Rest Day at the Tour

This is what ORICA GreenEDGE is doing during today's rest day:

The race resumes tomorrow with the 10th stage. We're looking forward to it.

ORICA GreenEDGE's Video of Their Bus Getting Stuck is Hilarious

We can all probably agree that the first stage of this year's Tour de France was chaotic (the New York Times has a great write-up here.) What with ORICA GreenEDGE's bus getting stuck at the finish line and the crash that took down several riders, it was certainly on the crazy side. But at least the folks at ORICA GreenEDGE aren't so serious they can't laugh at themselves a little. While this first stage recap video may not be intentionally hilarious, it's certainly funny in concept and received at least a few laughs from us.

Infographic: 100 Years of the Tour de France

Top 9 Riders to Watch in the 2013 Tour de France

The 100th Edition of the Tour de France begins in just a few weeks, with the first stage (from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia) kicking off on Sunday, June 29. Naturally, we're really excited for the 21-day race in 22 days and we simply couldn't wait to start talking about it. And with news of Fabian Cancellara skipping the race and Brad Wiggins and Chris Horner unable to ride due to injuries, we just can't help but be thinking about the top contenders in this year's Tour. Here are some of the riders we'll be watching—so long as nobody else drops out (fingers crossed!).

Vincenzo Nibali (Editors note: Nibali decided to skip the Tour de France to focus on the world championships)

Vincenzo Nibali, currently riding for Astana, is a powerhouse. The 28-year-old Italian was this year's Giro d'Italia champion, marking his second Grand Tour win (his first being the 2010 Vuelta a España). This season, he also took first at the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Giro del Trentino. In fact, in his entire professional career, Nibali has done no worse than 20th place in any race. Combine all that with his third place ranking in last year's Tour, there should be no wonder we think he'll be a strong force this time around. And if Nibali wins? He'll be in the history books with just seven others (the last was the late, great Marco Pantani in 1998) who have managed to win both the Giro and the Tour in the same year. That said, the cold snowy Giro does take time to recover from, but we wish him the best.

Peter Sagan at the Tour of California

Peter Sagan

With a nickname like "The Terminator" and a race record like Peter Sagan's, of course this 23-year-old Team Cannondale cyclist is on this list. Sagan was second this year at the Tour of Flanders, second in the Milan-San Remo, first in the Brabantse Pijl, first in the Gran Premio Città di Camaiore, among others. At last year's Tour, he won stages three and eight and took first in the points classification—so he's definitely one to look out for this time around. And with two stage wins at the recent Tour of California, the Slovak is looking good.

Chris Froome

What with his teammate Wiggins unable to compete because of a knee injury, Chris Froome is looking to be a top pick to take the whole thing. He's currently in the lead in the Dauphiné Libere. He took second at this year's Tirreno-Adriatico, first in the Tour de Romandie, first in the Critérium International and first in the Tour of Oman. At last year's Tour de France, he placed second. Will the 28-year-old Team Sky rider take first this year? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Alberto Contador

In recent interviews, Froome pointed to the 30-year-old Alberto Contador as his "biggest threat" in this year's Tour de France. Post doping scandal, Contador took first in the Milano-Torino and Vuelta a España in 2012 and second at the Tour of Oman this year, as well as a third place finish at the 2013 Tirreno-Adriatico (finishing first in points classification). Plus, he did win the Tour in both 2007 and 2009. (He also won in 2010, but tested positive for doping.) Is the Team Saxo-Tinkoff rider as big of a threat as Froome suggests? We will soon find out.

Tejay Van Garderen at the Tour of California

Tejay van Garderen

Fresh off of his 2013 Tour of California win, Tejay van Garderen is likely to have a strong showing at this year's Tour. At last year's, he came in fifth overall and first in the young rider classification (he's 24)—all the while doing a ton of work for teammate Cadel Evans. Besides his California win, Tejay's had a pretty strong showing elsewhere, coming in second at the Tour de San Luis, third at the Critérium International (first in the young rider classification) and fourth in the Paris-Nice. It'll be interesting to see how he fairs in France this time around. We're guessing he'll do well.

Ryder Hesjedal (Editor's note: Hedjedal crashed out of the Tour de Suisse and we're not sure if he'll be competing in the Tour de France.)

