Congrats to your man Ryder (great name for a bike racer) I was thinking of you when I watched him come across today. Great year for the Canadians. I agree it was a nice finish today.
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Originally Posted by EenyBear
A big shout out to home boy Ryder Hesjedel who has moved up to 8th place overall. Not bad for a gangly kid from down the street. All of Victoria (and Canada, I suspect) is very proud of you Ryder!!!
Pelicans may wish to note that he is currently the top rider from North America as well (and the Commonwealth for that matter).
So Contador (yellow jersey, overall) acquitted himself well today. When Schleck (white jersey, youth) broke away, he stayed on his tail... then he tried a break-away. Schleck dug deep into a wellspring of passion and determination... and managed to get a half a wheel ahead of Contador. At this point Contador, secure in his overall standing as the leader, simply let Schleck continue with his half wheel lead across the line for the stage win. The overall time difference between him and Schleck was not affected. Excellent sportsmanship. Very polite. Very generous. Very respectful of Schleck's efforts. Proper form. Congratulations to all.
Yes, a bit quirky perhaps to those who favor the "winning everything all the time is all the matters" point of view. But these athletes have a tremendous affection for the sport, the Tour specifically... and (in many cases) for each other - and a deep respect for the traditions that enable the finest cyclists in the world to challenge each other in the most challenging long-distance bicycle race in the world.
Peace.
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