Christmas in July

I've decided to spend this July 4th in France. Actually, I'll be spending the better part of the entire month there with some brief visits to Monaco, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. Sounds like a great trip and all from the comfort of my living room.

For the past twenty-three years I've been watching the Tour de France. I can remember growing up and watching the pageantry of the Tour. I became fixated with the amazing scenery, throngs of people, place names, and cycling. I can remember Greg Lemond battling for an 8 second win on the Tour's last stage, Miguel Indurain winning five Tours in a row, Lance's seven, and the ugliness of the Festina and Landis doping scandals. Each one different. Each one with a story. The 2003 Tour remains my favorite. I sat on the edge of my couch and watched every second of it. I even watched every replay. This year will be no different.

My wife says that in July she becomes a 'Tour widow'. I spend more time with my British friends Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen than anyone else. These guys are far and away the best commentators in the world. The mountains and towns of France and the cyclists' names roll out like poetry. Mountains like the Col du Marie Blanc, Le Mont Ventoux, Col du Galibier, or L'Alpe d'Huez. Cities like La Grand Bornand, Toulouse, Saint-Ettienne, or Futurescope. Even cycling terms or names sound like a thing of beauty; Mailliot Jeaune, le tete de le course, Sylvain Chavenel. The French even call the winds that blow across their countryside le Mistral. Say it. Le Mistral. L'Aple d'Huez. What is not to love?

This year's Tour promises to be one for the ages. The field is literally wide open. All the dopers have been left at home (hopefully) and the finale will likely be decided on the next to the last day on the slopes of the Ventoux. Will Carlos Sastre defend? Will Alberto Contador continue his dominance or become embroiled with teammate Lance Armstrong's quest for an eighth? Will there be a new winner? Eventually I will go to see the Tour. Until then, I'll stay tuned.