Death Of The Curse. There is a theory within cycling circles that the person who is the current world champion (and thus wearer of the Rainbow Jersey) is stricken by a curse, meaning their season in the Bands is a poor one. That appears to have changed.
For two years in a row, the defending world champion, and wearer of the Rainbow Jersey has held the Yellow Jersey at the Tour. Last year, despite a broken arm from a crash on the stage, Cadel Evans rode to the yellow jersey at the Tour.
And now, with the Garmin dream run continuing, on Stage 4 Thor Hushovd has bullocked his way into a hyper elite selection at the top of a climb that he had no right to be in, and has defended his Yellow Jersey brilliantly.
Yesterday was an essentially flat stage that ended with a 2km kicker averaging over 6% grade, in which all of the big hitters came out to play trying to ensure none of their immediate rivals gained time on them.
George Hincapie set the scene with a massive turn for Cadel at the bottom of the hill, and stringing the whole peloton out as a result. Jurgen Van Den Broeck had a shot, then Contador put in a devastating attack, which was covered by Cadel, finally Gilbert dropped the hammer, again Cadel had enough, went again, and only Contador could match him, but… not quite!
And all along, Hushovd just kept on trucking, making each selection as it happened. A truly brilliant ride. Chapeau.
In Velogames, I’m going woefully sitting 3rd last. Tom Hopper (ex-Garmin mechanic) and Rob Brown (gun physio) are smashing up the top of the ladder, with Rhysco & Alan Sherborne in touch. At the other end of the ladder, Sam Conrad, Troy Fidler & Tim Collins are keeping me company at the back of the pack.
In CyclingCentral, we’re still waiting on the results. Tick tick tick!! Anyhoo, onwards and upwards (the sooner it goes up the better — my squad men are more climbers than sprinters).