Well, we haven't had a TdF thread since 2006, so it is about time. Stage 9 completed today through the Pyrenees. Rinaldo Nocentini is leading, and successfully defended his yellow jersey today. Thor Hushovd has the green jersey (Go Cervelo!). Alberto Contador is in second, 6 seconds behind Nocentini, and Lance is two seconds behind Alberto. Astana is currently holding 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th spots, and is the team to beat. Interesting drama within the team betwen Contador (who expected to win) and Lance (who expects to win). The other teams are trying to get them to openly compete. Contador broke out of the peleton on Saturday, when he was 19 seconds behind in the overall standings, and caught back up to Lance (who was less than a second behind the leader after stages 4, 5, and 6).

Not bad for a 37 year old father of 3, who has been retired for three and a half years. Whether he wins or not, he has proven he can ride with the twenty year olds in the mountains.

Given that he is the most-tested athlete on the tour, perhaps we can dispense with the "but he is on drugs" comments

Only thing that would make it better is if the HD feed came right through.

Anybody else watching? Who will win?

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