The bottom sign has 2 meanings. In French, bread. In English, a warning for the impending Tourmalet.

An ass is wearing the climber's polka dot jersey at the Tour de France. #TdF #cycling

On the rest day, Alberto Contador shot a public service commercial, advising drivers to slow down for cyclists. #TdF

Alberto Contador should probably keep his day job, but his ball-handling skills aren't too shabby.

Keeping with my tradition of posting photos of dogs dressed in funny outfits: a shepherd in a Tour babushka.

Said goodbye to the Alpine town of Morzine this morning. A nice, friendly place for a rest day.

Mark Cavendish is one snazzy dresser on his bike -- down to his custom-designed socks and shoes. #TdF

One of my colleagues at an Italian newspaper vows that Ivan Basso will be on the podium in Paris. #TdF

Andy Schleck, last year's Tour runner-up, is in second now, 20 seconds back. #TdF

No tears for Mark Cavendish this time! Stage 6 podium celebration.

Rui Alberto Costa had to be held back after exchanging blows with Carlos Barredo after the finish line in Stage 6.

I had to stop to take this photo along the Tour route the other day. Even the livestock here are cycling fans.

Not hard to choose a meal in Brussels. Specialty is mussels, done 100 ways. With wine or cream or wine cream.

Took a spin around the Grand Place this AM before heading to the start. Beautiful buildings. Cool gargoyles.

While his dad rides in Stage 1, little Max Armstrong has more important things to do, like play paddy cake.

Fabian Cancellara of Saxo Bank started Stage in the maillot jaune. How long will he keep it? #cycling #Tdf

Armstrong's girlfriend looks on as Lance plants one on his son, Max. A great photo op for the crowd.

Lance Armstrong stopped briefly to kiss his pregnant girlfriend and their son, Max, before heading to the start.

Lance Armstrong riding to the Stage 1 start, with a police escort surrounding him.

BMC Racing's Cadel Evans, a favorite to win, is checking out the route map at the Stage 1 start. #cycling