Maybe this hasn't been Ryder Hesjedal's best year racing, but last year he won the Giro d'Italia and he just signed a contract for three more years with Team Garmin-Sharp, so it's best to not discount the 32-year-old. He's Canada's best hope for a Tour de France win and we're looking forward to seeing what he brings to the race this year.

Mark Cavendish

Currently riding for Omega Pharma-Quick Step, Mark Cavendish, 28, has had a hell of career. This year he placed first in the points classification, as well as the Azzurri d'Italia classification and most combative rider classification at the Giro d'Italia (along with four stage wins at the race), as well as first in the general and points classifications at the Tour of Qatar, among others. The British cyclist is doing quite well, that's for sure, and it'll be fun to see what's got for us at the 2013 Tour.

Cadel Evans

Andy Schleck at the Tour of California

With a first place overall win at the 2011 Tour de France, first at the 2011 Tour of Romandie, first at the 2011 Tirreno-Adriatico, first at the 2012 Critérium International, third at this year's Giro and third at the 2013 Tour of Oman on his track record, of course we're keeping an eye on Cadel Evans. The 36-year-old Australian will be leading Team BMC in this year's Tour de France, which some are suggesting is an interesting choice considering Van Garderen's success—especially considering how he seemed to struggle in the final week of the Giro, falling to third place. But we can't deny Evans is a great cyclist—so we're looking forward to it anyway.

Andy Schleck

When Contrador was caught for doping and his 2010 Tour de France win was revoked, Andy Schleck received the glory retroactively. The next year, he came in runner-up. With previous great showings at our favorite French tour, we wouldn't be surprised if he managed do well again this year. We'll definitely be keeping a look out for this Team RadioShack Leopard Trek rider.

American Pioneers November Cycling Trivia with Answers

 

November 2012

Before there was Lance, Tyler, EPO, or American Tour Winners…

“In Honor of the American Pioneers”
by Dave Campbell

Q1. Who was the first American to race the Giro d’Italia? When did he complete this historic and largely unheralded feat?

Q2. Most people know that Jonathan Boyer was the first American to ride the Tour de France (an event so special and historic that he wore a Stars and Stripes jersey despite the lack of a National Championship Road Race at the time…or even enough Pros to contest one!), but what was his BEST PLACING? When did he accomplish this?

Q3. What was the first European pro win for the young phenom from Nevada Greg Lemond?

A1. Smilin’ George Mount of California rode the Giro d’Italia in 1981, 3 years before an American team, and 4 years before Greg Lemond and 7-Eleven. He rode for Sammontana-Benotto (alongside Italian legends Roberto Visentini and Moreno Argentin) and finished a solid 25^th, 39:20 down on race winner Giovanni Battaglin.

A2. Boyer, riding for Sem-Reydel-Mavic alongside Sean Kelly, was 12^th in the 1983 Tour, 19:57 down on race winner Laurent Fignon. He was actually in 9^th prior to the penultimate stage time trial.

A3. Stage One of the Tour d’Oise (A now defunct June Stage Race that was one of France’s top five stage races in the early 80s) in a small group sprint in front of his friend Australian Phil Anderson.

And The Winners Are...

We are six stages into the Tour and BicyclingHub.com has  SIX WINNERS so far in our  

Tour de France Giveaway!!!

We are giving away some pretty amazing Castelli gear - 

And the lucky winners are:

     Prologue:  R. Bush               Castelli BODY PAINT 2.0 BIB SHORTS

     Stage 1:    W. Kerr              Castelli ENDURANCE BIB SHORTS

     Stage 2:    T. Dotterweich    Castelli FUGA JERSEY

     Stage 3:     R. Skinner          Castelli PRIMA JERSEY

     Stage 4:     B. Dupree          Castelli GPM FULL ZIP JERSEY   

     Stage 5:     T. Dean              Castelli VELOCISSIMO EQUIPE JERSEY

The next lucky winner could be YOU!!!  Be sure to submit your daily entry during this year's Tour by visiting us on Facebook or by clicking here.  

Tell all your friends.  We want you to win!!!

BicyclingHub.com and Castelli want you to WIN!

BicyclingHub.com and Castelli want you to WIN!

We're giving away a pair of Castelli Body Paint 2.0 Bib Shorts - Castelli's best bib shorts yet. A revolutionary fit for both Men and Women, high-tech and seamless for amazing comfort and performance.

