Here is a scene from today’s stage of the Tour de France. Here is tomorrow’s stage. American cyclist Christian Vande Velde lies in third place overall, just 38 seconds behind the leader, Australian Cadel Evans. Vande Velde appears to be climbing well, and there’s no doubt that he’ll stay strong throughout the Tour. The question is whether he can match or beat Evans in the one remaining individual time trial.

Addendum: Vande Velde is writing a column for his local newspaper.