Tour Updates

<p><strong>Cavendish wins final stage, Menchov shines on podium</strong></p><br/><p>Just like last year, the Tour finished on Sunday afternoon with a sprint demonstration on the Champs-Élysées from Mark Cavendish. The Britain outclassed the competition with a difference of almost ten metres. In the struggle, Oscar Freire managed to wriggle into fifth place. As expected, there were no more changes in the classification. After the finish, a beaming Denis Menchov was permitted to climb the podium along with Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck. And a little further along, Robert Gesink was enjoying his wonderful sixth place. </p><br/><p><strong>The final stage started with excitement. All riders from Lance Armstrong's team appeared at the start in unusual jerseys to make a statement for today's 28 million cancer patients worldwide. The UCI jury, however, wouldn’t accommodate this so the jerseys with a huge number 28 on the backs had to be removed. Changing these took some time, but the peloton as a whole waited for the Radioshack riders. </strong></p><br/><p>After this followed a long period of frivolous actions, including a display attack from Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck. With Paris in sight, the tempo increased dramatically. Lars Boom and Maarten Tjallingii were subsequently among the first attackers on the streets of the French capital. Eventually there was a serious breakaway of twelve riders, without any Rabobank team members, but those twelve were also rounded up into small groups. In the predictable sprint, the already inevitable Cavendish was many classes better than the rest. </p><br/><p><strong>'Proud of Denis Menchov'</strong></p><br/><p>After the race, attention quickly went to the tributes with Denis Menchov as one of the positively glowing focal points. "We are extremely proud of him", said technical manager Erik Breukink. "It was a case of wait and see until the final time trial, but on Saturday Denis really pulled it all together. His time trial was fantastic under poor circumstances. It's great, because you can celebrate coming third. It would be a lot less if he had come fourth."</p><br/><p>Breukink feels the team pushed it to the max. "We also heard the call to ride harder and attack. Attacking is in your head, but it also has to be in the legs, and we were at the limit. Schleck and Contador were really just too good for the others. Denis still wanted to try something on the Tourmalet, but he was driven off early by the first two, and it turned out impossible to attack the two best riders. So just have to be satisfied and try to make the best of it." </p><br/><p><strong>Menchov and Vuelta</strong></p><br/><p>For Denish Menchov, there will probably be another big race soon. Breukink announced on Sunday that there’s a considerable chance that the Russian will also participate in the Tour of Spain, and the Vuelta at the end of August. "That was agreed at the beginning of the season. We still need to see how Denis will recover in the coming weeks, because this was a very difficult Tour. But morale is good now, and he can begin the Vuelta without any pressure because this season’s main objective has been achieved."</p>

Cavendish is just too good.

<P><STRONG>Adri van Houwelingen: 'This was our best Tour ever'</STRONG></P><BR> <P>Satisfaction, high spirits, and pride. Team leader Adri van Houwelingen is proud of his team during the Tour. Denis Menchov was on the winner’s podium in third place, Robert Gesink got sixth in the general classification and second in the youth classification, and the team came third in the team classification. It's more than they had previously hoped for. All they're missing is a stage victory. Van Houwelingen: "But that wasn’t exactly our intention. We were going for the classification, and that is where the team was highly successful as a collective." </P><BR> <P><STRONG>This was Rabobank's 15th Tour since its début in 1996. How do you rate this Tour for the team? </STRONG></P><BR> <P>"It's our greatest Tour ever. Until today, we had never been up on the podium in Paris in the general classification. Denis was third in 2008, but that wasn't until after Bernhard Kohl was disqualified. At the time, Denis wasn't present on the podium in Paris so it was different as a finish. Now we have two riders in the top six, which we have never had before. Over the years, only once have we had a Dutch rider finish in a higher position in the classification than Robert Gesink today. Michael Boogerd was fifth in 1998." </P><BR> <P><STRONG>Even so, there were still people in the Netherlands who didn't think it was enough. How do you regard that?</STRONG></P><BR> <P>Naturally you can be pessimistic and say 'but they didn't win a stage'. But that wasn’t our intention. We were going for the classification, and that is where the team was highly successful as a collective. Of course it would also have been nice to have won a stage, but not at the cost of the support to our top riders. Our first priority was to protect Denis and Robert, and we never deviated from this. That might have been why it wasn't always spectacular. It's true, we didn't go mad on the attack. But if we had, we may not have been as successful in the classification." </P><BR> <P><STRONG>So it's definitely a strong team performance, and not just about two exceptional talents? </STRONG></P><BR> <P>"Of course. How the team functioned, in combination with the third and sixth place in the classification, was outstanding. The whole team cooperated in this. There were no exceptions. We finished in third place in the team classification. I think that is also an exceptional performance from a Dutch team in the most recent years of the Tour." </P><BR> <P><STRONG>In recent days have you thought back tothe race to Spa, when Cancellara neutralised the race after his team mate Schleck fell?</STRONG></P><BR> <P>"We talked about it when the discussion arose over those 39 seconds that Contador took when Andy's chain came off. There was a lot of tension about that. Yet everyone conveniently forgot that in the race to Spa, Schleck was given maybe five minutes or more as a present. Everyone forgot that very quickly. But not us."</P>

<p><strong>Adri van Houwelingen believes there’s a chance for third place</strong></p><br/><p>Friday was another day for sprinters. There were four men in a breakaway and an acceleration in the final part, which saw the fast guys shoot ahead. Mark Cavendish was the clear winner, and Oscar Freire came in fifth. Of the Rabobank riders, Lars Boom attempted to join the large number of attacks at the start of the race, but soon stopped when his legs started to go. Protecting the top riders was the focus after that. "Getting two men in the top six in the classification remains our priority", explained team leader Adri van Houwelingen. </p><br/><p>He was at peace with Friday's scenario, although in the morning he was still thinking about an 'adventure' during the stage. "Naturally before the race we examined what we might be able to do today in the form an attack, but when I sounded this out, the enthusiasm within the team was limited. Which is understandable, given that these have been very difficult days for the team as a whole. On top of that, you know how such an adventure would work out." </p><br/><p>That Oscar Freire was still able to compete in the final straight bit in Bordeaux was a good thing. Van Houwelingen: "Oscar in fifth place in the sprint is certainly considerably better than earlier in this Tour. But I found it more important that the top men got through the stage intact. The wind was also manageable because most of the route was protected from the forest. In any case, we are also one step closer to Paris and still in one piece." ></p><br/><p><strong>Main goal is third place</strong></p><br/><p>Van Houweling and his colleague Frans Maassen went to investigate Saturday's time trial route immediately after the race. Both team leaders feel that third place in the classification is still within Denis Menchov's reach, and they also feel that Robert Gesink is well capable of successfully defending his sixth place. "It's a case of waiting to see which direction the wind will coming from, and now strong it is. Like today, the wind will be against them for the whole time trial, even though a change of circumstance won't make much difference to the classification riders because they ride very close together." </p><br/><p>Samuel Sanchez' third place in the classification should be attainable for Menchov, Van Houwelingen thinks. The difference between Denis Menchov and Andy Schleck is just under four minutes, even if it's a long time trial second place isn’t attainable for Denis. We're going for the third place. That's possible, although I would prefer to have a twenty-second head start on Sanchez. Tomorrow there'll be three battles: that for first and second place, third and fourth place, and sixth and seventh place. Third and sixth would be great, but if we get fourth and seventh, we'll be pleased too. Everyone on the team was happy with that three weeks ago in Rotterdam."</p>

<p><strong>‘The Rabobank Cycling Team and their fight against cancer'</strong></p><br/><p>For the entire Tour de France, the Rabobank team have been riding with special jerseys. In addition to various logos, these jerseys also bear the particular logo of Ride for the Roses, the charity which the cycling team supports. As part of this, there will be a special auction where these jerseys and other special items will be auctioned off. We spoke with Ruud Kamphuis, board member for Ride for the Roses. "We are very happy that the Rabobank team is riding so well in front."</p><br/><p><strong>What do you do for Ride for the Roses? </strong></p><br/><p>I'm a member of the Board of Directors, and am mainly involved with the financial side of things. Naturally I jump in wherever I'm needed, but my job is mainly in finance. Like so many, I too have experienced cancer in my immediate environment. One in three people contracts this illness, so it touches all of us. With Ride for the Roses, we want to champion the fight against cancer in a positive way." </p><br/><p><strong>What does that entail? </strong></p><br/><p>"Naturally, collecting money is very important. It's only with funding that we can support research. But it's also the case that everyone can make a contribution in their own way, by cycling themselves, supporting people. You've also seen that there's a huge amount of solidarity for Ride for the Roses. Together we all want to drive back the illness as much as possible, and have as few people die from it as possible." </p><br/><p><strong>So good sponsors are very important for you. </strong></p><br/><p>"Definitely. We are also very happy to have support from Rabobank. We started in Westland, a county in Holland near The Hague, and had good contact with Rabobank there, who connected us with a number of contacts there and also ensured that we also got in touch with the cycling team. Rabobank is an important sponsor for us, but we are also very happy with the cycling team's activities." </p><br/><p><strong>What do these activities consist of? </strong></p><br/><p>"They ensure that we receive a lot of attention. This is why we are also very happy that the Rabobank team is riding so well in front, haha. And as well as this, the auction of course. That's an initiative of the team themselves, but we are very very pleased about it. It is also exactly what Ride for the Roses is all about: we work together in the fight against cancer, and hopefully also raise a good sum of money! It's very heartening to see that the members of the Rabobank Cycling Team also support this."</p>

<p><strong>Robert Gesink: Satisfaction after 'onerous' time trial</strong></p><br/><p>Saturday's overall result was perfect for Robert Gesink. He held onto sixth place in the classification, despite stiff competition from Ryder Hesjedal in the time trial. But it was mainly the circumstances during this time trial that were greeted with rather strong language, with a strong head wind, and unpleasant short climbs during which he could not push through. "Naturally feelings are good now, but who thought up this time trial?"</p><br/><p><strong>After winning the Vuelta Espana twice, you are once again in the top ten with a sixth place in the Tour. Has it sunk in? </strong></p><br/><p>"It was a terrible day with regards to the route and circumstances, but it turned out to be a very fine day indeed. This is a wonderful result. This is why you do it. All the rigorous training camps and other competitions have contributed enormously to this result. I am now incredibly satisfied and in particular, proud. Coming sixth, and I can say this, in your very first Tour gives you something to go on in the future." </p><br/><p><strong>From today's start, were you watching Hesjedal who was more than three minutes slower, more than Rodriguez who was much closer? </strong></p><br/><p>"Certainly I was less worried about Rodriguez beforehand than Hesjedal. Hesjedal kept it exciting so we tried to figure something else out. Frans Maassen, who was driving behind me, called out during the final kilometres that Hesjedal had made it to within a minute. Then I really pushed myself. That was quite a task, because it was a killer of a time trial. But ultimately the result was good." </p><br/><p><strong>Being a tall rider, the circumstances weren’t exactly advantageous for you. </strong></p><br/><p>"You're choosing your words carefully!. It was the worst possible time trial I could have wished for, it was so long and an awful route. Many, many short climbs. Pushing through simply wasn’t an option. As soon as you had your rhythm, you were cresting the hill already. And then the wind ... It was incredibly tough. I was riding with a high front wheel, so the handlebars occasionally almost went from under my arms. This course was far too long, and the head wind made it almost impossible. I'm glad it's over." </p><br/><p><strong>The future. You have already said that the difference between the top two is still considerable. </strong></p><br/><p>"In the future, I want to think about doing two tours a year. Ride in more big tours. I need that. I have discussed this with Koos Moerenhout. He also said that you develop toughness and solidity in the big tours, which you need as a classification rider. And you acquire that by doing those sort of things. I need to become physically stronger. But I am satisfied right now. Andy Schleck wasn't sixth in his first Tour, but twelfth."</p>

