Tour de France Finish Notes

Now that it is all over, and the end result everyone anticipated for the yellow jersey is behind us; I can now speculate and comment. (Isn't that was blogs are all about!)

Well, for Lance, it was the perfect exit. How many pro athletes can go out the same way: winning in record fashion in total dominance and with the full awe and respect of their peers? Not many. Usually, a retirement takes place when it is overdue because the star athlete in question is trying one more time to reach the ultimate prize. Lance, since his comeback from cancer, has certainly been charmed, and at the same time charmed millions while pulling along many in his wake. (see the tribute I published on our site at the link on the above title.)

So, lets pay some attention to some others at the Tour this year:

Jan Ulrich - good job fella; I didn't see you on the podium at all. Now that I have watched the pathetic management of T-Mobile it makes me wonder how much more Ulrich could do with a solid team riding exclusively for him as Armstrong had with Postal and Discovery. I can't say enough bad things about T-mobile strategy. What a pathetic, other-planet concept for going into the Tour: 3 guys all competing against each other and for high marks. The allegiances were split on Day 1. Vino was on his own from the start of the Pyrenees all the way to Paris. The best Jan Ulrich ever did against Lance was in 2003 when he rode for Bianchi and did not have any other "stars" trying to beat him. One can only wonder, but Jan in my estimation proved himself in this Tour de France. Good job getting 3rd!

Alexandre Vinokourov - what a fighter! If he can channel his energy and his never say die attitude with the help of a team dedicated to him; he will win the TDF. We know today that he is off to Liberty Seguros to get just that. Although, reading comments of the Liberty management; they are not sending Roberto Heras to the back and they should. A clear clean break is needed - controvery works for nobody! WHY IS THIS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND!???? If Liberty Seguros gives Vino what they promise; he will win. Maybe next year, maybe 2007, maybe both. Watch out - he has the spirit it takes!

Ivan Basso - ho hum. Good ride, good race, but did you once attack? I know, Lance was your buddy, and you wouldn't attack him, but your killer instincts are not showing. It will take a killer to win next year, because it is going to be a free for all in 2006. Basso is strong enough, Bjarne Riis will have to whip him into a fierce fighter.

Levi/Floyd - both good races; you both have a shot at better places, maybe even winning the TDF. But, you both need new teams. Or, for Floyd I think controversy is brewing with Peireiro who rode an excellent race. Gerolsteiner will never get Levi to the top of the GC. He did so much on his own this year.

Oscar Peireiro - young, aggressive, climber; good traits, a serious threat. Rode an excellent tour; can you keep it going?

Mancebo - uh, yea ok you were a top finisher, but I don't recall seeing/hearing much of anything about you. I'm not even sure how you squeezed in so high. Top 20 next year.

Discovery Channel - Bruyneel knows how to win. He has some young and old guys; but none ready/able to win overall in 2006 without a star acquistion. It may be a rebuilding year as they say. Never count out Johan though.

Other aspects of this year's tour that were odd:

Green jersey competition - a bit boring too. Last year it was the big deal on the final sprint. Robbie McEwen was awesome and except for his penalty, I suppose he was the best sprinter. I know Hushovd won the jersey, but placing consistently behind the stage winners and taking intermediate sprints is not the most exciting way to do it. Tom Boonen looked great, but you gotta go the distance if you want to be remembered. Baden Cooke, Brad McGee - hellooo, where are you guys? How was it that on the final stage in Paris VINO smokes all the sprinters!

Mountain Jersey - great race by Rasmussen; poor guy, I felt so bad watching his time trial at St Etienne. YOu rode a great race except one day.

About these two jerseys - it seems apparent that the strategy to win overall is to pour yourself into the early stages to wrack up points and then do your best to hang on. Seems that more points need to be reserved for the end of the race where the strongest guys will remain to gain the most for their consistency.

White Jersey/Most Agressive/ and other awards - too obscure for my knowledge. The white jersey winner has not been a very good indication of the future, but maybe it will be different for this year's winner - Popovich of Discovery.

The French - their riders are in a severe drought and depression. Criticism is rampant and even Bernard Hinault seems despondent. Nothing coming on the horizon it seems. Cycling is big sport in France, just behind football (soccer), and perhaps its time to reward hard work and let the primadonnas go by the wayside. Of them, Tomas Voekler is still impressive. Though he finished way back from what he did last year, he is a determined young rider and makes no apologies. This is good.

Well, now the tour is over, Lance is retired and I can get back to writing about our regular tour business and destinations. I hope you enjoyed the Tour!