Backstage Pass: GP Quebéc

Backstage Pass this time at the GP Quebéc - anchored by Matt Goss the Orica GreenEDGE boys do battle with Peter Sagan. As always highly entertaining!

Double Panache!

Digging Deep!

via AG2R La Mondiale

The Queen stage did not disappoint as Christophe Riblon rode in a fabulous and passionate way to give France a victory.

Falling off a slick corner into a marsh did not deter him from chasing and passing Tejay Van Garderen, who I thought would surely win this amazing stage, to ultimately win - that's Panache!

His hard work paid off - on the following stage he wore, if not for one day, the KoMs jersey- Double Panche!

Double Panche!

via Uzurua Sunada

Froome & Brailsford post meeting after Ventoux

Chris Froome made the climb to the 1,912 metre summit of Mont Ventoux in 59 minutes – the fastest un-disqualified ascent on record. The air was so thin at the top that he had to take oxygen after he passed the finish line. With this massive win in hand, Team Sky now has to deal with the accusations from the media, 'Did he dope?"

Stage 9: Watching the Wheels Roll off the Sky

Stage 9: Into the Pyrenees.

All photos: BrakeThough Media

Garmin-Sharp vowed 'to create chaos'...

On the La Hourquette d'Ancizan, Hesjedal and Porte...

Aggressive riding by Movistar placed Valverde second overall on GC.

Garmin-Sharp sets the stage...

Martin on to a magnificent stage win!

Kadri Climbs Up; Rockin' the Polka-Dots

Kadri avec pois rouges

Blel Kadri is one point in front of Pierre Rolland in the KOMs classification. With the Pyrenees fast approaching on stage 8 the battle for the polka-dot jersey just got hotter. Are the French grimpeurs back? One things for sure, the climbers will have a  challenge on the assent pitched as the highest in the Tour... Col de Paiheres (2001m, cat HC, 15.3km at 8%). The question is who will be the first up the climb to win the Henri Desgrange prize? The stage should show who is in contention.

After today's stage 7, Blel Kadri said, “Today, the strategy was to be present in breakaways. It was important for me to take my chance because I knew that I was able to get this polka dot jersey. I’m happy to wear it now because I was really disappointed not to obtain it after the 2nd stage in Corsica, when I was tied on points with Pierre Rolland. This jersey, I didn’t get it alone. Romain (Bardet) has done a great job on the 2nd category climb. He was 3rd at the top this is what allows me to get the jersey one point ahead Pierre Rolland. The AG2R LA MONDIALE Team defends these values of solidarity and fighting spirit throughout the year and this podium rewards our collective work.

In any case, it's really great to be on the podium in front of the public, especially in Albi, where people know me. I try to enjoy this special moment. Being at the start of the first mountain stage with this jersey on my shoulders, in the Pyrenees, it will be a great moment. The team’s goal is still the overall standings with Jean-Christophe Péraud. We started well this Tour de France and I think that tomorrow there will be a rider of the AG2R LA MONDIALE Team at the the front and Jean-Christophe will be present in last kilometers!”

Let the mountains begin!

After stage 7: KOMs Classification...

.	KADRI B.	ALM	12 pts
2.	ROLLAND P.	EUC	11 pts
3.	CLARKE S.	OGE	5 pts
4.	DE GENDT T.	VCD	4 pts
5.	VOIGT J.	RLT	4 pts

Super Sagan Time!

Darryl Impey shielded and expertly guided the pocket rocket, Simon Gerrans for a saving-face stage victory on stage three. It came in due time.

Forget that two days ago, the Orica-GreenEdge bus caused mayhem but the embarrassment of 'busgate' seemed to fade to dust as Gerrans won his second Tour stage; the first for the Aussie team. 

Second place for the consecutive day was the off-form Peter Sagan, injured in stage one. He has earned with consistent finishes, the coveted green jersey but he remains optimistic for a stage win. Sagan said, "I fell in the first stage and I don't feel at my best yet. But the Tour is long and there are still a lot of good stages to come."

2-man dragster race.

Simon Gerrans is a rider that wins few races but when he does they are quality races. Peter Sagan's efforts were thwarted but super Sagan ... will return!

Le Tour leaves 3-days of scenic Corsica for the mainland!

Allez Le Tour!

photos letour.fr

Let's get in Le Tour mood!