geste/gesture: It is funny how my word memory for English words is blocked when I write about Le Tour. I seem to need a completely separated part of my brain.

Armstrong is much more liked by the French (press and spectators) this year. His ability to give interviews in French has done a bit. But the main reason, I think, is that he is no longer 'intouchable' (please pronounce it in French for that's how I have it written). They never really like the cyclists who look as if cycling meant no effort at all. He looks vulnerable and beatable this year and that's why they like him more even if he may not be beaten, actually.

Wolfgang