dracs

Also been let down by TJ and Pinot. Nonetheless I was smiling Saturday as Quintana and Porte helped me to a 36 point haul on the day, but now with Porte confined to pure Domestique duties, and Garmin and Sky nowhere in the teams, I think I may have peeked in my current 17th place...

Sure but he put in a huge effort to get back. By the time he sat up he had gone from just over a minute to around 3 minutes... He would have kept at it if there was a chance he could have held onto a high placing but I think reality hit home for Sky management esp given how poor the rest of the team is looking

I think it was Ryder

I wish we could see Quintana fully unleashed. Unfortunately I think he is racing to Valverde's tune at the moment. Wonder what he could have done agaisnt Froome on the final climb on Saturday if the team had not sent him out so earliy on the first climb.

I think what actually happened is the start driven by Movistar was incredibly hard and this was proven by how quickly the pelotpn was splintered all over the road. There is no doubt it slowed down later though once Valverde failed to dislodge Froome with his early attacks (proof being that Cadel and many others who were shelled early were able to get back). After that it seems Movistar were happy to race for second on the GC... Or more likely that Valverde in particular didn't have much more to give - so Movistar went at or close to his maximum. Its not like Porte took a rest day though... He was genuinely dropped on the second climb of the day and spend most of the rest of the race trying to pace back. After getting within a minute he only sat up once it was clear Movistar were not going to allow him to reintegrate (near the end of the second last climb). Huge effort until that point. Sky team is looking particularly fragile - Kiryienka missed the cutoff, Siutsou and Lopez are in the squad to help Froome and Porte in the mountains but they have been nowhere. I think the reason for Sky's poor showing yesterday was down to these guys - When Kennaugh (who did way more work on Saturday than he should have had to do) took his tumble it meant Porte had to pick up the pacing way earlier than would have been planned and he clearly burned too many matches too early after his previous days efforts - and he could never recover from that.

I hear you... I have to fetch my sister from the airport at 4pm tomorrow - timing couldn't be worse as that should be when it fianlly goes off amongst the GC contenders... Will have to PVR and avoid radios, social media etc - and try avoid any TV's at the airport!?

Just not sure about his TT'ing... But reckon there will be few better in the high mountains

Apparently Quintana fell again earlier as well... seems ok though

We headed to the podium, I changed in the change rooms, waited for them to call me up – and then to see such a massive crowd and get such a amazing applause, I couldn’t stop smiling, I have always wanted a lion too which I will be given to my son Ayden. It was so emotional and a day I would never forget. Daryl on blog at http://www.bicycling.co.za/race-news/tour-de-france/rider-diaries/daryls-tdf-blog-winning-the-yellow-jersey/

Yesterday it was more of a Gorilla on his back...

have to say I love my Fulcrums...

Who, Mr 2nd?

Yup and not good for Garmin (one of my team picks...)

I agree - BUT Froome's approach with his team is different to Wiggo. If the chance arises he will be keen for other guys to get some glory I reckon - builds team morale and loyalty...

Even less often than that - Saffer defending yellow.

Yes - Pinot! Now you're talking

Yea I guess my point was, the Green Edge boys can't relax if they get into the last 10km with the peloton together - they will need to watch EBH like a hawk.

Jens in the break with one other... Could be a good day for the break to stay away but not sure 2 guys can do it...

Wonder if Boasson Hagen might just try take a dip at getting away in the last few k's to take those 3 secs....? Wouldn't be a sky priority to take the jersey (when they expect to get it tomorrow) but EBH may just be on the lookout for an opportunity...

cycle tech in kyalami managed to sort my broken fulcrum spokes in a couple of days earleir this yr... (after a fall) Maybe the shops rather than the agents then?

have to say something doesn't seem quite right here, but I'd rather examine this for an extended period than a bunch of palm trees...

Must say that q Must say that was an impressive bunny hop manouvre on the traffic circle to skip past about 3 cars... Was a bit worried for him as he returned to the road though - all got a little close and he was relying on the Astana car (I think) to see him... Reckon the red mist was driving him at this point!

thats better... the morning addition on my desk is not up to scratch....

Yup I am ducking at 1.30. Not everyday you get to watch your countryman defend yellow at the Tour.

hehe I also took that photo - its my desktop for the day...