Huge Mountainous Day

Team TIBCO’s Emma Mackie “tentait la première offensive”. C’est vrai–Emma started the action today by launching the first attack at 23-kilometers in.
Ruth at top of climb with yesterday’s winner in “étape sept”.
Then at about 30-kilometers, a group of riders broke away with Yellow Jersey rider Emma Pooley. Our own Ruth Corset was in pursuit not far behind. But, the going was tough because today’s stage from Limoux to Roquefeuil contained the ugliest hill climb of the Tour. Well, actually it was two huge, brutal climbs that come one right after the other. After what seems like the endless climb to the Col du Portel, you get to a flat bit. It’s there that you realize you have completed only the first mountain and still face the Col du Coudons.

Amanda Miller reported that the double hit of mountains seemed designed to break the spirits of the riders.

Ruth Corset was able to stay with the leaders on the climb. But, lost contact with the leaders on the descent which favored bigger, heavier riders. Ruth was sighted with USA Cycling Team rider Katheryn Mattis, who won yesterday’s stage in Castelnaudry, near the top of the second climb, the Col du Coudons at 67-kilometers into today’s race.

Some bad news: Rebecca Much took ill and was forced to abandon.

Today’s Quiz:
Our Sougnier prepares water bottles for today’s stage. (see photo at right) Can you guess how many bottles will be used by our team of six riders?

If you think you know, send your answer to us here. You could win an autographed from Team TIBCO bike jersey–trés chic. We’ll choose a winner from among the correct answers.

Karen of Santa Rosa, California knew that a “bisous” is a polite, hello kiss. Karen won a gift packge from ProTech Skin care–great stuff for athletes. Check it out here.

That was way too easy based on all the correct answers we received. So, today’s question “ce plus difficulté”