Geez German’s annoy me. If they are not starting wars, committing genocide, or building walls right down the middle of their capital, then they are beating the world at sport. This was no better exemplified than in Stage 10 of this years Tour, a 161km flat stage from Aurillac to Carmaux when German Andre Greipel took his first ever Tour de France stage win. In the process, he beat fierce and bitter rival Mark Cavendish into second. Green jersey candidate Jose Joaquin Rojas completed the podium in third, just ahead of World Champion Thor Hushovd in 4th.
Credit must go to Greipel who was out powered by both Cavendish and Alessandro Pettachi on the most recent sprint finish (Stage 7). That day he went early and faded late, but this time he got his sprint absolutely right. The HTC-High Road team of Cavendish had destroyed themselves chasing down Phillipe Gilbert and Thomas Voeckler in the final 3km as the Green and Yellow jersey wearers made last ditch attempts at would have been a famous victory. But they were reeled in by the sprint hungry HTC machine, in the process leaving Cavendish isolated with only one lead out man. That left the Manxman exposed, and Greipel took full advantage. This time it was Cav who went too early. Greipel got into his slipstream – pulled out at the right moment – and powered over the top of the missile to win in a photo finish. It was a brilliant ride and good luck to him. But I still don’t like the guy.
There was no change in the overall classification race with Thomas Voeckler retaining his grip on the yellow jersey with relative ease – Johnny Hoogerland did likewise with the polka dot jersey as did Robert Gesink with the White. Philippe Gilbert maintained his hold over the Green jersey, although his ill advised attempted at a breakaway victory allowed Rojas to close the gap at the top of this competition.
Apart from that, little else happened on what was pretty much a regulation sprint stage. None of the GC contenders lost any time and Alberto Contador showed no real ill effects of his supposed knee injury.
Yellow Jersey – Thomas Voeckler
Polka Dot Jersey – Johnny Hoogerland
Green Jesrey – Jose Joaquin Rojas
White Jesrey – Robert Gesink
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