Tour stage 16: Christian holds on to 6th overall
Author: Woody22 Jul
Today’s short, double HC climb stage was packed with action from the start. Danny Pate and Ryder Hesjedal (above center) joined a break of 20+ riders before the base of the first climb, the Col de la Lombarde (2351m). Behind, Christian Vande Velde (above left) stuck close to the yellow jersey group with all the top contenders.
It wasn’t until the race hit the second HC climb - the 2802m Cime de la Bonette-Restefond - that the day’s challenges started to take their toll. Ryder managed to stay with the front chase group about half way up the Restefond. Meanwhile, Christian was giving it his all to stay with the CSC-charged yellow jersey group on the grueling climb. He was eventually gapped with about 6 km to go to the summit.
Despite sliding out on a corner of the fast, sinuous descent, Christian finished 26th in Jausiers and moved to 6th overall with a 3′15″ gap. Ryder finished a respectable 30th on this decisive stage.
“Ryder and Christian were going full gas to make up the small time on the very technical descent and Christian just slid out on a corner,” said DS Matt White. “He is fine and just got up and continued full throttle down to the finish.”
Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O stage 16 results
1. Cyril Dessel 4h31′27″
26. Christian Vande Velde +4′04″
30. Ryder Hesjedal +4′27″
87. Trent Lowe +24′19″
93. Danny Pate +28′32″
108. Martijn Maaskant +31′56″
114. Julian Dean +31′56″
120. Will Frischkorn +31′56″
144. David Millar +31′56″
Team Garmin-Chipotle H3O GC
1. Frank Schleck +68h30′16″
2. Bernhard Kohl +7″
3. Cadel Evans +8″
4. Carlos Sastre +49″
5. Denis Menchov +1′13″
6. Christian Vande Velde +3′15″
56. Ryder Hesjedal +1h15′40″
65. David Millar +1h23′05″
78. Trent Lowe +1h36′08″
94. Danny Pate +1h57′01″
111. Julian Dean +2′24′00″
138. Martijn Maaskant +2′45′30″
139. Will Frischkorn +2′47′33″
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58 Responses for "Tour stage 16: Christian holds on to 6th overall"
Christian said on Versus that he fell on the descent? Any details?
Give ‘em hell on the Alpe, Christian!
What a thrill - epic ride!
I would like to thank France 2 for the stupid and just bs video coverage today. Didn’t see Christian on the screen for the last hour, and no updates. I’m sure Vs. was just pulling their hair out.
Recover well, and get back at it for the Alpe. You never know who is going to crack… I think the podium will be even more in reach than it looks today.
Christian, you’ve already made all of us proud. I don’t care if you finish 25th, you have made the TdF special for me.
Stay tough boys. Tomorrow will be the day for Garmin Chipotle. Time to leave it all on the course tomorrow and Thursday.
We’ll be yelling and screaming from the HandleBar.
GO ARGLYE ARMADA!!!!!
It was one hack of a climb and the lead group didnt make it easy.
Maybe its time to burn those Chipotle fat reserves? Burn baby, BURN!
Good ride Christian. Take advantage of Alpe de Huez. With the leaders having a little breathing room from you make it up on Alpe with a nice push like you did on Supper Besse. I am still routing hard for you. You are not out os this yet. Go Christian.
Way to hang tough there Christian! That must’ve been a hard, lonely ride, but you stayed strong, didn’t give up, and limited your losses as best you could. Hope the crash wasn’t bad and you’ll be back fighting again tomorrow!
would be nice if Versus didn’t lose the sound coverage in the last 5 minutes of the race. This is at least the second time this has happened.
Sorry, but their coverage is second-rate. They could do so much more if they just used a little creative graphics to at least give a visual rep of where the various GC contenders are, and the various team riders.
Nice work fellas… it looked tough out there today and tomorrow will likely be another brutal day - probably tougher. But I trust you’re going to give it everything you’ve got because tomorrow is really the last day to “git ‘er done” before the TT.
