Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Frank Schleck is not a name that would have been on the lips of many folks venturing to guess who would win the stage to L’Aple D’Huez. Schleck added his name to the legends of L’Alpe D’Huez making it two stage wins for CSC and a third second place for Lampre as Damiano Cundego just fell short of upending Schledck for the win. Cunego looks fiesty and is searching for a stage win in the Alps. Schleck used a well timed attack and powered away from “Il Prinicpe” to come in solo for a win.

Lampre must be Italian for second place.
Cunego, Commesso and Ballan have been bridesmaids for more times than one team should be allowed. Doe Cunego have the energy to go for another flyer tomorrow? Possibly. Maybe it is a curse put on Italians after the World Cup win. Italians were out in force with Cundego, Garzelli, Mazzoleni and Simoni in the mix for the stage. Garzelli looked formidable in the early mountains, but decided to hold on for the 17 others in the day long break. He eventually was dropped, but hooked onto the Landis/Kloden group to get third place on the day. Lampre will get their win at some point. The next two days give Damiano Cunego a few more shots at taking a mountain stage. The final sprint in Paris could be the place when Bennati could get his stage win.

The Yellow Jersey is back on Floyd Landis’ shoulders, but he could have waited one or two more stages. The Phonak team got some rest and help from Caisse D’Epargne who did lots of pace making and almost kept Oscar Periro in Yellow. Oscar lost it by only a few seconds, but this was just trying to evade the inevitable. One thing Floyd Landis has going for him is consistency. Of all of the current crop of contenders, Landis has performed well in the time trial, the Pyrennes and now the first stage in the Alps. Meanwhile Kolden faltered in the Pyrennes, but came back very strong today. Menchov looked unbeatable in the Pyrenne, but showed he is not that strong today. Menchov’s Rabobank team looked scary strong last week, but now they look like any other team. Phonak had a few guys stick around long enough to help Landis. Perdiguero set a blistering pace, while Axel Merckx ofray into the day long break allowed him to be in a great spot on the slopes of L’Alpe D’Huez.

Other contenders to consider:
Cadel Evans couldn’t come up with the performanc he needed to be a top favorite. Carlos Sastre is close enough where he could be dangerous in the next few days. Andreas Kloden looks very strong. Leipheimer put in a typically Leipheimerish performance. He is top ten, maybe top five potential, but he can never put the whole package together for a top placing.

Overall, another epic performance for L’Alpe D’Huez where nothing was very predictable. A fine win by Frank Schleck, and a glimpse of greatness from Damiano Cunego. Landis is on control and is slowly building a nice enough lead to win the Yellow Jersey and keep it in America’s hands for the eighth straight year.