... things also become clearer on this tour:
- Armstrong has put together a top team. Having 4 helpers on the second category 1 climb is certainly comfortable. Almost too comfortable.
- Klöden is in top form. You can forget about Ullrich - getting such a time penalty in the first mountain stage is bitter. Maybe Klöden should go for the overall victory. Ullrich might still be useful as a helper...
- Hamilton is not as strong as last year. And his team is not particularly well set up for the mountains.
- Voeckler is brave, but will definitely lose his jersey in the mountains. But he's already seen that himself. Still, an amazing performance from him and his team! I'm happy for them to keep the yellow jersey as long as they can.
- CSC also has a top team. Basso and Sastre are both in good shape. Having two leaders this far up front is a good sign. Riis still knows how it's done - even as sports director. And the stage victory is well deserved, I think.
- The collapse of Spanish cycling has left wounds: none of the teams could really impress on the climb. Sure, IBB has inherited some good riders, but is that really enough? First they need to become a real team. That said, Menchov and Mancebo are also dangerously good riders on their own.
- Where is Euskatel? Where are the climbing goats? Where is Mayo? Yes, I know, a minute behind Armstrong. Exactly. A whole minute. Okay, significantly less than Ullrich's 2:30...
- The dark horse Heras will probably flop rather than shine. It won't be so easy to turn an elite helper into a Tour winner.
- Totschnig seems to be in good shape in the mountains. However, he's probably lacking the helpers.
Has Armstrong already won the Tour? No, it would be too early for that. But this year he probably has different rivals than last year. And Ullrich too: he's not fighting for victory this year. He's just fighting for a podium place overall.