BBC Sportcycling

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

By Andy Nicolson

1620: Salut et a bientot !

1617: That's it for me today; hope you've enjoyed the coverage.

Tomorrow is the big one - the Col du Tourmalet followed by Hautacam - and if you want to know how tough it is, watch our attempts to ride it last week, in the Etape du Tour.

I'm hoping to find a French brasserie somewhere showing live coverage; I'm advised that the inimitable Ben Dirs will be your host here.

1608: Kim Kirchen remains in the yellow jersey, but today it's all about 24-year-old Riccardo Ricco - winning his second stage of this year's Tour.

Are we looking at a future winner of the Tour? In fact, given the way he was focussing on the finishing times and places of the top-10 riders, are we looking at a pretender to this year's crown?

1602: Vladimir Efimkin comes in second then the main group crosses about 1'15" behind Ricco.

1600: Ricco swings left into the final straight, raises his arms, kisses his fingers, points to his chest as if to say "I'm the man!" and wins Stage 9.

1559: He's under the flamme rouge - the 1km to go banner. The crowds are enormous.

1558: Ricco began the day in 27th, 3'52" in arrears - he could be into the top 20 in just a few minutes' time.

1556: Under 4km and Ricco, who won Thursday's stage into Super-Besse, is just about holding his lead.

Could we be seeing the birth of a new GC-contending Italian climbing star?

1549: Ricco is looking in fine shape out on his own with 11km to go. His odds of winning have gone from 70/1 to 6/1 today!

All of the top 10 riders are in the yellow jersey bunch except Stefan Schumacher.

"Eeh, poor old Lang, caught on the climb. I'd say Riccardo Ricco is away today unless someone does a completely on-the-edge descent off of the Col d'Aspin."
Im_partial on 606

1545: "I think Ricco will take the stage. And could even win the Tour - nobody could live with him on the climb up the Aspin."
BBC 5 Live's Graham Jones

1542: Ricco's lead is holding around 1'15", though Vincenzo Nibali and Sebastien Lang have clipped off the yellow jersey group in pursuit.

1539: The results for Col d'Aspin see De La Fuente retaining the polka-dot jersey for another day:

1. Riccardo Ricco 30pts
2. Sebastian Lang 26pts - at 35"
3. Bernard Kohl 22pts - at 1'15"
4. David De La Fuente 18pts
5. Vincenzo Nibali 16pts
6. Oscar Pereiro 14pts
7. Denis Menchov 12pts
8. Luis Sanchez 10pts

1534: 25km to go - can Ricco stay away?

1532: Riccardo Ricco has passed Sebastien Lang. The Cobra - whose hero is Marco Pantani - has crossed the summit of the Col d'Aspin and begun his descent, with a lead of 1'17".

1530: "Lang writes a column in a German online paper, he needed to fill the pages with today's heroics. Going for glory, but I think he will be caught on the way down, probably only in the last few kilometres."
Thanks A lot BBC7 on 606

1528: "If Lang gets to the summit with a couple of mins of his advantage intact, I think he could perhaps do it."
Im_partial on 606

Ricco's right on his tail though...

1525: Caisse d'Epargne have amassed on the front of the yellow jersey group, in which it looks like Cadel Evans may not have any team-mates.

"How do you beat Cadel Evans? You gang up on him in the high mountains."
BBC Radio 5 Live's Peter Slater

1523: The Cobra - Riccardo Ricco - shot past David De La Fuente on the incline as if he was stationary, caught and passed Maxime Monfort and is now homing in quickly on Sebastien Lang.

1520: The pursuers - Sanchez, De La Fuente and Montfort - have breezed past Kuschynski. Lang is under two and a half minutes ahead of them, while his gap to the peloton is down to three minutes.

1515: While the main pack gets blown apart time and again as the attacks, Lang is still around four minutes ahead, with 31km to go. Can he hold on?

1510: They're on the Col d'Aspin, as the main bunch begin to eat into gap. Attacks are coming thick and fast after Stefan Schumacher and then Riccardo Ricco burst off the front.

1500: Welcome to BBC Radio 5 Live's Peter Slater and Graham Jones - now live on air via the link above.

Sebastien Lang's descending well - he's pulled another 30 seconds clear of the peloton.

