Lance always laughs at my jokes, mostly out of sympathy
Things were pretty relaxed on the bus this morning. Last night’s movie showing turned out to be some of Koblonev’s home video’s. Let’s just saw that he is quite the videographer. I just hope the young ladies in the video signed the release forms.
After loading up on a French winner for Bastille Day, we didn’t realise it was a dumb decision until we got out on the road and found out all the Frenchies were already half-cut on champagne. So after getting over the fact that I’d had another losing bet, it was down to racing. Some of the Liquigas boys were almost disqualified today after missing the start. They apparently got “held up” on the team bus after a visit from some of the 2006 podium girls that payed them a visit.
- The Liquigas boys were a little late after a visit from some of the podium girls
We’d decided early today that if a Frenchy wasn’t going to win, we might as well pick up a stage. So we sent Sergio up the road to smoke a couple of the muppets and bring home some TdF glory after an otherwise disappointing tour so far.
It really was a go slow stage, with more natural breaks than normal. We pretty much stopped at every vinyard on the way for some of France’s finest brews. Half a dozen croissants and 3 bottles of bubbly later, we thought we’d better finish up the stage. I can’t image what the commentators crapped on about today, but I’m sure Phil and Paul discussed the history of bridge architecture for an hour or two before cutting to more images of castles.
- Sergio showing that Petacchi wasn’t the only rider who like a cone after victory
I had a good chat with Cadel today about the massive stage events from yesterday. He confirmed that he was crying like a little bitch after the stage because of how much he was punished by his missus on the rest day. His poor nuts must have been milked dry. It’s enough to make any man cry.
As soon as we all hit the finish line, you can imagine the celebrations began. Johan was seen driving the team car across the line hanging out the window sculling a bottle of champas and yelling out “woohoo”. It must have been quite a relief to him.
Tonight, it is all about the French national day, so to celebrate, we are getting some of France’s finest to celebrate. The boys at FDJ have organised the ladies for us, so fingers are crossed, because usually they deliver.
Back tomorrow for what looks to be a sprint stage and since there are not many left, I think the teams of the sprinters will take control. We’ll probably send a break up the road to crush themselves for some tv time, usually from Footon Servetto. Maybe throw in some ethnic minorities into the break for that international feel to the race.
