fedrigo is victorious! A great reward in a very difficult stage.

Looking back, it actually was a boring stage. Other than the winner, the most notable event was the changing of the guard for the polka dot jersey. My main man Martinez (otherwise known as Quad M) gets to wear polka dots. Party time for Euskaltel-Euskadi!

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