Good things are happening today in the tour..

[RC Vikings]

Sastre is making Rabobank work hard today. It could help Disco put some time on Rasmussen during the last climb.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

Sastre is making Rabobank work hard today. It could help Disco put some time on Rasmussen during the last climb.

Sadly, bad things are happening as well. Velonews is reporting (from L'Equipe) that a rider tested positive for testosterone on last Thursday's stage to Montpelier. The riders tested that day included Rasmussen. The UCI is going to have a press conference later today about it.,

[RC Vikings]

Originally Posted by creekster

Sadly, bad things are happening as well. Velonews is reporting (from L'Equipe) that a rider tested positive for testosterone on last Thursday's stage to Montpelier. The riders tested that day included Rasmussen. The UCI is going to have a press conference later today about it.,

I'm not sure what would cause a bigger black eye for the tour, to have Rasmussen win or have him thrown out while leading the race. Personally I would like to see him tossed and it sounds like most of the riders do also.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by RC Vikings

I'm not sure what would cause a bigger black eye for the tour, to have Rasmussen win or have him thrown out while leading the race. Personally I would like to see him tossed and it sounds like most of the riders do also.

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I think he should be tossed, even without a positive test. Velonews also said at the beginning of the stage there was some sort of protest about Rasmussen.

They reported:

1:02 PM Today's stagebegan with a riders' protest, from teams expressing frustration at yesterday's news of a positive doping test from Alexander Vinokourov. The teams were also angry that the Tour is being led by a man many regard as suspicious.

[RC Vikings]

Originally Posted by creekster

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I think he should be tossed, even without a positive test. Velonews also said at the beginning of the stage there was some sort of protest about Rasmussen.

I would be happy with Contador, Evans and Leipheimer up on the podium when it was all said and done.

[creekster]

The thingi is that without the drug issues Rasmussen has ridden well and has deserved the maillot Jaune. I just can't get past the drug isues, however. It seems pretty unlikely that anyone will catch Skeletor for yellow, but Levi has a chance to podium still, but he'll need the ITT of his life and he will need contador or Evans or both to not do well. Now we just wait for the announcement of the drug result later today.

[SteelBlue]

I thought Levi had a great ride today, he just doesn't go away. I know some have expressed disappointment in him this year, but I think it's unwarranted. He's having his best Tour ever.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

I thought Levi had a great ride today, he just doesn't go away. I know some have expressed disappointment in him this year, but I think it's unwarranted. He's having his best Tour ever.

I concur. Realistically one could not expect more from Levi than he has delivered here.

[creekster]

Originally Posted by Adam

But you noticed they did not show the protest--wanting to keep the bad news away from the people.

Very honestly I didn't get up in time to see th ebeginning of the stage, so I am not sure. I am not sure exatrcly what they are protesting, to tell you the truth, but it does seem like a very French thing to do.