Nothing on Earth is like the Tour de France

For 3 weeks in July over the past couple of years, during the day, you are likely to find me either on my bike or in bed. The reason can be explained very simply: the Tour de France is on television. Not only does it inspire oneself to dust of the bike and head down Beach Rd into frigid, winter breeze, but its also on at a ghastly hour meaning you very rarely sleep for more than 4 or 5 hours a night.

The Tour de France began as a way of boosting sales for the ailing French sports newspaper, L’Auto. Géo Lefèvre, the head cycling journalist for the newspaper suggested a long distance, six-day cycle race around France. Editor Henri Desgrange gradually warmed to the idea and, on July 1^st, 1903, the Tour de France set off. Over the years, as I outlined in my previous post, it has had to endure a myriad of setbacks and obstacles. This has not detracted from the fact that the Tour de France is almost unanimously hailed the hardest sporting event in the world.

Yet, this only tells half the story. Because the Tour de France is not only ‘just a cycling race’, it is so much more. Many people, who have no interest in sport or cycling, watch the Tour de France just for the spectacular scenery, the amazing spectators or to listen to Phil Liggett’s infamous voice drone on about the latest calamities to beset the 190-odd riders in the field.

Come rain, hail or blistering heat, the miracle men and their machines of speed will pound on endlessly in pursuit of that yellow fleece, le maillot jaune. Some people don’t understand the appeal, they aren’t true believers. Its not just watching men in tight lycra suits pedal a bike for 5 hours. It’s the tactics, the drama, the crashes, the comebacks, the superhuman efforts and the scenery that make the Tour. So if you do see me during the month of July with bags under my eyes and a slightly crazed, sleep deprived look, just remind yourself: the Tour de France is on.

2010 Tour de France predictions

Yellow Jersey

1^st – Alberto Contador (Spain/Astana)

Has looked a bit more vulnerable in the lead up to the Tour this year than he has in previous years, particularly how he was held off by the previously unheralded Janez Brajkovic in the Critérium du Dauphiné. Will be given a big shake this year, particularly in the absence of a team time trial but still expect him to win by outclimbing his rivals in the Pyrénées.

2^nd – Lance Armstrong (United States/Team RadioShack)

Will go one better this year but will fall short of an 8^th Tour win. No longer has the ability to burn off the more spritely Contador in the hills and Contador’s improvement in the time trial has reduced his advantage there. Still should hold off the Schlecks and Wiggins now that he has a team racing for him, not against.

3^rd – Andy Schleck (Luxembourg/Team Saxo Bank)

Has improved his time trialling and is a formidable opponent for Armstrong to contend with in the hills, with a great team to back him up. Unfortunately, can’t rely on a team time trial to pull back time over Armstrong and will lose his 2^nd place to the American this year.

Of the Aussies, Cadel Evans will be keen to atone for his deplorable performance last year. Looked strong in the Giro despite riding within himself and should be a top 5 contender. However, he is ageing quickly and a number of younger riders are beginning to snap at his heals. Perhaps his last chance to win/podium in a race that has been his kryptonite for the last 6 years. Michael Rogers also looks like he’s setting his sights on a top 10 finish, winning the Tour of California this year.

Green Jersey

Mark Cavendish (Great Britain/Team HTC-Columbia)

Has had an interrupted start to the season with injury to himself and lead-out man, Mark Renshaw. Back winning races now and may be beaten in stages this year by Hushovd or Freire. Would be great to see Robbie McEwen get a send-off stage win but unlikely to happen unless Cavendish crashes in Stage 1.

Polkadot Jersey

Roman Kreuziger (Czech Republic/Liquigas-Doimo)

Has had a good year and should finally realise his potential as a world-class bike rider. Top 10 last year, he has Ivan Basso as the team leader to take care of now but should be set loose to try and win the jersey in the event Basso fails.