Tour talk -- Spoiler alert

[Eden]

I really liked the jerseys. I thought they were classy and I liked their names being on them. I think Lance truly is into his cause and getting his message out. Cipollini used to come out in weird costumes all the time and just got fined for it.

Veronica

They did the same thing last year - different jersey on the last day - had big yellow bands on it or something. They got a fine and that was the end of it. I think Lance just paid it and felt it was worth it for the publicity (as Cippo did often - and his TT costumes were just plain outrageous for the fun of it rather than to make any specific point....). I don't think they expected it to be such a big stink this year. I thought the jerseys were nice too and I think the organizers were a bit uptight today.

3 cheers for Petacchi! He had such a bad run of luck for a while - broke his kneecap, lost his place with his *amazing* lead out team because of doping allegations (from which he was eventually cleared), bounced around to several teams and never really had the same phenomenal success he had for so long. I figured he was probably done - too old to contest the young pups in the sprints anymore, but he showed a lot of grit this year. I was stoked to see him win the green.

[Skierchickie]

I thought the black jerseys were great - way better than their regular ones. Very cool. I think I like them better than any of the other kits in the tour this year.

I didn't actually hear Lance talking about Lance - I heard him talking about cancer research, which was the clearly stated goal at the outset with Team Radio Shack. It was about raising awareness.

I know a lot of people don't like him, and you aren't required to, but who has done anywhere near as much to promote awareness of the U.S. cycling program? Or won as many TDFs? People who never knew bike racing existed are into it now. How is that bad? Personally, I have a lot of respect for him.

On another note - I thought Contador & Schleck's fake attack on the peloton today was really cool! I didn't like Contador, but he's grown on me since The Incident the other day - if Andy can forgive him and be buddies with him, who am I to hate the guy?

Go Andy! Just WAIT until next year!

[IFjane]

On another note - I thought Contador & Schleck's fake attack on the peloton today was really cool! I didn't like Contador, but he's grown on me since The Incident the other day - if Andy can forgive him and be buddies with him, who am I to hate the guy?

Go Andy! Just WAIT until next year!

*like* oh wait.....this isn't FB....

Still, I agree! I also agree about the jerseys - great stunt, great way to get publicity for cancer research/awareness.

[Blue_Fedora]

While I'm certainly not a Lance "fan" and he and I would not see eye-to-eye on a great many topics, I do have tremendous respect for his athleticism, riding ability, competitiveness, mental-acuity and ability and willingness to use his "celebrity" for something good. He's not required to give anything back... really none of us are... but he absolutely has given back! I can think of no other rider in the modern era who has singlehandedly done more for the sport of cycling.

[Trekhawk]

I always enjoy watching the tour and and feel a little sad when it ends. At least now I will get some decent sleep.

Great to see Petacchi make it to Paris and in green.

[Zen]

*like* oh wait.....this isn't FB....

i KNOW!
I can't tell you how many times I've wished for that option here

[Bike Chick]

I'm sad to see it over and disappointed Andy wasn't in yellow but there is next year. Andy's such a neat kid. Did you hear him say how he was sad inside because his brother wasn't there but that he kept a brave face and didn't let it show for the team? Contador is a champion though.

I'm not a big Lance fan but will have to give him credit for raising awareness and funding for cancer research. He seems to be as passionate about that as he is cycling and I respect him for it.