Stage 2 wrapup

CyclingNews.com | Steegmans and Boonen rule Belgian finish

This morning, we know the rider toll of yesterday's crash: Only Tomas Vaitkus of Discovery Channel was unable to make the start. On the other hand, a lot of riders are banged up, which may affect today's racing.

One of my favorite dashboards for how each stage has gone is Bob Martin's stage summaries on rec.bicycles.racing. You can quickly scan to see who gained and lost time and position, and get a quick read on the favorites. One odd consequence of yesterday's crash is that no one lost time on the leader during Stage 2, while only 6 riders gained time, through intermediate time bonuses. Here's Stage 1's summary, as well.

Footage of the crash has been taken apart like the Zapruder film, and we can now identify the lone gunman: Erik Zabel half-wheeled another rider, pulled out of his pedal, and caught Manuel Quinziato as Zabel struggled to regain control. Zabel managed to ride away, and factored in the finish, but Quinziato went down, and the resulting chain reaction stoppered 160 riders.

Quinziato told CyclingNews:

“I'm happy that nothing's broken because it was a shock when 50 riders crashed on my back.”

Tomas Vaitkus is out of the hospital, and out of the Tour. The Discovery Channel rider had 5 fractures in his right thumb, where doctors inserted a plate. Daniele Bennati's hip X-rays came back clear, and he started Stage 3, although Lampre says they'll work for Danilo Napolitano today in a sprint.

Fred Rodriguez took 10 stitches in his left elbow, but will ride on (from Sport Wereld (in Flemish)). His teammate Leif Hoste also visited the hospital, and also continues in the race.

Credit Agricole's director, on Thor Hushovd, from today's leTour.fr newsflashes: “ ‘Thor fell heavily on his right side and has damaged his sciatic nerve,’ said Credit Agricole’s manager Roger Legeay about Mr Hushovd who was caught in the crash in Gent. ‘He has pain but he’s a tough rider who will still be our protected man again today.’ ”

Also:

Daily Peloton | Stage 2 Team Comments & Photos

PezCyclingNews | TdF '07 St.2: Steegmans Scores Surprise Success