1457: "If anything Evans is best compared to Indurain - a big diesel locomotive tortoise setting a steady pace against the flying petrol hares of some of his opponents. The latter gets momentary glory, the former gets paid."
BBC Radio 5 Live's Alex Murray on 606

Good points, well made, Alex. But against my crude, irrational yardstick - Would I want to spend an evening with him? - Evans doesn't cut it!

1452: At the top of the Peyresourde, Lang's advantage was 40" to Kuschynski, 3'40" to Jalabert, 4'50" to De La Fuente and Montfort.

He was 5'25" ahead of the peloton.

There are 44km to go, 25km or so of which is the distance to the top of the final climb, the first-category Col d'Aspin.

1450: The points for the first category-one climb of the Tour were:

1. Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) 15pts
2. Aleksandr Kuschynski (Liquigas) 13pts
3. Nicolas Jalabert (AG2R) 11pts
4. David De La Fuente (Saunier Duval) 9pts
5. Maxime Montfort (Cofidis) 8pts
6. Leon Sanchez (Caisse d'Epargne) 7pts
7. Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel) 6pts
8. Matteo Carrara (Quick Step) 5pts

1443: "On the cricket text commentary right now they're discussing baby names. I am slightly envious."
Generic_Fanboy on 606

Well, we had a wealth of movie title chat on the cycling 606 yesterday, following song title irrelevance a few days before. Feel free to start some tangential talk...

1440: "Txurruka; what a fantastic rider! Attacked all day yesterday, leads the peloton up the mountain and instead of dropping off when he's done his work, he jumps back into line so he can go again. Don't entirely see where Euskaltel are going with this yet - there's still a long way to go."
Lowlandbrit on 606

1438: Sebastien Lang is first over the top of the Peyresourde.

Maxime Montfort and David De La Fuente, the leader in the the King of the Mountains, have launched off the front of the main pack.

1435: 606's favourite Basque is at it again - Amets Txurruka, head and shoulders bobbing rhythmically side to side, leads the chase to the rear third of the breakaway.

1429: Lang has eased ahead of Kuschynski, but the time's they are a-tumbling towards the six-minute mark.

Huge crowds, as ever, line the route, which resembles a camp site, such is the number of campervans parked up.

1425: Aleksandr Kuschynski and Sebastian Lang have dropped Nicolas Jalabert from the lead group. The gap's nudged below seven minutes, with 62km left.

1418: The gap's dropping all the time - it's 7'30" with Euskaltel once again putting in all the work.

1412: Surprise, surprise: Mark Cavendish is amongst the first riders to be dropped on the climb. Stick with it, Cav!

The gap at the head, meanwhile is down to 8'18".

1411: "So there we go, riders now on the first big climb this year - let the suffering begin!"
Im_partial on 606

1410: The first man to crest the 1,569m Col de Peyresourde last year was actually Alexandre Vinokourov, but the Kazakh has not been credited with first place because he was racing that day with someone else's blood in his system. Haimar Zubeldia followed Vino and, interestingly, the next rider over was Kim Kirchen, the current race leader.

Caisse d'Epargne, Liquigas and Quickstep have now joined Euskaltel at the head of the peloton on the approach to the climb.

1405: As the leading trio begin their climb up the Peyresourde, with 70km to go, the temperature has dropped to 9�C but they've got a light tailwind. If I'm interpreting the weather symbols correctly.

1400: Dr Gerard Porte has just told France Television that the wounds he has just dressed on Cadel Evans are not deep but the rider expressed his concern. The Tour's doctor believes that he might be hindered a little on the upcoming climbs but the injuries do not appear to be too nasty.

Valverde also dropped briefly back to talk to the good doctor, but is racing back to the bunch.

1355: Many thanks to Hatter for texting again about Valverde:

"Concerned re. Valverde's comments. Based on the first TT he would need at least two minutes when he leaves the Alps over Evans, he's going to need to pinch a bit here and there starting tomorrow."
Hatterdavo, via text on 81111

Maybe after Evans's crash today, the pendulum has swung in Valverde's favour?

1352: It seems some of my links to 606 may have been sending you to yesterday's chat - apologies! Here's today's:

1350: The two poursuivants, Feillu and Dumoulin, have been caught by the Euskaltel train, who are really putting down the hammer.