<P><STRONG>Denis Menchov secures a place on the winners' podium</STRONG></P><BR> <P>The Rabobank team did incredibly well in Saturday's individual Tour time trial. With eleventh placing, Denis Menchov achieved the best time of the classification riders and achieved a more than large enough time gap between himself and Samuel Sanchez, who had so far been in third place for the classification. In a race against the clock, Koos Moerenhout (6th) and Maarten Tjallingii (8th) completed the Rabobank team's success. Robert Gesink lost a lot of time, but he remained sixth in the classification. The battle for the yellow jersey was a lot more exciting than expected, but Alberto Contador ultimately held onto the lead.</P><BR> <P>The weather conditions distorted the race results. The head wind increased considerably towards the end of the time trials, and as a result Menchov was unable to accentuate Saturday’s glowing form with a good classification. Nevertheless, the differences the Russian made with his immediate competitors say a lot about this Rabobank rider's qualities. For example, he rode 01:52 faster than Contador, who is still one of the best time trial riders of the race. </P><BR> <P><STRONG>'The race of my life'</STRONG></P><BR> <P>Denis Menchov thinks the time trial was his career’s best. "I'm riding the race of my life. It's a pity that the wind got stronger towards the end of the race, but the circumstances were the same for all of the classification riders." He was pleased to see that all of the other classification riders lost a lot of time. "I'm not saying that I would have won this time trial under similar circumstances, but it certainly would have made a difference in a number of places." </P><BR> <P>The satisfaction was great. "As a team, we rode very well. This Tour the team performed strongly. For myself? I am satisfied. Third place confirms this. I'm getting better every year. In Paris on Sunday we can all finish this Tour with our heads up high." Robert Gesink, who found Saturday very difficult, managed to get sixth place in the classification due to sheer willpower. "The wind was terrible. This morning I had a look at part of the route and it was very peaceful then. Later, not at all." </P><BR> <P>During his race, team leader Frans Maassen kept the hope of Dutch cycling informed of the differences with Ryder Hesjedal, because it quickly became clear that the Canadian and not Joaquin Rodriguez was Gesink's greatest rival for the sixth place. "In the final part Frans told me the difference with Hesjedal. Then I really gave it my all, pushed myself to my limits. For the last bit I had to dig really really deep, because it really was a really horrible time trial." </P>

<P><STRONG>Leading Rabobank riders do well on Tourmalet</STRONG> <BR><BR> <P>The final mountain stage of the Tour didn’t deliver the thrilling spectacle we expected. Tour matadors Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck broke away from the other leading riders on the dreaded Tourmalet mountain pass, after which the struggle was limited to two small attacks. Rabobank top riders Robert Gesink and Denis Menchov held their positions in the second string of riders. A strong Gesink led the group of eight followers and this thinned out even more. Contador, who still has the overall lead, allowed Andy Schleck to win this stage. Menchov and Gesink came in 6th and 7th at 1 minute 40 seconds.</P><BR> <P>Gesink did well in the classification. Levi Leipheimer had an enormous breakdown on the Tourmalet and lost more than nine minutes. Joaquin Rodriguez and Ryder Hesjedal gained a few seconds on the Dutchman, but the difference with Hesjedal, the better time rider of the two, is still more than two and a half minutes. Rodriguez is currently at 22 seconds. Denis Menchov lost a few seconds to Samuel Sanchez, but the lost ground doesn’t seem insurmountable for time-trial specialist Menchov.</P><BR> <P>Rabobank played an important part in the run-up to the Tourmalet. A leading group of seven riders, including former Rabobank team member Juan Antonio Flecha, got a head start of ten minutes. In the last fifty kilometres Lars Boom and Grischa Nierman impressively shaved almost three minutes from the margin which still left a six to seven minute gap at the top of the second-last mountain pass. Andy Schleck's team Saxo Bank subsequently did the rest on the final climb. Schleck then attacked, after which the leading riders completed the climb in order of ranking.</P><BR> <P><STRONG>Robert Gesink annoyed</STRONG> <BR> <P>After the finish, Robert Gesink was annoyed at himself for having to let his rivals Hesjedal and Rodriguez go in the last kilometre. "I saw them leave and still had enough left over to react, but Denis and Sanchez were riding in front of me. They went very quiet and because the spectators were so intrusive, I couldn't get past. I still called out, but it was so noisy that they didn't hear me. The fact that Hesjedal and Rodriguez could grab a few more seconds is actually the only disappointment of the day." </P><BR> <P>Otherwise, the last climb worked out as the best Dutch climber wished. Gesink: "It went very well indeed. Better than other days prior to yesterday’s rest day. Recently I've been getting better and better. I was feeling very strong. This is why it is such a pity that the crowds stopped me from reacting to Rodriguez' attack. There was a small path of a few centimetres and the two riders in front of me didn’t move aside."</P>

<P>Paul Martens has been intensively following the Tour on television for the past few weeks, more so than in previous years. The 26-year-old German is recovering from a crash in the Dauphiné on 7 June, during which he broke a rib and suffered kidney damage. This last injury in particular has kept him on the sidelines for a long time, but happily the end is in sight. In the meantime, he's dreaming of the Vuelta. "I'm really hoping for the Tour of Spain. I don't need much time to get back into form, so I hope to be able to get back into full training soon."</P><BR> <P><STRONG>Last week we heard that you were allowed to cycle again, but couldn’t train intensively. How are things now?</STRONG> <BR>"Actually they're still the same, but that's purely as a precaution. Kidney damage is a completely different story to a fracture. If I were to fall again, before my kidney was fully recovered it could have serious consequences. I have put together a training programme with our trainer Louis Delahaye, which for now means gentle cycling. I'll have another scan within 2 weeks. After my fall I had a haematoma (haemorrhage) of 12x12 centimetres around my kidney, but my last scan showed that it had reduced by 50%. I hope that it's completely gone in the next test, and I get a green light to start more intensive training. "<BR></P><BR> <P><STRONG>What kind of problems did the kidney damage cause you?</STRONG><BR>"Initially quite a lot. At first I was short of breath. When I had to climb stairs, I needed to rest at the top. My blood levels were very bad, and my lower back was also sensitive for a long time. However, all that's gone now. I have no more complaints, but it’s difficult to ride with a handbrake on, but that’s the way things have to be for now." <BR></P><BR> <P><STRONG>What goals do you still have for this season?</STRONG> <BR>" I would like to ride the Vuelta. Last year I started it after an knee operation, I was back in form, but I was sick just after starting the Vuelta. I actually never got better, after the eleventh stage I got a fever and two days later my fire went out. So now, riding the Vuelta is a great ambition. Nevertheless, last year showed that I recover quickly, but I first have to get back into full training and back in shape. After that, the Tour de Limousin and the GP Plouay would be good competitions to get me back into form." <BR></P><BR> <P><STRONG>You’re an all-rounder when it comes to cycling which is ideal for the Tour. Do you think about this as you're sitting at home in front of the television?</STRONG> <BR>"In reality, I think about being in almost every race I watch on television. You constantly wonder what you could do if you were there. The Tour is special, though. Once the world in general discovers you're a professional racing cyclist, they always mention the Tour. It would also be nice to be able to say that you rode the Tour. But I still have ten more years as a competitive rider, I think, so I should be able to ride it at some point." </P>

Denis Mechov sees possibilities to climb in the general classification. With the Tourmalet finish and the timetrail ahead Denis feels strong and confident.

<p>Pascale Thomas, Accomodation Manager Tour de France talks about sourcing hotels for the cyclists.</p>

<p><strong>'Denis Menchov could climb to second place'</strong><br /> Things are going well for Laurens ten Dam, the man who at the last minute literally fell out of the Rabobank team selection, as a result of a hard crash in the Tour of Switzerland. He is currently completing endurance training on the 2330-metre high Bernina Pass in Eastern Switzerland without any physical problems. In his fall on 13 June, he broke his left wrist and two vertebrae. His back is no longer giving him any problems, but his wrist is still a bit painful at times. He watches the Tour whenever he can. &quot;I found it hard during the first week, but now I am able to once again enjoy it.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>You fell five weeks ago. How are you now? </strong><br /> &quot;I'm very well, actually. My back is not acting up anymore,  but sometimes I still have problems with my wrist . I still have a brace on it, but that might come off next week. But all in all, fortunately it's healed very quickly. Two weeks after my fall I was able to cycle a little. I have been in Switzerland for eight days now and from the very first day, things have gone great. I can do everything. Physically the endurance training sessions are no problem at all.&quot;<br /></p><br /> <p> <strong>After the fall, you quickly chose the Vuelta as your next goal. It’s only five and a half weeks away, are you on track?</strong><br /> &quot;I think so. Of course, my condition isn’t as it was before the fall, but that's why I'm here. The endurance training is going well, but I do miss the intensity. Nevertheless I hope to be in form right in time for the Vuelta. Before the Vuelta, I will ride the Tour of Burgos and the Tour de Limousin, two smaller stage races. And also, a week before the Vuelta, I'll ride in the GP Plouay, a French semi-classic. All that will be very necessary.&quot; <br /></p><br /> <p> <strong>In terms of morale, you've had a serious blow. You aren’t in the Tour this year, how difficult is it for you watching it on television?</strong><br /> &quot;I was in the Netherlands for the start of the Tour, and it was pretty hard then. I worked towards it for a whole year. The start was in Rotterdam. It was the third successive large race that started in the Netherlands. I didn't take part in any of them. As a racing cyclist, that hurts. However, I have  started to enjoy watching the Tour. I'm sitting here with team-mate Steven Kruijswijk,  and there are also some Cervelo riders in our hotel, so we enjoy watching the Tour whenever we can, because training sessions are our priority. But I am enjoying it as a fan this time.&quot;<br /></p><br /> <p> <strong>What do you expect from your fellow riders?</strong><br /> &quot;I think that Denis Menchov could come in second place. He's making a fantastic impression. Denis is only improving. Getting past Contador will be very difficult, but with Denis' qualities as a time trial rider, second place is within reach. I'm also enjoying watching Robert. He's had a few tough moments, but he isn't breaking. He’s an admiration. Whether he's in sixth, seventh or eighth place, for me it doesn't really matter, but for Robert himself, it does. But he has established himself, and will have an excellent Tour début behind him.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Riders need a second rest day</strong></p> <br /> <p>It was another tough day, but the classification riders didn’t suffer any damage on Tuesday. Denis Menchov had another good day and while Robert Gesink had some iffy moments during the start, he didn’t panic and managed to find his rhythm. The first fourty kilometres were a major struggle, even for the classification riders, and they once  again found each other in one large group. An attempt by Lance Armstrong to pick up a stage win created the decisive breakaway, but Lance ‘only’ managed sixth place. Pierrick Fédrigo won the sixth French stage.</p><br /> <p> After the finish, pretty much all of the peloton welcomed tomorrow’s rest day. Tuesday was the eighth day in a row which included four very tough mountain races, continuous hot weather and an unpleasantly fast pace every day. Tuesday was similar, with many attacks on the very first mountain pass, that started during the first kilometres of the stage. Classification candidates such as  Levi Leipheimer, Ryder Hesjedahl and even fifth placing Jürgen van den Broeck had some adventures.</p><br /> <p> Robert Gesink had a difficult moment and ended up in the third group along with Samuel Sanchez and Joaquin Rodriguez. Even so, the Rabobank climber quickly regained his rhythm, and got back to the other favourites and finished up very strongly. Team mate Denis Menchov didn’t flinch and just like Gesink, made a very strong impression during the climb of the Tourmalet and Aubique mountain passes. Denis Menchov, Robert Gesink and Koos Moerenhout finished in the group of favourites, and the other Rabobank riders came in in good time.</p><br /> <p><strong>Gesink is still in great spirits</strong></p><br /> <p>&quot;I am very much in need of a rest, but I think that everyone in the peloton is happy about a second rest day. The pace and struggle of the past days has totally knackered me&quot;, said Robert Gesink. He acknowledged that he never panicked with his awkward start. &quot;I wasn't the only one. The difference was never great. I saw the others keep on going. That's when it's important not to panic, and to stay calm and wait for the rhythm.&quot;</p><br /> <p> And it came. Even so, Gesink had problems with punctures on two separate occasions, one while descending the Tourmalet, the highest mountain pass of the Tour, and the other five kilometres from the finish. At this second one, he didn’t need any help from team mate Koos Moerenhout. &quot;It was all very manageable, the change was fast and I went on to ride very well. And the way I managed to regain ground was good for the morale. Even so, Wednesday's rest day is very very welcome.&quot;</p>

