Tour de France Stage 10 Wrap-up and More Mountains Today

Yesterday's first day in the Alps was wonderful - filled with great bike racing, hard climbs and heart-stopping descents. Quick-Step Floor's Julian Alaphillipe won the 10th stage by putting out a blistering pace and holding on throughout the massive peaks. The yellow jersey stayed with Greg van Avermaet for one more day, but Sky pulled together, keeping both Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas in good position to make a move. Nairo Quintana also seemed very comfortable as the riders forced their way up and down these massive peaks. 

It's the first uphill finish in this year's race and Chris Froome
will want to be very much in the rankings. Count on Sky to
push on this stage, getting both Froome and Geraint Thomas
to the end in a fast time. 

Today we're surrounded by mountains - lots and lots of them. It's a short stage, only 108 km, but so very intense with two HC peaks, one 1 and one 2. Steep, rugged, hard uphills and flying downhills, it sets the stage for tomorrow's classic ending on Alpe d'Huez. 

The final peak for today is a Cat 1, and the uphill
finish will really push the riders to the edge.
Today is the day when the Yellow jersey
will likely move to a different rider, but it's
been worn well by Greg van Avermaet. 

The standings after Stage 10 had no change for the Yellow Jersey, but coming in at a solid second place was Geraint Thomas, even though he was stuck to Chris Froome for the day. Froome, himself, is currently in 6th position overall. Adam Yates is doing well this year, he's currently placed in 7th. Vincenzo Nibali is currently 9th. Some very good riders in the top 10 right now. The peloton hasn't cracked yet, but it's coming. 

Congratulations to Stage 10 winner, Julian Alaphillipe. It was
a hard ride, but he performed brilliantly, going as fast
as 55 mph on the downward slopes. Scary and so fun. 

Well, I'm going to wrap this up and head out to the swimming pool. Our heat wave has backed off a bit, so it's at least comfortable sleeping weather, and all in all, in spite of the fact that I'm working on what would be my normal "day off", I'm hanging in there. Have a wonderful Wednesday. I'll be back to spotlight one of my favorite peaks, Alpe d'Huez, tomorrow.