Saturday served up one epic day in the Tour de France and nobody could say they were disappointed. While nobody anyone was predicting to win actually won the big names were all up there battling for their positions in the overall standings. As it actually turned out the two most impressive riders on the day, Contador and Andy Schleck who appeared to be climbing with some kind of ease compared to the rest were the only ones who’s overall positions were not overly threatened. Armstrong meanwhile followed everything Frank Schleck did while 4th place man going into the day Bradley Wiggins fought like a dog to the bitter end just to keep close to his rivals and sustain his 4th place. He did it, but just about scrambling up the last kilometer while watching his rivals gradually pull away … he crossed the line close enough to to maintain his position and dash Frank Schleck’s hopes of moving up one place. It also confirmed Armstrong as a podium finisher on his comeback to the Tour de France … an incredible effort.

It was a climb that went on forever and a climb one by Juan Manuel Garate of Rabobank who attacked much earlier than everyone else and managed to stay away as the big boys closed in on him rapidly. He battled the entire climb with Tony Martin a young German who has impressed a lot of people in this Tour only shedding him in the final stages of the climb.

The only complaint anyone might have had was that the big two leaders on the GC were not trying to beat one another for the Yellow jersey. Andy Schleck had all but accepted that the Yellow jersey was gone going into this stage and when the route was announced months and months ago, I think a lot of people believed the Yellow jersey would still be fought over going into this climb. But the hundreds of thousands of fans that lined the climb didn’t care too much and were treated to some fine racing.

Watching what must easily have been 500,000 people on the edge of the Ventoux just showed exactly what the Tour de France is all about: Thousands of fans from countries all over the world on the edge of the mountain, having been there for days before likely, and cheering every single rider up and over the climb whether he rode for your favorite team or not. It was a magical sight, one of the great sights in sport.

So all that was left following this big ride was a cruise into Paris to end the three weeks of grueling racing the riders have been through. It’s been a joy to watch.

Read more about: Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck, Bradley Wiggins, Frank Schleck, Juan Manuel Garate, Lance Armstrong, Mount Ventoux, Tour de France | ALL SUBJECTS |

............................................................................................................................................................................