This here is the man of the hour, Thomas Voeckler.
He's had the yellow jersey since last week and at this point it doesn't seem like he's going to lose it. The thing is, though, he doesn't believe he will keep it and take the Tour. In fact, he said he has a "zero percent chance" of winning! Meanwhile, Frank Schleck is sitting in second, 1:49 down from Voeckler.
If Voeckler does pull it off he's going to make a little bit of history in the Tour de France. First of all, he'd be the first Frenchman to win since 1985. Secondly, he'd be the first humble champion to take the yellow since who knows when. I'm not saying that everyone else going out for yellow is a jerk, but when is the last time we've heard from someone that isn't insisting they'll win?
The numbers are on his side, but he's certain in the end someone else will walk away with the jersey. There's no bravado from Voeckler, no irritating celebrations at the finish, and no immature remarks or behavior. He's just riding his bike. Like a champ.
So, while we're still waiting for the big Shleck-Contador showdown, there's a chance, that this quiet Frenchman is going to take it all.
In a year that fans have seen incredible tragedy and incredible courage, it would be nice to see the champion of the greatest race in the sport be a guy that no expected.
Not even himself.
Oh, I think you're going too far in dismissing the humility of past winners. Lance, for all his other failings, was always very gracious in his winning, ascribing it to hard work, lots of luck, and always stressed that he couldn't have done it without his teammates. I don't remember him ever saying he was definitely going to win. It may not be politically correct to like him now, but back in the day he was considered to be an exemplary Tour Champion.
ReplyDeleteYou're right though, Voeckler was not expected to be in contention, and it would be nice to see him hold off the favorites for a French win. Very good for Le Tour.