It has been a fantastic start to the Tour de France this week with tough riding and bad luck influencing the riders contending the yellow jersey this week. Frank Schleck is out with a broken shoulder. Lance Armstrong had a bad day climbing then next day clipped a kerb, fell off, damaged his bike and lost time waiting for replacement. Cadel Evans took the yellow jersey and then was involved in a accident which left him with a broken elbow and unable to defend it. Cadel must be the unluckiest rider having lost 3 major tours due bad luck. Alberto Contador (favourite) and Andy Schleck had a monumental battle on Col du Madeleine with Andy attacking repeatedly and Contador just able to hold him. It has been a great week for cycling. Commentators believe Alberto plans to hit top form for week 3 in the Pyrenean mountains so it is going to difficult for Andy to defend all the way to Paris.

Andy Schleck attacks. Photo: Reuters / Steephill.TV