having dropped all of the dopers over the past year or so and dropped a couple from this tour, it looks like we may have an actual race through Paris if Evans tries to go for the yellow.

There's only 30-odd seconds separating 1st from 3rd so I imagine the strategy will be to sacrifice Leiphimer if Evans gets feisty.

B

^^^ Good to Lance cdheering on his Discovery Team. Having to members in the top 3 has got to make Lance feel like he can help guide a TDF winner.

Discovery is up for renegotiating this year, IIRC. I'd like to US Mail get back in but I have a feeling the next backer will have very deep pockets. Will it be a Swoosh?

Despite the scandals, I've enjoyed watching this years race. The performances of Contador, Leipheimer and Boonen have been great but Cadel Evans has been just outstanding,,,,, 2nd in GC ,,,,, 4th in the King of the Mountains ,, and 8th place in the Green Jersey competition .

I have no doubts that the final stage will be a champagne cruise with only the sprinters and 'lower-downs' breaking a sweat. Absolutely no chance that Evans will try anything cheeky IMO.

Evans could try to pull a "Vinokurov" and dash for points going in (wasn't that 2004?), or maybe another dog will bolt into the road, or a camera strap will snatch handlebars, but I think you're right.

I was really disappointed by Vinokurov's doping this year. When he made that incredible run in the Pyrenees I was really hoping he would get close to the podium in the end. I mean Khazakstan? Who would have thought that one up? Instead he goes home in disgrace and pulls his team and country with him.

Where's that Columbian rider who one a mountain stage? I liked him, too.

I'm so disappointed in the Tour this year. Yes, there has been some great racing, but doping and suspected doping makes me wonder what will happen next year in terms of coverage and sponsorship.

I was rooting for Rasmussen.

How dumb can these guys be? They are going to get tested. They are under a microscope. Hence Rasmussen's removal by Rabobank, even if he was clean.

Last year's deal with Landis and the year before with Hamilton (and his continued problems) makes me wonder what the future of professional cycling is.

Ann

__________________
1972 280 SEL 4.5 "Henrietta" - The Learning Experience
1972 280 SEL 4.5 "Brunhilda" - Pretty Sponge for $100.00 Bills