Awards and citations:


1997: Le Prix du Champagne Lanson Noble Cuvée Award for investigations into Champagne for the Millennium investment scams

2001: Le Prix Champagne Lanson Ivory Award for investdrinks.org

2011: Vindic d'Or MMXI – 'Meilleur blog anti-1855'

2011: Robert M. Parker, Jnr: ‘This blogger...’:

2012: Born Digital Wine Awards: No Pay No Jay – best investigative wine story

2012: International Wine Challenge – Personality of the Year Award




Thursday 10 July 2014

2014 Tour de France: after the carnage un peu de répos?

Arras to Reims: 194 kms

I wouldn't be surprised if after yesterday's very tough stage over the cobbles in foul conditions the peloton decides to take it relatively easy today on the 194 kms stage from Arras to Reims. On paper it is a day for a bunch sprint in Reims and the Tour's recent visits to Reims have ended in a sprint. However, the peloton may be minded to allow a break to get away and stay away today. 

Sometimes innocuous looking stages like today's turn out to be anything but, especially when a strong cross wind splits up the peloton. Today the forecast is for showers with the wind (average 22 kmh) more behind the riders than across.

Today may well end in a sprint with Marcel Kittel the obvious favourite as the finish is flat but there is just a chance that for the first time this tour a break will make it all the way to the finish. 

Overall it is very unlikely that there will be any overall changes. Vincenzo Nibali has established a nice cushion between himself and his rivals. 2012 was the last time Nibali rode the Tour when he finished third behind Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. He will be difficult to beat. Peter Sagan will probably be even more difficult to beat in the Green Jersey competition as he further stretched his lead yesterday. 

The Steephill site has great coverage and links for the Tour.

   



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