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Driving the Pace TdF81
With the two small climbs out of the way, the peloton hit the base of the climb up the Mont Ventoux. All of France was in a party mood, with flags flying, time off from work, the Tour de France in full flight and fireworks coming this evening. Today, the 14th of July, is Bastille Day, the day France celebrates the creation of the Republic. Every year, the French hope to see one of their countrymen claim the day's stage, better yet would to see one of their own in the Maillot Jaune.
Trek-Segafredo went to the front to lift the pace. I never did catch the rider on the front, but the next man on his wheel is "Spartacus'" otherwise known as Fabian Cancellara. Behind the American team knowing full well that everyone would be attacking them and their race leader, Chris Froome, was the every watchful Team Sky. The Tour enjoys thousands of fans lining every kilometer of every stage, but the big climbs like this one, really bring out the crowds.