<P>A day in the life of a Rabobank Pro team Vittoria tyre.</P>

<p><strong>Erik Breukink: 'Naturally you always want more'</strong><br /> </p> <p>Halfway through the Pyrenees stages, the Rabobank team is still doing very well. Compared to riders behind them, top Rabobank riders Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink have even managed to gain some time. Technical manager Erik Breukink (photo) has watched this with the team from day to day, and is clearly delighted. &quot;The intention was to have the two top riders at the front in the classification, and that has been successful so far.&quot;</p><br /> <p>It was another good day for the Rabobank team, wasn't it?<br /> &quot;Definitely. &quot;Denis Menchov has been able to improve his position again. He has gained time on the riders behind him, and on Schleck. It's true it was because Schleck had a bit of bad luck, but that can happy to anyone. Robert Gesink has also managed to hold his own and is still at a very good sixth place. So it's hard to say that things are not going well.&quot; </p><br /> <p>During preparation, Denis Menchov was not in the public eye, but did you know he would be so good?<br /> &quot;Naturally there are no certainties, but the preparation was planned in such a way that he would be good. He himself has long wanted to ride in the Giro, but as team management, we could talk him out of that. That combination is too demanding. You see this in the riders who have ridden the Giro. They are now struggling. Menchov was a bit sick in May, but adjustments to his preparatory training have worked out well. He's here now.&quot; </p><br /> <p>After the finish, Robert Gesink mentioned something about having less energy, but he is still doing very well.<br /> &quot;He certainly is doing well. Now, of course, it's a question of watching for how long he stays strong, given that this stage of the Tour is new to him. Tomorrow and Thursday are two more difficult days and we hope he gets through them okay. He's a very sensible rider, continues to ride uphill at his own pace, and doesn't let anyone else rush him. Denis and Robert have fought hard for these positions over the past two and a half weeks, so the objective is to hold onto them now.&quot; </p><br /> <p>It must be a nice feeling, having two riders in the top ten. The Tour has gone according to plan so far?<br /> &quot;The intention was to have the two top riders at the front in the classification, and that has been successful so far. Naturally you always want more. We're taking it one day at a time, but a stage victory would be absolutely fantastic. There are still two days for the climbers. Tomorrow's finish is far from the final peak, but strange things can still happen. And with two top riders at the front, one can give just a little extra room for the other.&quot; </p>

<p><strong>Contador conquers the yellow, Menchov does good work</strong><br /> </p> <p>Monday's 2nd race in the Pyrenees had a bizarre ending. While Tomas Voeckler was rushing down unthreatened after a long attack from 10 riders, a battle broke out between the top riders close below the peak of the final climb, the Port de Balès (1755 m). Andy Schleck attacked, but then ran into problems with stuck gears. Alberto Contador profited and took over the yellow. Denis Menchov (photo) was on the ball and stayed with Contador. Robert Gesink crossed the finish in the third group, but consolidated his 6th place in the classification. </p><br /> <p>For a long time there seemed to be a 'truce' among the top riders. Schleck's team controlled the last difficult climb, and Contador and the rest followed. Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink both rode in an excellent position, with helper Juanma Garate nearby. At the time of Schleck's attack, Gesink was riding at the head of the group of favourites, but he could not follow. Menchov could, however. The Russian made a very strong impression and during the descent remained close to super specialist Samuel Sanchez and Contador. Gesink did well in the descent, but was just unable to get back to Schleck. </p><br /> <p>And despite it being an 'extremely tough day', Robert Gesink saw some positive elements. &quot;Ultimately I managed to hang in there and the descent from the Port de Balès went perfectly. That was a good experience. The descents in this Tour are much better than in the past. It helps that I know this mountain pass well, we explored it very thoroughly before the Tour.&quot; In any case, during the descent Gesink made up for lost ground against riders such as Levi Leipheimer, who is still his greatest rival for the sixth place.</p><br /> <p>Menchov also went down well<br /> Fellow cyclist Denis Menchov is known for being moderate at descending, but the Russian also showed some clever moves following Samuel Sanchez, known as a downhill specialist, and Alberto Contador. Going up, Menchov was feeling really strong. &quot;My legs felt good. Confidence was high. In the descent I also felt good. It couldn't go wrong.&quot; Menchov drew 31 seconds closer to the yellow jersey, even though the difference with Contador appeared the same, but the wearer of the yellow jersey until Monday lost the top placing of the classification.</p><br /> <p>And despite losing fifth place in the classification to Jürgen van den Broeck, Robert Gesink remains encouraged. &quot;Today was not my best day. Right from the start, they raced really well. We rode the first 2 hours at 47 per hour on average, and the final climb was a question of following and giving as good as you got. My legs were hurting, but everyone will be feeling that now. But ultimately, despite the pain, the damaged has been limited. I'm really dissatisfied.&quot;<br /> </p>

Cadel Evans and Matthew Lloyd talk about their experiences in the Tour the France so far. Also a Lotto mechanic gets forgotten by his team manager and picked up by a Rabobank car.

<P><STRONG>Robert Gesink: 'I start getting good above 1800 metres'</STRONG></P><BR> <P>Denis Menchov got equal second place in the 14th Tour stage and has moved a little bit closer to the top two. Robert Gesink has climbed to 6th place in the classification and has put some distance between himself and the pursuers. While the Rabobank team are not exactly partying after the first race in the Pyrenees, which was won by Frenchman Christophe Riblon, the team are content. "If you have your top riders in the top six of the classification at the start of the final week, you can be very satisfied", observed team leader Adri van Houwelingen. Robert Gesink: "This was my best effort. I really couldn’t push any harder."</P><BR> <P>During the final stages, the power of the Rabobank team was apparent once again with two of the best climbers of the Tour at the end point of the race. Robert Gesink demonstrated incredible power on the final climb, while Denis Menchov cleverly made a move when Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck began to bicker between themselves and hit the brakes. "It was an opportunity for me to win back some time, but I couldn't get rid of Sanchez, which was a pity," said Menchov.</P><BR> <P><STRONG>'Good for morale'</STRONG><BR>Even so, a good feeling dominated for Menchov. "I did manage to win back some time which was the intention. And this was good for morale." Robert Gesink crossed the finish line 14 seconds after his fellow top rider and established that he grows in strength whenever the going gets tougher and climbs last longer. "Vinokourov broke away very fast at the beginning of the last climb, too fast for me. But I didn't panic. I know that I get better as climbs get longer, and other people don't."</P><BR> <P>And this is how it worked out, because after Vinokourov fell back from the front, Gesink regained his position and didn’t lose it again. "For me, that climb could have lasted a few kilometres longer. Towards the end of it I could feel myself getting stronger, but then Menchov had already left and I wasn’t allowed to speed up anymore. That was a pity, but this confirmation gives a great boost. I only really start getting good above 1800 metres, and this climb was just 1300. Not quite high enough."</P><BR> <P><STRONG>'Positions reinforced'</STRONG><BR>Much to his regret, team leader Adri van Houwelingen saw that early attacker Christophe Riblon held his ground against all expectations during the final kilometres, so riding to win the stage was not really an option. "Nevertheless, Denis reacted very well when Contador and Schleck paused. It was a good attack. It's just a pity that Sanchez kept going. We would have been happy to pass those guys. But we have held our ground very well in the first Pyrenees stage race, and even strengthened our positions. There are still three very difficult mountain stages to go."</P>

<p><strong>Bauke Mollema is hoping to ride Tour in 2011</strong></p> <br /> <p>Robert Gesink is the Netherlands’ biggest hope in cycling. Fortunately, there are  more up-and-coming Dutch cycling talents: Bauke Mollema is one example. He performed well in de Giro d’Italia this year, has won the French Tour de l’Avenir (Tour of the Future) and like Gesink, is a gifted climber. He is currently at home in Groningen, training hard for future races and is enjoying watching the Tour and his teammates’ performances on TV. &quot;They leave a good impression. However, I was expecting no less.&quot;</p> <br /> <p><strong>Can you hold back twitching while in front of the TV?</strong><br /> &quot;Barely. The Tour is the only cycling event I rearrange my training schedule around so I can watch the finals on TV. I rarely do that for other cycling events, if ever. The Tour, however, caught my attention before I was even thinking about a career in cycling. I used to be fixated on the Tour when I was a child, it was the highlight of my summer. I kept track of everything via the Dutch radio and television, and as a cyclist you immediately start dreaming about the Tour.&quot;  </p> <br /> <p><strong>When did you realize that you had the most important talent for the Tour, that of a climber? </strong><br /> &quot;To be honest, I only realized it when I started to ride for the Rabobank Continental Team in 2007. Before that I discovered that I could manage pretty well uphill, but only when I joined the Continental Team could I really focus on big climbs and face real pros in some races. I finally fully realized it back in 2007 during the Tour de l’Ain. That wasn’t long after the Tour and I was competing against multiple riders who came straight from the Tour, riders like John Gadret and Stijn Devolder, and I managed third place. That was the sign. &quot; </p><br /> <p><strong>You missed most of the 2009 season due to glandular fever. If you hadn’t been ill, would you be riding in the Tour? </strong><br /> &quot;Maybe. But I find that such a ‘what-if’ scenario. If I hadn’t come down with glandular fever last year, I would have ridden the Vuelta, and now I would be a step further on. But then I wouldn’t have ridden the Giro and that was certainly a great experience this year. It’s definitely less intensive than the Tour, and the number of kilometres of climbing is the same, but the mountain passes are certainly a different calibre to the ones in the Tour. Some of them are 12 to 13 percent. You don’t experience that in the Tour.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>And how did you feel about the fans calling for you to do the Tour when Laurens ten Dam fell in Switzerland?</strong><br /> &quot;Complete madness. People who wanted me to start the Tour after the Giro don’t really understand very much about a cyclist’s need to build up training and competitions. A young rider who goes straight into the Tour after the Giro is asking for trouble. It has never come up for discussion. It would be irresponsible. But when will I participate in the Tour? I hope in 2011. I think I’ll be ready for it next year, but I will also be there next week. I have been invited by Dutch television for a talk show on location, to get a taste of the atmosphere.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Bram Tankink: 'We have a strong team'</strong><br /> </p> <p>Bram Tankink’s most important task is to assist Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink. In the general classification, he is at a respectable 31st place, so his form should be good. His explanation for it is taht: &quot;You ride with the guys for as long as you can, and you automatically get closer to the front.&quot;<br /> </p> <p><strong>You are now 31st in the classification. So your form is good? </strong></p> <p>&quot;Definitely. We are riding for Robert Gesink’s and Denish Menchov’s classification, so you ride with the guys for as long as you can, and automatically you’ll get closer to the front. Furthermore, for me the classification isn’t important, but I can't deny that it is going well. My form gives me extra confidence. I have always prepared myself as if I should be riding the Tour, so this also works out well.&quot;<br /> </p> <p><strong>Does supporting Gesink and Menchov also create extra stress?</strong></p> <p>&quot;It is a bit more nerve-racking, because you have to constantly pay attention and ride close to the front. That takes up a lot of energy. But we have a strong team and we can really trust each other. Take someone like Maarten Tjallingii, for example. He is like a demon on that bike, and this makes it a bit easier for the others to do their jobs. As a team, we are respected. You notice when you're in front that they respect you and let you through more quickly.&quot;<br /> </p> <p><strong>Would you like to ride for yourself sometime?</strong></p> <p>&quot;Of course that would be great, but it's not our first task. We can certainly go along with a breakaway, but there's not really much point with a small group as you tend to ride flat out all day, and the following day you're like a dead man on the bike trying to keep pace with the top riders. But I certainly would like to do that with a larger group, that I can't deny.&quot;<br /> </p> <p><strong>The Pyrenees are coming up. Are you looking forward to this?</strong><br /> &quot;I am, but I am having a little trouble with my throat today. So I'm hoping this doesn't get worse. I did well in the Alps, so let's see how it goes in the Pyrenees. It has been said that climbing the Pyrenees is different to climbing the Alps, but I haven't noticed as your legs still hurt when you’re cycling uphill!&quot; </p>

