(Nearly) Over Tour

Friends,

For the third year in a row, it appears that Spain is going home with the yellow jersey -- which belongs to the leader of the Tour as it goes, and ultimately to the winner. (Where is Lance Armstrong? :-) Stage 21 of the Tour de France is primarily a ceremonial event, and barring the extremely unforseen, Carlos Sastre is going to be this year's champion. Granted bicycle racing has had its problems over the past decade (performance enhancing drugs, primarily) and detractors (because of the above), but it is still a marvelous, strategic sport to watch. This event has to be the most physically demanding, athletically, of anything in the world of sports...it would be the eqivalent of running 21 consecutive marathons over the course of a month -- impressive. The competition is truly amazing, as the strategizing that takes place amongst individuals and teams is tremendous. I had the opportunity to watch several stages (of the 21 total) while in WA, thanks to the fact that my folks have cable. Versus, "the Tour de France" channel, is only available on cable. (Somebody at Dish needs to get with the program. :-). So, tomorrow is the finale and the tour will be complete. These guys will go on to do other tours in other countries, but none hold the allure or importance of the one that goes through the French Alps...good stuff. Blessings,

Don