Tour de France - Stage 9 - SPOILER

[Keith Oates]

Today could be the hardest day so far with 7 categorised climbs to overcome and an uphill finish at the end. Could it be another break away win or will one of the favorites take the top step at the finish? The potential overall winners seem to be keeping a good eye on each other and so this will make it even more difficult for Contador to grab back some time before the mountian stages start to bite. I'll be very surprised if TH is in yellow tonight but it's possible Cadel Evans could get to wear it after today and through the rest day tomorrow.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Stig-OT-Dump]

IS it just me that thinks Alberto isn't as "prepared" this year. Maybe even the hint of plastics in his blood samples would be enough to persuade CAS that he should be stripped of everything. And after his soft attack yesterday I was disappointed that Schleck didn't throw one right back at him. I reckon Andy needs a dose of HTFU.

 

[lilolee]

They were just testing each other. There was little point going for it yesterday as they were never going to make up much time. Same for today,

CE for Yellow and PG to win and almost make it impossible for Cav to get the Green. A break away will get to the intermediate first but get caught before the finish.

 

[Crackle]

Andy Schleck has not impressed in previous races this year, Contador is either acting or looks tired, Evans looks at ease but really we don't know yet and probably won't until stage 12.

 

[naffets]

todays stage has some tough climbs but too far off the finish for anyone on gc to give it a dig, similiar to yesterday breakaway to succeed again or gilbert to grab glory again???

 

[Dayvo]

I think Contador is deliberately cycling within his limits. He was sublime in the Giro and is just eyeing up the opposition before he makes his charge.

I think Gilbert will finish the day in yellow, unless Evans plays a blinder, of which he is more than capable of.

But I daresay there will some unpredictable happenings somewhere along the route.

 

[Keith Oates]

Contador has had yet another crash but seems to be unhurt and is back in the peleton after changing his bike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Dayvo]

Terrible crash that looks to have finished Vino's hopes of finishing the tour.

 

[User169]

vino off the side of the road and into the trees. Doesn't look too flash. One or two others down as well.

 

[User169]

Van den broek out by the looks of it.

 

[mcshroom]

ITV website reporting Van den Broek was persuaded back onto his bike but then collapsed again

Also saying Millar was getting medical attention

 

[Keith Oates]

So many crashes in this first week of the race, is this just bad luck or are the raods not suitable to accommodate such a large number of cyclists. Maybe Rudehomme has made an error of judgement when planning these early stages!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mcshroom]

Millar's now doing water duty so he must be feeling ok

 

[fossyant]

Vino is not well - fractured femur, Willems - collarbone, Zabriskie - fractured wrist and Van den Broeck fractured shoulder blade.

Blimey.

Updates via Android TDF app

 

[yello]

Reports are that Vino has broken his elbow and pelvis. As he was retiring at the end of this season, I suspect that's the last time we'll see him on a bike. Love him or loathe him, he's a gutsy rider and I'd not wish anyone's final ride to end up in injury.