Anyone here watching Le Tour de France races?

If so, who do you think will win? Also, who in this years race is your favorite?

I think there is a very good chance for Vinikourov, or Cadel Evans to win. Levi Leipheimer has also been doing pretty well this year as well as Michael Rasmussen.

Quote from Jay J. Foraker

I've been keeping up with the Tour, Carl. It looks like Vinikourov has fallen back in today's stage in the Pyrenees (my spelling may be off - I'm flying by the seat of my pants here) so he may be out of it even though he made a big comeback in the time trials yesterday. I've been rooting for George Hincape, but he really hasn't made any moves. I think Rasmussen will be the overall Tour winner - he seems to have a lot of strength and has consistently worn the yellow jersey.
Cheers - Jay

Hi Jay, thanks for this. I have tried to watch every stage but mainly only get to see about half of most of them. Vinokourov is a tough racer. Did you see that look of determination on his face a few days ago-when he won? Im surprised he was still racing after that big pile-up from several days ago. I like Hincapie as well as Rasmussen--both are great athletes. I too feel that Rasmussen will win this year.

Quote from Jay J. Foraker

Looks like Vinokourov won Stage 15 today! Wow! This guy just won't quit. He might have a chance afterall. In the meantime, Rasmussen still holds on to the Yellow Jersey.
The Tour de France found my interest during Lance Armstrong's heyday, and still does today, I must say.
Cheers - Jay

Vinokourov is a great racer. I will almost bet that he wins next year-if he does not this year.

I too first got interested in the race when Lance was racing. My interest picked up aftre watching last years race with Floyd Landis. BTW, he owns about 600 acres of land in the hill country. He was trying to be neighborly with all the people around him but, they ruined that.

Quote from Moonshine_Sally

Vinokourov tested positive after saturday's etappe.What is it lately with all of them taking drugs?Apparently he must have had a bloodtransfusion just before saturday's etappe.As a result he is out now but also his whole team and that is just sad that for one man they all must pay...Well Tom Boonen is still in the green jersey so no complaints from me

I heard that he tested positive. Also a 2nd has tested positive--I think he is a French rider. Will know more tomorrow.

Its a darn shame that thie race cannot be a totally honest one.

Also, did you all hear that some Spanish Terrorists exploded two small bombs somewhere on the Spanish route.

I only really started getting into the race about 2 years ago. All the controversies aside, I agree with you, they are some great athletes.

The longest ride I ever took was on flat land from Kingsville to Corpus Christi. Round trip is about 90 miles. I had to face a pretty stiff sea breeze all the way and it was fairly difficult but I make it and really did not feel very tired. I then spent a few hours riding from one place to another and then stopped at a comicbook store-bought about 150 comics--and had to ride with that box on my handlebars all the way back home. Fortunately, a good portion of my way back, I had the winds helping push me there. I was gone for about 12 hrs total. Total time between Kingsville to Corpus Christi and back was about 5 hours.

Quote from Moonshine_Sally

Haha I'm glad I didn't come with you then.Often I do my shopping with my bike and I always end up buying too much stuff so that my bike is packed like a mule and too know that I do have a car at home :teeth_smile: My bike is still my favourite transport if I don't go and have to ride hours on end

But back to the Tour,I didn't see much today as I was out most of the day but I'll make sure to see some more before it ends on sunday.September gives us the Vuelta.Do you get to see that in the States aswell or is it just the Tour you get??

Not sure why my last post did not post but ill try again.

I used to load up my bike like you did--thinking people looked at me like I was a Mule-Skiner or something.

Not sure if we are going to get that other race shown here or not? I don't recall seeing it advertised on the VS channel.

Quote from Jay J. Foraker

Rasmussen is out because he didn't follow procedures. His own team disqualified him because, as I understand, he was supposed to be in Mexico (his wife's home), but istead he was seen practicing in the Dolomites in Italy at the time in question and not available for drug testing when he should have been (apparently being in Mexico was a legitimate excuse, but being in Europe he should have made himself available).
Vinokurov had a blood transfusion which supposedly made better ability for his body to be oxygenated. That was a definite no-no!!!! .
Despite all the negative publicity, I'm still following the Tour with great enthusiasm and now rooting for our guys on the Discovery team.
Cheers - Jay

Aw man, I am disappointed that Rasmussen is now out. Looks like that younger rider from Columbia might take the race--or Cadel Evans or (but not likely) Levi Leipheimer. I sure hope Levi gets his act together. Time is begenning to run out for him racing in the tour.

It would be nice to see the Discovery team get two people on the stand.