2006 Tour de France

The 2006 Tour de France is in the record books. Or maybe it isn't. It's 6 months later, 6 months before the next Tour de France, and it's still not clear who will be the rightful owner of the Maillot Juane. Who knew that the controversy wouldn't end after the pre-race ousting of Ullrich and Basso? The 2006 was first notable for the NON-performances. Discovery Team members weren't up for the challenge. A broken collarbone sent Caisse d'Epargne team leader and yellow jersey contender, Valverde, packing early in the race. A tepid early defense of the yellow jersey by Floyd Landis allowed the emergence of other riders who would have merely been domestiques in different circumstances, namely Sastre, Pereiro, and Kloden. On Alp d' Huez, Frank Schleck and Damian Cunego demonstrated they have what it takes to be future contenders. Landis cracked on Stage 16 giving Oscar Pereiro the opportunity to seize yellow, an event that would not have happened had Caisse d'Epargne not lost Valverde. CSC, despite the loss of Basso had a fantastic tour with Stage wins by Jens Voigt and Schleck, a Stage 14 podium finish by Christian Vande Velde, and an overall podium finish by Carlos Sastre. It was a free for all up to that point. The circus came to a temporary halt when Landis turned in what appeared to be the improbable miracle ride of the century in Stage 17, and finished it off by regaining yellow in the final time trial in Stage 19. Lisa and I watched this stage while sipping on beers in a bar in Carpentras, France. It was one of the most incredible athletic performances we had ever seen.

Then came the doping charge...

The case continues today, 6 months later. In fairness to Landis, it does appear the lab that processed his urine sample may have handled the situation improperly. Irregardless of the final verdict, there is no winner for the 2006 Tour. Landis loses either way. Pereiro rode the time trial of his life in an attempt to defend his yellow jersey and thus is a deserving winner, but even if he is awarded the Yellow Jersey, no one will remember the 2006 Tour de France for his efforts. TdF 2007 is around the corner, but it's going to take alot to get rid of the skeletons in the closet left over from this year.