Dave's Dogmatic Dribbles
2006 Tour de France - Stage 16
The pain and joy were told in the faces of the racers yesterday. At times, they came from the same racer. It doesn't matter to me where someone is in the GC after they race the best stage of their life. It's a joy to understand their happiness.
Since yesterday was "the day" round two, Floyd will probably sit in today. I hope we see another effort from the soul. Maybe it will be from somebody who is close to Floyd in GC. Then, we can see if his team can respond. I remain impressed with team CSC. Hey, I think Bjarne is the next Johan!
It looks like Michael Rasmussen may try the Schleck strategy from yesterday. He, Valjavec, and Casar are pulling steady. Racers from Discovery, Cofidis, and T Mobile are trying to bridge. Where is CSC? Floyd is "resting". Today is gonna feel worse than yesterday. A couple of nasty crashes occur and Bennati isn't able to continue but Chavanel does. Popo makes an attempt to gain time but can't hold out. Leipheimer's effort is better and clears his way to 2nd place in the stage before he is overtaken. Rasmussen is pedalling steady. Better watch out for those Danish guys, they're tough (isn't that right Thomas?) I hear they make a hell of a pastry. I think their chocolate and fish are good too but that's another column.
Uh oh, the talk of Landis sliding back is proven. An attack leaves him frozen in his position. Maybe he's just resting. He is now behind contenders! Today is THE day! We are talking double digits between Floyd and the new leaders. Rasmussen is winning the stage and Pereiro is ripping the yellow jersey from Floyd! I wonder who has really been loaning it out? Axel is saving Floyd's ass once again as he has to pulls him to the finish. Everything is upside down and inside out. The fat lady hasn't sung!
Look at Michael's face. His effort doesn?t leave him with enough energy to smile when he crosses the stripe. I can't imagine his pain but I can praise him for his accomplishment. I'm sure his fellow countryman and Roadcycling.com editor Thomas is proud. By the way, since you are in a good mood, can I have a raise?
Oscar has enough energy to smile. Why not, he might be wearing that shirt on the last day. Hmmm, I think his lucky number is 13 (plus 30)! I wonder what Floyd had to say about stage 13 now? It would be nice to know except he bugged out in the team car. Hey, you are a professional so win or lose, you should speak to the press. I bet he now knows what George and Levi felt like.
Bike racing is passion. I love it!
PS: I'll check my account for that raise Thomas. Tell Michael good job for me.
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