Visit our FaceBook page and tell us who's going to win the Tour de France on Sunday, July 22nd, 2012, and if you're right, you could be the one lucky winner!*

Enter to win these world-class bib shorts TODAY!

Want more?
Get three friends to enter the contest, and you'll automatically have a chance to win $100 BicyclingHub Bucks at BicyclingHub.com.

*In the event of multiple correct predictions, one winner will be selected in a random drawing.

"No Guts, No Glory:" Schleck and Team Leopard-Trek Grab Yellow in an all-out battle to win the Tour

Photo source: versus.com

"No guts, no glory" is what Team Leopard-Trek's Andy Schleck told reporters yesterday at the end of Stage 18 of the 2011 Tour de France after his team's meticulously executed plan to break early with 60 km of serious climbing to go netted him the stage win and put Schleck within spitting distance of the yellow jersey, narrowly held onto by Europcar's Thomas Voeckler. Frenchman Voeckler gave the performance of his life as he sprinted to an uphill finish atop Galibier to retain the leader's yellow jersey for a 10th stage win, and Team BMC's Cadel Evans stamped out his determination with his every pedal stroke not to let his bid for the maillot jaune slip through his fingers.

The excitement continued in today's "hillier than thou" Stage 19 climbfest, ending with a guns (and legs) a'blazing battle on the road up the fabled Alp de Huez.

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Voeckler's fellow Frenchman and Europcar Pierre Rolland escaped the pack to achieve an important stage win at the top of Alp de Huez, while Andy Schleck took over the yellow jersey from Voeckler as leader of the 2011 Tour de France. Schleck enters Saturday’s critical final time trial with a 57-second gap ahead of Evans, a noted time-trialist, while defending champion Alberto Contador from Team Saxo Bank sits nearly four minutes behind Schleck in 6th place overall.

Will Andy find his wings?

[Photo left: Andy Schleck raises his arms in thanks after winning Stage 18 on the mountain-top finish of Galibier after a long solo effort. Source: Team Leopard-Trek.] When asked whether he'll be able to hold Cadel Evans at bay in the 40km time trial stage tomorrow and ride into Paris as the Tour Leader, Schleck replied, “The yellow jersey gives you wings and I hope that is the case tomorrow.” We'll know for certain tomorrow at the conclusion of Stage 20…But in the meantime, BicyclingHub.com thanks Andy the Team Leopard Trek for providing one of the most exciting Tours to watch with baited breath in a long time.

Cheer Andy on to victory with an official Team Leopard Jersey or Team Kit!

Team Leopard-Trek boasts some of the strongest riders in the world, from the animated Fabian Cancellara to Stuart O'Grady and Jens Voight the lanky Luxembourgers Frank Schleck and Andy Schleck and newcomer Jakob Fuglsang. If you are a fan, then this official team replica kit is a must have.

Look sharp, look fast - and be inspired to ride a little faster too!
Lightweight fast-wicking fabric and breathable fabric ensures your comfort whilst emulating your riding heroes. A full zipper helps with extra ventilation and three pockets in the rear are waiting to be filled with your onboard essentials. A 4th zippered pocket/compartment is useful for that front door key or enough change for extra refreshments along the way perhaps. Order yours today with BicyclingHub.com and get free and fast standard shipping and prompt delivery.

Trivia Contest: In Honor of BIG GEORGE

George Hincapie exits the US Postal Service Team Van at the 2000 Amstel Gold Race smiling and ready to ride.

This month's Trivia Contest is in honor of George Hincapie, one of America's favorite professional cyclists who's maintained incredible staying power over the last decade. With his enduring cycling prowess and charisma, he's considered a fixture in both major stateside stage races such as the Tour of California, the European Classics (notably to Paris-Roubaix), and the exalted Tour de France.

Many of you recognized his legs last month on our Facebook contest (congratulations to Don W. for correctly identifying those gams and winning a $25 BicyclingHub.com gift certificate!). When he turned Pro in 1994, George Hincapie (who was primarily a sprinter at that point) committed in his mind to ten years as a professional. With that goal long since surpassed, he is embarking on his SEVENTEENTH Professional season and possibly his 16th (and record-tying for most starts) Tour de France.

How well do you know "Big George"?

Q1. How many Olympic Games has George participated in?


Photo, left: George Hincapie and Dave Towel discuss the stage ahead on May 23rd, 2010 in Thousand Oaks, California Tour of California Stage 8.



