Enhora buena Alberto Contador.

Yeah I know almost all that the casual spectator has heard once again about the "Tour" are drug scandals. But that is such a shame when some brilliant riding has taken place. Evans and Leipheimer(Armstrongs former wing gunner) each also would have been good value winners. Plus Rasmussens removal by his team NOT for any drug offences was pretty shabby.

But a final top 10 that showed 6 Spaniards and with the very young Alberto Contador taking the win I am indeed very happy.(Could only be happier if a Brit or Irish rider won)

Alberto is one of the new breed, (unlike Armstrong and Indurain who forced a high tempo pace and then turn the screw even more by 1 or 2 hard bursts) he can go and then go again and then some more.Incredible stamina and drug free.

I am so pleased for him as just a couple of years ago he had a fall in a race which saw him receive a blow to the head, there on the side of the road he went in to convulsions and the fear was his ever so brief career was over. Respect to him and best of luck for the future.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

Plus Rasmussens removal by his team NOT for any drug offences was pretty shabby.

I don't agree, he lied about where he was, and he'd already got warnings for missing dope tests... one of the ones he missed was when he said he was in Mexico but was in Italy. If he had nothing to hide, why lie about where he was.

I think its changing now with the sponsors and teams starting to take control over whats going on with their riders rather than the UCI trying to catch them at it. The only way it'll stop is if the teams stop turning a bline eye to it.

Its a shame whats gone on this year has as always tarnished the sport of cycling.

Contadour rode a good race I thought really taking the fight to Rasmusen in the mountains.

I tend not to watch the flat stages, I love watching the mountain stages though.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I don't agree, he lied about where he was, and he'd already got warnings for missing dope tests... one of the ones he missed was when he said he was in Mexico but was in Italy. If he had nothing to hide, why lie about where he was.

I think its changing now with the sponsors and teams starting to take control over whats going on with their riders rather than the UCI trying to catch them at it. The only way it'll stop is if the teams stop turning a bline eye to it.

Its a shame whats gone on this year has as always tarnished the sport of cycling.

Contadour rode a good race I thought really taking the fight to Rasmusen in the mountains.

I tend not to watch the flat stages, I love watching the mountain stages though.

Isn't that the beauty of a forum? Your point well made young Fizz.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

Isn't that the beauty of a forum? Your point well made young Fizz.

It is indeed the beauty of a forum..

TBH this is the first tour I've watched for years since Ch4 stopped showing it, We got sky last year so I've been following it on Eurosport except that I can't understand what Sean Kelly is blithering on about half the time.

I guess with getting into cycling again, I'm appreciating the efforts alot more especially in the mountains, makes my short climbs look like nothing really.

I still remember Pantani blowing them all away and nobody could stay with him and then the Scandal the 98 tour.

Pantani "The Pirate" what a guy and what a terrible loss.

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by Pedrosa

Pantani "The Pirate" what a guy and what a terrible loss.

Yep he was my favourite when I used to watch it, I read a book about him and how he died when we were away on holiday, agreed a terrible loss, he just never got the help and support he needed, he was a messed up cookie