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The Tour de France is over for Lance Armstrong after losing over 11 minutes to his rivals in stage 8. Cadel Evans assumes the overall race lead, however, the dramatic circumstances surrounding Armstrong took the spotlight for the day.
After a minor bingle early in the race, Armstrong crashed for the second time with 51km’s remaining.
With much of the lead group already on the limit – Armstrong included – it proved to be the straw that finally broke the Texan’s very resilient back.
His form has been subject to much speculation of late. It has seemed as if Armstrong has been almost trying too hard and forcing things, which was never the case early in his career.
Before the comeback, Armstrong was never a prominent contender in any of the lead up races, choosing to guide his form for the one race in July. This year however, he seemed to constantly be playing catch-up, trying to prove his worth in smaller races in order to boost his confidence before the Tour.
It proved too much, you might say, “well, you can’t help bad luck.” However, four crashes in this year’s Tour is more than Armstrong has ever endured in any of the previous editions he’s competed in.
The strong men stay upright more often than not, and unfortunately for Armstrong, the Tour waits for no man.
Cadel Evans pulled on the yellow jersey whilst Andy Schleck displayed a massive turn of speed to gap his rivals in the final kilometre of the stage.
This is a huge accomplishment for Evans and his young BMC team; however, the task at hand is monumental.
Evans’ team will now be expected to control the race and take up the majority of the pace making. There’s been much debate as to whether or not they’re up to the task with still two weeks of hard racing ahead.
For me, Schleck will assume the yellow jersey when the race continues to head skyward, this is probably a good thing for Evans as it will allow him to follow rather than lead, and will also allow him to focus more attention on Contador.
Evans has the power to remain within striking distance of Schleck, and should be able to ride over the top of the slight Luxembourger in the final time trial.
However, Alberto Contador is dangerously close, only a minute adrift of Evans. Contador is pound for pound the best bike rider in the world, and has Evans right where he wants him.
Cadel must stay patient and measured; with any luck Schleck will assume the overall lead before too long, which will allow Evans to relax and shepherd Contador through the Pyrenees.
The Tour de France and bike racing in general have changed forever; it’s only fitting a man of Cadel Evans’ esteem pulls on the yellow jersey on a day that witnessed the collapse of an empire.
Armstrong’s throne is vacant, with Evans the perfect candidate to take his place.
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