Stage Fifteen: The Froomeyous Bandit Snatches Prize on Mt. Ventoux

I just couldn’t help myself with that headline!  (Apologies to Lewis Carrol.)

One huge story and one Nail-in-the Coffin story in today’s stage.

Huge Story: Chris Froome (Sky) snatches back all the time, and more, which he lost in the stage to Lyon; and adds his name to the short list of select riders who have conquered the Giant of Provence in the Tour de France.  Four more mountain stages remain, plus a time trial with two category 2 climbs, but the Yellow Jersey looks to be permanently tattooed on Froomey’s shoulders.  Bauke Mollema (Belkin) and Alberto Contador (Saxo) still claim the other two GC podium spots, but eight other riders are within striking distance, including one each of their teammates: Roman Kreuziger (Saxo) and Laurens Ten Dam (Belkin).  They had better not overlook Nairo Quintana (Movistar) who came closest to beating Froome for the stage win today.

The “Nail-in-the-Coffin” was pounded home by Peter Sagan (Cannondale) for the Green Jersey.  He alone of the Big Three sprinters jumped into today’s breakaway, where he scored the 20 points maximum at the intermediate sprint, while André Greipel (Lotto) and Mark Cavendish (Omega) collected only minor points, thus neutralizing the gains Cavendish made two days ago.  With only the final flat stage to Paris remaining as a “sprint stage,” no realistic scenario exists for Cavendish or Greipel to catch the wheely-popping Sagan.

Two big prize jerseys remain undecided.  The White Jersey for young riders, and the Polka-dot Jersey for climbers.  Froome currently leads the climbers, with Quintana, Mikel Nieve (Euskaltel) and Pierre Rolland (Europcar) the closest challengers.  With big points available  for 22 climbs over the next five stages, the Polka-dot Jersey could go to someone not currently on the radar screen.  But Froome, riding near the front to protect his Yellow Jersey, could double his current total.  Quintana riding close to Froome to protect his White Jersey and to reach the GC podium will likely also double his total.  Translation: Nieve, Rolland or anyone else coveting the Polka-dot Jersey will need to ride as if they were defending (or at least challenging) the Yellow Jersey.  You might say it’s going to be an uphill battle.

Quintana has a solid grip on the White Jersey, but Mikal Kwiatkowski (Omega) could take that away with another strong time trial.  American Andrew Talanski (Garmin) still holds 3rd place for this prize, but today he failed to capitalize on his gains of yesterday, falling back to a deficit of 6'45".  His last time trial was faster than Quintana’s, but not 6 minutes faster; and he was slower than Kwiatkowski.  If Talanski wants the White Jersey, he will need to attack in the mountains, and probably more than once.

 As the road leaves Bédoin, it enters the Mt. Ventoux forest, climbing constantly, but at least with some shade . . .

 As the forest thins out, you can see the valley below, and you realize how high you have already climbed . . .

 On the steep switch-backs, you will be out of the saddle, just to keep moving forward . . .

 But for Nan Kennard, Olympic-class athlete, it seems to be just a cheerful morning warm-up ride!

 Enjoy the shade while it lasts . . .



Because you will soon be above the tree-line, looking down on Bédoin and the valley you left 18 Km ago.

Finally, you round a corner, and you see the summit!  All doubt vanishes, and you KNOW you can conquer the Giant of Provence, the legendary windy mountain, le Mont Ventoux!  (Credits: Riders: Ashley and Matt Jensen, Nan and Aaron Kennard; Event: Papa Duck's Tour de France, May 2011.)