A Frenchman is leading a bike race?Yes, yes, I remember Thomas Voeckler (in fact, he's 3rd after Tuesday's second stage of the Dauphiné Libéré).
But it is Philippe Gilbert (Française des Jeux; photo by Graham Watson) who wears the yellow jersey after joining an early breakaway in the 203km and now holds a 5-minute lead in this traditional warm-up race for the Tour de France.
Gilbert finished more than five minutes ahead of the peloton on a generally flat stage from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Saint-Galmier in eastern France.
The break group built up a substantial advantage, but only Gilbert was able to hold it.
"This is remarkable," said Gilbert, probably in French, yes? "It's incredible. I've never had the leader's jersey in an event of this caliber. I had no idea the day would end like this, but I was very motivated."
Naturally (or unaturally, depending on how you want to view cyclists these days), Gilbert was asked about the current Spanish doping scandal.
He did not like the question.
"We don't care about that. What interests me is this victory. Leave us alone to enjoy our champagne when we win. We want to savor this victory, they don't come along very often."
Yup, he's French.
The GC:
1. Philippe Gilbert (B), Française des Jeux, at 9:57:13
2. Fabian Wegmann (G), Gerolsteiner, at 5:22
3. Thomas Voeckler (F), Bouygues Telecom, at 5:27
4. David Zabriskie (USA), CSC, at 5:27
5. Egoi Martinez (Sp), Discovery Channel, at 5:27
6. George Hincapie (USA), Discovery Channel, at 5:27
t-o-3,
ReplyDeleteThe french will even be more peeved when they find out Gilbert is actually a Belgian who rides for a French team.
You know, I should have checked. Not like me. But I shoulda known!
ReplyDeleteA Frenchman can't be leading a bike race! Then the French would have to lay off OBL!