Even Contador comes out of this looking good. If he'd have destroyed his rivals he'd have been accused of all sorts. Once he knew he'd lost the GC he went all-out for a stage win in the terrain that he excels in - and failed. Now he just looks fallible and human.
I agree.
Contador showed real character in attaching on the Galibier (part II). I think that - if all goes well - he is capable of 3 GT wins in a single year, but it was nice to see him struggle a little. When he got dropped on the ascent of the Galibier (part I) he dug deep to show his real character.
The most satifying aspect of this whole tour is that I can believe that the winner was drug free. The first time ever (for me) that I have such confidence.
Cadel's first public speech after taking on the MJ was to thank his dead coach
Aldo Sassi - a noted anti-drug campaigner. Nice bit of class from the guy who I never really forgave for not dedicating his
brilliant break away six years ago to
Amy Gillet.
There was a great article in my newpaper yesterday by Simon Barnes about why test cricket is the best of all possible sports. Essentially it allows the character of indiviuals to be seen and the drama is hightened by the length of the plot development. I think the TdF trumps this on both accounts. The drama of having to wait for so long till the final result was known was incredible and watching Evans mature over the years (and even the last couple of weeks) have made this one of the most enjoyable moments of my many years spectating sport. Ohh - and maybe I didn't mention it, but the fact that he is a compatriot and
Opperman is one of my all time sporting heros adds a certain frisson to the moment as well. 73 years is a long time to since that first trip took a boat load of hopeful Ozzies to Paris with dreams of success in the biggest bike race of them all, but it is worth it.
Chapeau Mr Evans.