Why I Love The Tour

I know I said I'd bury the cycling commentary, but thought I'd offer a (brief) explanation for you non-cycling fans as to why I am so consumed with this sport.

In a nutshell, pro cycling, believe it or not, is a thinking man's sport. Sure, fitness counts for a lot -- the strongest rider generally wins -- but at the same time it's very much a team sport and a keen understanding of strategy and tactics are essential. It's the closest thing you'll ever see to a "live" chess match. Riders need to know when to ride on the defensive and when to go on the attack. Sometimes offensive riding/attacks -- are planned, and other times they are based on split second decision making. Rider needs to be smart. At the same time, it's a merciless sport -- the timing of attacks is often absolutely brutal, but at the same time they play by gentleman's rules (as an example: if a lead rider gets a mechanical, i.e. a flat the peleton needs to slow down until the rider is able to regroup). Often times teams that are mortal enemies -- I think of Postal and T-Mobile back in the Lance days -- need to strike unlikely alliances in response to attacks and breakaways.

It's a brilliant sport and the truth of the matter is when you understand the basic fundamentals, which I could probably explain in about 15 minutes, it becomes utterly fascinating. It doesn't hurt, either, that many of the riders are total characters. And that about explains it and also explains why I don't care so much about the doping issue. I mean I certainly don't condone it (Jeff!) and wish it were clean. But my love of the game, so to speak, trumps that issue.

So, if you get the Versus channel (formerly known as OLN), give it a go. I think you'll find it entertaining.
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Just got back from LA. What a crazy but fun CIty (though it isn't really a City, obviously. Not sure what it is really). Last night while watching TV in my hotel room, I officially gave up on John From Cinci. I am sure now that I've gone on record with this all the critics will start coming out of the woodwork calling it the greatest show on TV, but I don't care. Too meta-something or other for me and I simply dont have the patience.

The Wife won't stop talking about the Victoria Posh show. Her first words, when I got home toniight were, "Can you go find out where she lives? I want to be friends with her."

Can you imagine?

Anyway, she's go it on the TIVO, so since I have no shame, I'll give it a viewing. Stand by for a review tomorrow.
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Back to the Tour (on the bottom of this post, mind you): Team Discovery Rocks. Popo and Contador have just been freaking awesome and Contador is quickly becoming my favorite rider. Levi remains in the hunt but is as enigmatic as ever. I don't think he's shown great form in the Alps, but he is stil within striking distance of a podium spot. Right now I'd say the prohibitive favorites are Kloden. Valverde, Levi, Cadel Evans and maybe Mayo. People are talking about the importance of the Pyrenees next week -- and they will be critical -- but I am starting to think that the time trials will be decisive.

Stay tuned for more, as this is shaping up to the best tour I have seen in many, many years.