In the general classification the old guard is in retreat, with gaps to yellow widening and the top ten changing daily. And yet, the unlikely, triumphant return of a green jersey wearer, while others fall out of the race, has been a major win for the veterans and downtrodden. This is the beauty of the Tour, this year perhaps more than ever. There is, of course, the overarching fight for yellow, but sub-plots and other stories are waiting to be told.