In any case, the results are impressive:
- Virenque in the mountain jersey and as stage winner. And that on French national holiday. He also moves far forward in the overall standings - fourth place! Which makes him quite dangerous for the classification. Especially if he stays this strong in the mountains.
- Erik Zabel only not second because of Andreas Klöden - hey, the T-Mobile boys still need to practice their lead-out, the lead-out rider also needs to get out of the sprinter's line of fire!
- Zabel is now fighting for the green jersey in second place with only 10 points behind. And McEwen was probably not in the vicinity. That gives hope for further stages!
- The yellow jersey was sovereignly defended by Brioche la Boulongere and Thomas Voeckler - which should give some of the favorites food for thought.
- But the most amazing thing: a mountain stage with a Category 1 climb, and Zabel is right up front in the main field. With a damn strong position in the overall standings! That should give some of the sprinters food for thought ...
I'm already looking forward to the weekend, then I can watch the stages live again