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)
At the Classic Motor Show you will find the biggest collection of dealers, companies and traders with every product and service available from car parts to cheap classic car insurance.
Here's A Quick Way To Know What An Automatic Transmission Actually Does (2)
If the transmission failed, we took it to our friendly, neighborhood mechanic and hoped that it could be repaired. Performance enthusiasts are all about the fact that auto transmissions have gotten smaller, generate more speeds and that they now require greater gear precision.
Dog Training Tips (3)
Of course, although you take it quite personally, your dog does not chew things to make you upset on purpose. Sometimes, it is just going through a chewing stage, and all you need to do is supply chew toys.
Essential Camping Checklist - For A Thrilling Camping Experience (4)
A hatchet, axe or saw for cutting firewood where allowed or constructing camp gadgets 7. Various types and sizes of ropes and tarps for stringing clotheslines, sheltering dining areas, and other purposes.
The Hilton Hotel & Beach Club In Dubai (5)
The Hilton Hotel and Beach Club was located within walking distance of the shopping malls, the local souk and a golf course so there was plenty for us to do.
Tips For Collecting Antique Tiffany Lamps (6)
On metal lamp bases with the surface finish in the patina style ensure this is in top condition. The patina process is used on metal bases to create a aged bronze look on the material using a special treatment process.
How To Choose The Right Men's Basketball Shoe For Your Level Of Play (7)
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. After looking for the shoe with durability, be sure to also look for the shoe with the best or most traction.
Camping - The Path To Wellness (8)
Download Abhishek's FREE Camping Report "Camping With The Family: How To Have A Safe, Fun, And Inexpensive Vacation" and learn some amazing Camping tips and tricks - And save a lot of your time, money and effort!
A Better Game Starts With A Better Golf Ball! (9)
All the layers work together to offer the longest hitting, softest feeling golf ball. If you are looking for golf balls that would spin go for the varied range of spinners like :Low Spin Golf Balls, Mid Spin Golf Balls, High Spin Golf Balls.there is another variation golf balls available too known as Feel balls like : Firm Feel Golf Balls, Mid Feel Golf Balls, Soft Feel Golf Balls Golf balls are made to meet specifications laid down by two controlling bodies which are the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St.
What Makes A Super Pocket Rocket Different From Regular Minibikes? (10)
Many super minibikes can go over 70cc, and even go as high up as 110 cc. Ordinary minibikes, even ones that were made at home, could be fitted with 50 cc engines or smaller.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
A Merlot Lover's Wine Tour In Napa Valley (1)
And if you are looking for impressive wines at an equally impressive cost, then don't miss the Whitehall Lane Winery! And last but not the least; make it a point to visit Sterling Vineyards for its rich Merlots particularly "the Reserve" with a dash of plum jam and spice.
Skydiving For The First Time: 4 Great Tips Before You Skydive The First Time (2)
By stimulating these points, you will find that you are breathing easier and you can actually think more clearly about the jump. By easing your panic, you will be able to conquer the fear of skydiving for the first time.
How To Realize A Discount Disney Vacation (3)
Do not try to do or see all things. Plan what you want to see and when to do it. You may wish to consider a discount Disney vacation package that offers a good deal.
Planning Walt Disney Vacations The Right Way (4)
With just a little planning, you can enjoy great saving deals on your next Disney vacation. Miriam Boh is the owner of DiscountFamilyVacation4U.com. To experience extravagant Walt Disney vacations at a fraction of the cost, check out www.discountfamilyvacation4u.com for more information.
How Can I Write Like An Expert When I Don't Think That I Am? (5)
Remember to keep it informative. Tell them something that they don't already know. Make it interesting. You don't want to lose their attention at this point, you want them to keep reading.
Top Five Places To Go Camping In Washington State (6)
Mount Pilchuck The 1,893-acre Mount Pilchuck State Park features mountainous alpine terrain with spectacular scenic attractions. The park's main recreational attraction is the 3 mile strenuous hike to the summit of Mount Pilchuck, which offers spectacular views of the Olympics, Cascades and Puget Sound.
Coolest Attractions In Pittsburgh (7)
If you're looking for things to do to keep in cool and awesome there are a few stops that you must make in order to really enjoy everything. From start to finish, enjoying your Pittsburgh vacation is truly the first priority and these great attractions will help ensure you do.
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)
There are many more attractions in Disney World than you can probably visit. You will not be able to see and do all things because of lack of time and you will be too exhausted from the rush.
Flying With Kids: Useful Tips For Family Travelers (10)
When it comes to games, there are many commercial board games designed for air travel with kids. These can be a good choice provided that your children have a genuine interest in them.