Q2. Hincapie has won in all of the following major stage races EXCEPT WHICH ONE?
A. The Tour de France
B. The Dauphine Libere
C. The Tour of California
D. Three Days of De Panne
E. Eneco Tour of Benelux
F. Tour of Missouri
G. Setmana Catalana

Photo, right: George Hincapie, Roy Knickman and Andreas Knickman in conversation. Roy Knickman is partially hidden from the camera.


Q3. How many times has George Hincapie been the US Professional Road Champion?

Was I Correct? Answers below.

A1. Incredibly, Hincapie has participated in FIVE STRAIGHT Olympic Games, dating back to the Team Time Trial in Barcelona where the US squad was a disappointing 16th. Since then, he has represented the US in the Olympic Road Race. Not planning to retire until 2012 and still one of the top US one day road riders, he could conceivably make one more! His five, incidentally, set a National Record for ALL SPORTS.


A2. Wow, what a line up! De Panne (a Belgian-cobbled classic prep stage race) is the only one, remarkably, where George didn’t take a stage. He did, however, win the overall there in 2004!!!

Photo, right: Ever the professionals, Christian Vande Velde (left) and George Hincapie (center), during their US Postal Service years, pausing to sign autographs.


A3. THREE, which many believe should have been four! In 1997, he won US Pro Corestates in Philadelphia, climbed the podium and donned the jersey only to be disqualified 45 min later for drafting in the caravan to chase back after a late puncture. He then won the title outright and joyously in 1998 with the help of a resurgent Lance Armstrong. Since then, he has triumphed again, this time in his hometown of Greenville, SC in 2006 and 2009.

Photo, left: When you're cool you're cool. George before the start of the 2010 Tour of California.

"Everything in bicycling is about evolution:" an interview with Eddy Merckx

Eddy Merckx, five-time winner of the Tour de France and often regarded one of the greatest living cycling legends of all time, was on-hand at Interbike 2010 to debut his new line of 2011 high-end road frames and shake hands of adoring fans from across the globe. BicyclingHub.com staff member Jennifer Clunie met up with him in Las Vegas to discuss some of the most memorable moments of his cycling career, and how we might improve conditions for cyclists in America.

According to the Cycling Hall of Fame, "His record of 525 victories, including 445 as a professional, is untouchable." Nicknamed “The Cannibal” for his insatiable appetite for victories (as well as his ability to destroy rivals), Merckx has won a record 34 Tour de France stage wins, including 6 stages in 1969 and 1972, and 8 stages in 1970 and 1974. Winning each of cycling’s five monuments (Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Tour of Lombardy) more than twice, for a record of nineteen victories, he also holds the distinction of winning the Giro d'Italia five times and the Vuelta a Espana once for a total of eleven Grand Tour victories.

JC: What was one of your most rewarding experiences in your professional cycling career?

EM: "I think for me I best remember the Tour de France 1969 because it had been 30 years since a Belgian guy won the Tour. So for me it was a kid's dream becoming reality."

JC: What stood out most in '69?

EM: "It was the stage from Luchon to Mourenx and in the break was the yellow jersey 140 KM and I was the leader in the Tour de France and they arrived 8 minutes behind me…7:52 I think."

JC: And what was one most challenging experiences or difficult moments in your career? Something that pushed you beyond the limits?

EM: "In 1977 the stage over Alp d' Huez because I was sick…some food infection….the hardest moment."

JC: How did you overcome that?

EM: "You overcome that because when you're at the Alp d'Huez, the day after you still have a stage to do. You recover at night and that's it."

JC: You still have a job to get done?

EM: "Yeah, it's part of the job."

(pauses, then continues) "The hardest moment--maybe even harder--was the hour record in Mexico in 1972. The hour record, because you long to beat the hour record and after 40 minutes you think you can't make it. You're not putting any more into the legs, things like that. And 40 min to 50 min--boy--it's really hard, hard, hard. Suffering, suffering, and suffering again. Then when 50 minutes you see a hand--the hour record. And then 9, 8, 7…then you beat the hour record and it's surely a great moment. The most suffering hour in my career."

JC: Your son Axel has decided to follow in your footsteps, as best he can, into the pro cycling circuit and has done extremely well. What do you think as a father about him following your footsteps?

