It’s been an intriguing Tour thus far, and none of us here at PBT expect to be anything resembling disappointed or even unsurprised when the thing is done.

But even once in awhile, we as a viewing audience are allowed to tear ourselves away from the conspiracy theories, the controversy and the downright “weirdness” (Lance’s word, not mine) surrounding the Tour, and just feel good for a guy.

Today, that guy is Frenchman Thomas Voeckler. Widely considered one of his country’s best cyclists, Voeckler has assuming something of a dubious role as a standard bearer for a country whose proud cycling tradition has fallen on hard, hard times.

It’s been 23 years (Bernad Hinault, 1986) since a Frenchman won the race which bears his country’s name, and while Voeckler flirted for a year or two with GC potential, neither he nor any of his countrymen have truly challenged for the right to be sipping champagne in Paris.

So it was with the slighted feeling of happiness that we saw Voeckler power away from a small break to take Stage 5 into Perpignan. The man has worn yellow, and now he’s won a stage.

It was only a small victory for a country so proud of its beleaguered biking tradition, but on this day, it was a deserved one as well.