Sports are ritualized warfare. When the racing is as close as this Tour is turning out to be, tactics becomes increasingly important and interesting. I'm not savvy enough about bike racing to have a good appreciation of what is going on but I'm trying to apply Sun Tzu's The Art of War. One of the teachings was "the ideal in war is for the battle to be won before the opponent is aware they have lost".
I'm not knowledgeable enough to really appreciate the tactical situation, but along with Sara, I can appreciate the s sheer skill and elegance of the riding.