Tour De France 2007 Shame
Topics: France, Monte Carlo, Monaco, cycling, sports, hotels, blackjack
Once upon a time, any cyclist would have been proud to compete in the Tour de France, but with its reputation in tatters after the 2007 race, the cyclists overwhelming desire this year was to get to Paris and then go home. After all the controversy of the race this year, it will take cycling years to recover from the shockwaves.
The Tour de France has long been known in conjunction with just one man; seven-time winner American Lance Armstrong. But more recently, it’s also been marred by scandal when a record number of riders were banished this year due to failed drug tests. Favourite Alexander Vinokorouv was among them, along with race leader Michael Rasmussen, who was yanked just four days before the end of the event. With Armstrong retired, punishments handed down for the use of illegal drugs, and rumours running rampant about this year’s winner, Alberto Contador, what is the future of the Tour de France?
Some would say the future is bleak. With surveys indicating that fewer people are interested in the Tour than ever before, and a full 71% saying that its reputation can’t be saved, it seems as though there needs to be some revamping of the event. Cyclists and fans alike feel that stronger checks need to be put in place to keep this sort of embarrassment from happening in the future. In addition, there is major political unrest between the organizers of the Tour and the International Cycling Union which must be settled, and that seems unlikely. After all, at the heart of the feud is both power and money.
However, those two entities aside, the citizens of Monaco hope the future is bright. On July 7, 2009, the city will play host to a 15.2 kilometre time-trial, after beating Rotterdam and Utrecht, Liege, Lugano, Budapest, Florence and the Basque Country. This will be the first time that Monaco has had the opportunity for the Tour de France to begin in its streets, and it’s honoured to be the chosen one.
It seems there might also be a new sweetheart for fans of the Tour: Australian Cadel Evans. Just two weeks after finishing second in the Tour, he won the time trial at the Olympic test event in Bejing. Some think he might be the first to win the Tour and a gold medal all in the same year. In the past, Evans has had a rough time at the Olympics, but based on what he’s saying to the press, he feels that his bad luck has taken a turn for the better.
It also looks like, if things keep going the way they are, he might be part of a 2009 Austrailian team with other top Austrailian riders Robbie McEwen, Stuart O’Grady and Michael Rogers. Although nothing has been set in stone as of yet, you can bet that Australians are waiting with bated breath.
One thing’s for sure, and that is that nothing is for sure. With things changing for the Tour faster than the Internet can report them, the 2008 race is sure to go through many, many revisions before unveiling a hopefully new and improved face. Next year you can certain be that the Tour will be pushing hard to gain back the confidence of its loyal fans and, maybe even gain a few new ones. With younger riders hitting big times, the draw will certainly be there.
A street map of Monte Carlo and Monaco can be found at Monaco travel guide www.yourmonaco.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Classic Motor Show In Birmingham (1)
Perhaps one of the highlights of the Classic Motor Show and something that no other exhibition in the UK offers is the opportunity for every visitor to have a ride in their dream car.
Here's A Quick Way To Know What An Automatic Transmission Actually Does (2)
There are more automatic transmission drivers on the East and West Coast than in the heartland. On the whole, it's a matter of taste. Automatic transmissions get worst gas mileage, and manual transmission replacement is supposed to be cheaper overall.
Dog Training Tips (3)
Go for longer trips each time. Praise your dog as he jumps in the car. Your dog should already know the down and stay commands before taking any trips.
Essential Camping Checklist - For A Thrilling Camping Experience (4)
9. Some campers may prepare food by cooking on a campfire, sometimes using such equipment as a Dutch oven. 10. Much of the remaining needed camping equipment is commonly available in the home, like dishes, pots and pans.
The Hilton Hotel & Beach Club In Dubai (5)
There was plenty of food to choose from so we always managed to find something we like from seafood to more traditional British foods. Many people chose to go to the the Havana Bar after dinner as there was live entertainment there.
Tips For Collecting Antique Tiffany Lamps (6)
Avoid damaged lamps or lamps which have undergone repairs. These lamps are not good investments as they tend to always remain well below the value of undamaged lamps. Collecting Tiffany lamps can be a very fun and rewarding hobby as well as a potential investment for your family.
How To Choose The Right Men's Basketball Shoe For Your Level Of Play (7)
You should look for the best brand when it comes to buying a good pair of basketball shoes. It wouldn't be very good if you were playing and your shoe fell apart you would probably hurt yourself and be out a pair of shoes.
Camping - The Path To Wellness (8)
It is not that camping is the kind of recreation which lies in the jurisdiction of grown up adults only.In fact schools, colleges and all other educational institutions are encouraging students to participate in camping and other outdoor activities.
A Better Game Starts With A Better Golf Ball! (9)
At its very beginning golf was played with wooden balls and with the passage of time it has been modified to the new balata or titanium balls which are available in two styles- dimpled and no dimpled.
What Makes A Super Pocket Rocket Different From Regular Minibikes? (10)
Seat height. Super pocket motorbikes may have seats that go as high up as 28 inches or higher, when regular minibikes may have seats that go lower than 25 inches.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
A Merlot Lover's Wine Tour In Napa Valley (1)
Although Napa Valley is particularly famous for Cab, it is also a huge draw for Merlot lovers who simply love the wine. Wine lovers love this thin-skinned variety that's as popular as Cabernet Sauvignon, but has more lush.
Skydiving For The First Time: 4 Great Tips Before You Skydive The First Time (2)
In fact, because of today's technological advancements applied to the skydiving sport, skydiving actually puts you in vary little danger at all. Just enjoy the sensation of the clouds beneath your feet and the view of earth from this unique perspective.
How To Realize A Discount Disney Vacation (3)
By Miriam Boh for DiscountFamilyVacation4U.com. Want to know how to have an extravagant Disney vacation for a mere fraction of what others pay? Go to www.discountfamilyvacation4u.com for real discount Disney vacation strategies.
Planning Walt Disney Vacations The Right Way (4)
Since Disneyland and Disney World are such hot vacation spots, there is always a good deal to be found for a bargain hunter whether you travel during peak seasons or not.
How Can I Write Like An Expert When I Don't Think That I Am? (5)
Once you start, you will be challenged to get it finished and start earning money from your ebook. Don't give up. You can do this! Loretta Miller has a site where the goal is to help people increase the traffic to their website.
Top Five Places To Go Camping In Washington State (6)
The park offers an astounding 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline around three lakes and 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline. 167 camp sites, fabulous hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for saltwater and freshwater boating, fishing, white-water kayaking, sail boarding and bird watching are what attract 3.5 million campers to this park every year.
Coolest Attractions In Pittsburgh (7)
From the gigantic Phantoms' Revenge to the mild Turtle there is sure to be numerous rides that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Looking for a professional painter in the pittsburgh area?
Alaskan Fly Fishing - The Thrill And The Enjoyment! (8)
In the midst of our delight and enjoyment we should not forget the unyielding contribution of the Department of Fish and Game.While we are engrossed in fly-fishing this Department have been putting their best effort in planting and stocking throughout the waters of Alaska.Its their whole hearted effort that while we are enjoying our life's best possible moment, there is no dearth of king salmon, Coho salmon, lake trout, rainbow trout,arctic gray lings and Arctic char.
How To Have Cheap Disney Vacations (9)
It is always beneficial to begin your planning well in advance, between half to one year ahead. This will ensure that you have ample time to do your research and get the best deal on the Walt Disney vacation package.
Flying With Kids: Useful Tips For Family Travelers (10)
Games that require concentration of the senses, such as identifying objects when blindfolded, can also help to relieve physical tension. When it comes to games, there are many commercial board games designed for air travel with kids.