The break's now at 10 minutes with 77km to go and the Peyresourde looming. Evans is at the back of the peloton receiving treatment from the race doctor. The Australian has lost skin on his left elbow and leg, and the doctor has checked his collarbone, but he's being towed back through the peloton by his team-mates.

1337: 134km gone and two riders have popped off the front over the top of the Col des Ares to try to bridge the gap to the break.

They are third-stage winner (and last year's Tour of Britain victor) Romain Feillu (AG2R) and Samuel Dumoulin (Cofidis).

1331: Silence-Lotto's Directeur Sportif, Hendrik Redant, knows little more about Evans's crash than we do:

"Cadel had a heavy fall, that's what I know. He's lost skin on his elbow and has torn his knicks and jersey but when he came past the team car, he didn't have anything to say. He appeared calm and we'll just get to the end of the stage and have a consultation with the team's medical staff."

1328: The leaders, clear by 10'30" with 125km covered, are over the Col des Ares and descending into the Luchon valley.

Luchon, a small spa town, is at the foot of the Col de Peyresourde, a 13km category 1 climb at an average gradient of 7.1%.

The thermal spa in Luchon was revived from 1785, apparently, and there are no less than 80 springs, ranging in temperature from 18 to 66�C. The spa is said to help with rheumatism, respiratory and throat problems.

1321: "I keep telling everybody those odds for Cadel are very short, most bookies have him odds on and there's all sorts of hurdles to get over before those odds look generous."
stargravy on 606

Personally, I'm struggling to reconcile Evans's status as a favourite, perhaps because he's, well, a little dull. His defensive, war of attrition tactics don't exactly inspire enthusiasm. What do you think?

1315: No detail on the cause of the crash as yet, except that it involved Evans and Christophe Brandt.

1313: The Aussie lurker is on his spare bike and has tears on the left leg of his shorts. Euskaltel aren't hanging around for him, though.

The points on the fourth climb, the category 4 Col de Buret, were:

1. Sebastian Lang 3pts
2. Aleksandr Kuschynski 2pts
3. Nicolas Jalabert 1pt

1307: Cadel Evans has crashed and injured his left elbow, but he's being paced back by his team.

1304: "For what it's worth I don't think Pereiro or Valverde will attack today, I think they'll wait until tomorrow. Caisse D'Epargne will still send someone on the attack, but probably someone like David Arroyo. My tip for the day, as I don't think the current break will make it, is Haimar Zubeldia."
RidRed on 606

And thank you to the texter who sent a message in about Valverde and his first time trial, but can you try again please? The last part of the message didn't make it. Cheers!

1257: 110km and the front of the peloton looks like the Bloomfield Road dressing room: orange.

All nine Euskaltel riders are putting in a monumental effort - they've been on the front for 55km.

1255: Race radio has finally given us the results on the sprinkling of points on the Cote de Mane:

1. Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner) 4pts
2. Nicolas Jalabert (AG2R) 3pts
3. Aleksandr Kuschynski (Liquigas) 2pts

1253: Going back to my earlier question about Valverde keeping his powder dry:

"Re Valverde, I don't think he's being too tricky. The race can't be won in the Pyrenees but it can be lost. I think this break will be swept up on the Peyresourde."
Guy H, London, via text on 81111

1249: "Breaking the habit of a 606 lifetime by coming on here on a Sunday - please don't tell anyone that I've given in to tempation. Of course, how could I stay away in the high mountains?

But I do want to predict, and I'm going to agree that the Spanish riders are going to be keyed up. I'm for Valverde or Pereiro - it will all depend on how Valverde is feeling. Of course, if that break stays away..."
Im_partial on 606

1245: The trio are just past the 100km mark and, as they approach the feed station in Pujos, they're holding the gap steady around 10'50".

"Is it just me or is Tadej Valjavec the most under-rated rider there is? You have to be good to come in the top 20 of the Giro and the Tour year after year."
Rogsmer, via text on 81111

1235: Apropos of nothing, here's some French history as the Tour goes through the village of Montespan.