<P>'Today was an incredibly difficult day'</P><BR> <P>The Tour de France has already been quite punishing for the peloton, however Friday has been one of the most difficult days so far. The heat, very tough terrain and an extremely difficult route took its toll on the riders, all of whom crossed the finishing line totally exhausted. Opinions were also unanimous. "The entire day was an absolute killer," said Robert Gesink. His team leader Adri van Houwelingen said: "It started out difficult and became even more so because of the manner of racing, and that lasted pretty much all day." </P><BR> <P>In the heat, Robert Gesink couldn’t quite follow in the final part, particularly when Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck and Jürgen van den Broeck accelerated, but this came as no surprise to the rider himself. "Longer climbs are more my thing. This was just a bit too explosive for me. But luckily I could limit the damage. Satisfied? This was simply the maximum on this particular run. If you yourself have given it the maximum, then you have to be satisfied with that." </P><BR> <P>Satisfied with the result and Lars</P><BR> <P>Adri van Houwelingen could also see himself in his top rider's reflections. "I am very pleased with the result, and also satisfied that Lars Boom came in on time. Robert and Denis did well, they came in approximately in the positions we had expected. Robert is actually doing very well. Ninth to fifteen seconds from Contador and if you take the early escapees Vinokourov and Klöden out of the equation, he is seventh on this climb, and this is not really his thing at all. Steep but short. The Pyrenees is a totally different story." </P><BR> <P>While the team leader did find it a pity that his team were not represented in the large group in front, in retrospect he can live with it. "Of course we wanted someone there. Lars Boom was the first attacker of the day, but was also the first one to fall back. This says it all. Being present in the group in front simply to be part of it, for me isn’t necessary. We also have other interests to look after with our top riders. And another good thing is that other teams in the peloton got more nervous than we did, which doesn't do us any harm." </P><BR> <P>Fifteen minutes before the time limit</P><BR> <P>Lars Boom was forced to fall back, ending up in the company of Robbie McEwen and Bert Grabsch behind the peloton. For all three of them, it was a long fight. Because of the furious speed in front, getting back there was impossible. The aim was to get in on time, and that worked out fine. The three of them finished almost fifteen minutes before the time limit . "At the start, I really wanted to be up there with them, and might have pushed myself a bit too much," admitted Boom. "So I came a bit unstuck on the first climb, after which it became a long and hard battle." Laughing: "Some of a Kenny van Hummel feeling, the guy that ended in last position of several Tour stages in 2009. But I hope this is just part of a bad day."</P>

<P>Frans Maassen takes care of 'emergencies'</P><BR> <P>Frans Maassen is the Rabobank team’s second team leader during this Tour. He sits in the second team leader car, so that first team leader Adri van Houwelingen can stay behind top riders Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink as much as possible. But this isn't his only task. "My job is actually to assist Adri as much as possible." </P><BR> <P>Today you were behind Lars Boom. What where you doing there? </P><BR> <P>"It was a long day, especially for Lars. On days like today, I try to stay with Lars as much as I can and encourage him along. For a while there we were a bit worried that he wouldn’t finish on time, but I just kept talking to and encouraging him which helped. Naturally I would have preferred to ride behind the lead group, but I am glad I could help Lars." </P><BR> <P>So what does a second team leader do during the race? </P><BR> <P>"You take care of emergencies, both the positive and negative. On a day like today, you encourage someone along. But if one of our team is riding with the leading group, we’d drive behind them. Sometimes you will also have to choose. If you have someone both in front and behind, the lead group has priority, but that's not always a clear choice. Fortunately I didn't need to make that choice today. In addition, I talk with Adri constantly via the rado about the way the race is going and what we need to do." </P><BR> <P>Until now, this Tour has been difficult, also because of the heat. Do you leaders also find it tough going? </P><BR> <P>"No, not especially. You hand out more water bottles during the race, but we are sitting in the car. Last night we didn't have such a great hotel, and that was annoying. I can't say I slept very well. But for the boys it's that bit more uncomfortable, because they have to stay on their bicycles all day. And this hotel wasn’t ideal for their rest and recovery, so a day like today only becomes tougher as a result." </P><BR> <P>And other than the race? What does your day look like? </P><BR> <P>"Naturally Adri and I go over the race afterwards, and we look to the next day. After all, this is the team leader's most important job. As well as this, I take care of logistical issues such as organising the day, the schedule, and paying hotel bills, for example. "My job is actually to help Adri out as much as possible, so that he only needs to concern himself with the race."</P< span> <TEXTAREA style="WIDTH: 300px" id=ctl00_ctl00_phContent_phContent_txtDescription class=edit rows=5 cols=20 name=ctl00$ctl00$phContent$phContent$txtDescription>&lt;p&gt;Frans Maassen takes care of 'emergencies'&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;Frans Maassen is the Rabobank team’s second team leader during this Tour. He sits in the second team leader car, so that first team leader Adri van Houwelingen can stay behind top riders Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink as much as possible. But this isn't his only task. "My job is actually to assist Adri as much as possible." &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;Today you were behind Lars Boom. What where you doing there? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;"It was a long day, especially for Lars. On days like today, I try to stay with Lars as much as I can and encourage him along. For a while there we were a bit worried that he wouldn’t finish on time, but I just kept talking to and encouraging him which helped. Naturally I would have preferred to ride behind the lead group, but I am glad I could help Lars." &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;So what does a second team leader do during the race? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;"You take care of emergencies, both the positive and negative. On a day like today, you encourage someone along. But if one of our team is riding with the leading group, we’d drive behind them. Sometimes you will also have to choose. If you have someone both in front and behind, the lead group has priority, but that's not always a clear choice. Fortunately I didn't need to make that choice today. In addition, I talk with Adri constantly via the rado about the way the race is going and what we need to do." &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;Until now, this Tour has been difficult, also because of the heat. Do you leaders also find it tough going? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;"No, not especially. You hand out more water bottles during the race, but we are sitting in the car. Last night we didn't have such a great hotel, and that was annoying. I can't say I slept very well. But for the boys it's that bit more uncomfortable, because they have to stay on their bicycles all day. And this hotel wasn’t ideal for their rest and recovery, so a day like today only becomes tougher as a result." &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;And other than the race? What does your day look like? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;p&gt;"Naturally Adri and I go over the race afterwards, and we look to the next day. After all, this is the team leader's most important job. As well as this, I take care of logistical issues such as organising the day, the schedule, and paying hotel bills, for example. "My job is actually to help Adri out as much as possible, so that he only needs to concern himself with the race."&lt;/p</TEXTAREA> </P>

<P>Graeme Brown to stay another year with Rabobank</P><BR> <P>Graeme Brown's current contract with Rabobank has been extended until the end of 2011. The Australian is now in his fifth season with this team. Last weekend he achieved his greatest victory of the season, adding the final stage of the Tour of Austria to his credentials. This was his fourteenth win with Rabobank, not including his three wins in the Australian test race, the Jayco Bay Classic (2 in 2009 and 1 in 2010).</P>

<P>Marcel van Vilet compares the Dakar with the Tour de France.</P>

<p>Fascinating finale of yet another hot day</p><br/> <p>The finale of the 11th stage of the Tour took place in scorching heat yet again. After a lengthy attack by three riders, which actually never had more than a gap of five minutes, the Saxo Bank tried to create wings on the peloton during the last 20 kilometres. The main group broke down in smaller portions but all the big names stuck together. There was a final mass sprint by all. Mark Cavendish won his third stage of the Tour, but not completely by the book.</p><br/> <p>The Rabo riders were very alert when the Saxo Bank team tried to create wings 19 kilometres from the finish line. It was a fascinating fight for almost 15 kilometres in which the Rabo Riders fully participated. Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink were very alert and were backed up by Maarten Tjallingii, Grischa Niermann, Juanma Garate and Bram Tankink. There was a bunch sprint by all. Oscar Freire positioned himself in the front but stepped on the brakes when Mark Renshaw gave three nasty head-butts to Julian Dean in the heat of the moment during the sprint. Renshaw was directly retired for the Tour by the officials. He is not allowed to start on Friday.</p><br/> <p>No risks<br /> According to Team leader Adri van Houwelingen, the story of the first stage for the Rabo team can be told quickly. &quot;For the team, the only part that was crucial, was the part between 20 and 5 kilometres before the finish&quot;, Van Houwelingen said. &quot;It was there that the stage changed its direction and in combination with the wind, gaps could originate. Even though the wind slowly went away throughout the day, you do not want to take any risks.&quot;</p><br /> <p>During the sprint, Oscar Freire unfortunately did not qualify as the winner. &quot;At the last straight part, he was in a good position&quot;, Adri van Houwelingen said. &quot;Oscar was a little boxed in and got behind a few places. Because of that, it was impossible for him to win.&quot; Team manager Erik Breukink spoke with Oscar Freire and said that he &quot;admitted that he was too tired to win the stage.&quot;</p><br/> <p>Spectacle to be expected on the final climb<br /> Erik Breukink looked ahead to the next stage. This one ends with a final climb of 3 kilometres with an average climb rate of 11%.&quot;The strongest ones will definitely try to get ahead to create a large gap.&quot; Robert Gesink too, expects a spectacle at the finale. &quot;The finish is uphill after a short and steep climb, so Contador has a good chance to do this. I strongly feel that something is going to take place there. I do not know this climb, but others have told me that it's a steep and short one. I would rather have a steep and long one. But oh well, this is how it is. We're just going to have to deal with it, right?&quot;</p>

<p>Maarten Tjallingii is a hero</p> <br /> <P>Maarten Tjallingii is really enjoying his first Tour and has proven himself &nbsp;a talented athlete in the toughest course of the year. &nbsp;He is riding well and is comfortable about his spot in the mega cycling mayhem. He played an important role during a remarkable moment on Thursday during the finale. Fabian 'Spartacus' Cancellara gave it his all while leading the peloton, but Tjallingii emerged next to the Swiss with Robert Gesink on his wheel. "I just wanted to see how things were going at the front. I just thought ‘if he cracks, so will I’. This was indeed the case, later on during the stage.</P><BR> <P>Compliments on your performance today. You are a hero on the internet already. <BR>"That’s quick. Very nice. I’m very happy to hear this, but to be honest, not much happened when they tried to create wings. We knew in advance that it might happen there. Adri van Houwelingen pointed it out to us during the preliminary meeting and they went all out at precisely that point. However, there was not much wind. You have to be really careful though. Because before you even realize what has happened, there is a gap and when your lead riders are not in a good position, you are also to blame."</P> <P>There was a very funny moment, &nbsp;what were you thinking when you were in front next to Cancellara? <BR>"Enjoying the glory of the moment. &nbsp;No just kidding. I just wanted to see how things were going at the front. When I was just behind Cancellara, I wanted to know what things would be like with just the two of us. I was still very frustrated about last Wednesday. I wanted to take part in the flight forward but that didn’t work out. I wanted some form of reprisal. It was my own battle. Fabian was riding there for quite some time while I was just there for a brief moment. But anyway, I thought ‘if he cracks, so will I’. This was indeed the case. Later on during the stage we were both in the rear. Cancellara had to let go and I had to do the same. Just perfectly on his wheel."</P> <P>How are you doing halfway during your first Tour? <BR>"I’m feeling great. I’m even having a feeling that I keep getting better during the last few days. I was still pretty much overwhelmed during the first week in the Tour because of the massive attention of the media. However, now I’m more used to it and I can focus more my well-being and on the course. It took some getting used to but things keep getting better. My legs are feeling great, I can do my job and a moment like today’s is just a big rush. Even with all these hardships I’m really having a good time here."</P> <P>Are you coping well with the heat? <BR>"That also appears to be something you need to get used to. I had a hard time with that during the first few days. The heat was pretty intense, but today felt somewhat cooler than the lasts few days, although it wasn't actually the case. I hope I can keep this up because the lead riders need us pretty bad. I can do a lot of work on the flat parts of the stages and position the lead riders in a great starting point for the cols. Yep, even in this heat."</P>

Even though four Rabo cyclists had the freedom to go for a break away during stage ten of the Tour de France (on the national French holiday), they did not manage to win.

