I don't know what was up with Andy's chain, was it a misjudgement in gearing at the "almost standing still" incline or truly a mechanical, I am not sure. But the unspoken tradition of the Tour de France for the last 97 years is to show respect for the yellow jersey, in that then when they have a mechanical issue not related to their skill level, the tradition has been to slow down and help them get back into the pack so they can all achieve the same group time. However, this year the dynamics have been very different as Lance has not dominated as some suspected he might, so since he is so obviously out as a GC contender, Contador and Schleck are in an all out battle for the win. A video of the attack shows Vino starting up past Andy and the question is did Contador just follow his lead man or did he consciously see the situation at hand and take advantage? One thing is for sure, I have not seeing booing at the podium like I did last night when Contador donned the yellow jersey. Many people are upset with Astana team members for pulling out on Andy and leaving him stranded.
Adding to the cut throat racing tactics this year is an additional factor with French racers having won 5 stages launching a resurgence of French pride in their particiaption of the Tour. Additionally, there were other fireworks brewing with Irish national Nicholas Roche and his French Ag2r team mate, John Cadret. Roche stated he wanted to" smash his head in...... and could't stand to be near him." See article at this link:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-s ... 64978.htmlSo with Andy vowing reveng in his slow simmering style, Contador acting unaffected by the whole thing, other teams losing all sense of collaboration it will be a distinctive year for the Tour de France.
