This is Frank. I have had several martinis.

 Today was a yin and yang day for discovery. Il Falco and Noval drop out; Popo proves he’s a hard man and takes Bruyneel’s tongue-lashing to heart and gets in the right break.

The finale was classic cycling. My favorite part was watching Freire give second place to Ballan. That was class. He was all but gassed and couldn’t chase down Popo’s accelerations. He had enough to hang on but then had to explain to Ballan that he wasn’t sandbagging; he was just finished.

 Meanwhile, Popo showed he has the class of a winner rather than a Hincapie (or a Leipheimer…that’s for you Fausto). He kept hitting the front with terrific attacks without regard for the C.G., although he knew he was riding his way back into a potential podium finish.

 That said, this tour is over. The interview with Landis afterward confirmed to me that he is supremely confident that he can destroy anyone he needs to when it matters. I bet Landis hasn’t even been tested in the tour. Without a doubt, his DS talked to him about whether or not they needed to close the gap…and Floyd was content as things are. I look for him to win L’Alpe D’Huez!

 So who are my final three: Landis, Menchov….and…and….Leipheimer. Look for him to not only do well in the Alps but to show true form in the last TT. Over the winter, Levi will beat himself up for the two weeks he took off after the Dauphine and did fuck all but drink beer and kick back. The dude needs to get away from Santa Rosa if he is every going to be a Tour winner.