Contador, Cadel, Cav

I don't really have any over-arching thoughts on stages 4 and 5 so I'll mention thoughts about 3 riders.

Contador - I'm not sure what I think about Contador lighting up the action on Tuesday. On the one hand, I like the aggression. I like the message he sent to Andy Schleck that he's not going out easy. That he's going to take time wherever he can. I like that he picked up 8 seconds. It's not much, but it helps. I like the psychological boost that I think Contador got. That said, I think Andy Schleck probably let Contador go. And was attacking and burning matches for 8 seconds worth it? I don't know. I do know one thing - Lance's great tactical move was to always race for time. The race is long, will Contador's racing for time on stage 3 help or hurt him in the long run? We'll see.

Cadel - I'm not sure what I think about Cadel lighting up the action on Tuesday. On the one hand, I like the aggression. I like the message that he sent that he's going on the offensive and not sitting back. On the other hand, does it matter? I haven't had a positive opinion of Cadel - I've always considered him too passive of a Tour rider. It's great to see him attacking, but I wonder if it's too little, too late, or rather, too early in this race. We'll see.

Cavendish - I am sure what I think about Cav. I've not liked him for a long time. Sure, sprinters have to be a bit cocky, but look at Thor. On Monday you had the Maillot Jaune, the World Champion, leading out a teammate. I've always thought Thor a class act and a smart rider. I've always respected the fact that Cav is fast, but at the same time I've always given his lead train a ton of credit. If the Highroad train is on, Cav wins. If they're not, he pouts. If you asked me, Mark Renshaw is one of the most important and most under-rated rider out there. Today, however, Cavendish managed to win a sprint Robbie McEwen-style; by weaving through the pack and out-working everyone, rather than having it handed to him on a platter (well, as much as that can happen anyway). So credit to Cavendish, who did it all himself.

Stage 6 is a little more vertical than stage 5. I can see someone like Voeckler going on a break (and maybe sticking it). I'd like to see Jens Voigt go out, but he's going to be watching out for the Schlecks, so not break for him. Still, I can't wait for the mountains. Soon.