Take Back the Tour

(Photo credit: JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

The 2008 Tour de France is off and running (er, spinning). The race started on July 5 and will conclude in Paris on July 27. I know, I know....I hear all of you grumbling about the drug scandals and the politics and the cheating, etc., etc. But, after watching the first few days of the race, it's really been refreshing to watch and, once again, I am thoroughly enjoying my morning cups of java while watching racers sprint, crash, and climb. Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwen continue to add so much to my enjoyment with their ever-so-colorful commentary, dramatic statements and bits of cycling trivia. While I enjoyed watching the 'Lance' era and cheering him on as he battled head-to-head with Jan Ulrich, Iban Mayo, and others, I feel like the race has returned to its roots. There seems to be an aggressive movement to make sure the race and the riders remain clean and free of drug scandals. Versus, who is televising the race in the U.S., is running a funny tv spot right now....the reel is played in reverse and it appears like the race officials are taking the yellow jersey away from Landis.

(Photo credit: PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)

With no heavy favorite and changes to the race format, it's a wide open field. Instead of the customary prologue time trial, the race started en masse with an uphill sprint to the finish line. This meant the yellow jersey was up for grabs and it made for a dramatic ending. Other changes to the race this year included the elimination of the time bonuses. In the past, one could shave off time by accruing time bonuses w/out ever having to finish first. This year, there is definitely more incentive to be first, and, again, it means more spectacular finishes.

The team time trail stage was eliminated and I'm so bummed about that. I was always fascinated to see how a group of individuals operated as one engine, their legs like pistons, to pedal efficiently and finish with the fastest time. This stage required so much precision and synchronization....so totally HOT!!

(Photo credit: JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty Images)

Finally, there are 2 new teams from the US: Team Columbia (George Hincapie is a member), and; Team Garmin-Chipotle (egads, I hope they don't have to eat food prepped by Chipotle every night...haha). You can follow Team Garmin-Chipotle on their blog. Team Garmin-Chipotle is made up of primarily American riders whereas Hincapie, I think, is the only American member of Team Columbia. Both teams appear really strong and as of today, Kirchen (Columbia) is wearing the yellow jersey. Allez, allez!