Stage 12 and
it was the final day in the Pyrenees Mountains on a tough 195km ride to Plateau
de Beille.
As we know Gabs is the consummate locavore meaning he’ll often go foraging for food
items at hand in the regions visited by the Tour. Curiously he went with a stew
from Normandy, lamb navarin with mushroom and peas. Out of character for Gabs
but the peloton appreciated the hearty feed after three tough days in the
Pyrenees.
The day
started out stinking hot but it was a different story at Plateau de Beille
where buckets of rain and hailstones awaited. The Pyrenees appeared to have
taken a leaf from the Melbourne weather book and delivered four seasons in day.
Thor really
put the hammer down at the finish and a storm caused the power to out and
grounded the Tour choppers.
Phil and Paul
dashed outside to try to get the old diesel generator going. Usually a tap with
hammer does the trick but not today. Probably would have paid to check it had
fuel in it.
There was a
big cheer after the lights came on when a quick thinking Jensie pulled out a
bicycle powered generator and started pedalling like a man possessed. He’s not
as fit since he retired from racing and was soon to be heard muttering under
laboured breath, “shut up legs”.
After power
was restored Tomo and Robbie reported they were alive and well, although Tomo
is still assessing the damage to his hair. Don’t worry Tomo, have a word with
John Degenkolb, he might be able to give you a special discount on shampoo.
The peloton
managed to avoid the tempest at the finish but soon the rain started. Despite
this the riders settled into a steady tempo and some riders even adopted time
trialling poses. Michal Kwiatkowski, according to Phil, adopted a ‘relaxed fish
position’. Did I really hear that? Not sure if I’m starting to suffer aural
hallucinations, but you never can tell listening to Phil.
Movistar's away jersey
It was in the
final 16 km climb on 7.9% average gradient that the race started to get really
interesting. Kwiatkowski abandoned the relaxed fish position dropping Sep
Vanmarke at 14 km to go. Romain Bardet had a better day but cracked a little as
Joaquim ‘Purito’ Rodriquez took off after Kwiatkowski.
Purito caught
Kwiatkowski at 7.5km to go and grimaced all the way in the driving rain to the
finish.
Meanwhile
Chris Froome was under attack from the remaining fantastic four. First it was
Alberto Contador’s move. Then Nibs did something apart from dangle out the
back. The team with the ‘big Ms on the jersey’ held back until Alejandro Valverde
launched Nairo Quintana.
The Skybots
aided by Chris’s mate Richie Froo...Porte fought off the concerted attack with
Valverde picking up only one second. Jakob
Fuglsang and Romain Bardet tried to catch up with Rodriguez but had to settle
for second and third.
Another cigar
for Purito who took his second stage at this Tour but chapeau to Romain Bardet
who looked really crook with heatstroke the day before.
Post race
there was talk of Asstana giving Nibali the arse. That may have been Asstana team
owner Vino’s position before the stage but changed his tune after Nibali’s
performance today.
As Rodriguez
climbed the podium Tomo named Purito ‘Minister for Funny Faces’. Tomo, no one,
but no one gurns like Thomas Voeckler.
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