All of the above riders and picks are right on the money. It is scandelous about Cippolini. I'm almost hoping for a "strike" of sorts, but...I doubt it.

I do the "mother thing" and record the entire event for my son in the military who hasn't been able to watch in the past two years.
The year (2001) he was in Bosnia, the monitors in the chow hall had the races on constantly as the mission was multi-nation. He said had the best time ever watching that race.

This year, I plan on propping up in bed, wearing my helmet, acting like the big kid controlling the remote! And nobody can stop me, nanny-nanny-boo-boo! (My husband knows better...)
Terry