The conditions Tuesday night were pretty much as predicted.  The temperature was 1-2 degrees cooler than predicted, but. all else was what we expected.  

Five riders shrugged off the steamy temps to challenge themselves in the Race of Truth.  Susan Andersson decided to come out after a two year break.  She gained inspiration from TdF combative strongman  Mathieu Van Der Poel when she questioned if she could keep up her pace "What would Van Der Poel do?"  It was an effective motivation as she took the Fastest Time with a blazing 25:16(23.74mph).    Ken put in a great time as usual with a time of 26:08(22.96mph).  This after putting in 100 miles of vigorous riding in the heat over weekend.   Sean Kesselring time was one second off of his ride last week.  Perhaps I should come up with the most consistent performer recognition.

I've got to keep in short since its getting late.

Quinn Simmons has really displayed the talent that we'd expect from a US champion.  I'd consider him only 2nd to perhaps VanDerPoel as the most combative rider.    He is constantly in the breakaway groups.  It wil be interesting to see how well he holds up in the big climbs in the  Pyrenees and high Alps.  

How about the body slam of the idiot woman near finish line as Abrahamsen and Schmid sprint to the line in Stage 11?  Great technique.

A gripe!   Why is it so hard for Bob and Phil to not understand the climb data ?   On the screen they post the distance of the climb....   3.5 km for example.... then say yep 7% average grade  and whoa 3500 ft of climbing!!   huh... no that was the Altitude at the top of the climb presumably. The actual climb vertical is around 800 ft.   Time and time again Phil gets it wrong.  OK.  the guy is 81 years old.  Can't someone recognize the mistake.  It's the Tour for gods sake.   Okay.  I feel better now. Time to sleep....

Brian

TT Directeur