Raving and ranting
After all the pre-race problems this year's Tour de France has thankfully managed to shine through all the dark clouds that are threatening to cast a shadow over the sport. Landis was amazing and truly deserving of his victory. So, the American dominance continues, but with racing like that I can't see anyone complaining.
This years Tour was the best for ages. I'd be the first to admit that it's great to see a rider opening up an awe-inspiringly large can of whoop-ass on his rivals again and again but after the fifth time it begins to lose it's attraction.
Watching the rise and fall and rise of Landis was the most entertaining cycling I have seen since a spectator decided that pulling Armstrong off his bike was the only way to make a race of the Tour de France. And boy did it need it; anything other than a spectacular race would not have out-shone the doping scandals preceding the prologue.
I was really disappointed that Ullrich wasn't riding, but you can't help but think that had he and Basso been racing the Tour would only have reverted to the 'Armstrong' formula.
It is sad to see riders in their best form denied the chance to race in their only truly meaningful race of the season, especially on the grounds of suspicion. I'm not sure what would be more tragic, Ullrich's career ending having been proved a cheat or him being denied his greatest chance of a second victory on the grounds of suspicion
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