Tour De France Stage 18

Once up Alpe-d’Huez  is enough to wipeout any cyclist. Twice up it, as the Tour is doing today is nearly insane! This has never been done in the Tour de France before. Team Sky is looking good on the front on the first ascent of the Alpe. Tejay Van Garderen is off the front and with an 8 minute lead over the main group and has a chance to stay away for the stage win if he can hold this lead at the top. The downhill is very tricky and the peloton will not have an advantage on the descent before the second ascent. Thomas Voeckler  is off the front of the main group and always looks like he is in pain when he rides; huffing and puffing. The French love Thomas for how hard he attacks on these climbs. Team Sky still has four riders at the front in support of the race leader, Chris Froome. Voeckler has cracked and if he slows down more he’ll fall over. Andy Schleck goes off the front but being down 23 minutes is no real threat to the leader. Sky keeps on ticking off a steady tempo. The descent on the back side of the Alpe is a real challenge. Riblon was fortunate on the descent to have a shoulder to ride onto after he misjudged a turn. This final climb is a real test. Tejay is trying to hold on for the stage win. Richie Ports has to be the best teammate every! He’s fighting hard to stay with Froome and help him. The crowds are crazy. In what other sport can a spectator get so close? Riblon passes Tejay. A French victory is in sight. Tejay gave it a good go and should get the compativity award for the day. A great win for Riblon. Froome has a good ride (not the best) but still holds on to the lead. Look out for Nario Quintana tomorrow.