<p>Jos van Emden: 'Infected by the Tour virus'</p><br/><p>The Tour de France is the biggest competition of the year and every cyclist would like to ride this route. In addition, the Tour has also driven many other riders to cycle it. This applies to Rabobank rider Jos van Emden, the new Dutch time trial champion. He is, however, realistic. For someone like him, making the team selection is difficult, but he thinks that his chances have improved. "I've become a lot stronger going uphill in the past two years." </p><br/><p>You've now ridden the Giro twice. Can you also form a picture of the Tour? </p><br/><p>"I think you can compare the two, if you don't take into consideration that the Tour goes for three weeks. Even so, the Tour is somewhat bigger, and only the best riders in the world take part in it, so it will be that bit harder than the Giro. And the circus around it is also larger. In the Giro, I hardly needed to say a word to the press, but in the Tour you constantly have media moments. The Tour simply has more prestige." </p><br/><p>What makes it prestigious? </p><br/><p>"For many, cycling consists of the Tour. Of course we compete around it for another nine months, but for these three weeks, the Tour is the centre of the world. And not just for the spectator, you know. It's the same for the riders. Whatever way you look at it, every cyclist would like to compete in the Tour, whether you're a climber or a sprinter: you want to be among the best riders in the world." </p><br/><p>Did the Tour also motivate you to cycle? </p><br/><p>"Yes, it did, actually. When we used to go on holiday, we would also stand on the roadside to watch the Tour. And when I would see the riders coming, I knew I wanted to ride with them someday. Then you start watching it more, and races like Paris-Roubaix, the Dutch Amstel Gold Race and the World Championship made me want to cycle even more. But you could say that I was originally infected by the Tour virus." </p><br/><p>Is it a goal of yours, to ride the Tour someday? </p><br/><p>"I would really like that. However, I would find it hard to see myself being selected. At first I thought I didn't have it in me, but I've become a lot stronger going uphill in the past two years. And apart from the mountains, you could really use someone like me in a team. My role would be that of helper, if I were allowed to start in the Tour, and I would like that very much. Nevertheless, I won't focus on the Tour exclusively, as there are many other riders like me, and plenty of other great races I'm happy to focus on."</p>

<p>Off-day for the peloton in today's suffocating heat</p><br/><p>Very little of note happened during the tenth stage of the Tour. The classification riders agreed on a truce, partly due to the searing heat. Thanks to two relatively serious climbs and an undulating route, everyone pretty much stayed together in closed ranks until the finish. After a fairly turbulent opening phase, six riders were given a 'free pass'. The first in that group were more than 14 minutes ahead of the peloton at the finish. Portuguese Sergio Pauninho won the stage. </p><br/><p>The Rabobank team welcomed the 'off-day' to the Tour menu. In the opening phase, Lars Boom and Maarten Tjallingii tried to join the groups breaking away, but when their attempts proved unsuccessful, the team stopped pressing on. Their job today was to protect the leading riders and get through the race wasting as little energy as possible. </p><br/><p>" Tuesday's stage had really taken a lot out of us. Lars and Maarten tried again, but then we had to take it easy. Next thing the riders in the peloton eased up and, as already stated, after Tuesday's race and with the heat today, this was welcome." Before the stage, team leader Adri van Houwelingen was told by Koos Moerenhout and Grischa Nierman that neither of them were feeling the best, so the riders were also reasonably happy with this. </p><br/><p>'My legs gave out' </p><br/><p>Lars Boom only mentioned the run to Gap briefly. "I started out with Tuesday's good legs in my thoughts. Then I was feeling like I was riding well and that this was going to be a good stage for me. I tried to join the leaders at different times, but after several attempts my legs gave out and I just took it easy, even though I could have done well in a breakaway. Now I was able to do my job in the group, which was get Robert out of the wind and get drinks." </p><br/><p>Halfway through the Tour, how do you view your performances? "I've had my good and not so good days, but this seems to be normal. The level here is unbelievably high, so I cannot be unsatisfied. I can do my job well, and during the most difficult mountain stage on Tuesday, I had a good day. I hope that I can do that again, and that my form continues to grow, so that I can help out our team captains during the stages in the Pyrenees, which is and remains the most important thing."</p>

<p>Joost Posthuma: 'You know what it's like to be a rider.'</p></br><p>How does a rider sitting at home watch the Tour? With four Tours under his belt, Joost Posthuma is familiar with what's involved. Now that he isn’t participating, he gets to admire the lovely scenery on television. As well as this, he was able to claim a nice prize in the time trial during the Tour of Austria. "The Tour is incredibly stressful, and you don't really see this on television." </p></br><p>First of all, congratulations on your win in Austria. </p></br><p>"Thank you. As I wasn't taking part in the Tour de France, I was lined up to race in Austria. When I was looking at the route book, I was a bit taken aback by all the uphill routes. Normally hills aren’t quite my thing. Nevertheless the time trial looked good and after getting fourth place on the National Time Trials, I could really go for it. And that got me this great prize!" </p></br><p>So you are in good form. What else is on your agenda? </p></br><p>"Right now I'm in training. Next month I'll be competing again, and my main focus is on the Eneco Tour. I have already ridden it and would now like to have a shot at getting onto the podium. Naturally you need some luck, but the prologue and the time trial in particular are determining factors. So it's a race that suits me well." </p></br><p>But how, as a rider, do you sit at home and watch the Tour? </p></br><p>"At the moment I'm just enjoying the nice scenery, haha, which you can see on TV. When you're riding there yourself, you just don't see it. 'But more than anything, you know what it's like to be a rider.' The Tour is incredibly stressful, and you don't really see this on television. Take one of those big sprints. On the television it looks like a well-oiled machine, but when you're part of the peloton, it's different. And as a rider, once the race is over you are exhausted, and not just from cycling. You're also wrecked from having to concentrate'." </p></br><p>Can you tell, from TV coverage, how strong the team is? </p></br><p>"I follow the Rabobank riders in any case, after all, they are my team mates and I wish them all the best. And like Robert Gesink last Sunday riding uphill, I also get nervous. Nevertheless, the team is as strong as its top rider. If your top rider drops out, like last year, in one fell swoop your objectives change. But I think that Robert Gesink and Denis Menchov are looking strong, and the other Rabobank riders are also looking good." </p>

<p>Rabobank leading riders do well</p><br/><p>The second Alpine stage of the Tour was all about the power of relationships. Cadel Evans, wearing the yellow jersey, fell short and lost more than eight minutes to the men of the day, Alberto Contador. Andy Schleck. Rober Gesink and Denis Menchov relinquished slightly more than two minutes to the Spanish-Luxembourgian duo. Frenchman Sandy Casar won the group sprint with Contador and Schleck, and the latter took over the yellow jersey from Evans. Menchov climbed to fourth place in the classification and Gesink to seventh. </p><br/><p>All in all it was a great day for two members of the Rabobank team, who were almost able to follow through when Contador and Schleck went into attack. In the company of Rodriguez and Leipheimer, Gesink and Menchov lost some time to the two top riders, but they still did very well. The Rabobank duo gained time from classification riders such as Van den Broeck, Basso, Kreuziger, Rogers, Sastre, Wiggins and of course Evans. Resulting in two positions in the top seven of the classification. In the team classification, Rabobank is down to fourth place. </p><br/><p>No disappointment</p><br/><p>Within the team there is a sense of satisfaction. Robert Gesink is happy with his result. "I gave everything I had, and also experienced a hunger pang at the top of the Madeleine. But I could handle this." Team leader Adri van Houwelingen: "You have to look at the classification, and not at that time differences. In the classification we are doing well. We are still in with a chance. Today Robert and Denis were with the best six in the classification. We are still in with a chance." </p><br/><p>On the Madeleine, Robert Gesink was annoyed because he couldn’t react to Contador and Schleck's sharp attack and high speed. "It was fair if those guys just rode faster. You give all you've got, but you just can't keep up. It hurt, but I did manage to catch up later on. I performed my best when I was in the group with Denis, Leipheimer and Rodriguez . The others struggled with the climb, so I had to do the entire climb on my own." </p><br/><p>Adri van Houwelingen says the Dutch rider had the freedom to possibly go further himself. "He didn’t have to wait for Denis, but if you can't go any faster... Nevertheless, except for the first three riders, all other leaders all lost time." Gesink was doing well on the climb, but at the top of the Madeleine, he got what he described as a hunger pang. "I went down that hill like an old woman in a wheelchair. At the bottom of the hill, Jens Voigt gave me two energy gels, which was very generous otherwise I would still be out there cycling."</p>

<p>Menchov talks about team communication during the stage and rates the difficulty of the stage 8/10.</p>

<p>Raboploeg flavour in Alpine stage</p><br/><p> The first serious mountain stage went very well for the Rabobank team. The team played a determining role, with Koos Moerenhout spending a lot of time in the leading group and a fierce attack from Robert Gesink in the final kilometres of the last climb. This looked like becoming a fantastic début Tour Alpine stage, but Andy Schleck and Samuel Sanchez were just a bit too strong in the last few hundred metres. Gesink came in third, Denis Menchov tenth and Cadel Evans took over the leader's jersey from Sylvain Chavanel. Menchov climbed to 5th place in the classification, and Gesink is now in 11th place. </p><br/><p>The first Alpine stage of the tour opened up with two first-category mountain passes. Lance Armstrong definitively dropped out of the running as a contender for the final prize. He fell twice in the finale, and despite support from three team members, did not regain ground, ultimately losing by more than eleven minutes. </p><br/><p>Halfway through the last 1800 metre climb, Avoriaz and Koos Moerenhout's brave run was over and Menchov and Gesink were struggling. Contador's team-mates set the pace and the two Rabobank riders continued to hang on in the back of the group. After an attack by Kreuziger, Gesink really started to pedal hard. He managed a small advantage, but was pushed back by Sanchez. Then Gesink set the pace, but Schleck and Sanchez were just a little bit too strong in the final kilometre. </p><br/><p>'Best of the rest'</p><br/><p>Robert Gesink was positively elated after the finish. "It was a tough race, but it was the same for everyone. After Schleck and Sanchez, I felt like I was the best of the rest." The climber also admitted that the Tour is not straightforward. "It really was very difficult here. The level is extremely high, higher than I have ever experienced in my career to date. But my own level is also extremely high, as was evident today. This feels really, really good." </p><br/><p>Along with team-mate Denis Menchov, for a long time Gesink rode with the elite group dominated by Astana riders. The pair seemed to miss a beat for a second when Ronan Kreuziger accelerated and all the top riders started after him. But Gesink and Menchov clawed their way back at their own pace. "Then I tried it myself, but was unlucky that Sanchez didn’t want to let me go. I could not respond to Schleck and Sanchez' attack, they are so explosive. Nothing left but dust. I need a high speed that I can maintain for a long time. But it doesn't matter. This is still a good feeling."<p>