EM: "For him it would be very hard, no? But because it's his choice that I tell him, you know, that I was happy my parents had me ride so I cannot say 'you cannot ride.' You have to do what you like to do. But I think he was doing a pretty good career. Because he was a Merckx it was not easy for him. All the riders--especially in the young categories--when you go to the start they'll say, 'Merckx is there. Try to be for him.' They don't say, 'Win the race, but be for Merckx. Beat Merckx.' So for him, it was a lot of pressure, too. but he likes it."

JC: How did you start your son cycling? Family rides?

EM: "He was playing soccer and then sometime in the winter when they have the competition he goes with me on the track in Ghent and rides the bike in Ghent."

JC: How old was he at this time?

EM: "He was 10, 11 years old. but before he also biked with me to school or race bikes."

JC: So he began on the track and said, "I want to be like dad"?

EM: "Yeah. I think the track is a very good school for cycling. I would say it's the best school for cycling."

JC: Bradley Wiggins would agree with you on that. :) When people ask, "How can you possibly win so many different areas of your sport: criteriums, roubaixs, one-day stage races, multi-day events like the Tour?...

EM: "My parents made me." [laugher]

"I think you need talent, but also I worked very hard. And in the big races, yeah, you ride to make a name. And then in the small races the organizers pay you, and also the people coming to watch the criteriums pay for watching the criteriums. I think it's not professional if you only ride so they pay for saying you're winning. So I try to win. That's why I was winning so much. Because in the big races I ride to make a name, and the small races b/c I was paid to do these races."

JC: One of your famous quotes in regards to advice for training and getting fast was: "Ride lots."

EM: "First of all, you need talent. And then you also never have to think that you've arrived. As difficult as it is to arrive to the top, it's more difficult to stay at the top. So I think because that you're on top you cannot think have nowhere to train; you have to train harder because you have more competitors and on the end the other riders going to try--it's tough to win--so you don't lose the race."

JC: Do you think that people should target specific training goals (i.e., if you're a track rider, focus on track, if you're a crit rider, focus on crits) or they should adopt more of your perspective?

EM: "You have to do everything, I think, to be a complete rider. Riders focus more now on circuit races and also stage races but it must be possible to do both; if everybody does the same, you can do it. But now the Tour has become so big most of the riders focus on the Tour de France; but there's only one winner in the Tour de France. It's more pressure on the riders now because more newspapers, more TV channels…it's even harder. Also the material's different--but it's still the hardest sport."

JC: Speaking of materials, tell me about the Eddy Merckx bikes. And if I buy one, am I going to ride as fast as you?

EM: (without hesitation) "No, I don't think so. You cannot ride as fast as me. (shared laughter) Maybe you can be faster--maybe you have more talent than me. I'm not the godfather."

JC: How does that tie into your vision for the future of cycling, your brand and your products?

EM: "Everything is evolution. if you think that my bike that won the world championship in 1964 in Sallanches: the weight was 11 kilo 150. And now the bikes are 6 kilo 800; you cannot go under. so you can understand that they make change; also, the materials change. I think the big change is the click [clipless] pedals and also the changes in the brakes because driving is much easier…In my time, you have to sit down on the seat, change, and then go back, so it's completely different. But for everybody it's the same--so it changes nothing in the result."

JC: Where do you see the future of cycling going, both in the professional circuit and in terms of everyday riding?

EM: "Oh, I think you ride every day. Look at the basketball player; he also plays 2-3 times a week so he can be happy and he can be healthy and he recovers. he lives the sport then; it's the life. You train him that. You recover; you train. So If you get hurt; if you crash; it's possible."

JC: How do you think we can get here in America the same kind of mode shares that we throughout Europe? For example, Amsterdam has a 40% mode share of trips by bike; Denmark is close to 36%.

EM: "It's the work of the people who make the cities; when you make the roads, you have to provide the bike roads [bike lanes] so the people can go safely to work; so the kids can go safely to the school. that's why Netherlands is such an example; because they were put in a long time ago. Also, bikes were the way to go from one point to another point--circulation. In the beginning it was only the cars--big roads, fast; now, the roads become smaller because too many cars, pollution, accidents, things like that. So the speed is reduced. So before you could go as fast as you wanted on the highway; now it's limited . I think it's important that people in government, when they decide to build new roads, that they also think to make bike roads for the kids, also for the people who go to work.

