Stage 4 TdF 2008

The Tour de France snuck up on me this year with a start on July 5th. This year has been as exciting as watching Lance win one of his 6 consective tour wins and this is only stage 4. it’s not about the stage wins of individual racers or their sprints to the finish. It is about the teams and what they represent.

Last years TdF was overshadowed by the Floyd Landis trial, a doping scandal implicating some riders, and three teams dropping out of TdF 2007 because of riders not passing drug tests. It is all that could be discussed.

Enter teams Garmin-Chipotle and Team Columbia

Both teams represent a  benchmark for all teams in the sport. Testing of riders all year round. That one statement only a reflection on the riders but also team management. Garmin-Chipotle a team started 2 years ago with the goal of changing the atomosphere of bike racing. They have been transparent and vocal about their testing. In fact, one of their team members, and GC hopeful (overall TdF winner) David Millar is a confessed blood dopper. David Millar was kicked out of cycling for two years, a mandatory ban. When he decided to make his comeback he wanted to do it with a team that stood for his new found view of cycling. In my opinion from interviews, he needed to prove to himself and fans that he could win. Not just a stage, but the whole thing. David Millar is not the only member of this team, and Garmin-Chipotle is proving it. They are the leader in the team point classification!

The Garmin-Chipotle team is dominating the TdF and the headlines but I still am rooting for George Hincapie and Team Columbia. Team Columbia has also made a statement at their TdF debut. They currently have two riders wearing the Green (points jersey) and White (best rookie rider) jerseys.

All I want to point out with this post is that America is still a contender in the TdF. Last year seemed to be the end of an American team in the TdF with the folding of Team Discovery. This year, and the future, is bright for American bicycle racing. Thankfully not just as competitors.

[photo via valleyfirst.wordpress.com]