I am one of those David mentioned who almost gave up on Professional Cycling … I was pissed off and used to say things like, “They’re all on the juice in one form or another… ” but my own love of getting on my bike and challenging myself up North Cheyenne Canyon (a local climb that Danny Pate no doubt knows all too well) kept me from completely giving up. It is a magical experience to ride as hard as you can - sometimes actually going beyond what you think you’re possible of… on a bicycle.
It is privilege to be able to choose to challenge ones self in that manner… and I think many cyclist have taken that for granted. I think there are others who do not take it for granted and Le Tour makes it clear who takes that for granted… Ricco sucks! (I had to say that!)
The Tour is arguably the greatest sporting event in the world and watching others ride with passion, dignity and humility is a beautiful thing. It even provides some of us with something of a consolation since I’m not able to ride at that level. I hope you guys can go into tomorrow’s stage remembering that you’ll be telling stories about today and tomorrow years from now… make those stories bold ones. Bold stage moves at the Tour have been tainted lately (f’in dopers!)… but your team can demonstrate that they are alive and well…
Sure, CSC can be a machine… but you can show that a wildcard is what dreams are made of! I look forward to watching the Argyle Armada stir things up and keep it exciting tomorrow best of luck and know that I’ll be up tomorrow morning watching you guys create some amazing stories that will be told for years!
Steve
What is going on with David Millar? He talked of being in the best form of his life, then snatching the yellow jersey, then of his main role being to support CDV - how he is providing such support over 30 mins back!? What’s the story - surely with his pedigree he should be able to be an able lieutenant a little bit more than this?
Hang on guys, this race ain’t over yet. Shake off today’s bad luck and get ready for battle tomorrow. CSC and the rest of your rivals can’t have much left in the tank by now, so go get ‘em!
JV, send Christian, Ryder and Trent to the front on stage 17. Forget this ‘we just want to finish in the top 10 business.’ The goal should be to put Christian on the podium.
Keep fighting and hang in there!! We are still close!! GO ARGYLE ARMADA GO!!!
Hang tough Christian! You’re making Chicago proud!
- from a Downers Grove, IL native.
Way to go Ryder!!!
30th!! Yee Haa!!
Go get em.
Christian, best of luck to you tomorrow when you kick some Euro ass on L’Alpe d”Huez!!
Christian, way to limit the time lost to the other GC guys. Especially after being dropped and falling on the descent, I look forward to seeing you ride with a vengence tomorrow and at the ITT.
Does anyone know how much time Christian lost after falling on the descent?
Get your space legs on VdV and kick some tail on that final alps stage. Maybe the leaders will let you slip away on a break early in the final climb.
Great team support today garmin Chipotle. You guys rock!!!
Your bad day is now behind you. Take a deep breath and refocus your thoughts on where you want to be and what you need to do. Your tour isn’t over until you decide it’s over. Don’t give up.
Hang in there Christian. Tomorrow is the day of all days for climbing. It’s time to drop the hammer.
Obviously today was Hesjedal’s day but he was probably asked to wait for Vande Velde and help him through the closing stages. Ryder spent most of the day up front, now lies second on the team in GC. With Vande Velde now clearly out of contention the team should concentrate on winning a stage before Paris.
Ryder is the man.
Ryder great job! I hope we will see more of you tomorrow to take care of our guy CVV.
CVV-Don’t give up. You guys can pull this out. We all know it. Tomorrow is another day.
Looking at the top overall contenders, how much time does VdV need to make up on l’Alpe d’Huez to have a shot at the ITT? Does Garmin-Chipotle have one more day of climbing left to propel Christian up the famed climb? I am really pulling for him - he has looked so fluid and strong in each stage. I would love to see a rider from an American team take the Tour yet again!
Congrats on a super tour so far, and best of luck tomorrow!
Oh, how I love this team! Never a dull moment, that’s for sure. Tomorrow is another day and we’ll all be cheering for you again, so space legs tonight and back at it in the morning!
awesome job CVV. Rootin for ya in Napertown! You guys are makin us very proud!
