Lance Climbs Back

The all important "race of truth," the individual time trial at the Tour de France was won by Alberto Contador, cementing his almost certain Tour victory. Only a catastrophe over the next two days could change that. Andy Schleck has certainly shown himself to be a worthy opponent and will in all likelihood take second place on the podium in Paris. But that is not quite as certain, and even less so is" Who will be third? Bradley Wiggins, who has had an incredible and entirely unexpected tour still has a slight chance as does Astana teammate Andreas Kloden. But by riding an impressive time trial for a 37 year old returning to the sport after over 3 years, Lance Armstrong has returned to third in the overall standings and could well hold it over Mount Ventoux on Saturday. I think that would be pretty amazing.

Meanwhile, as the Astana soap-opera drags on, Lance and Johann Bruyneel will go their own way next year. It was announced today that they will ride for team Radio Shack, which will be a new American pro tour team. Where everyone else will be will be interesting to watch. Certainly Levi will go with them, but who else. Don't bet on Alberto.

I went out early and rode a double loop; a little tired after yesterday's ride, but I did fine. Today's 22+ miles made July the first over 400 mile month of the year.