It is 6 am. I've been up for the last 45 minutes preparing myself for today's tour which starts in 1/2 an hour. I've re greased my wheel (I'm using my Kromski Sonata for this stage) measured out all my bits for worsted spinning, and loaded up my coffee mug. I've discovered this batch of stash seems to be a melange of different fibres, with some spinning very smoothly (like well processed top) and others being quite a bit more "grabby." I am trying to decide if this is because a. the fibres are truly different breeds (thereby possessing different characteristics in terms of coarseness) or b. the dyeing process of some of the fibres has somewhat "fried" them (making them feel coarse). Not a complaint per se - but more of an observation.
Yesterday the competitors rode through rain all day. It was a mountain terrain day, and a young man by the name of Heinrich Haussler pretty much stole the day, with an early break away and attack.
I continue to expand my Tour de France vernacular. So, what's the big deal about those jersey colours anyways?
Jersey colours and who's wearing them on any givn day, is a huge component of the race. There are 4 jerseys:
- The yellow jersey: This colour is worn by the rider with the best overall time. At present it is being worn by Rinaldo Norcentini from Italy, however it can be taken away after any stage.
- The green jersey: This colour is worn by the top sprinter of the day who has earned the most points.
- The polka dot jersey: the red dots on a white jersey, is worn by the "King of the Mountains". This rider has the most points (which are acquired during the climbs). It is noted that climbers are a different breed of competitor. (Think hockey. Now think goalie - ahhh! Now you understand).
- The white jersey: This jersey is worn by the "best rider" in the under 25 category.
Well, time to go. Today we are on the flats. 199 km. A day for the sprinters.
