Vive Le Tour

In an ode to my student days, last nights dinner consisted of beans on toast. Eating it reminded me of one of the worlds oldest adages, its the simple things in life that are the best. Watching some of the worlds leading athletes, the Tour de France cyclists, grab for newspaper before they decent some 7000 feet from the top of a "Cól" in the Alps, also conjures up this saying. The cyclists stuff the newspaper down their tops and use it as insulation against the cold draft blowing against their sweaty bodies. In an era where apparel companies spend millions convincing us that their material is "breathable" or "wind-proof", they still haven't invented anything as useful as newspaper. Much like beans on toast, it appears the simplest thing is best.

As the tour reached the Galibier today, I was reminded of my first introduction to the Tour de France. In 1998 on the decent of the Galibier, Marco Pantani hopped off his bike to put on his rain jacket before jumping back on and racing nine minutes clear. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2FQqHF8x5I&feature=related) Through the lashing rain, you can barely make out the riders. Seeing these athletes push through such conditions awoke a love inside me. Boxing would have a similar affect on me in later life and I think it comes down to one point. In both boxing and cycling, there is no hiding place, no team mate to blame, to referee to scapegoat. Its mano a mano in the truest sense of the word. While all individual sports have an element of this is their activities, cycling up the Alpes is gladiatorial. When the riders turn to look each other in the eye, they are looking directly into the soul of their competitor. Am I faster, fitter, mentally tougher then you? Is this mountain stronger then the two of us? Have I got it within myself to continue to hurt for mile upon mile?

 

At least that is how it should be, but only the naivest among us, would believe this is the case. Drugs have savaged cycling in a way not seen in other sports. It has pierced the aura of invincibility with a mountain of dirty needles and dodgy masseurs. It appeared for a while that all cyclists were using performance enhancing drugs. While the sport has made steps to eradicate this scourge (and they may very well have succeeded) the suspicion lingers, much like the cloud lingered over the mountain, that faithful day Marco Pantani ignited a passion inside me. In America the debate continues over the admission to the baseball Hall of Fame, of batters who played during the "Steroid Era". While many players during this era were guilty, there was also players who were not. Alas history will judge all players who set records during this era as drugs cheats. The same fate, unfortunately, befalls winners of the TDF. However, in an era when cyclists are rigidly tested, the current champions are (hopefully), clean.

Despite all this, I still thoroughly enjoy the Tour. As a newby to the sport, Peter's piece on the sport (http://kingbetireland.blogspot.com/2011/07/enthralled-by-tour-de-france-and-one.html) was heartening and I would second his motion for everybody to get interested in it. This years Tour de France has been exciting because there is no stand out winner meaning that lots of people think they can win it. Alberto Contadors display yesterday on Alpe D'Huez - while it may be too little too late - was a display of defiance. However in modern cycling, to win the Giro d'Italia and then the Tour is just too difficult. Talking of defiance, Thomas Voeckler has been a credit to his nation. The man has batted well above his average in keeping the yellow jersey for 10 days. Ultimately it was a mountain to far for him but his standing in France is now skyhigh. For me Frank Schleck has been the biggest disappointment. His form coming into the Tour was good - very impressive in the Tour de Suisse - but he appears to be number two to brother Andy.

Andy Schlecks' brave and guttsey move on Thursday showed signs of maturity. While he may not win it this year, his time is coming and he is now a direct opponent of Contadors. However the most impressive rider for me has been Cadel Evans. He felt humiliated after cracking last year and carried that cross all year. On Thursday he looked a man possessed and I'm tipping him to be in yellow in Paris on Sunday. On the Irish perspective, Nicholas Roche suffered a horrific injury weeks before the Tour so he can be proud of what he has achieved. He's not far from the very elite and I expect him to win a number of stages in the coming years.

Expect today's time trial to be a classic. But mostly enjoy it for the human effort the cyclists put in. The Tour de France is living, breathing, live theatre. It is sport as it was meant to be. What other sport allows the spectators to touch the participants? If you want you can go and ride the very same roads the Tour is on. When was the last time you had a kickabout in Old Trafford? As the ads say "its the one thing you never forget, how to ride a bike". Enjoy.