2006 Tour de France - Stage 12

Vive le France! It's Bastille Day! I think they are a day late as we saw the fireworks yesterday. Jeeez, the French press has nothing else to write about except poor old Discovery Channel. What journalist would stoop so low and say insulting things about another country? Oh yeah, I do that!

Obviously subdued, George still has a positive outlook when he said he will try for stage wins. Keep your head up George, we are pulling for ya! The red, white, and blue is still number one! I don?t think this was the best day to pick for anyone from Discovery to try for a stage win. We all know someone from France will try to be a show off.

Unfortunately, there is more bad news for Discovery Channel. Savoldelli got stitches in his head after yesterday's stage. Reports say he was hit by a spectator on the return decent from the finish. He started today but later abandoned. The DC express is maintaining respect by providing tempo for the peloton and George goes out on a break. What the heck, now Noval quits. After the escape gets reeled in, Popo takes off. At least Discovery is trying.

The four man break will likely be caught by the end of the stage. At least three teams with contenders should be concerned if they gain too much time. McEwen is getting impatient and wants to chase. Save it for later Robbie. The Rubber Band Man (Voeckler) is on, no off, no back on.

As it turns out, the peloton is content to let Popovych, Freire, Ballan and Le Mevel to fight it out. Has anyone seen Virenque? I really want Le Mevel to win?NOT! Popo shows us that if you first don't succeed, try four times! He finally escapes from Freire and Ballan after the mighty Frenchman is the first to drop. Popo "the Porsche" wins! He seems like a nice kid and is genuinely happy about his win. Not to mention, Discovery might feel a little better tonight. I know I will.

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