8 days to go
Carlos Sastre of the CSC team was a full minute clear of the pack in today's stage. And it was a good day altogether for Team CSC with Tyler Hamilton coming in 10th. But no change at the top, although Ulrich has cut Armstrong's lead to just 15 seconds. Not much after 55 hours of racing.
And the mind games have really kicked in too. Yesterday Armstrong tipped Ulrich for the title, but it didn't seem to have the desired effect.
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| Pair of knees |
Today was the first of 4 stages through the Pyrenees. With genuine geographical flair I referred to them earlier today as the "Western Alps". Fortunately my understanding companion was there to put me right, in characteristically forthright style.
It was only at the end of today's stage that they really hit the mountains - but the next few days are up and down all day. And then it will be back on the flat as they head north along the Pacific coastline.
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| Broadcasting par excellence |
I was listening to BBC radio this morning. Britain's national radio always lives up to its reputation for fair and unbiased reporting and this was another fine example. It went something like this:
Although seemingly unaffected by the double-break in his collar bone, Tyler Hamilton is having a disappointing Tour this year...
Brave Briton David Millar will be battling up the Pyrenees today despite having developed a nasty chest cough.
I didn't catch the name of the correspondent, but I think it may have been ex-champion Stephen Roche.
Meanwhile on Sky News, they were showing exclusive footage of Lance Armstrong uncovering that Iraqi nuke at the European Parliament on the Strasbourg stage of this year's Tour.
8:06:07 PM 
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