2007 Tour de France

[Not Afraid]

It was so strange to watch today's stage knowing that Rasmussen is out. I bet he was as surprised as we were - and I'm not too sure I'm supportive of this decision. But, maybe there is a part of it I don't understand yet.

At least I watch a sport where they take drugging seriously. (Trying to say something positive!)

I'm really in shock. I've watched the Tour religiously since 1984. It's a COMPLETELY different experience this time around.

[NickO'Time]

From Lance to Landis Inside the American Doping Controversy at the Tour De France By David Walsh
Here is the latest book that is on the shelves.
Also Landis launched his book just in time for this Years tour.
Positively False
I look forward to seeing this put away and get back to racing next year. It's such a beautiful race. The American fan population is huge in the mountains now.

[NickO'Time]

From Cyclingnews.com

California announces '08 host cities

Organisers of the Amgen Tour of California have announced the host start and finish cities of next year's 12 stage race. The event, which will be held from February 17-24, will visit three new areas - Modesto, Palo Alto and Pasadena - in addition to Sacramento, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Santa Rosa, Sausalito, Seaside and Solvang.

"We are committed to making the Amgen Tour of California bigger and better every year, continuing to raise the bar for what it means to be the largest, most important cycling race in America," said the event's managing director Shawn Hunter. "From the world-class riders and aggressive and challenging competition, to the tremendous amount of support from the fans and host cities, the Amgen Tour of California has grown to become a highly anticipated event within the international cycling community in only two years. Now in our third year, fans can expect the best race yet."

The 2007 race drew more than 1.6 million spectators, setting records for a single sporting event in the state of California, as well as any cycling event ever held on U.S. soil. The 2007 race reportedly generated $100 million in economic growth for California state.

"After only two years, the Amgen Tour of California is a great race and is one of the greatest races in the world," said 2007 Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) while competing in the Tour de France this week. "I think it has a good place on the calendar. More and more of the world's best want to come. I think next year we will see an even better field. I think it will just continue to grow like that."

Beginning with the Prologue in Palo Alto through the grand finale in Pasadena, the 2008 race will visit 12 host cities for official stage starts and finishes, while cities along the route will also have the opportunity to witness the excitement of elite professional cycling. Stages for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California include:

Prologue: Sunday, Feb. 17 - Palo Alto
Stage 1: Monday, Feb. 18 - Sausalito to Santa Rosa
Stage 2: Tuesday, Feb. 19 - Santa Rosa to Sacramento
Stage 3: Wednesday, Feb. 20 - Modesto to San Jose
Stage 4: Thursday, Feb. 21 - Seaside to San Luis Obispo
Stage 5: Friday, Feb. 22 - Solvang time trial
Stage 6: Saturday, Feb. 23 - Santa Barbara to Santa Clarita
Stage 7: Sunday, Feb. 24 - Santa Clarita to Pasadena road race, concluding with a circuit race in Pasadena

WOOOOHOOOO!!! fINALLY A STAGE IN Modesto!! I already have that day off!!

[alphabassettgrrl]

I was ready to forgive Rasmussen for not filing his paperwork on time (anybody can make a few mistakes, right?) but actively lying is bad.

Vinokourov swears he didn't get any blood transfusions, that it might be something still pertaining to his injury.

I liked listening to Landis talk about his ride; I've also got most of the way through his book. Interesting stuff.

[NickO'Time]

Today's stage erased some of the bad vibes that have gone on with a gritty win from France's Sandy Casar. He unfortunately was hit by a black Laborador. The dog just walked into the path of the race. He had a nice Cherry on his right cheek. But it worked out in the end with a gutsy move on a turn.

Sandy Casar is an example of how frickin' hard this sport can be. A toast to this man who has been second twice previous to this for stage wins and a win for the France.
On a Side note, too bad Axel Merckx didn't get his TDF stage win since he is retiring. (He is the son of the great Eddy Merckx- all time champion of cycling with the most winsin history.)
You can tell I really enjoyed this!

[NickO'Time]

I was on this ride the other day, boy I barely made it through..

[Stan4dSteph]

Lance is at the start of the TT today to cheer on the Disco boys.

[Stan4dSteph]

Wooo! Way to go Disco!

Lance sat in with Phil and Paul for some of the commentary today. It was great to hear him weigh in on some of the discussion. Another great year of coverage from Versus.

[NickO'Time]

Woohoo, Disco wins! Nice to see the respect from Levi and Cadel.

Spoiler:

Congratulations to Alberto Cantador and the team winning the overall as well.