Tough break to lose time on a crash like that, Christian. (To AJ, Christian was apparently 35s off the yellow jersey group on the descent before he crashed, according to VeloNews). Here’s hoping Lady Luck turns the Garmin-Chipotle fortunes around on L’alpe d’Huez and the ITT!!
I’m putting on my Garmin T-shirt tomorrow.
Carpe Diem All of you are giving your best and I commend you. Christian sprout wings on those feet :-)and to each of you walka proud !
unlucky christian- you’ll make up the time on alpe d’heuz.
I’ll be rooting for you
Christian we’re getting up at 6:30am tomorrow to see you race. You’ll go balls to the wall, I just know it.
Now you have no choice. Tora! Tora! Tora! What have you got to lose? Attack, attack, attack.
It’s time to ride. Ride like you’ve never ridden before. Ride like LeMond rode in the ‘89 final time trial. Ride like Billy Mills ran to Gold in the 10,000 meter run when nobody expected him to win. Ride like you’ve never ridden before my friend.
Go show them what you’re made of Christian
You can do it!
Hey Christian,
Tough luck on the fall, but I’m glad you’re OK. Needless to say, you’re still the man I’m most behind in this race. Good luck tomorrow, and keep on believing.
Too bad about the crash today, unfortunate to say the least! 3 minutes is still possible though on a stage like tomorrow, hopefully you are all in good form! And good riding by Ryder, in his first tour no doubt!
I say they put Christian, Ryder, and Trent up front tomorrow and give it everything they’ve got for Christian but if it looks like he isn’t going to gain back the time (which in no way can be gained back in the TT), then they should focus on a stage win. Ryder would probably have the best shot at that, he’s looked very solid on the climbs.
Imagine a Garmin stage win on Alpe d’Huez? That would be amazing.
Us Kiwi’s only have one rider in the TDF and our Julian Dean’s in your team and that means you have another 4 million supporters, We are watching from 10pm to 4am! I am in absolute awe of what these guys put themselves through. Todays mountains were overwhelming just to watch on TV.
Keep going guys, I’m wondering if you maybe under estimated what your team can achieve. I think its time to raise the bar! and work as a team and get Christian to the podium in the next couple of days and Julian to the line in Paris. You guys CAN do it.
Go Garmon Chipotle !!!!
I forgot to ask - where can I buy a Garmon Chipotle TDF cycle shirt from ? I’d be proud to wear one out on our glorious road here in New Zealand. If anyone knows please email me at dale@tainuipress.co.nz
Thanks
It’s not over yet!
Good work today fella’s! Christian I noticed that you were coughing on the interview after the stage on Sunday and Today, I just hope that you are feeling 110% so that you can tear them up tomorrow. I am a huge fan of the team and the way that the team is riding is great! I love to see the wild cards (especially the American teams) just keep everybody in check, and how them what you are made of. Keep up the good work and I hope that all is well. Rest up because tomorrow is another tough day.(I would imagine that they are all tough days!)
Levi Who? Go get ‘em Christian, you and the whole team are make all of us very proud. You guys have renewed our faith in pro cycling. Thanks
Keep up the great work! I think it was JV who said this(cleaning up cycling) is a process. I think it is working. Not so much by who is or isn’t getting caught, but by how many people are throwing their support behind teams like Garmin. Although I would love to see Christian on the podium, really just finishing strong and pulling fans back is a win. Keep it up!!!
Go, Christian, Go!
Christian & Argyle Warriors-This is not the typical tour. You are the hope and passion of why people cheer again, with passion and belief. Let it all hang out and hit these guys in the mouth when their not looking. Some where deep inside you will bring out one of those epic days and put your name with one of the greatest rides in the history of the tour. This moment will be forever, everything is before you. Go take it to them. Please pass the hot sauce.
Christian, all of America is rallying behind you. Your performances, your chuckles and light-hearted comments after the finish of the world’s toughest stages, and your unwavering dedication to push for greatness have won the hearts and minds of mid-westerners like me (a former Peoria resident, now cycling out of Kirksville, MO), and the country at large.
