2009 Tour de France - Stage 2

There weren’t many fireworks yesterday, not even from a blown tire. Don’t hold your breath because the opening stage jitters will produce a few crashes soon enough.

It looks like there will be eight door prizes given out today. There are three sprint lines, four climber lines, and of course, the finish.

It doesn’t take long when four racers lead the Sunday group ride. The quartet seems friendly enough and shares the wealth for the sprint and climber wins. Get it while you can because none of you will win the stage. The drama is relatively nonexistent as they gap the peloton by nearly five and one half minutes. The excitement comes from scattered crashes but nobody has poked their eye out.

The stage essentially ends on the last turn (or non turn for those who crashed while going straight). I don’t know how to describe the sprinters’ abilities. Are they supercharged, turbocharged, superhuman, herculean? Yes!

Cavendish starts where he left off last year by being victorious in the stage. Nobody was close. Look at the jubilation on his face. Look at the anguish on those behind him. Do you know the feeling of giving it your best and not even being close? Doubts and questions will arise but those behind the winner will be there tomorrow to try again with more determination. They are professionals. Watch for the look on their face.

Cancellara is still Mr. Yellow - for now!