Tour update

The second rest day is up us and looking back its been an interesting tour. I think we're all still getting use to how the tour unfolds post Armstrong. He was so dominant, bullying the peloton, deciding who could attack and who his boys should reel in. Its great now to see a few new names come to the fore. Whilst Rasmussen has been impressive, Contador marks the new generation now that LA has retired. I'm disappointed to hear the Chicken implicated in doping (now sure about that one) but he seems to have missed tests. Testing is such a part of the athletes life now, like training, competition, news and media - it seems inconceivable that testing wouldn't be treated with the same attention to detail. Testing is like insurance, you make sure you've attended before you take on the biggest race of your life. Amazing...

Anyway, I've loved Vino's attacks - I know he's sunk, but he's a proud athlete and he's out to show the world that he's the strongest overall. I'm sure he'll feature in tomorrows stage...maybe dropping off the end again.

Also enjoyed the crowd shots - naked runners, blokes dressed as chickens, whole groups of orange clad Euskatel supporters, great stuff.

So, looks like Rasmussen will bag yellow all the way to Paris, with Contador second and probably Evans or Kloeden third. Sit tight, still some fun to be had.