I'm Going Through Withdrawals!

After 21 stages through the beautiful French countryside and the grueling Pyrenees and Alps, all good things must come to an end.  Yes, it is nice that I now have three extra hours of time at night but I'll miss the Tour.  The last few mornings I have gotten up thinking I wonder what's going on today, only to realize that it's over.  

Here are some of my favorite things about watching the tour every year:

1. the level of athleticism and fitness required of every single rider.
2. the gorgeous French countryside.
3. all of the HOT guys in the tight jerseys.
4. the brilliant strategy on each team, from the domestique to the leader.
5. the race not only for the yellow jersey, but for the polka dot and green jersey.
6. the crazy fans, especially the devil who shows up every year.
7. the spectacular crashes.
8. the commentators, I love Phil, Paul and Bob Roll - they're awesome!
9. it's truly a gentlemen's sport, watch and you'll know what I mean.
10. watching all of my favorite riders.
11. did I mention all of the HOT guys?

Overall I was pleased with the Tour this year.  I think the sport is slowly lifting itself from the scandal of doping and there are a lot of great young riders coming up who will bring a renaissance to the sport.  I was really happy that Carlos Sastre won this year.  I was rooting for Cadel but he just didn't have it in him this year and Sastre was amazing on the Alpe d'Huez.  I can't wait for 2009!