The Marchioness of Montespan (1640-1707) was a favourite of Louis XIV. Although many husbands of the period urged their wives into the royal bed to obtain numerous advantages and to increase their wealth, the Marquis of Montespan, the biggest cuckold in France, had no intention of keeping his head down, and harassed the king throughout the liaison.

His 'revolt' never let up and finally led to his being exiled by the king.

1230: 90km gone and the gap has been closed to 10'30".

"Looks like Sanchez is being lined up for this stage, problem for me is i've backed him for the overall win, he's been lurking quietly behind the favourites all week but dont know if he fancies his chances for the overall win or just a stage or two?"
stargravy on 606

1220: Hold the press - a second text!

"Haven't seen Im_Partial on 606 yet, he's probably nursing a hangover."
Sam, Birkenhead, via text on 81111

I guess if he was celebrating Cavendish's win yesterday, we can excuse him. What say you, Partial?

1216: Interesting chat from Valverde yesterday: "We will try not to lose time in the Pyrenees and arrive in the Alps in very good condition because I believe that they will decide who will be the final winner of the Grande Boucle."

Kidology or is he really going to keep his powder dry until the Alps?

1212: It's beginning to look like GoodPandaPanda's early shout for Euskatel-Euskadi may be right on the money; the Basques have taken the peloton by the scruff of the neck and shaved three and half minutes off the gap.

It's now 11'20" with 80km gone.

1207: If you're interested in keeping up with the latest in the cricket, my colleague Mark Mitchener is at the crease.
LIVE TEXT: First Test coverage with Mark Mitchener.

Back to the Tour, however, and we've got a text!

"Is this the UK's most successful week of the Tour ever?"
Paul, Somerset, on 81111

Barry Hoban may dispute it, but it certainly is in my memory. What do you think?

1200: The trio have reached the 70km mark and have added another 20 seconds to their gap - they're 13'40" ahead.

"I'm going to go for Yaroslav Popovych today in a similar way to his win a couple of years back."
MagpieMatt on 606

1155: Midday approaches and the 606 regulars are logging in...

"Valverde's team has looked the best so far and with a downhill finish meaning people can rejoin on the decent as long as they aren't distanced too far I'm going for a Caisse D'Epargne win through weight of numbers in the first group home."
jmb on 606

1145: "I'm going to go for Oscar Pereiro today. I reckon all the big GC riders will stay together, and someone perceived to not be as great a threat will be allowed away on the Col d'Aspin."
SportingNonsense on 606

Meanwhile, the break goes out to 14'20" - Lang is just eight minutes behind overall leader Kirchen, virtually.

1139: Wow - the threesome are giving it some today. They're 13'30" clear, putting in a speed of around 46kmh. Something tells me their legs will pay for it later.

1136: We're off on 606 - GoodMorningMorning to ya:

"I'm going for Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez today. There in the Pyrenees, where the Basque riders of Euskaltel - Euskadi love to attack. It's also a handy descent from the summit of the Col d'Aspin and Sanchez goes downhill as well as Bill Gates makes money."
GoodPandaPanda on 606

1130: The points for the first climb, the category 4 Cote de Saint-Pey after 42km, were:

1. Sebastian Lang 3pts
2. Aleksandr Kuschynski 2pts
3. Nicolas Jalabert 1pt

And the points for the second, another fourth category, at the Cote de St-Quitterie (46km):

1. Sebastian Lang 3pts
2. Nicolas Jalabert 2pt
3. Aleksandr Kuschynski 1pt

1125: The highest ranked of the trio of escapees is Lang, in 79th place, 22'21" behind race leader Kim Kirchen, so don't expect an attempt by the peloton to reel them in any time soon.

1120: An hour into the stage and three riders have broken clear to establish a 7'30" gap - Aleksandr Kuschynski (Liquigas), Nicolas Jalabert (AG2R) and Sebastian Lang (Gerolsteiner).

1100 BST: Bonjour, salut et bienvenue au reportage en directe d'aujourd'hui.

Ey up!

After a few glasses of Madiran with dinner last night to get me in a Pyrenean mood, we're off on Stage 9, where the riders hit the mountains.

Get in touch on 606 or via text on 81111 to let me know how you think the race will pan out today, and how superb you think Mark Cavendish's win was yesterday.