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Thursday, July 17, 2008
By Yokota Fritz
Don't read this if you're waiting for the highlights video later tonight.
First the fun news: Team Columbia's Mark Cavendish sprinted for his third stage win today in the 105 mile 12th Stage from Lavelanet to Narbonne, showing that a team with a strong bio passport anti-drug program can still win and beat the cheaters. Silence Lotto's Cadel Evans retains the overall lead in spite of getting hung out to dry by his teammates who couldn't hang with the peloton towards the end of the stage. Julian Dean of Garmin-Chipotle/H30 -- another team with a bio passport program -- placed 9th in the field of 158 finishers. Team Columbia, Silence-Lotto, and Garmin-Chipotle are in first, second and third places respectively.
Some more commentary on today's stage and Ricco's bust:
The big news today was of course the loss of Stupido Ricco, who demonstrated that his poor judgment when he runs his mouth is as bad as his judgment otherwise. Also, it is too much to have two amazing mountain stages in a row. Saunier Duval became the first team to withdraw, which makes me wonder what they caught Ricco with.
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