Rest Day # 1
The riders enjoyed their first day off as they contemplate reaching the foot of the Pyrenees that determine the eventual tour winner. The 169.5 km from Bordeaux to Dax will mark the last flat stage before riders set out to conquer the Pyrenees. They will need the rest and the time off to re-energise their bodies and minds. The tour will challenge the cyclists to place mind over matter in their ordeal through the imposing ranges of the Pyrenees. The tour consists of five mountain stages, two in the Pyrenees and three in the Alps separated by three days in the plains and a day's rest. Of these, only the first and the last end in a descent. The three other stages will offer no second chances to those left behind, as they end at the top of the mountains. The mountain ranges will test the ability of the riders and their teams, as they need to work in cohesion even as they assert their individual dreams.
The leader Honchar is expected to be severely challenged by Floyd Landis who has paced his race brilliantly all tour. Levi Leipheimer has been the biggest casualty of the fancied pack, as he lost a chunk of time during Sunday's time trial. Despite superior climbing abilities, it must be said that he is no longer a contender.
We can now look forward to an exciting stage nine, as the players set the tone for the ascent that beckons their every muscle and sinew.
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