Vive Le Tour

Long evenings are now the norm............the Tour de France is in progress and with full live cover on both TV and streaming on the net in Australia, it is providing for some interesting viewing each evening. Some wags say watching a bike race is like watching paint dry - absolutely rivetingly boring! Not so..........tactics, tactics and tactics - plus action.


So far all stages have seen some great racing - a plus for cycling fans.


And as usual, the tv coverage is one of the greatest tourist pluses that France has going for the country. Some fantastic scenery, and superb outside broadcast coverage. THAT is worth a lot to France I am sure.


Australia's "hope" Cadel Evans has been let down by his team - again - so far. Sure, another 2+ weeks to go, but Silence - Lotto need a miracle to achieve any better than they have so far. Tip of the day for Cadel Evans - change to a team that will support YOU, because they sure do not now!


However, do not forget Australia has a few other likely contenders for a high place finish - with Michael Rogers among them.


As many others have already said while voicing their opinions, it is hard to look past Astana as the team to beat in the GC - with the interest being who among them is the superior rider - Armstrong, Kloden, Contador or Leiphimer. All have form as climbers too. But, still early days!! And that itself is part of the fascination about the Tour anyway- the next day. Remember, it is a team event, even though often the focus is on an individual.


Armstrong has shown himself as a very shrewd, wily, observant and clever tactitian in his bike riding. People forget that aspect of riding in a bike race..........it is not always about "go fast" - there is a need for all sorts of skills, not to mention that you have to get up each day and do it all again - so mental toughness is also very critical. It seems as if he has lost none of those skills, nor his bike handling, honed over many years in professional cycling. They count A LOT! Watch the team time trial to see how Astana performed - fantastic!


Definitely looking forward to the next 2+ weeks - viva le Tour!!!!!!