In case you were not aware we are on the eve of the 2007 Tour de France. "Tour de what?" You might ask if you are the average American or the disenchanted cycling fan as many have long abandoned the once fabled race over doping allegations by many of the top riders as well as a recent slew of confessions by previous greats. For many the Tour de France is nothing more than a blip on the radar screen, a glimpse of spandex clad men climbing mountains quickly passed over during a normal bought of channel surfing. For others the Tour is a sports spectacle, one of the great events of all time as it is a test of machine, mechanics, timing, strategy, and the human body and mind.
The Tour de France had a golden opportunity to not only promote the Tour but to promote the sport of pro cycling across the globe during the 7 years Lance Armstrong reigned as champ. Lance was to the Tour as what Tiger Woods is to golf. Lance's heroics both on and off the bike introduced cycling to a set of fans that might never have cared to learn what a peloton is, how riders are scored in the Tour or how to pronounce yellow jersey in French. Lance got people talking about the Tour, he gave people hope, and more importantly he got people off the couch and outside regardless of age, gender, or country. If Tour officials had been smart they would have embraced this American ambassador along with the millions of new fans and promoted the sport, building onto the new fan base, reaching into different countries. This would only have strengthened the sport by adding more spectators, by adding more talent to a shallow pool, and by increasing awareness of the existing pro riders, teams, and personalities.
Instead we sit on the eve of the 2007 Tour de France wondering if there will even be a race? Who will be asked to leave due to allegations? Who will race? Who will watch with all the favorites either retired or banned?
I, like others will watch for several reasons. One, I have grown to really enjoy watching the event and two, like many of you who care I will be watching to see what happens, who will emerge as the new champ and to see if those running the Tour and pro cycling can pull the sport from the brink of demise and put the Tour de France back on top.