The Race of Truth

We take a brief break from the weather to talk about how incredible this years Tour de France is.  Three riders sit within 57 seconds of each other heading into tomorrow's 42 km time trial (a.k.a. the Race of Truth).  Several riders today gave it all and finished the race fully depleted.  Alberto Contador with his aggressive attack early in the ride, Andy Schleck who was still feeling his stage 18 victory in his leg, Cadel Evans who had to fight back from mechanical problems, Thomas Voeckler who tried desperately to keep the yellow jersey, and Pierre Rolland who rode an inspired race and in a real upset won the stage on top of the famous Alpe d'Huez.  Kudos to them all.

Twenty-one switchbacks faced by the riders on
the climb up the Alpe d'Huez.  Source: Wikipedia Commons

Tomorrow every rider will be by themselves, riding against the clock.  No hiding behind team members.  What a race it is going to be.  Will Evans make up the time, or will one of the Schlecks take it?  I don't know, but I expect all three riders to cross the finish line fully depleted.

I don't have a favorite among those three riders, but will be pulling for Levi Leipheimer to take the stage as he has had a very difficult tour this year.