Twice Bitten, Leaders Shy

The first day in the Pyrenees proved only to be an appetizer [and a small, cold one at that] for tomorrow's main course, the mountain top finish on Hautacam. There were no contenders slamming their fist on the table or announcing their presence with authority as we've seen in past Tours, just cautiousness and fear; fear of expending too much energy too soon, fear of showing your hand too early, or perhaps exposing your weaknesses too soon.

Riccardo Riccò (Saunier Duval - Scott), however, threw caution to the wind and won today's 224km Stage 9 from Toulouse to Bagnères de Bigorre in solo fashion.

Non-viable as a true contender for this year's General Classification, the 24-year old Italian struck with all the suddenness and quickness that characterizes his nickname, "the cobra." Riccò's decisive attack midway up the ascent of the Col d'Aspin would help him capture a second victory in this year's Tour and the minds of the tifosi, who are certainly dreaming of 2009.

No major movement in the General Classification occurred with the exception of Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner), who fell one spot down to fourth.

Results
1 Riccardo Riccò (Ita) Saunier Duval - Scott
2 Vladimir Efimkin (Rus) AG2R La Mondiale
3 Cyril Dessel (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale

General Classification After Stage 9
1 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia
2 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto
3 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
4 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner
5 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank
6 Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
7 Stijn Devolder (Bel) Quick Step
8 Oscar Pereiro Sio (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne
9 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi
10 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank

Next: Stage 10 - Monday, July 14: Pau - Hautacam (156km). The first decisive day for those contending for the GC, look for Cadel Evans (Silence - Lotto) and Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) dual to the top of Hautacam.


More:
Cyclingnews - Riccò wins second mountain stage via solo Col d'Aspin flyer alla Pantani
Velonews - The Cobra strikes on the first real mountain stage of the 2008 Tour de France

Photo: AP Photo/Laurent Rebours