Stage 9, from Vielha val d'Aran > Andorre Arcalis, was a proper mountain stage. 184.5KM is a pretty long stage, never mind the five categorized climbs of the day - 1 x Cat 2, 3 x Cat 1 and an HC mountain-top finish at 2,240M.
Those are the kind of numbers that test the arithmetic skills of all sprinters. Coefficients, gradients, average speeds, wind - even the temperature all play a part in calculating how to get to the end of the stage just before the time cut-off.
Dan did his job again today, a day that saw three more race abandons. He finished 186th on the road, in a huge gruppetto that came home 35:26 behind the stage winner. Tomorrow is a very welcome rest day.
Also in Blog
Most Liveable Place Part 7: Two Years On, But What Has Changed?
It feels to us like Liverpool is a city at a crossroads. The worst pedestrian and cyclist road safety track record in the country. Deprived neighbourhoods with chronic health issues and low car ownership. Offered millions of pounds of central government funding for local transport development, the city has elected to remove an important active travel corridor prior to the publication of a review into its effectiveness. The actions of a local councillor, praised by the City Mayor, could lead to a huge reduction in local transport funding that will set the city back years. We look back at the last two years, the impact of Covid, and ask is this the end of the road for a co-ordinated active travel plan for Liverpool?
Most Liveable Place: Part 6 - Boss City ≠ Belter Neighbourhoods
Liverpool is boss. But not always. But it could be. Richard J. Dunning elaborates...
Known Unknowns: Part 10
The difficulties of Cav To The Tour
Mark Cavendish’s welcome return to victory has led to calls for the Briton to be selected for the Tour de France, including the #CavToTheTour push on Twitter. There is a considerable emotional appeal to him taking part, but is it practical?