Well, it's only 5 days till the "tour de farce 2008" and the best team in the world is off on vacation.
The tour de suisse is now over and once again Team Astana has proven to the world that they are the best team...hands down.
It's hard to imagine that I'll be watching, without anyone to really cheer for. It's not that I would not like to see someone like George Hincapie or Jens Voigt do well, but it's just not the same as years past.
After 2005, Lance left a large void for us American fans. Then Floyd came along and gave us someone to root for. I guess it doesn't matter who you believe, the fact is he put himself in a position that cost him the yellow jersey. But the score was evened in 2007. Team Discovery, riding the back of Levi Leipheimer launched one of the best young riders of this decade, Alberto Contador. Even with the news that Team Discovery Channel could not find a new sponsor, this Spanish phenom had become a huge favorite of not just Americans but with much of the cycling world. I am really sad that I will not be able to see him repeat his performance of 2007.
I may sound a bit bitter, but I'll get over it. After all one of the greatest events in sports is about to begin.
With that said I can just say that I'll be rooting for Team High Road and Garmin Chipolte. I'd like to see Robbie McEwen win two or three sprints and my favorite, Jens Voigt breakaway and never be brought back to the pack. Go Jens, 2 stage wins will go a long way to drive away some of the bitterness I feel today. It's time to move on, so may the second best rider and the second best team win it all. After all, the best aren't there.

When are the French going to stop trying to rig their #1 sporting event in an attempt to raise the French Tricolor on the final day?

And when are those arrogant "Tour De Farce" committee members going to include themselves with the rest of the world and assist in governing this increasingly popular sport?

While I commend the organizers for their stance on performance enhancement drugs, their current position on team ASTANA is wrong. By their actions this year (excluding ASTANA), they have shown no concern for the sport, but an arrogant attitude that only they know what is best. All they are proving is that they care only for their race and not being a part of the cycling world.

I am tired of listening to their whining and false accusations about each and every non-French winner of the Tour. Even Contador did not escape allegations after last year's victory. And everyone knows what Lance went through. The current Tour officials are turning a premier world event into just another French race.

I believe its time for pro cyclists to ban together and provide a voice in the issues and concerns of their sport. I really hope that there is some show of unity or some action taken during this year's "Tour De Farce", by the elite riders, regarding the refusal to allow the #1 team (ASTANA) and last years First and Third place winners to defend their title. Let's face it, whoever wins the 2008 "Tour De Farce", will have done so, because Alberto and Levi where not there. Sorry Cadel, I am one of your fans, (you too Jens), but I truly believe this year's tour has turned away the world's best.

I will still be watching everyday in July, because I love the race. But, as far as I am concerned, long live the Giro and Vuelta and may the "Tour De France" rest in peace.