2009 Tour De France post-race wrap-up.

Well another year and another tour has passed through Paris and been written into the history books. I am sure though that this will be one that many will consider one of the most memorable of all time, namely due to the epic return of cycling's greatest legend to the top of the sport. It was a sunny day as the riders took the 154km jaunt to Paris. It was all smiles for Alberto Contador, who won his 2nd Tour in 3 years. A brilliant ride for Andy Schleck to claim second place on the podium, and of course kudos to Lance for finishing an astounding 3rd after 4 years away from the sport, being 37 years old, and breaking his collarbone in 4 places just one month before the start of the TDF. His return solidifies his greatness in cycling and proves to the world he is an amazing athlete. Also congratulations to Contador and Armstrong's team, Team Astana, for capturing the team championship, which was never really a contest honestly. Also congrats are deserved for Thor Hushovd winning the green jersey, Franco Pellizotti for earning the polka dot mtns AND most combative, and Andy Schleck for winning the white jersey for best young rider U-25. Another impressive feat this year was Mark Cavendish capturing six stages, including the coveted Champs-Elysees sprint, which essentially was a one man show. It is somewhat surprising that after claiming 6 stages in the tour that Cav didnt walk away with the green jersey. The green jersey, even though it is labeled a sprinters jersey, is awarded to the most CONSISTENT rider in the peloton over 3 weeks. Thor Hushovd went for sprint points in the mtns to get points to keep the jersey, which he successfully did. He earned the jersey the hard way. Well this tour had many ups and downs, like they all do inevitably. When Lance Armstrong announced his comeback last October, nobody knew what to expect. Will he succeed? Will he falter? The only thing for sure was that he would give his all and never, ever quit. While many are disappointed he didnt win, Lance puts it in perspective, saying he is proud of his 3rd place after all the adversity he has been through to come back. He came to win, but did the best he could. As for next year? Lance has formed a new team with title sponsor Radio Shack and will race for them next season. He has already recruited team manager Johan Bruyneel to be the DS, and rumors are flying about possible contract signings of other riders, including young and up and comer Brice Feillu of Agritubel and 2nd place finisher this year Andy Schleck. Contador and Armstrong have both publically come forth and chastized each other, making no bones about their lack of a personal friendship of any kind. Next year Alberto Contador may or may not be with Astana, but one thing is for certain: whatever team he is on, it won't be the same on as Armstrong. TDF '10 will be Contador vs. Schleck vs. Armstrong. The only question that remains is can anyone beat Contador? I have a hard time saying yes, just because when I watch Contador, I see Lance Armstrong. A man that can time trial, climb, attack, accelerate, and win. He looks exactly like Lance did in his prime, so he will be extremely hard to beat. Lance has committed to coming back next year and competing in the TDF and says his form will be better, he will be better, and he will be there to win. While he may not be physically as dominant as Contador, he has publically stated he is more intelligent on the road, which he says is Conti's weakness, which can be exploited. Add that to better physical condition and a new team that is 100% dedicated to him unlike this year, and he very well could pull it off. I don't think Andy Schleck will ever win the Tour while Contador or Armstrong is racing in it, those 2 are just too strong. The best thing though about this Tour though wasn't the fast sprints or the high mountain passes, but the ZERO positive drug tests that were had. Not one test of the hundreds, thousands take during the 3 week race came back positive, which is the best news of all. Hopefully most of the doping is behind the sport now and it can move ahead in a new, clean direction. The 2009 Tour De France was epic, just as predicted. Already I can't wait for next year. Lance said he will be back, he will be better, and he will win. For now though, he will bask in his success of a 3rd place on cycling's grandest stage. Not bad for an old guy from Texas. Until July 2010, goodbye.