<p>Knebel: 'Preferably we’ll go into half-time with an advantage'</p><br/><p>It’s natural that orange is Rabobank’s favourite colour. Especially when Netherlands play Spain in the FIFA World Cup, and the Rabobank team were looking forward to it. General Manager of the Rabobank team Harold Knebel is following the eighth stage from one of the team leaders cars, just like the rest of the team, completely in the orange mood. “The team know who's going to win tonight!" </p><br/><p>What is the latest update? </p><br/><p>"I'm sitting with Frans Maassen behind the leading group which includes Koos Moerenhout and the score is 1-1. There also happens to be a Spaniard in the leading group! In any case, we're not behind and that promises good things, haha. The final is on everyone’s minds, and the guys have a ribbon in the colour of the team they support on their handlebars. Our team does have some red ribbons, but our German is naturalised, and Denis Menchov also has an orange ribbon on his handlebars. We in the team know who's going to win tonight!" </p><br/><p>Are you all going to watch it this evening? </p><br/><p>"Yes, the entire team will. As well as tying a ribbon to their handlebars, the guys also have orange jerseys, and our Spanish riders red ones. This will add to the overall atmosphere,plus we’ve also organised it so that we can watch the NOS (Dutch broadcasting company) this evening. And in Morzine, we’ll be near Holland House, so if we win, we'll go there to celebrate with the staff." </p><br/><p>Is there any tension between the Spanish and Dutch members of the team? </p><br/><p>"Naturally there have been a few smart comments made, even among the Spaniards themselves, because as you can imagine it's a sensitive subject for those from the Basque region. Our Basque attendant is also wearing an orange jersey, orange is, after all, the colour for Basque people too. Nonetheless, ultimately the team is coming together as a whole. There's a nice relaxed atmosphere among everyone." </p><br/><p>Now all you need is a stage win. </p><br/><p>"That would indeed be fantastic, as it is also a key stage. Yesterday the top riders will want to make more of an impact. Tomorrow is a rest day, so that works out very well. And to go back to the football: preferably we’ll go into half-time with an advantage. That' would make the rest of the match so exciting!"</p>

<p>Breukink: 'Excellent result for Garate'</p><br/><p>Juanma Garate came third in the first mountain race. This was a great boost for the Rabobank team, because it confirmed that Garate is in good form. The rest of the team also performed as expected. The team’s chef d'equipe Erik Breukink was pleased with this performance. "Coming third in such a race is a super achievement. Not just for Garate himself, but also for the team." </p><br/><p>Did you realise Juanma Garate was ready to take on the job? </p><br/><p>"We knew he was feeling good, after noticing him ride today’s first set of hills. And when the first leading group that contained a number strong riders started to break away, he went with them. It soon looked as if that group were going to battle it out for victory, and as a team you want someone in there with them. Garate knew this, which was why he was there. The winner was also in that group, so it was a good move." </p><br/><p>When it turned out that Chavanel had broken away, Garate still rode to third place. Did the team continue to hope? </p><br/><p>"Chavanel was certainly very fast and got away very quickly. Garate thought that it was too soon and also waited to see how other riders were going to react. Whe he noticed no one was reacting, he made an attempt himself. He didn't get the space a few times, but ultimately he managed to get away. Catching up with Chavanel was no longer possible, but achieving a good place in the classification was. Coming third in such a race is still a great outcome. Not just for Garate himself, but also for the team." </p><br/><p>Does the team also think so? </p><br/><p>"Sure. The first job for someone like Garate is to stay with our top riders. That Garate managed to break away and even make an attempt at winning the stage indicates that there was sufficient confidence within the team. Denis Menchov and Robert Gesink also came in within the group, and as well as this, the other riders also showed that we can trust each other as a team." </p><br/><p>Are you worried that Robert Gesink hasn’t turned out to be in great form after today’s race? </p><br/><p>"Myself, I suspect that it was mainly the heat that troubled him. It was incredibly warm and that made the race extremely difficult. Riders were not going excessively fast, but because of the heat, they fell behind one by one. In any case, it was not related to his fall earlier in the Tour. Naturally there will be more races in the heat, and the coming days will suit him better." </p>

<p>Top riders weren’t to be seen at the finish</p><br/><p>While the first mountain stage of the Tour turned out to be a wonderful spectacle, it didn’t develop into a battle among top riders. It was 2nd tier riders who made the race a wonderful show. Juanma Garate was one such rider. He even went up the last climb on the counter-attack, and got third place. Robert Gesink and Denis Menchov finished among the other leading riders. Sylvain Chavanel won his second stage and once again took the yellow jersey from Fabian Cancellara. </p><br/><p>Competitors dealt with high temperatures, molten asphalt, almost 40 kilometres of climbing and an unpleasant tempo in the last 35 kilometres. Saturday was when the peloton got their first taste of the mountains. The programme consisted of a route through the Jura mountains with six climbs, of which the last three belonged to the 2nd tier riders. Robert Gesink wasn’t feeling his absolute best, but managed to stay among the leaders, along with Denis Menchov. "As long as this continues, we aren't not going to worry", said team leader Adri van Houwelingen. </p><br/><p>Satisfied team</p><br/><p>After climbing the first kilometres in the Tour, the Rabobank team were feeling very satisfied. "Collectively the team’s performance is good, and it’s good to see they are riding as we had expected. Very simply, the team is in good form," states Adri van Houwelingen. Even Robert Gesink, who was troubled by the suffocating heat, said that he was happy to have been able to follow the race leaders. </p><br/><p>Van Houwelingen: "You mustn't forget that today was the very first mountain race for Robert, and that it’s very different from the first mountain race in the Vuelta. There's a reason they all speak so highly over the Tour." Both Van Houwelingen and second team leader Frans Maassen expect Gesink to 'just' perform as usual over higher and steeper mountain passes in Sunday's stage. Frans Maassen: "This doesn't make us panic. Robert still has the advantage in that he is healing exceptionally well. So that's okay." </p><br/><p>Gesink reached the finish along with Menchov in the group of Schleck, Contador, Evans and Armstrong, with Juanma Garate riding in front. "Juanma was good, but Chavanel was the best today. We were hoping to catch up with him, but that just wasn't to be," said Frans Maassen. Bram Tankink and Grischa Niermann were not too far behind the stars. "The team is ready for the coming days," observed Adri van Houwelingen, who also saw riders such as Andreas Klöden, Tony Martin and Jakob Fuglsang lose time. "Today wasn’t that easy." </p>

<p>"Everyone is going into the mountains fit and healthy."</p><br/><p>Team doctor Dion van Bommel had to put in some overtime during the initial days of the Tour. It started with all the falls in Brussels, and on Monday Robert Gesink fell breaking his forearm. Tuesday's cobblestones were villains for many, but the day before the first of the mountains, things look good within the team. "It's looking positive. Aside from a few small aches and pains, everyone is fighting fit." An interview with Doctor Dion von Bommel, whose day job is with the Ministry of Defence. "Working with the Rabobank team is a hobby that's gotten a little out of hand." </p><br/><p>How is the team’s level of health before the first decisive phase in the Alps? </p><br/><p>"Very good. The riders are in great condition. Naturally we are dealing with the type of thing you usually see in large races, like sore throats, skin irritations, tendon and bottom problems. Oscar though is getting better and better, he's hardly bothered by it anymore. These are all little things that are normal in a race like this." </p><br/><p>What all Dutch cycling fans want to know is this: How is Robert Gesink? </p><br/><p>"Robert's wrists are improving, he only feels pain with certain movements. Otherwise he's doing very well. He won't experience any problems from this at all in the mountains. He suffered a cracked ulna in Monday's fall, but it was the bruising in his wrist that gave him the most trouble. And over the cobblestones the following day, it was mainly a case of not falling on his left arm. And instead he hurt his other hand, resulting in considerable bleeding from the ball of the thumb, but this has also healed up pretty well." </p><br/><p>Today was exceptionally warm. How do the riders protect themselves from the heat? </p><br/><p>"There's a drink protocol in place, and there are also dietary adjustments involving extra magnesium and extra salt. And supplements for the salt and mineral content. The drink protocol means that we keep an eye on the specific weight of each rider every day and carry out urine tests. Through these, a plan is made for each rider to establish the amount of fluid they get, and they have to stick to it." </p><br/><p>Nevertheless, during the race there are a lot of motorbikes going around with water bottles. Is this allowed? </p><br/><p>"Yes, because there's only water in those. They are permitted to drink that if it's not ice cold, and can’t have litres at a time. It must be cool. If it is very very cold, and you drink large volumes of it, it's not good for your stomach and intestines. Of this you can be absolutely certain." </p><br/><p>

<p>Flat tyre ruins Freire's chances</p><br/><p>Friday's third successive sprint-stage was identical to Thursday's, we saw a long breakaway by three riders, with lots of pushing and shoving in the closing stages. Oscar Freire, who became trapped in the rush, felt his back go flat and quickly decided to opt out of the sprint. Mark Cavendish was the uncontested winner for the second day in a row. The classification riders kept a low profile in the race, during which the temperatures climbed continuously. And the Rabobank team are already looking forward to riding over the the mountains on Saturday and Sunday. Robert Gesink: "It's finally about to start."</p><br/><p>The Rabobank team were quietly hoping for a good result from Oscar, despite knowing that the finish wasn’t one in which the Spaniard could hope to excel. With a succession of dangerous twists and turns, the last kilometre was really only for daredevils. This included some serious risks taken by riders helping Tyler Farrar and Mark Cavendish. Freire was quickly locked in, and to make matters worse discovered a puncture in his back tyre in the first turn of the final kilometre and consequently decided to stay out of the sprint.</p><br/><p>Team leader Adri van Houwelingen saw his sprinter rapidly fall away from the front and later heard that a puncture was the reason: "The final sprint was full of pushing and shoving again, but it wasn't until later that I learned why Oscar wasn't in it during the final few hundred metres. His back tyre was punctured which he didn't notice until the first turn in the final kilometre.”</p><br/><p>This incident ensured an uneventful finish of a predictable stage, in which the Rabobank team planned to finish together at the front of the peloton. The team riders in the lead knew that the wind would come up from behind at an angle during the last 15 kilometres, which meant there were chances for so called ‘wings’, or gaps in the peloton. "We ordered everyone to the front purely as a precaution, as they would be sheltered there from the wind. Radioshack tried it for a while, and Astana also went and pulled out all the stops. It simply wasn't necessary."</p><br/><p>Mountains at last</p><br/><p>The team are pleased that the mountains are coming up. The team really couldn't play any major role in the recent sprints, but the mountains are the speciality of top riders Robert Gesink and Denis Menchov. Confidence in this pair is considerable. "We've been looking forward to the mountains, and still are," says Van Houwelingen. Gesink expects Saturday's stage through the central parts of the Jura range to go well, but that it will heat up on Sunday on Avoriaz. "Saturday is not yet selective enough for the major competitors. I'm looking forward to Morzine Avoriaz, that’s the first real mountain pass."<p>

Lance Armstrong talks about "Ride for the roses" and raising money for cancer research.

