(07-19-2022, 09:16 PM)americus 2.0 Wrote: To start it off I have to say this year's Tour we France has been exceptional. The rider everyone thought would run away with it, two time TdF winner Tadej Pogacar (UAE), has not run away with anything. He had the yellow jersey for two days when Jonas Vingegaard (Team Jumbo Visma) dropped him on a climb in stage 11, moved 2:22 ahead of Pogacar and got the yellow jersey. Pogacar has not been able to gain any time as of stage 15. We'll see what happens at the end of today's stage 16. 

The JV rider everyone thought would contest Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, was in an accident in an early stage dislocating his shoulder. He managed to pop it back in thanks to the help of a spectator's camp chair, get back on his bike and ride, but evidently also hurt his back and has not been riding to his normal standard. He pulled out of the race Sunday morning. Needless to say he has not contested anyone. 

Jonas Vingegaard, who was supposed to be Roglic's right hand man throughout the tour and help him win, has become race leader. Wout van Aert, another teammate, has turned into a beast. Well, he's always a beast. But more so during this race. 

It's just been crazy. Folks are saying the best Tour in years and here are still five days left.