Polite Dissent

Today’s third stage was a long mostly flat day, like Stage 2. There were a few climbs, and that allowed Erik Dekker of the Netherlands to claim the King of the Mountains jersey (though we’re still over a week from any real mountains).

Belgium’s Tom Boonen won today’s stage (he won yesterday’s as well) and holds on to the Sprinter’s green jersey.

The Overall Point Leader’s yellow jersey continues to be worn by American Dave Zabriskie.

Most of the teams took it fairly easy, resting up for tomorrow’s Team Time Trial (you’ll notice that the highest finishing member of the Discovery Channel Team was 82nd, nearly halfway back).

As mentioned, tomorrow’s Stage 4 is the Team Time Trial, where Lance Armstrong’s Discovery Channel Team is expected to win — though other teams have been beefing up their time trial skills. Expect a change in point standings after the time trial, though there wasn’t much of one today – just a few changes due mostly to attrition or the time bonuses given to sprint winners and stage winners.

American Racers

Discovery Channel Team Racers