Rory sustained a broken collarbone and a fractured wrist late on Sunday afternoon and was rushed to hospital. After a night he tells me he would rather forget, 2 Titanium plates were inserted to line up the bones in a 3 hour operation today. He will spend a few more days hooked up to Morphine in hospital before returning to the helm at Crank HQ.

In probably the most controversial move of the 2010 Tour de France, Andy Schleck’s untimely chain slip, proved to be Alberto Contador’s opening as he took the initiative and attacked on the Balès gaining over a minutes advantage. After dismounting and fixing his chain Schleck powered up the climb blasting past Armstrong, Leipheimer and others with Contador in his cross heirs. Unfortunately the damage was done and on the way down Sanchez, Menchov and Contador managed to hold out with a 39 second advantage over Andy Schleck.

Well that’s the million dollar question that’s on everyone’s lips. What does it take to win the Tour de France? Does he have what it takes?

So what does Lance have on his side:

• The perfect mix of speed, youth and experience in his Radioshack team.
• The best team director in the business in Johan Bruyneel.
• A well funded campaign.
• The best technology, coaching and nutrition in the business.
• The experience of winning the race 7 times.
• 1 full year of good training since last years comeback Tour de France.

Even with all of these things in his tour quiver, that one elusive component – “Luck” is what could set this years winner apart from the rest.

Here are some of Lance Armstrong’s thoughts about the upcoming Tour de France.

Nino Schurter (Scott-Swisspower) in an exciting finish manages to out sprint Julien Absalon in the season opening World Cup XC race in Dalby Forrest. Burry Stander took third after controlling the front for most of the race.

Lance Armstrong is in South Africa under the guise of doing charity work for The Jag Foundation, but those in the know are seeing his master plan roll out. He wants to win the Cape Argus Pick n Pay cycle tour! His years of training in small French villages and riding in some of their smaller races has all be in preparation to stand on top of the winners podium in Sundays Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle tour. In the final days before the event I was able to catch up with Lance and assess his fitness out on the road.

Up-and-coming Cape Town triathlete Cameron Schafer (20) has had a stellar start to his South African triathlon season with a few wins in the Sun Coast Triathlon Series followed by a “baptism of fire” in the 2009 BSG Energade Series.

Due to the fact that he only returned to South Africa in July following a two year stint studying in the USA, not many people know too much about this pleasant young man.

Check out our new forums. Ask questions, get advice, even shop the classifieds.

Click here to go to the Forum