Tour de France

A few thoughts on Le Tour:

1. Presuming that no drug accusations come out in the next few weeks this will have been one of the best Tours in recent memory. Cavendish winning 6 stages, Hushovd's efforts to win the green jersey, Contador's immense quality, his political struggle with Armstrong, the slew of young talent breaking out...

On that note next year's Tour could be immense; Contador, the Schlecks, Wiggins, Tony Martin, Roman Kreuziger, Cadel Evans, Carlos Sastre, Vincenzo Nibali along with Lance (who could be better with another year post-retirement behind him) vying for the yellow jersey, Armstrong's new team, more of Cavendish...

2. Alberto Contador can win 5+ Tours. There is no more dynamic and proficient a climber in the game, nor has there been for a long time, and now the guy is as good a time-triallist as anybody too. Armstrong claimed that he owes his team a large debt for his victory. I'm not even sure he needs a team.

3. Mark Cavendish's victory on the final stage was Usain Bolt-esque. Has anybody won a bunch sprint (on such a stage) by such a margin? Mark Renshaw's leadout was phenomenal. Having said that, his childish response to being stripped of his green jersey points in the run in to Besancon highlights the difference between his talent and maturity.

4. Cycling commentary on Eurosport is bad. Dull and plain bad.

5. Lance Armstrong gives a great non-interview.

6. Jens Voight's injury was tortuous just to watch.

7. The stage up Mont Ventoux was epic as always but suffered for being so close to the end of the Tour. Had it been a few days earlier when the contenders legs were fresher and the race that much more open, it could have been one of the defining images of the last ten years. Cycling needs some positive ones.