I’m back in Savannah and slow to report my trip up north. So instead, I checked to see what’s happened in La Vuelta. I am surprised to see a large number of withdrawals from big name cyclists: Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, Alexander Vinokourov, Sandy Casar, Sébastien Chavanel, Tom Boonen, and even Tyler Farrar. Poor Saxo Bank! Lots of illness, injury, and exhaustion going around with the riders. Given the end of the season is nearing, it’s understandable. On the other hand, lucky number 51, Caisse d’Epargne’s Alejandro Valverde holds onto the general classification. But with a week left of racing, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The gold jersey could surprise us.

Image courtesy of Saxo Bank Taking the Lead.

P.S. Check out the huge crash of Stage 4.