2006 Tour de France - Stage 19

Ok, I really mean it this time. Today is the day! It is the nail biter stage. You think Floyd will do it but we still have to wait for the fat lady to sing.

Ekimov is showing that old guys can still motor! He?s an icon and gives it all he has. He receives an impressive 7^th place finish. Gonchar is the king of the TT. He certainly has a good beginning and end. Now, he just needs to work on his middle game.

Jeez, look at Kl?den drafting! I?m not talking about the kind with a pencil and paper. I have him sucking wheel for at least 10 seconds. I don?t believe he?s getting away with that. Then he pulls right back in front. Ok folks, coach Dave here. It?s time for a lesson in time trail passing 101. First don?t draft (especially on national TV and in front of a commissar). Second, once you pass the other rider, don?t immediately pull back in front of him which then allows him to draft of you!

Floyd doesn?t win but he does. The podium shuffling has begun. Anyone hear somebody singing? I?m sure everyone rode their guts out today. Everyone deserves respect. Stay safe one more day. Leipheimer is out of 12^th place by a second. That might stir the pot a bit tomorrow. It just might be THE day!

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