When the Jersey Attacks

I read about it at work, but I wanted to wait until I saw the finish on the tele to see how the finale actually played out.

Allow me to break out a David Letterman expression, "My, Oh My."

I still can't believe what I just saw, and I'm betting that's what the remainder of the field was saying after the Maillot Jaune crossed the finish line on what was this Tour's longest day.

My disbelief isn't because the winner of Stage 3 didn't come from the early break of four, as "cat and mouse play" close to the line is usually the downfall for those that make the race but don't end up winning it.

I'm mostly perplexed by the reaction or lack thereof from the peloton and the sprinters. On a day where it seemed that the entire peloton was sleeping walking [riding] or napping in class only Fabian Cancellara (CSC) dared to raise his hand and say "I'm awake, I'd like to answer the question."

Photo:CorVos/Pezcyclingnews

Its not exactly the first time in Tour history that the yellow jersey has attacked the peloton. One of my favorite images hanging on my wall is of Eddy Merckx, in yellow, flat out and solo on one of the final stages of the Tour de France. Talk about exclamation points!

But Cancellara's victory today wasn't about making such statements. His defense of his jersey was admirable, but it certainly pales in comparison to the way Thomas Voeckler turned himself inside-out to defend his in 2004.

Perhaps it was a statement of indifference by the favorites who know that this battle won't win them the war, of leeriness because of yesterday's crash, of weariness after a long day [and with no medicinals to aid the riders' recovery], or of refusal by the sprinters to provide a wheel for their competition to latch on to and help spring them for the victory. I don't know.

This isn't an attempt to diminish Cancellara's talent, willingness, and flat out speed. He certainly deserved the win in Compiègne and to wear the leader's jersey. Afterall, he was the only one who seemed to remember that there was a race going on today, and at the perfect time.