stage 7

A long, flat, ostensibly mundane Stage 7 of le Tour had some tragic moments.

Bradley Wiggins of Team Sky, running 6th overall, had to drop out after a crash. Tom Booden (QST) abandoned the race at the 90k mark, climbing into the team car, because of the lingering effects of a crash two days prior.

It was a bit frightening to watch and listen as Chris Horner (Team Radioshack) laid down after the race and repeatedly asked if he had "finished". He was badly concussed and has been pulled from the race.

Mark Cavendish aka "The Manx Missile" pulled off a stage win thanks to not only his own strength but especially due to his hardworking teammates.

Today in Stage 8, the riders finally reach the mountains. This will weed out the sprinters and bring the climbers to the fore. Contador and the Schlecks stand to pull ahead in the overall standings.