Vive Le Tour

I really don't know of a sport that is more team oriented than cycling.  Hockey probably comes in a close second in most cases, but rarely in professional sports do you witness the sheer dedication to a larger goal than in the Tour de France.  Take today for example.  A huge congratulations, and a tip of the chapeau to Team Sky and Mark Cavendish.  All Tour, Brits across the world have been tuned in to watch Cav and Wiggo (Bradley Wiggins) much like Australians tuned in last year in mass to watch Cadel Evans defeat Andy Schleck for the first Australian title holder.

I have to admit to rolling my eyes at a great many of the "fans" of the sport who have been moaning about how Sky treats Cav.  Let's be honest, when HTC folded last year and Cav made a point to go to the British team, he knew what he was getting in for.  No longer was the team built around him, it was built for the GC.  Cav knew this, and he suffered through the mountains like any teammate for the sake of the team. Really, what better result can you ask for than what will probably be the final podium in Paris of Wiggins-Froome?  That tops Leopard Trek's effort last year of 2-3 with Andy and Frank.  That tops Astana's 1-3 with Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong.  Really, for a team, it can't get much better, and for all the complaints, every single member of Team Sky knew that going in.  So I say congratulations to them.  They rode as a team, in as dominating a performance as I have seen since the great blue train that was US Postal.  They will win as a team come Sunday, and that is just how cycling should be.

Also, while the world of cycling has been sort of struggling to embrace the enigmatic Wiggins, this tour has raised not only him, but also Cavendish in my estimation.  I've always preferred the quiet riders, so I guess Wiggo fit that mold, but Cav certainly did not.  However, with his selfless effort at the front of his lead out day in and day out, I have to admit to a new appreciation of the Manx Missile.  Okay, so my favorite for the Tour didn't even make the starting line, but I can watch the end of this race with a smile of satisfaction and not a pit of anger eating away the lining of my stomach.  One last round of applause for Team Sky, and an eye for the Time Trial tomorrow with one final day on the Champs Elysees before waiting another year to witness the beauty that is the Tour de France.  Literally, there is nothing like it in the world.

BlytheLea L.E.