With the crashing out of one of the Tour favorites, Alejandro Valverde, with a broken collarbone, T-o-03's prediction of an All-American podium is even a greater possibility.
Just when the French thought they got rid of the American presence on the Champs-Ellysees, there might be a whole lot of people from California, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and New York crowding the barriers come the end of July. Honestly, as an Amercian in Paris, I never felt the animosity from the French people while we were there in '03. With Lance Armstrong's victories the past seven years and with the number of American supporters making the trip across the pond, they even seemed grateful of our support of the French economy every July. Now if only the ASO and French government could get onboard.
totally agree Granny
ReplyDeletethe French weren't anti American at all ... and I think they continue to struggle with drugs in the sport and probably think most/all are getting too much help ...
An American dominated podium could make things worse though (not sure they can take that) ... but the boys are looking very strong and seem to be riding very smart for the 3 week competition (as evidenced by George letting Yellow go so easily and Floyd & Levi totally in the defensive background waiting for Sat ITT, Pyrnees & Alpes)
and even Eddy put in a good word for Floyd's chances:
(http://sports.yahoo.com/sc/news?slug=ap-tourdefrance-notebook&prov=ap&type=lgns
The doping sting is wearing off for me though I will never be able to watch the sport again without questioning the validity of the performances.
ReplyDeleteI would venture a guess that despite the most recent news there are still those in the peloton who are on the sauce. It simply takes the fun out of it entirely.
Kudos to Millar for not hiding from his mistakes. I applaud his efforts to break open the notion of clean racing and more or less use himself as an instrument. I believe he is truly sorry and regretful. Our friend Tyler however never seemed to get that. Had he taken the same path, he could have been a hero by now. Idiot.
Great posts Granny, I will be back to blogging very shortly. Please keep us apprised of your races and experiences.
One more thought...
ReplyDeleteThe French were in fact most gracious hosts. Most especially in the Pyrenees. I often think of that old woman that came down from her balcony to take our pictures. What a great human experience.
I will say however the Parisians turned me off a tad. Though I would chalk it up to more a metro issue than cultural. A first time vistor to Manhattan might get the very same feel.
Either way great trip, great people and most importantly great friends made.
Cheers.
The best experience I had came in Belgium in 2004 when an older couple approached a couple of us and said a simple "Thank you" for all the United States had done during WWII to free the continent of the Nazis. It was heartfelt and moving. I regretted not taking a picture of the couple, but I'll always have the moment.
ReplyDeletegreat moment...it's what life is about, "not the number of breathes we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away."
ReplyDelete