England Demolish Australia / TDF etc.

Hurrah!  We'll be claiming the whitewash, Australia can't count a rain abandonment as a draw.  It is great to see England finally improving as a one day side, just so long as it does not accompany a slump in form in the longer game.

Shane Warne said before the series that England were becoming "arrogant" and were going to be humbled by Australia.  Well Botox features, you couldn't have been more wrong, the visiting Australian side were weaker in every department than their English counterparts who completed their series whitewash in stylish and accomplished form.

On a serious cricket note, I am sure that everyone who loves the game sends their best wishes to Mark Boucher after the freak accident that has caused his early retirement. Boucher has been a stalwart member of the South African team in recent years, a fierce and determined competitor who had said in interviews prior to the England tour that he wanted to lead SA to a series victory and up to #1 in the test rankings.  Jacques Kallis said the day after the accident "It's not about cricket any more," he said. "It's about a mate and hoping he recovers fully. It puts cricket and life into perspective."

Mark Boucher

Over in France Bradley Wiggins didn't just win the individual time trial, but won in by such a margin that so long as he can stay out of any further crashes he has set himself up for being the winner of the yellow jersey. Team mate Chris Froome also excelled at the Stage 9 time trial, both of the Sky riders were comfortably ahead of defending Australian champion Cadel Evans. What's that ? England* beating Australia again, they must be getting sick of that.

*I know, Wiggins was born in Belgium and Froome in Kenya, but that's English enough when it comes to giving the Ozzies a spanking.

Day One - Contador, Petacchi et al Hate Spectators

It was an astonishing first stage in the Vendee for the wrong reasons as the 2011 Tour de France began its 19 days of toil yesterday.  The peloton set off along beautiful French coastal scenery, a three man breakaway set off and stayed out until only a few kilometres from the end, then, with the pack together and rolling at top speed, the unexpected occurred.

Philipe Gilbert wins the opening stage

As the peloton swept past, a spectator inexplicably turned to watch them and stepped into the cyclists, she was struck forcefully and the rider ricocheted into the pack bringing down dozens of other riders and blocking the road.  When the chaos cleared, a group containing Alberto Contador, Roman Kruziger, Alessandro Petacchi and a host of other big names were a minute off the lead.  Worse was to come as a second crash at the head of the group halted them for a second time.

Philipe Gilbert for Omega Pharma Lotto sprinted over the line on a grade 4 hill finish and managed to make a clean sweep of the senior jerseys. A group containing Contador and Sanchez rolled over 1' 20" behind, a far larger margin that the one with which Contador one the TdF last year, he is going to have a huge struggle trying to make up time on the other top riders.  Philipe Gilbert entered the race as favourite, and some great form mixed with a dollop of good fortune has seen him atop the first day's standings.  Can he wear the yellow jersey all the way to Paris ? It is just possible.