<p><strong>Lars Boom experiences few surprises</strong></p><br /> <p>Lars Boom is and remains stone cold sober. He's not easily impressed and rarely mentally shaken. In his first Tour de France, the 24-year-old all rounder has undergone all kinds of new experiences. He says he is 'enjoying it', but does not seem to be overly impressed. After almost a week on the Tour, we ask him about his experiences up until now. &quot;It's gone well up until now. Only Wednesday wasn't that great, but other than that I haven't come across very many surprises.&quot; </p><br /> <p><strong>And how are you now since the demanding stages through the Ardennes and over the cobblestones?</strong><br /> &quot;Over the past two days, the peloton has been very relaxed. Everyone is reasonably chilled after racing Monday and Tuesday's demanding routes. I had a great day today (Thursday), but Wednesday was completely different. I don’t feeling good about that day. It was a good thing that the peloton rode in a controlled manner. As for me though I was finding it tough going. At the time the peloton was quite relaxed, but I didn’t feel relaxed at all.&quot; </p><br /> <p><strong>Was that a setback following two days of hard work?</strong><br /> &quot;It could have been. I really put a lot into the stage through the Ardennes and over the cobblestones. And I piloted for Denis Menchov over the cobblestones for quite a while, right up until I got a puncture on the last cobbled surface. I lost contact with the leading group, but without that puncture, I might have stayed with Denis. I think the setback came a day after those efforts.&quot; </p><br /> <p><strong>How do you picture the Tour now?</strong><br /> &quot;It's exactly as I’d expected it to be. It's like a huge circus, with constant pressure and huge packs of journalists all hungry for information. I was prepared for this. It's much more hectic than the Tour of Spain. It's gone well up until now. I haven't come across many surprises, or maybe it’s just that the time here has been okay so far, even though that's down to our own organisation, rather than the hotels. We have our own beds and our own chefs. So we're not really lacking in anything.&quot; </p><br /> <p><strong>To what extent does the Netherlands-Spain match affect the team?</strong><br /> &quot;We're involved with our own event here, but something like that doesn't happen very often. I really do want to see the match on Sunday evening, along with our Spanish riders Freire and Garate. I have already told Oscar that I won't ride in front for him if Spain wins. So he might have to cope on his own. Hahaha.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Freire put up with a lot of pushing and shoving</strong></p><br /> <p>On Thursday, HTC Columbia launched Mark Cavendish for his first stage win. This was at the cost of Oscar Freire, who tolerated a lot of pushing and shoving during the final kilometres when he tried to stay with Cavendish right to the end. In the end, the Rabobank Spaniard became blocked, and subsequently decided to let the sprint go, which meant a win for Cavendish. There was no change in the classification. </p><br /> <p>The most part of the day was incident free, other than the Rabobank team receiving two punctures, both of which happened to Denis Menchov curiously enough. Nevertheless, the Russian rider was easily brought back into the race by his team mates. There was an early breakaway by three riders, with Saxo Bank in control, and sprinters on a fierce hunt for the leaders in the final stage. The Rabobank team had their hopes pinned on Oscar but he was also dropped as a favourite in the last kilometres. </p><br /> <p>However this time, he was confronted with enemies and pitfalls. Mark Cavendish's team refused to tolerate any interference to their train from outsiders, Freire was forced to brake early and rethink his position. It was simply too dangerous. As for Friday, the duration of the race and the heat might take its toll along the way. </p><br /> <p><strong>Story of few words</strong><br /> According to team leader Adri van Houwelingen, the fifth stage can be described in just a few words. &quot;With Denis Menchov's two punctures and the heat, you pretty much have it. Oscar Freire had to hit the brakes in the last kilometre, and as a sprinter, you have no chance of victory when that happens. Because the green jersey wasn't really an concern, he just let it go.&quot; Also, Van Houwelingen reiterated what he said yesterday, a genuine mass sprint is no longer Oscar's strong point. &quot;His chances lie in the more difficult final stages, where you tend to lose sprinters along the way.&quot; </p><br /> <p>Despite Denis Menchov's two punctures, the heat may have been the main problem today. &quot;We were able to bring Denis back into the race fairly easily twice,&quot; said the team leader &quot;and even though this was quite close to the finish, it didn't take too much energy. It’s the heat that is more difficult to deal with. You can’t drink enough, because you lose a lot a moisture. Plus it can also work against your stomach and digestive tract. This depends on the individual, so it is important to find a balance.&quot;</p>

<P>Rabobank rider Denis Menchov is ready for the Tour de France. The Russian see’s himself as a finalist for the yellow jersey in Paris.</P>

<p><strong>Rabobank supports ‘Ride for the Roses'</strong></p><br /> <p>Mark van de Camp is Rabobank Cycling Team’s Commercial Manager. In today’s fourth stage, Lance Armstrong did an unusual thing – he signed a Rabobank jersey as opposed to one of his own. This official Rabobank Tour jersey will be auctioned off to raise money for ‘Ride for the Roses’, a cancer research fund. Mark van de Camp explains why the Rabobank team considers this to be a worthy cause.</p> <p>What is your role in ‘Ride for the Roses’?<br /> &quot;Similar to what we did in the Giro, our riders wear special jerseys. During the Giro they supported ‘Right to Play’, now they support ‘Ride for the Roses’. Riders are displaying the charity’s logo on their jersey, and at the end of this Tour they will be autographing their jersey’s which will be auctioned off with all money raised will go to the KWF Cancer Society to help conquer cancer.  We set up the auction in conjunction with our sponsors, and on 26 July, people will be able to bid on all kinds of special items, including autographed jerseys.&quot;</p><br /> <p>What can people bid on?<br /> &quot;There'll be a special replica of a Tour bicycle, donated by GIANT, and the opportunity to spend a day walking with one of our support crew during a race. And of course the Rabobank Tour jersey autographed by Lance Armstrong. ‘Ride for the Roses’ is a natural fit with his own cancer inspired foundation, so this is a nice link.&quot;</p><br /> <p>Why do you support this cause?<br /> &quot;As a team, we agreed that health and exercise among children are important issues. We wanted to support a worthy cause, and this led us to the KWF Cancer Society and ‘Right to Play’. As a result we focus our attention in conjunction with two cycling events: Alpe d'HuZes and ‘Ride for the Roses’. All the profits from the Tour auction will go towards the KWF Cancer Society during the ‘Ride for the Roses’ event in Venlo, The Netherlands on 5 September. It's a wonderful goal: get as many people as possible on their bikes and support the goal to Conquer Cancer.&quot;</p><br /> <p>Will this become a tradition?<br /> &quot;Yes, we want that to happen. We are certainly looking at what we can do with the Vuelta. There are three-week periods during which we can focus plenty of attention on this. Right now our riders are wearing special jerseys, and we’re communicating these campaigns wherever we can. This is because we want to support these campaigns as much as possible, and raise as much money as we can. </p>

<p><strong>Oscar Freire short on speed during bunch sprint</strong> </p><br /> <p>Not Oscar Freire (photo), but Alessandro Petacchi won the first real bunch sprint of the Tour de France in Reims on Wednesday. Mark Cavendish too, had to acknowledge that the Italian veteran, who after his victory in Brussels on Sunday won for a second time today, was much faster. Freire finished in tenth place, but this is somewhat misleading because the Spaniard stood on his brakes when he realized that winning was impossible. </p><br /> <p>The Rabo team wasn’t sad about this missed chance for long. &quot;We haven't come here expecting Oscar to win three or four stages. That would not be realistic, but winning at least once is possible. Notwinning today is a pity. Let’s go for a next shot&quot;, team leader Adri van Houwelingen thought. <br /> Oscar himself already saw it at one hundred meters before the finish line. &quot;It wasn't my finish. Too flat. I had too little speed. I couldn’t do much about it. Better luck next time.&quot; </p><br /> <p>Adri van Houwelingen wasn’t really surprised that it didn’t work out this time while earlier this season in Milan-Sanremo he could with a big lead. &quot;This stage was half as short as Milan-Sanremo. Pure speed counted this time. In Milan-Sanremo it was all about reserve and power. At such times, Oscar performs best.&quot; The team leader thinks that an arrival as the one on Wednesday is not Freire’s specialty. &quot;This was easy to see. Men like Oscar and Thor Hushovd just miss the speed in short stages with such a flat finish. Their straight-line speed is simply insufficient compared to sprinters like Petacchi.&quot;</p><br /> <p>There also was a bit of a scary moment in Reims. After a completely flawless stage during which everything went like clockwork, Robert Gesink had a puncture at the final part of the stage. Fortunately, this happened during the last 3 kilometers of the stage, which meant that the race officials acquitted Gesink’s loss of time. After the finish Van Houwelingen went to double-check this and was reassured by the officials. &quot;They told me there was no problem. The puncture occurred well within the set margins. But you never know. That is why I went to double-check.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Menchov: 'Parijs-Roubaix is nothing for me'</strong><br /> </p> <p>Tuesday's stage on the cobblestones went much better than expected for the Rabobank team. Robert Gesink came through it well and limited the loss. Denis Menchov (picture) ensured the team's surprise of the day. He just missed being able to join Fabian Cancellara's group, but shortly after that fought back excellently, along with other riders such as Alberto Contador and Alexandr Vinokourov. &quot;I was obstructed by Fränk Schleck's fall not far in front of me. Otherwise I'd have stayed with Cancellara. But I'm very satisfied.&quot; </p><br /> <p>Today you were alert and very strong over the cobbled surface. Just how much did you surprise yourself?<br /> &quot;Not so very much. I've been very very good right from the first day in Rotterdam, and when you're feeling this good, finishing high up in this stage should also be possible. But this does depend somewhat on the crashes, because you'll always have crashes in a race like this. But it's not such a big surprise to me, no.&quot; </p><br /> <p>Have you had any bad luck in the race?<br /> &quot;No, I didn't fall and didn't get any punctures. But I did miss the attack of Cancellera because Fränk Schleck fell not far in front of me. That obstructed me. Otherwise I'd have stayed with Cancellara. I felt all day that I needn't worry about the cobblestone surfaces. It went very well. On the cobbles too. I had a lot of great help from the other guys. It's a pity I lost that opportunity, but the result is acceptable and I am pleased with my own performance today. I did a good job.&quot; </p><br /> <p>You performed well today. There were doubts outside the Rabobank team that you would be ready on time for the Tour. What do you say about that?<br /> &quot;That I'm now in good form. I've had two weeks of high-altitude training in the Sierra Nevada. Before that it was an uphill battle, but since that training in the mountains, it's getting better and better. I'm feeling very strong now, and today my self-confidence got a huge boost. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the Tour. Nothing's been lost yet.&quot; </p><br /> <p>What actually happened with Contador in the last kilometres?<br /> &quot;I think he gave too much in the chase. Alberto did a lot of front riding and used up all his energy. There's more wind than you might think. Just leave a tiny space and it happens. It happened very fast, but I could follow it easily. Parijs-Roubaix next year? (Laughing): No, never in this lifetime. It's good to do it once, but Parijs-Roubaix is much more difficult. That's nothing for me.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>Gesink and Menchov limit the damage</strong><br /> </p> <p>The race over the cobbled surface, which the Rabobank team had regarded with nervous anticipation, was ultimately a very acceptable run for the entire team. The unlucky Robert Gesink (picture) showed great strength of character, worked through the pain in his left arm and despite yet another fall, considerably limited any damage. He finished 02:24 behind stage winner Thor Hushovd and classification riders Andy Schleck and Cadel Evans. Denis Menchov also did very well. He came in about 90 seconds before Gesink and kept many riders, including Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong, behind him. </p><br /> <p>The small 'Hell from the North' had one significant victim, who was Fränk Schleck. Schleck fell on one of the first cobbled areas and sustained some serious injuries, which meant he had to leave the race. Several riders had to give up after numerous falls. The hold-up on the cobbles also insured the decision in the race. Before the crash with Schleck took place seven riders were on the attack for more than 120 kilometers. Of that seven, only Ryder Hesjedahl remained in front, but he could see Fabian Cancellara, Andy Schleck and Evans steamrolling towards him very quickly. </p><br /> <p>Chef d'equipe of the Rabobank team Erik Breukink was full of praise for Denis Menchov's attentive riding. &quot;I take my cap off to him, respect. He knows he can't slacken off, and doesn't. He has surpassed himself on this ground.&quot; Breukink was also full of praise for Robert Gesink. &quot;Robert has shown great spirit and pluck. He managed to limit the damage done. He was in a good group. Fortunately he was able to hold onto his handlebars better than expected. If he had had to race with one hand, he could have been ten minutes behind.&quot; </p><br /> <p>Team leader Adri van Houwelingen was also pleased with the day's stage. &quot;Of course, if you look at the time, both our top riders have suffered damage. But one of them has won time from other favourites and we didn't even know this morning if the other one would be able to ride the race today. And then he gets into a group of favourites.&quot; Van Houwelingen is definitely happy this particular stage is over. &quot;Now we can look forward to a more normal Tour. We were particularly worried about Menchov in this stage, but he got through it well.&quot; </p><br /> <p>Robert Gesink was mainly pleased the stage was over. &quot;We're in, we've done it. It was a painful day, but ultimately it could be done. I rode the very best I could, but it wasn't enough to stay with the guys in front.&quot; Gesink's falling behind was, all in all, limited. &quot;The boys were great to help me, and tried to keep me well in front. And of course I also did the best I could.&quot; Gesink fell once again and this time hurt his right hand, but that turned out not to be such a serious injury.</p>

