As for Lance, I'd still say this bike race isn't over by any stretch of the imagination. He could still get some time back in the TT on Thursday, but getting a minute back on Mt. Ventoux can come really easily. No question though, Lance raced flat out today and Alberto by far proved to be the faster rider.

The Day's Surprises:

• I would have to say that I was surprised to not see Lance stay closer. I thought he could've matched anyone out there better, except for Contador.

• I was surprised that Sastre caught back up after getting dropped – that was the most impressive thing I've seen out of him for this whole Tour.

• Bradley Wiggins put in a world class effort. Who knew that a track racer could climb so well?

• Although it wasn't a surprise, how beautiful was it watching Cancellara today? Fabian was a bad ass on that climb to Verbier today.

• Kloden must be happy with his performance today and that he has a chance to be on the podium in Paris. Today he showed he can climb and suffer and after his ride in the TT at Monaco we know he can hold his own Thursday in Annecy. Unfortunately, losing Levi will hurt Kloden because he'll be having to do more work in the mountains now.

I think it was obvious after today that the fatigue from two weeks of racing has start to set in. The rest day tomorrow will be good, it will help ensure that the boys are rested up for the all out war to come later this week.

I remember when I raced to Verbier in 1987 when 7-Eleven won the Tour de Swiss. Well, actually, I don't remember much because I was suffering so bad trying to hang on. I wish I would've looked up because just maybe the spectacular scenery around here would've taken my mind off the pain just a little bit. ..then again, I don't think anything could've done that!

So the news on the street that really isn't news is that Lance has formed a new team and Contador isn't on it! Look for Lance to possibly gain back some time on that big descent on Tuesday. Everyone knows that Lance has some mad biking skills and that's just the sort of road where he can prove it....until then, I remain your ever lovin' Blabstack and into the Valley of the Schloogs we go!!