Well, the boys have finished the Tour de Suisse, Route du Sud, and Ster ZLM Toer (among others) and are now resting and recovering in anticipation of the Tour de France. It’s feeling a bit light on the tweet front but I’ve still found some goodies for you – we have #CostaCrush, The Taylor Recovery Report and the biggest smile in the world comin’ up!

Rui tastes the rainbow

Remember that ‘rainbow curse’ malarkey from the past few years? About the World Champion not being able to win in the year of his reign? Well, Rui Costa has just shown that that’s absolute bollocks. He took his third consecutive Tour de Suisse on Sunday with a fantabulous stage win. #CostaCrush!

It’s a Costa cuckoo clock. I don’t know how he’s going to get that bike back into that house though. 

But with a winner, there must be a loser and this time around it was Panzerwagen Tony Martin. Many were disappointed so I’ve included a picture of him – just for them.

And speaking of time triallists, the Sacred Haunches™ was in the hot seat for quite some time during Friday’s time trial. I’m including a picture of him – just for me.

His TT was not without incident, however. He seemed to have angered a bee. I’ve included a picture of it – just for me. The Velvet Samurai hasn’t been in this column very much of late. He’s been awfully quiet, even though he won the points jersey in the TdS (confusingly decorated with square dots so it looks like a better version of the pox KOM jersey in the TdF). Methinks he’s lulling green jersey competitors into a false sense of security …

But the revelation of the Tour de Suisse has to be the smile of GreenEdge&Hammer Johan Esteban Chaves. Everyone fell for that! So I’m including pictures of him – just for everyone.

He got his body weight in Gruyere for winning the stage, but he didn’t get the Saint Bernards, which he took quite a shine to.

The Gruppetto

It’s the Taylor Recovery Report! His legs are now two different sizes and he’s lost 5kg (all in his ass, he says). But he’s working hard, keeping the faith, being his wonderful sparkly self. We love you, Taylor! Keep up the good work!

Somehow, I missed this particular instagram three weeks ago. How?! HOW did I miss this picture! Other than the massive bruise, I’ve never seen That Boy look so dreamy …

“So tell me, Nico. Are you going for the cat burgler look a la Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief, or the superhero look with the heatshield sunglasses, reminiscent of Cyclops in X-Men?” “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

One of the nicest national champion’s jersey, methinks, as worn by Tsgabu Grmay of MTN-Qhubeka.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

Looks to me like one of Davide Villella‘s teammates is being beamed up to the mother ship. What in the world is going on back there?

A mini-Blingette!!!!!

It was three years ago at the Tour de Suisse that Mauricio Soler had his terrible accident. He’s still on the long road to recovery but he’s certainly not forgotten. Here’s hoping he continues to get stronger every day.

At this angle, and with that haircut, doesn’t Moreno Moser look like Alan Cumming? Just me? Really?

I’ve finally figured it out. Jonathan Vaughters is in fact channelling Bertie Wooster.

I particularly like the little rider who is drinking some coffee on the bike.

Great picture! Says it all, doesn’t it?

Pippo – clothed for the second week running!

Marcel Kittel showing off his tan lines during the World Cup.

PhilGil downs a brewski on his way to the overall win at Ster ZLM Toer.

Hmmm, maybe Nibbles can’t hold his drink …

It’s only a matter of time before Oleg signs himself to his team. “Bjarne fought brave, too.” Bit of a backhanded compliment there.

All this talk of thigh gaps when really it’s all about cricket!

Mats was on fire last week. We heart Mats.

The Last Word