I was thinking the same. It has been far from a "yawnfest in a dustbowl" so far. Some heroism in the leader's jersey too - which is doubly satisfying when he's leaving Bertie in the dust.
Definately a tour geared to the Spanish climbers with so many mountains, 10 uphill finishes and even the one TT had a 3rd cat climb taking up a fair amount of the 40k.
Even if rested an not tired don't think Froome could have coped. He likes long even gradients and these are uneven very steep ramping climbs.
Even if rested an not tired don't think Froome could have coped. He likes long even gradients and these are uneven very steep ramping climbs.
My pet theory: I don't think that Froome can win a grand tour without Brad any more than Brad can win one without Froome. There were points in the TdF when both of them started to lose it on climbs and the other took it over.
Rodriguez has saved himself for this tour and has set out to win. He may be fortunate Contador has had no racing recently. I think Froome will always find it difficult against the Spaniards as will Brad. Although he has has a very long seaso N and must have tired and heavy legs.
On another note what a brilliant win for Cummings on stage 13. Fantastico.
Contador is an absolute monster. Whatever maybe eaten, drunk or injected doesn't increase the will or in his case the need to win . This makes you train / work harder and harder to achieve your goals. This man like current nemesis Lance has a stronger will to win than most.