Greig Leach

Today's Tour started with a moment of silence in honor of those who were killed over night in the city of Nice, by the third terrorist attack in France in the past 18 months. The attack kind of put the events at the end of yesterday's stage in perspective. It was debated to cancel the stage in respect of those who were suffering and had died, but in the end it was felt that continuing to live a full life was the best response (if a little subdued). Now, on to racing. Today the fans were far more respectful of the riders and their right to the road. It was a treat to see Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) out on the course in his Time Trial Champion of Germany Jersey. In addition to the bans of the German flag on his back, he wore the rainbow stripes of former World Champion on his sleeves, and honor he won three years in a row. Continuing the international flavor of the Tour, Martin's fellow country man, dressed in a similar shirt, waved the German flag as his countryman sped by.