Danny, don’t be so hard on yourself! Even though you didn’t take the stage, you threw down, and sport (in general terms) is about leaving yourself on the field of play. Take joy in the hell you helped put those guys through in the accelerations you made toward the end.
Ryder, amazing stage. Let me tell you something, your balls must be the size of grapefruits to descend like you did. Much respect on that front (both in terms of the descending performances, and testicular fortitude).
To the whole team. You have dedicated yourselves to going through a physical hell for a taste of glory (not necessarily your own). I don’t think anybody thought this much glory would be tangible so soon. You are busy throwing down in the world’s toughest bike race. I’m quite sure you are not aware that things are changing, and it’s because of what your are doing. The extensive doping control measures (which surely must feel like you are carrying big brother on your shoulders), the pressure from riders, scepticism of fans and press may get your down. But while you have been busy competing, you have created a paradigm shift.
Champions are really only as great and as valid as the competitions they conquer. Your honesty and dedication to maintaining the integrity of competition have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for what you are doing.
Cheers!
Good Luck and God Speed tommorow
The “Friday Night Beer Ride” from the “Wheel Thing”
in La Grange, IL
I live in Boulder and used to live in Chicago, so I’ve got vdv covered two ways! I’m proud of the whole team. At the beginning of the Tour, I gave you guys no chance, but was still hopeful. You’ve done amazing things, and while I’m still hoping for a podium, even if the whole team joined Maggie tomorrow you’d still have plenty to be proud of. Ride your own race and follow the strategy that YOU choose. No armchair team directors, please.
Some kind of scary downhill! Lucky you could find your bike and keep riding Christian. (Augustyn lost his over the cliff).
Valiant effort; too bad about the slip.
Thank you Christian for acknowledging Ryder’s efforts in your post race interview. Great work Ryder.
Tomorrow, another tough day and anything can happen. Grabbing the Yellow can still happen. Ride guys Ride!
I haven’t enjoyed a TdF for years, since all the doping started coming out.
This year however has been far different–it’s even better than when Lance was in his hey day.
Thank you Christian, David, Danny, Ryder for working so hard and for staying clean. I’d much rather see the whole team finish than have one on the podium and one in jail. But to have you stay clean and doing so great is fantastic. Thank you for giving us a TdF race back to enjoy.
And a sincere thank you to Garmin abd Chapotle for sponsoring this team. I really am enjoying it far more than I ever enjoyed the USPS team.
Gerry
A little hard luck with the fall today for Christian, but I couldn’t be prouder of the way the whole team has performed in its first TDF. You’re all winners as far as I’m concerned. Keep up the good fight guys - my thoughts will be with you the full way on Wednesday’s stage and for the rest of the Tour.
Nice work.
Remember: the roadblocks like these are there to keep the others out. It serves to see how bad you want it.
And you want it. Bad!!
Hang in Christian. Everyone I know in the States is rooting for you. This is Le Tour — anything can happen. Give em hell tomorrow and at the TT!
I’ll be flyin’ the argyle socks at work tomorrow!
Give ‘em Hell, CV!
Way to go Ryder, Danny and everyone who dug into their suitcase of courage today! More fun and games on the Alpe. This is it!
Hang in there guys. I’ll be getting up extra early to watch the Argyle Armada demolish the Alpe. You guys all rock so, so hard. Allez!!
we’re all rooting for you guys in Colorado!!! keep on keeping on and have fun in the time trials!
Just another of your 4 million kiwi supporters adding support. Good luck Christian give it heaps and Julz just keep doing what you do and hope youve still got some legs left for Paris
Stay strong, Christian.
35 seconds before the spill, just remember that. Even if you loose contact today remember that your losses yesterday were minimal.
Still a long way to Paris and anything can happen in the time trial. 3 minutes can be made up easily.
Who’s down with CVV?!
Ryder, You’re doing a great job protecting Christian and proving to be an awsome domestique, laying down the foundation for a great future in the tour. We’re all very proud, back here in Canada.
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