It was a great event this time around. Contador demonstrated he was the strongest rider as well as developing his persona as an individual and maturity as a racer. He's even learning diplomacy with praise for Armstrong and calm in the wake of the 'mechanical' that Schleck suffered. He still has a long way to go to attain the image of one of favorite TDF Champions of all time, Miguel Indurain, but it should be fun to watch. Maybe when he loses the Shooter McGavin Pistol Salute he can become the real deal.
One note: that without winning a single stage of the TDF, Contador is the first Maillot Jaune wearer to top the podium in Paris in this manner in a very long time. I don't recall the last time that happened? The first one to tell me gets a free goodie from the shop.
Cavendish. One word brings an image to my mind of the best pure sprinter we may have seen in 20 years. He just gets it done. Handles the pressure and crosses the line first. Team mates rely on him, the competition guns for him, he ends up isolated and still he wins. No Saeco train but more like McEwen with his stealth but a top speed that bests just about any of his cohorts from the last 15 years. Not the long-drag out sprint of Pettachi or maybe quite the savvy of Zabel, but man it's a blast watching the guy. He wins going away and recently, with class. I'm becoming a fan and look forward to cheering for him often.
Lance. It's done. His career is over and due to some unlucky events his Tour was as well-way before it got started. I noticed for the first time that the fire in his belly seemed to be a smolder rather than an energy that could push him through his trials. Too much easy living? Who knows, but he was gracious to concede that the Tour now belongs to another generation. Love him or hate him, his influence will leave a lasting legacy that was the genesis for many people becoming cyclists.
I had fun watching the Tour. Phil and Paul making the racing entertaining while we watch heros become immortal. I've also enjoyed noticing more road cyclists out this year. Maybe it's the nice effect I remember when I watched Becker and Lendl during the French Open and for weeks afterward the tennis courts would be full. Through all of this, I think that watching the pros is a blast and allows us to arm-chair coach and dream. What really makes cycling come alive for us though are the miles and hours we spend on the bike. Tarmac, trails, gravel roads-it doesn't matter; the effort, experience and companionship we store away is what makes us smile. We get restless when we've been away. We relish the thought of watching the sun crest a new dawn while we follow a ribbon of pavement through cool fields of alfalfa. I bet if you really asked each pro, that's what they love too. Feels like it's getting time to ride.
