Tour de Lance

Lance, as everyone knows, is going to win a 7th tour. This year, the last year for him looks like he is as strong if not stronger than ever. We have been hearing from French people all around, even non-cyclists, how impressed they are. It will be interesting to see what kind of send off the French give Lance after the stage next Sunday. I anticipate a big recognition by the press and people alike. Of course, the race directors and officials will have a lot to be thankful for. The Tour, despite being dominated, and made relatively boring in terms of overall winner, has been elevated to a new status level thanks to Armstrong. The Giro and the Vuelta just don't seem remotely as important.

The future will have team leaders skipping the Giro in favor of training for Le Tour. The Giro may have to move its dates to another time of the year to risk becoming totally insignificant to non-Italians.

Lance has left quite a wake behind, and lots of people can be thankful for his successful run. So, while we pay tribute to Lance, we can wonder about his legacy and who will step next year! Now, that sounds exciting actually! Its not whether Lance will win, will race, will get some new record. Its who will Lance influence, what will his involvement be, and yes, who will step up!

I prematurely predict someone under the guidance of Johann Bruyneel or Bjarne Riis. The other coaches have a lot to learn. Although, at least T-mobile is getting a new director I understand. That is the best thing that can happen to them.

Well, with still a few days of racing left I think we can expect to see Ulrich and Rasmussen battle it out for 3rd, and the battle for the green jersey. Perhaps some solo breakaways for some of these midweek stages in central France. There are some teams who need a stage win like Fassa, Francaise des Jeux, etc.

Cruising toward Paris...