The Tour de France unfolds in a kaliedescope of snapshot moments. David Millar captured one such moment as he drove back to the hotel after the final time trial in Grenoble. Here is what he saw:
If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
In team car being driven to hotel. Chatting to VdV & spot cyclist on autoroute ahead, dressed in full Europcar kit. Looks oddly familiar.
Chat stops, tell car to slow. As we pass have time to look into eyes of a tired and broken Voeckler. Tragic doesn't come close to describe. — @millarmind
Thomas Voeckler rode out of his mind, this Tour de France. And if there was any doubt how much he truly wanted to win, or at least reach the final podium, what Millar saw there on the road, should put an end to them. Voeckler did a torrid ride these past week, only surrendering the Yellow Jersey on the Alpe d'Huez after the wheels came off on the col du Galibier. It was a crazy thing to set off alone to chase down Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador, but Voeckler couldn't help himself. He just wanted it that badly. The French rider will finish fourth overall on Sunday in Paris, which is a career best for him.