The Drubbing

The cycling world, and those following the action to see what Lance Armstrong does, have been treated to some great racing through the first eight stages of this years Tour de France. Armstrong riding with team Astana is currently in third place after stage 8 which concluded today in Saint Girons in Southern France. Armstrong’s rival, and teammate, Alberto Contador is two seconds ahead in second place.

There was a brief moment during the final climb today where it looked like Armstrong, Contador, and other elite riders may pull ahead and a new overall leader would dawn the famed yellow jersey. That moment was brief indeed.

Rinaldo Nocentini was able to stay within striking distance as he steadily chipped away at the peloton’s lead. Nocentini finished in the main pack and the overall standings remain for the most part unchanged. Stage winner Luis-Leon Sanchez was a member of an early breakaway group that went unchased by the main contenders. Sanchez battled within a group of 4 riders during the mostly flat finish and emerged with a slight victory.

Stage 9, Sunday may have more action from the likes of Armstrong and Contador, but the day could turn out to be fairly uneventful like today was. In a recent interview I saw on versus.com, Armstrong eluded to the fact that he and his team will have future opportunities where they will be able to attack and make gains on their competitors.

If Armstrong doesn’t need to react, or chooses not to forge an attack, Sunday, the future opportunities he mentions may be coming during the Stages (starting next Sunday, Stage 15) in the Alps. Armstrong, in past tour wins, has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the climbs the Alps present.

Going back to my post prior to the start of the ’09 tour I stated that Armstrong would not accept a support role lightly. It appears Contador is prepared to challenge Armstrong and not let the 7 time champ intimidate him, either. When looking at the race so far, I believe Armstrong, who is returning from retirement, is taking his time and is waiting to make his move.

Armstrong hasn’t shown any signs of weakness and may be testing the waters to see what the so-called competitors have to offer. It makes perfect sense to take his time, stay within striking distance, and then when Armstrong senses a moment of weakness from Contador, or someone else, pounce on the opportunity and show the world what a great rider he is.

Stage 9 will be fun, but stay tuned as the next mountain stages in the Alps should prove to be a more decisive stretch in the race. It’s only a matter of time, but Armstrong is in a great position to reclaim the yellow jersey that he wore so prominently in years past.