Jack Bauer Watch '14 - Robbed!

In a weekend of close encounters for New Zealand sportsmen, Jack Bauer nearly pulled off what would have been the most high-profile win of his career and for any New Zealand cyclist -  winning a stage on the Tour de France.

Indeed, etape victory was definitely in Jack's grasp with the finish line in Nimes only 50 m away but for fatigue from his massive breakaway ride with Swiss champion, Martin Elmiger - both led the race for a staggering 222 km.

Bauer was inconsolable, in tears after crossing the line in 10th place officially, and definitely did not hide his disappointment at not quite being able to pull off history and become the first New Zealander to win a stage at the Tour de France since the days of Julian Dean.

Nevertheless, Bauer should be proud of his achievements today. Let's hope he can finish the rest of the Tour de France with a week to go and go into the Commonwealth Games on top of the world!

Meanwhile, Vincenzo Nibali is very much on course to win the Tour de France with no challengers in sight and Peter Sagan is set for the green jersey.

Bauer Watch Is Back!

Yeap that's right, Bauer Watch is back because Jack Bauer has made Garmin-Sharp's final Tour de France team - his place was confirmed this morning with veteran rider, David Millar out of the final team.

This despite a documentary team originally set to follow the 37-year old Scot around France in this year's race.

Greg Henderson is the other Kiwi in this year's field.

On the British front, Millar and fellow Brit, Bradley Wiggins, will not take the start of the 101st Le Tour in Leeds this weekend with last year's winner Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas and Mark Cavendish the only Brits competing this year.

Anyway stay tuned for updates - they may not be as frequent as last year as I'm going on holiday to Malaysia on 16 July and won't be back till 1 August - on Jack Bauer's progress - and let's hope he finishes the race this time and stays away from another big crash!