This stage was always going to tempt an attack and 10k into the race it was none other than Jens Voigt making a break along with 10 others. Jens aggressive riding only lasted a few km when Roy passed and dropped the German rider. Roy was on a lone charge up the road when a crash involving 3 riders happened in which Samuel Sanchez came off worst with a broken collarbone and dislocated shoulder putting an end to his 2012 Tour. With around 80km to go Roy was caught by Kessiakoff and the two worked together to increase the distance on the chasing riders. Pinot launched a bid to track down the two breakaway riders and was joined by 22 others which split from the main peloton.  Pinot and Gallopin burst clear of the chasing pack but eventually Pinot proved too strong for the RSNT rider and powered towards the line. As some of the big riders of the Tour were breathing down his neck, Pinot kept his nerve and crossed the line 26 seconds in front of Evans in second. In terms of the GC contenders there was no change in the top 3.

 

 

 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bivwQSpmpEk]

 

Stage 8 results:

1 Thibaut Pinot  (FDJ)

2 Cadel Evans  (BMC)

3 Tony Gallopin  (RadioShack-Nissan)

 

Stage 9 Arc-et-Senans – Besancon (41.5km Individual Time Trial)

 

 

After 10 days of racing some may use this stage as a bit of a rest, but not those wanting to wear yellow in Paris. This stage promises to offer some spectacular views of local heritage sites along with a great opportunity for the GC contenders looking to put some extra seconds on their main rivals. Several short climbs may disrupt the hardcore time trialists ever so slightly but tangible gains are a real possibility here so expect to see Wiggins up there. There’s a rest day on Tuesday so there’ll be no holding back for the real contenders of the Tour as the riders don their skinsuits and aero positions.

TdF tipple recommendation

Today, we’re fairly close to the Swiss border in the east of France so we’re going to recommend some wine from the Cotes du Jura wine region. Vin de Paille, or straw wine, is made from grapes that have been dried to concentrate their juice. The result is similar to that of the ice wine process. Traditionally the grapes are placed indoors on straw mats for up to three months, and the final wine has 10-20% residual sugar, with flavours of peaches and apricots. Usually eaten with deserts this wine would be perfect for today’s time trial stage.

 

One’s to watch

The time trail specialists should have a field day on this stage our one to watch today being Bradley Wiggins.

Nostalgic TdF

Here we have a shot taken from the crowd during the 1953 edition of the Tour. 

 

Don’t forget you can follow our alternative Twitter commentary by following #WTdF.

If you’re feeling inspired by the Tour why not check out our offer on 2012 team kit with our current team bundle offers.



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