Bourgoin-Jallieu – Aubenas (178 km)
Today was a tour of two halves, as far as scenery was concerned. Firstly the riders rode through the flatter agricultural lands around the Rhone valley, with occasional glimpses of the famous sunflower fields. Valences and La Vaulte sur Rhone looked particularly interesting with the river sparkling in the sunlight. We saw several bastide style towns, among them Alixan, red roofed spirals around a central church or fortification. Then, at Le Pouzain, the tour turned away from the river and uphill towards the major climb of the day. I was spoiled for choice for views and towns to include today, but I chose the Ardeche town of Privas (above) with its arched bridge and tiled roofs on houses and chateau.
It was wonderful to see Mark Cavendish victorious once more today, following the disaster of disqualification earlier in the tour. This is his fifth win this year and ninth overall Tour de France win, the best ever by a British rider. It will probably not be enough to overtake Thor Hushovd who seems secure in the green jersey for another year, but Cavendish’s tour is definitely not over yet. A win in Paris, well within Cavendish’s abilities, beckons if the team strategies and his undoubted skill can work together once more. Bradley Wiggins 14th place means he keeps his 4th overall place in the main competition, still behind Alberto Contador, Andy Shleck and Lance Armstrong.
Winners:
Stage 1 – Fabian Cancellara (to wear yellow for Stage 2) – 3rd Bradley Wiggins
Stage 2 – Mark Cavendish (will wear green for Stage 3)
Stage 3 – Mark Cavendish (will wear green for Stage 4)
Stage 4 – Team Astana
Stage 5 – Thomas Voeckler - 3rd Mark Cavendish
Stage 6 – Thor Hushovd
Stage 7 – Brice Feillu
Stage 8 – Luis León Sánchez
Stage 9 – Pierrick Fédrigo
Rest Day
Stage 10 – Mark Cavendish
Stage 11 – Mark Cavendish (regains green for Stage 12)
Stage 12 – Nicki Sørensen
Stage 13 – Heinrich Haussler
Stage 14 – Sergei Ivanov
Stage 15 – Alberto Contador (to wear yellow for Stage 16)
Rest Day
Stage 16 – Mikel Astarloza
Stage 17 – Frank Schleck
Stage 18 – Alberto Contador
Stage 19 – Mark Cavendish
(More cycling information from the official Tour de France website.)
