"Not bad for an old fart"  That was Lance's quote when interviewed after today's stage.
He'll get third place. I wonder if he is really happy with third. He's planning on coming back next year with the Radio Shack team.

I think that's why he's coming back next year, to try to win the Tour again.  Good luck with that - he's too old.  As good as he is, he just doesn't have the legs anymore.

I just say that interview...it was clear to me that Lance feeling was of someone who after winning 7 Tour cannot but be disappointed...he run to win and got a 3rd place that for other would be kinda of a victory...but not for one who win 7 Tour...he cannot be happy...

But...let's face: Lance ended up 3rd overall, which is a remarkable results for someone coming from retirement and with 3 years of inactivity...it is just a remarkable result...

Will see next year if what he display this year was the result of inactivity or in reality this is what Lance can do at his age...

Today it was clear that no one will dominate this unique mountain...the giant of Provence with his 21.6kn of crueling climb pushed everybody out...the wind coming laterally stopped all attack...only a pure grimpeur could have ruled against the wind to create distance...

It's a lunar landscape...this giant is a spectral monster...and its kilometer are stamped with incredible stories...

I attach the yotube video (in italian) of the Mont Ventous 2000, with the battle between Lance and Pantani...

I was there that year...look at the acceleration of Lance...

Lance's decision to return next year was made previously.  He had the deal for Radio Shack to sponsor "his" team.  I'm thinking Hincapie will join him.  Realistically, he did great.  He got snookered by his teammate on that one segment.  But he also didn't get the job done in that last time trial.  Contrador and Andy Schleck will do battle again next year.

Lance's return should be welcomed as it is very good for the sport and ratings. I think it was admirable what Lance accomplished this year, but I don't think he will be back in the top podium spot like years past. He needs to adjust his reality.

However, I think the real battle for the 2010 Tour has already begun between Contador, who is looking to repeat and Andy Schleck as well as others.

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/96109/contador-rips-armstrong