2006 Tour de France - Stage 10

Now the action starts. We won't have to wait 4 hours to see 5 seconds of excitement from the sprinters. Who will hold back and wait for tomorrow? Will it be the George and Floyd show?

There are a mixture of attacks, counters and catches. Most of these are sacrificial lambs. Hey, there's a protest on the road that stops a break. There was a slight interruption but everyone is back to racing. I wasn't able to determine who the protest group was. I think they were pharmaceutical reps! Too bad it wasn't the supermodels who are opposed to wearing fur. T-Mobile is controlling the peloton followed by Floyd's team. Discovery is silent but visible. The 13 escapees start to drag on the second climb. Someone from T-Mobile may wear yellow at the end of today's stage but it won't be Honchar. Although he continues to earn respect with his effort.

Holy polka dots Batman, Dessel is on a mission today. He has partnered with Mercado. The two of them look like they will be left to their own race. They will rise to the top today (literally)! I guess today's glory is more important than tomorrow's pain. Between the two, I think the choice of lesser pain is today's stage. What's happening to Mayo? The sprinters are passing him! He has exploded! Teammates are trying to provide encouragement.

Hey, I just saw another protester on TV. I think he was an activist of the "wear loose shorts without a belt" organization. He certainly got some exposure!

Honchar is coming back to the peloton. Since he was off the back anyway, he is now relegated to delivery boy for the team. He continues to ride proud. Nice goin, Serguei. The control of today's stage is subtle. The contenders and their teams are playing it smart saving energy for tomorrow. I like the unknown. Who will attack? Who will splat the wall? Who will show their bare ass?

Mercado and Dessel evoked some tension in us today. Mercado was the aggressor throughout their race. My initial feeling was for Dessel to win so he could claim the stage, yellow, and polka dot shirt. In the end, Mercado obviously deserved it. He won the sprint and started the break to begin with. Congrats to both for tremendous efforts! Now, can't they make a jersey that is yellow with red polka dots?

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