Andy Schleck rode to a magnificent stage victory in today’s stage of the Tour de France. I’m not often inspired to blog about the tour, but it is quite something to attack from 60Km out and hold out for so long. It was a real gamble and I think the favourites let him go because they probably thought it was too ambitious. But, its great to see fortune favouring the brave – and great team tactics by Leopard Trek. They put two guys in the break so when Andy attacked they could wait and help with the pace making. In particular his team mate Maxime Monfort did a great job on the descent and long approach to the final climb.
Strange that the big favourites were a bit slow to respond. But, it’s great to see a rider take such a big risk rather than leave it to small calculations.
Andy may not even win the overall Tour de France. Cadel Evans still has a chance to overturn his deficit in the final time trial – as long as he doesn’t lose more time tomorrow. I’m sure the Schlecks will be attacking tomorrow on the stage to Alpe d’Huez.
This is one of the best tours I’ve ever seen.
Stage 18 – Galiber
1 Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek 6:07:56
2 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek 0:02:07
3 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 0:02:15
4 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale 0:02:18
5 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar 0:02:21
General Classification
1 Thomas Voeckler (Fra) Team Europcar 79:34:06
2 Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek 0:00:15
3 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek 0:01:08
4 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team 0:01:12
5 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre – ISD 0:03:46
6 Ivan Basso (Ita) Liquigas-Cannondale
7 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard 0:04:44
Related
You’ve got to hand it to Voeckler too. What real grit keeping in the chase pack right till the end. He could be my hero!
What a great stage!
yes, great to see a wildcard team having a rider up there in yellow.