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.
Mark Young
Guest
He is showing a lot of steel which is most pleasing. I've always been concerned about him then when the chips go down he would be a little fragile and get flustered... Ha! He is as hard as a coffin nail and burying Vettel at the moment. I'm even more impressed with Cadel. Remember a few years ago when he was in Yellow and was yelling at reporters for stepping on his dog! I think the pressure was getting to him, but look at him now. I back him to go a lot further. Have a good one mate
Michael C
Roar Guru
I know what you mean but want mention the 's' word, btw - not normally a fan of Webber (not that I dislike him), however, I loved his comment back to the pits about "Not bad for a number 2 driver".
David Barry
Guest
The feed we get is the main international feed organised by the ASO. On some stages the host broadcaster will start earlier, but SBS would probably have to pay more for that, and probably have to hire their own commentators (Eurosport does this, but ES don't have the rights to the Tour in Australia).
Decs
Guest
Great piece. Cadel could not have set himself up any better. Contador is his main threat, but he cannot afford to lose more than a minute to Schleck before the TT, which could happen as early as Tues night. Although losing the jersey on Wed wil not be a bad thing. I just hope Cadel gets the accolades he deserves for this ride to date and for the rest of Le Tour.
Chop
Guest
Kilmurray, this is a good article.
Tom
Guest
If I were BMC I wouldn't try too hard to defend the yellow through the flat stages; if some micky mouse breakaway takes the jersey off Cadel it would probably be the best thing to happen to him. Cadel needs to keep time on Contador as he can time trial, with Schleck he has the luxury of being a much stronger time triallist than him and can make up some ground there (although he should be wary of him growing another leg in the TT in yellow a la Sastre in 2008). Steve Morabito also looked to do a semi - decent job at staying with the group; hopefully he will be able to continue to give Cadel a bit of support across the mountains.
Hoy
Roar Guru
James I am an uncultured baffoon, and It isn't that I don't like Gabriel Gate, just that I want to see more cycling before heading off to bed. Realistically, I want the back end, but I can't stay up that late, so I have to make do with the start, only I have to wait until 10:30 to actually see anyone do anything for the new day.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Jameswm, I thought we had lost you. So where can you buy quality Bordeaux in Sydney at not so exorbitant prices? The french have a passion for the senses...food ,wine and sensations. Cadel will need all the soothing music his wife can play for him.
Jameswm
Guest
Guys On the time difference. The race starts about 8-8:30pm our time (EST) every night. The telecast starts at 10pm - with a summary of the day before, and a preview of the coming stage, then Gabriel Gate, then into the race about 80kms in. They end up showing about the last 3 hours of each stage. Seriously though Hoy - you don't like the Gabriel Gate cooking section? That's one of my favourite parts of the telecast (but then I did live in France and looove French cooking). It's all part of the fun visiting (vicariously through the riders) the different regions of France, which are all so proud of their local wine and cuisine. It's such a big part of French culture.
Mark Young
Guest
Indeed, I watched two much maligned 'quirky' sportsmen really kicking goals last night.. Fantastic stuff!
Whiteline
Guest
Poor Lance is cooked. 'The strong men stay upright more often than not' - says it all. I'm with most of you, Cadel will have to fight hard to hang on. His best chance is to be within striking distance at the Time Trial. I can't see him riding away from Schleck or Alberto in the mountains.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I thought it was live, but what I don't get is why don't we see footage from the start of the race, not 80+ km in?
Hutchoman
Roar Pro
The first opportunity for a big sorting of the men from the boys in this year's Tour and it didn't disappoint. A big disappointment for Lance with some bad luck, but also it would seem he has been cracked by the rapid tempo of Father Time. So we get left with three big protagonists with a handful of smokies in the mix after the first week. It will be very interesting to see how Evans fares. He'll probably need to be in front of Contador going into the final TT if he's going to take it out. So the big question, as always, is will he attack in the mountains or look to hang on in a war of attrition? If it is to be the former when will it occur? Wait for the Pyrenees and the Tourmalet or look to take an advantage in the Alps? Still looks like Contador from Schleck for mine, but great to see Cadel back in yellow.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Hoy - the tour is shown live. I suggest you move to Adelaide. They are half an hour behind :)
Hoy
Roar Guru
Go Bum Chin!! The tour is one of my alltime favourite world sporting events. I just wish they could show it earlier than 10, which ends up being 10:30 by the time Gabriel Gate has his cooking spot.
Vinay Verma
Roar Guru
Paddy,fine piece of writing. For me Cadel's struggle is going to be monumental. This is the biggest Australian sports story for me at the moment. The world's attention is focussed on Evans and here is a sportsman more loved abroad than at home. It won't be easy and he will need some luck. Will follow with interest.
Jameswm
Guest
Evans has fallen into the yellow without having to do that much. Last night he had to hang on during that climb, but he didn't look overly taxed. I know it's a bit early to be in the yellow, but really he just has to shadow Contador on Tuesday, and then in one or two stages through the Pyrenees. Better to be a minute in front of Contador than a minute behind him. And of course you can't count out Andy Schleck. Those 3 will fight it out.
Michael C
Roar Guru
A good night for Australia - Evans and Webber. McEwen can't take a trick though. And the Banga's beat the Poms too.