Le Tour
 

With the World Cup almost settled in Paris, it’s time to start talking about the other world class sporting event that will also end up in Paris - albeit unlikely with a Frenchman in the winners circle.

The Tour de France even with doping scandals is an incredible spectacle with even more incredible athletes. When they are on the ground rolling, it is not from someone touching their ankle, it’s likely from a 70+ km/h crash.

I love this event and will watch everyday with the help of tap delay.

After Stage 4 we have two Belgians, an American and a Brit in the top 4.

No question it is a great race. As a road bike rider, I'm always amazed at the speeds they maintain for ~100mi most days. Even at my best (many years ago) they are still 8-10mph faster.

Le Tour
 

My highlight was completing a century ride with a buddy in 4hrs 10 minutes. However, that was in Delaware and just plan flat. I was spent and while I could have done it in less than 4 hours if I had been in a large Peloton the entire ride, there wouldn’t be much more upside.

These guys are athletes.

Was that the Icicle Century? Used to ride the Tri-County, Covered Bridge & Taxing Centuries

Don’t remember the name of the ride but it started and ended in Salisbury MD. Oops, not Delaware... Started at the University, wandered out to Assateague Island then back.

I also did a few Gap Gallops out of Northampton but never approached 4hrs in those. Maybe 5... APCI was a hot bed of pretty capable riders that all wished they were racing at the velodrome.

I did 30 min on the stationary bike this morning in the gym ..............:D

The scenery is one of the best parts of watching Le Tour. 15 years ago I convinced my wife that we should spend our honeymoon cycling through the biggest climbs in the Alps. She of course thought it would be fun & it certainly was a great trip of a lifetime. 2003 was LA's 5th tour "victory", but here a German fan thought not. This is the top of the Col D'Izoard (my wife in the red jersey :thumbsup:)

http://i68.tinypic.com/27zhfna.jpg

Dave - how far did you get? ;)

had a flat tire, not far ! .....:banana:

Great pic, Ventoux. Yes, the scenery is beautiful. It's one of the reasons I watch every minute of the tour I can; even during "slow" stages like the past two days. I really enjoyed watching The Giro for the first time this year. Northern Italy is stunning.

Even though stages 7 and 8 were a bit long and tedious, the last 50k and the sprints have been great. I'm really looking forward to stage 9. The Roubaix cobbles have the potential to really shake up the GC.

Cheers,

Scott