Doubting Thomas? Not on Bastille Day, anyway. Tour de France update.

[HuckleB]

Frenchman Richard Virenque wins the first mountain stage, after going on a long break with Axel Merckx (yes, son of Eddy) and then leaving him behind as well.

Lance Armstrong could not shake the leader, Frenchman Thomas Voeckler, whatsoever, and he remains 9:35 in arrears. I'm doubting Thomas less and less each day.

[StClone]

1. TheTexan can overcome all

except fate.

[HuckleB]

2. Fate? Perhaps.

But it's probably going to have more to do with age -- both his and the youth of many of the riders that have shone brightly in this year's tour.

[StClone]

3. Age = Fate

He can not overcome the fate of age was exactly my point.

[HuckleB]

4. OK. That's a new definition of fate for me.

Thanks for the clarification.

[HuckleB]

5. Rest In Peace, Tugboat.

Tyler Hamilton's dog, Tugboat, a constant companion on training rides and around the tour, contracted cancer and had to be put down. Condolences to Tyler and his wife, Haven.

Pictures of Tugboat watching Tyler ride behind the family car will be cycling classics for some time to come.