Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

Here is a video recap of today's stage of the Tour de France. American cyclist Levi Leipheimer is out of the Tour, a victim of a fall late in yesterday's stage. Leipheimer thought he was fine, and went on to finish the stage, but X-rays disclosed a broken bone in his right wrist. This is a serious blow to Leipheimer's teammate Lance Armstrong, who counted on his fellow American to pace him through the Alps. Lance helped Levi win the Tour of California earlier this season. Levi was supposed to return the favor in the Tour. Astana still has eight riders, so it's not the end of the world; it just makes things more difficult. Today's stage, which was won by German/Australian cyclist Heinrich Haussler (he was born in Australia to German parents), was ridden in inclement weather. Earlier this year, you may recall, I rode for four hours in the rain at a rally in Flower Mound. It was no fun, although I have no regrets about doing it. It was also cold today in the Tour, especially on the mountain peaks. The riders looked miserable. I'll bet a lot of them couldn't wait for a hot shower afterward. Here is tomorrow's stage. The first Alpine showdown occurs Sunday.