Alpe d'Huez x 2

[opinionated ow]

What an absolutely extraordinary stage! The finish, the climb, the GC battle, the crowd, the scenery, the noise, the atmosphere. It is just out of this world. Just wow.

[Napoleon]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/07/16/sports/cycling/the-double-ascent-of-alpe-dhuez.html?hpw

[Opposite Lock]

Today's stage...

Going up Alpe d'Huez ONCE is epic, but making them do it TWICE in the same stage?! :eek:

TVG put up one hell of a battle. Still not sure whether his chain jam on the first descent was real, or whether it was strategic to get a bike with a more advantageous gear cluster in anticipation for the second ascent.

Either way, Contador still sucked compared to Froome. :laugh:

PS: Froome's domestique Richie Porte = :thumbup:

[opinionated ow]

Nairo Quintana is my new favourite male cyclist. That smile on his face when he got the white jersey yesterday said so much