<P>Spain to win the World cup, hotel rooms, and family life for a professional cyclist.</P>

<p><strong>Adri van Houwelingen: Missed opportunity</strong></p><br /> <p>It was obvious that Rabobank’s team captain, Robert Gesink, was annoyed by the fact that in the final part of the Tour’s second stage, the first large group of riders were waiting around after a crash and didn’t get back into the race straight away. It resulted in a missed opportunity for Rabobank. Team leader Adri van Houwelingen felt the same, and also couldn't understand why the race came to a standstill. Generally when there are falls, there's no waiting around.  &quot;It might have been because so many riders fell, but to be honest, I don't know the exact reasons.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>Do you support Robert Gesink's opinion, that the first group shouldn’t have been made to wait?</strong></p><br /> <p>&quot;Yes, because it isn’t common to wait for fallen riders in the final kilometres of a stage. It might have been because so many riders fell, but honestly, I don't know why we needed to wait around like that. In previous races, we had to pull out all stops to catch up with Denis Menchov. I suspect that if there are any falls in the final stage of tomorrow's race on the cobble stoned roads, riders will be attempting to create time differences.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>So do you think it's a case of a missed opportunity?</strong></p><br /> <p>&quot;The fact is, we were in a good position in the first group. Our two leaders Robert Gesink and Denis Menchov were there, along with Oscar Freire. And in the morning we seemed to have a good chance of winning the race, which could have given us a good starting position. Unfortunately this wasn't the case, and this was indeed a missed opportunity to make a difference.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>Should you have insisted on continuing anyway?</strong></p><br /> <p>&quot;Cervelo tried, and I'm grateful to them for that, perhaps we should have been quicker to support them. I just find it odd that you sometimes have to wait, and other times you can continue. Robert also fell today, but he had to come back under his own steam. I'm not really all that concerned if battered riders like the Schleck brothers are trailing behind, but room for other favourites would have been very welcome.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>Could there be more peculiar situations tomorrow, if there are more falls?</strong></p><br /> <p>&quot;As I already said, I think the race will just keep going, and we shouldn't dwell on this infortune for too long - While it might have been an odd situation, it is the Tour de France! You encounter a lot of things in races,  and just have to pay attention to tomorrow. If I can say anything about today, it's that it was a good thing that our top riders had a good place in the final stage which they created for themselves.&quot;</p><br />

<P><STRONG>Captain Gesink seriously injured </STRONG></P><BR> <P>Robert Gesink is suffering from a cracked ulna, the result of a fall in Monday's stage through the Belgian Ardennes. Nevertheless, the Rabobank captain will start out on Tuesday's stage over cobbled roads in Northern France with painkillers and a firmly taped injured arm.&nbsp; Rabobank Cycling Team doctor Dion von Bommel thinks it will be a painful day for the rider. "But backing out now is not an option. For now, we'll take it one day at a time," adds van Bommel. </P><BR> <P>The young climber fell in a race that included several crashes. He himself went down shortly before the sturdy climb. Several riders also fell coming down the hill, including favourites, Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador and the Schleck brothers from Luxembourg. At the time, Gesink was comfortably in front with Denis Menchov and Oscar Freire. There was a brief opportunity to win considerable time over the competition, but Fabian Cancellara, team mate of the Schleck’s, blocked the race and totally destroyed any possible Rabobank team attack. </P><BR> <P>French rider Sylvain Chavanel, who managed to get in front at that moment, easily won the stage and also got the yellow jersey. Behind him, the fallen riders caught up with the Rabobank leaders, who were irate as they crossed the finish line. Robert Gesink, unaware of his injury at the time, was very angry. "Before the climb, someone rode into me from behind, so I fell, and everyone just continued on. Then they all fell and suddenly continuing with the race was unspeakable."</P><BR> <P><STRONG>Intimidation</STRONG></P><BR> <P>The captain received support from team leader Adri van Houwelingen, and chef d'equipe Erik Breukink. They also felt that the Rabobank team should have continued on after their competitors' massive fall, but instead they believed they had to wait for Cancellara’s directions, who still had the yellow jersey. Van Houwelingen thinks his riders let themselves be intimidated by 'others'. He said "I can well imagine Robert's disappointment and anger after the race. Why didn't they just go on? There was too little cooperation within the group, as well as fear of the consequences and reactions."&nbsp; </P><BR> <P>According to Robert Gesink, it was clear. The Rabobank team should have put the 'pedal to the metal'. "In retrospect I now think that we should have simply continued on with the race. After all, when I fell earlier on, they didn't wait for me. Then it was normal to continue, but later, to continue seemed inappropriate. It's really annoying, because we really could have made a difference here." Erik Breukink said Rabobank riders don’t need to count on the same gesture from other riders the next time anything similar happens. "Tomorrow they won't be waiting around for us in the cobbled stage. By then everyone will have forgotten what happened today."</P><BR>

Rabo cyclist Juan Manuel Garate talks about just another day (200km plus and a lot of rain) in the peleton during the Tour the France.

<p><strong>Lars Boom enjoys the crowd</strong></p><br /> <p>From the start of stage 1, the Rabobank rider took the lead for quite a long time. Last year, Lars Boom showed that he enjoys to be the first to attack during the Dutch start of the Vuelta España, that is why he accelerated right at the start. Three men got away right then and Boom enjoyed the audience. &quot;The audience was overwhelming, also in Belgium. It is fantastic to ride there.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>You left the pack right from the start. Was this planned?</strong><br /> &quot;Yes, together with Maarten Wynants, it was planned that we would together ride in the lead group. It is great to be in my own country and to ride in front. I wanted to experience that. The audience was great, as they were also in Belgium. We were cheered on very loudly everywhere. It is great to ride there.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>Was it also a test for your legs?</strong><br /> &quot;No, today I really wanted to be in the right escape. My legs weren’t in excellent shape yet and because of that they caught up on me too soon. I would have preferred to be in front with Maarten for a while longer, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. It was over a little too soon. It is more fun when it lasts longer.&quot;</p><br /> <p><strong>What does the finale look like when they catch up on you?</strong><br /> &quot;I rode together with Robert Gesink for about five kilometres, but the best part was already over. I went to the last group of riders, just to finish the stage. By doing so I didn’t get caught up in any of the crashes which allowed me to cross the finish line without a scratch. I can say that I’ve had a lovely day.&quot;</p><br />

<p><strong>Crash blows chances Oscar Freire</strong></p><br /> <p>With Lars Boom in the leading group for almost the entire stage, and Oscar Freire in a very favourable position for the final sprint in Brussels, the first stage of the Tour de France seemed to progress well for the Rabobank riders. However Freire was hindered by two contentious riders and crashed in the last corner. There were two more crashes during the last few hundred metres, eliminating many sprinters, and it was veteran Alessandro Petacchi who benefitted, whilst Fabian Cancellara maintained his leading position. </p><br /> <p>The Rabobank team faced opposite extremes on Sunday. They had a rider in the lead group for almost 200 kilometres of the race, whilst Oscar Freire who was looking good heading into the final sprint crashed in the final corner in Brussels. Fortunately, the damage for Oscar was mild. &quot;It's painful at the moment, but I think things will be all right&quot;, according to the sprinter himself after recovering from the initial shock. He was more upset about the missed opportunity. &quot;I was feeling great and I was in a very good position, but then suddenly it was all over. But that's cycling.&quot; </p><br /> <p><strong>Chaotic finale</strong></p><br /> <p>Team leader Frans Maassen also prayed that the Rabobank riders would finish the finale without a scratch. &quot;The best news of the day was that all our boys survived the series of crashes,&quot; he said. He drove along with Lars Boom, right behind the leading group, for most of the stage through The Netherlands and Belgium. Maassen spoke of a 'unique experience'. &quot;Through a mass of noise and cheers, we saw great advertisement for Dutch cycling. I have never experienced such a rare day before.&quot; </p><br /> <p>Lars Boom’s attack was what was agreed during their preliminary meeting. His attack was immediate, Boom instantly took off right at the start. Two men came along with him and a monster break away was born. The men never had illusions about a successful break away. &quot;Mostly it was meant to show ourselves to the Dutch public and in that sense this was a very successful day&quot;, Frans Maassen said. Oscar Freire's crash didn’t change this feeling. &quot;It is a shame the chances faded, but what’s important is that damage is limited.&quot; </p><br /> <p><strong>Auto television has to go</strong></p><br /> <p>Maassen also caught the gendarmerie’s attention!. During the course, while riding behind the lead group, the police told him that a monitor in the driver’s view was not permitted. Team leaders of Wijnants and Perez were told the same. Maassen commented that &quot;All team leaders drive with such a device. It’s only because we were up front with the leading group that we stood out and were caught. They let me drive with it today, but said that it had to be gone by tomorrow. Tonight we’ll be discussing this with the other team leaders.&quot;</p><br />

<P><STRONG>Raboriders in middle group of prologue</STRONG></P><br /> <P>The team didn’t expect to see any Rabobank riders play a leading role in the Tour’s Prologue event in Rotterdam.</P><br /> <P>As predicted by many, Fabian Cancellara was by far the best rider, on the almost 9 kilometre long stage through Rotterdam. He set a time of 10 minutes flat and finished first with a lead of 10 seconds on the number two Tony Martin. Lance Armstrong was the best of the classification-favourites, he came in fourth at 22 seconds from the lead. Lars Boom came in 32nd, at 44 seconds from the lead and Robert Gesink finished in 56th place, at 56 seconds.</P><br /> <P>The gap between Gesink and the winner seems large, but it disguises the fact that the fellow leader of the Rabobank formation rode a good prologue. It isn’t his speciality, but he didn’t lose a lot of time to competitors for the classification. Cadel Evans, for instance, was a lousy twelve seconds faster than the Rabobank rider. Riders like Carlos Sastre, Ivan Basso, and the Schleck brothers even lost time to Gesink.</P><br /> <P><STRONG>Gesink above expectations</STRONG></P><br /> <P>In retrospect, team leader Adri van Houwelingen graded the performance of his three most important riders for the prologue: Robert Gesink, Lars Boom and Denis Menchov. He graded Boom as average. Robert Gesink performed very well according to the team leader. Only Denis Menchov was somewhat disappointing. "If you review the prologue of Robert Gesink, you might even say he performed above expectations. In comparison with most of his competitors, he performed well."</P><br /> <P>Denis Menchov was somewhat disappointing though."Yesterday I wouldn’t have predicted that Robert would be quicker than Denis. But Denis is not fond of rain, his cornering performance isn’t great in those conditions. Moreover, just 6 days ago he was in competing in a stage at high altitude. The first time trial after such a stage doesn't usually go that well." Robert Gesink took absolutely no risk in the corners. "You have to be wary on a wet road surface. I am not a rider who takes a whole lot of risk, so I took it slow in the corners. I also think it matters if you know you can go for first place here if you have an exceptional day."</P><br /> <P>The weather conditions contributed to a slightly distorted view. Just like during the previous three prologue starts in The Netherlands (Scheveningen 1973, Leiden 1978 and Den Bosch 1996) there were times the rain was torrential. Lars Boom was the last rider to have to ride in the rain, it stopped raining after him, and the course even dried up a little. This meant the last riders could take a little more risks, but Tony Martin, who led lead for most of the day finished second. Cancellara was as usual the strongest of the bunch.</P><br />