"You don't stay in the queues [of cars]--you can can pass; the psychology; and it's good for your health. I think cycling is the most healthy sport for somebody who gets into a sport because if you go run, you have problems with your knees and things like that: the bike puts the weight of your body on the bike..."

JC: So we need to have complete streets on our roadways here in the US?

EM: Yes.

Celebrating and Remembering "The Professor," Laurent Fignon

Test Your Knowledge of "The Professor"

By guest columnist Dave Campbell

An amazing rider of courage, style, and panache, Frenchman Laurent Fignon has left us too soon, passing away on Tuesday, August 31st after an egregious battle with cancer. A rider who really only had a few peak years due to injury, when he was ON he was ON. Capable of winning short or long stage races, mountains or flat, Classics of all variety, he was a Campionissimo. And, as a coach told me so memorably when I was a junior, he ALWAYS, ALWAYS LOOKED COOL!!! Sadly, his career was as abbreviated as his life. Struck down by cancer at only 50 years of age, he had the courage to not only write his life story but ask the tough questions near the end. Did his use of performance enhancing drugs play a role? No one can know. Raced with his heart and no regrets, lived that way to the end. He left us with stunning images, memories, inspiration, and performances…that much is clear!

Let’s celebrate and remember…THE PROFESSOR

QUESTIONS:

Q1. Only two riders have ever won the Triple Crown, Eddy Merckx (1974) and Stephen Roche (1987). Precious little has been written about how close Fignon came to ALSO accomplishing this feat! When? HOW CLOSE?

Q2. Laurent Fignon won all of the following Classics except: Fleche Wallone, Milan San Remo, Paris-Tours, Paris-Camembert, Gran Prix des Nations. BONUS: Describe the circumstances of his near win in the “one he missed”!

Q3. Fignon triumphed in ALL of the following stage races EXCEPT one: Tour de France, Criterium International, Dauphine Libere, Giro d’ Italia, Ruta Mexico, Tour of Holland (now the Eneco Tour Benelux).

BONUS: Name all the major stage races where The Professor won a stage!

How many did you answer correctly? Let's have a look...

ANSWERS:

A1. 1989. Fignon won the Giro in front of Flavio Giuponni and American Andy Hampsten then went on to place second in that famous Tour de France to American Greg Lemond by the precious EIGHT seconds. In the Worlds Road Race, then contested in August in Chambery, France he attacked out of the lead group of six with one kilometer to go, only to have Lemond chase him down, catching him at 400 meters to go. WOW. WHAT A CHAMPION!

A2. He did NOT win Paris-Tours (then Creteil-Cheville) in 1982 DESPITE being over a minute clear with 10 km left to race and storming to what seemed a certain victory. He broke his bottom bracket spindle (A Campagnolo Super Record Titanium model) suddenly and abruptly and found himself dramatically and violently dumped onto the tarmac! This failure prompted Campy to sell Super Record PRO grouppos (no titanium spindles in either BBs or pedals) in coming years and to put all Pro riders onto steel spindles (Nuovo Record level components).

A3. The Dauphine was the only one he didn’t win, although he did win a stage there in 1986, part of his “lost years” (1985 to 1988) impacted by injury.

BONUS: Tours of France, Italy, AND Spain. Paris Nice, Tirreno Adriatico, Criterium International, & the Dauphine Libere. In other words, every major stage race in the world save the Tour de Suisse and the Tour Pays Basque.

2009 Tour de France Route Announced

CyclingNews.com has a great article about the 2009 Tour de France. Last night in Paris the organization unveiled the route for the 2009 Tour. As a fan, it's fun to start thinking about the Tour de France in October when there isn't much cycling news except for Cyclocross races.

It's an interesting race this year because it looks like it goes to the Pyrénées quickly. Monaco for the start and then to Barcelona, Spain, the Tour starts in the Southern part of Europe for the first time since 1992. I have been watching the Tour de France since 1985 and this Tour de France is unusual just from the first look at it. Other highlights include a trip to the Alps after riding in the middle of France for a few days. As has become custom, the race will finish on the Champs Elysees in Paris on the last day.

I read that someone stated that this race favors Alberto Contrador. I'm not sure who it favors but as is always the case with the Tour, the strongest rider with great team support will win the race. If Lance or Alberto are even in the race look for them to put on a great show. They may not even get invited to the race so don't pin your hopes on them just yet.