2006 Tour de France - Stage 11

Can you believe it?!? They actually did give Dessel a yellow/polka dot jersey this morning! I'm amazed they even listened to me. Now that I think about it, I am one of the most important people in the universe! Just like the French to steal my ideas though. Just remember folks, you heard it here first at Roadcycling.com!

There is finally some movement within Discovery Channel. Rubiera counters a meaningless early attack. At least we know someone within the team is alive. In other news, Mayo announced he will be converting to a sprinter's role. This means he will be riding shoulder to shoulder with the big boys as they slowly sprint up the mountains. Just as I say this, Mayo is along side the team car talking about going home today? it's sad actually. He is better than what happened yesterday. And here I am (a guy who considers hopping a curb an HC climb!) making fun of him. Maybe he's having hip surgery and we don't know it.

Up front, four racers are still leading. De la Fuente, Camano, Wegmann, and Flecha are gaining time but who knows what will happen. Today is supposed to be the day. It's way too early for Hincapie to only have two teammates in support. This is a bad sign. Rubber Band Man Voeckler has fallen off but he'll be back. He now scratches, claws, kicks, and screams his way back to the earned 4th position in the lead break. Wait a minute, he drops and has been caught by the peloton. Boing! Boing! Boing! [Editor?s note: Well deserved after annoying Danish rider Michael Rasmussen by stealing mountain points from him]

AG2R delivered body blows all day then T-Mobile landed the knockout punch. T-Mobile's attack was brilliant! Shooting stars became falling stars. Where did George go? Is the pressure too much for him? Boogerd is extraordinary. I also must compliment Rasmussen because I know those guys from Denmark (Roadcycling.com Editor Thomas Valentinsen) can be very moody! Leipheimer is showing us his true form over his pathetic time trial. I enjoyed his mini attacks.

Today was the day. I hope everyone was able to tune in. I've said it before, PASSION! A couple days ago, Julz said he thinks there will be an American, Russian, and an Aussie on the podium in Paris. I think today shows he may be right. We should have asked him a long time ago.

Finally, another sad moment.  George is one of those guys who is in your heart. He always will be sentimentally the one you wanted to win. His character goes beyond that of a great bicycle racer. Heck, I think the French even like him! Remember the passion.

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