The tour gets under way July 5th, but I thought I would give you all a little heads up so that you are ready for one of the great sporting events of the year, the 3 weeks that make up the Tour De France. This years route has a decidedly international flavor, kicking off with 3 stages starting in Leeds through Yorkshire, into Sheffield, and finishing up in London. The route also will take day trips through Belgium and Spain. This year the route will go clockwise, hitting the high Alps first in week 2, and then finishing up in the Pyrenees in week 3.

Team Sky once again enters the race as hands-on favorites, led by team leader and defending champion Chris Froome. However, Sky had a difficult time of it recently in the Criterium Du Dauphine during which Froome had a serious spill that definitely slowed him down a bit. Alberto Contador (confirmed doper who is unfortunately one of the favorites) is back, though again there are questions about the strength of his team. American Tejay Van Garderan is among the favorites as well, riding for American team BMC. Another American, Andrew Telansky, is coming off a very impressive win in the Criterium Du Dauphine (holding off Contador in a thrilling final stage), so the USA should be well-represented.

I look forward to enjoying the tour with you all!

Vive Le Tour!

Thank you, right section.

Sounds more like it should be called "tour de europe" though.

_________________

yes, this seemed like the appropriate place. there is only one way to celebrate a stage winner though.

_________________

France seems to have a never-ending supply of spectacularly beautiful women in tasteful summer dresses. The ones they have giving the awards out are incredible, especially today. Makes me want to hop on my bike and ride to the liquor store.

_________________
Soccer 1,2,3
Spanish Honor Society 1,2,3,4
Forensics 1,2,3,4

"Smiles with Nostrils"

"...no Hmong, go find some blacks"

A disappointing TDF with Froome and Contador exiting early. I liked Froome's interview where he basically said things would be different if he was in the mountains.

There is no sport that I enjoy the broadcasters more than NBC's coverage. Sherwen and Leggette are hyperbolic but their energy is entertaining. Vande Velde is improving and Bobke is fun to have in the booth.

_________________
Lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be.