Every year, I spend July 4th doing something decidedly French. I watch the kick off of Le Tour de France. In fact, I'll spend the next three weeks watching Le Tour. Having never been a cyclist, I don't know where I got this love of cycling.
In part, the appeal could be inherited from my grandfather, himself a Belgian cyclist. That's not the entire story though. This sport has everything: breathtaking scenery, drama, spills, thrills, gossip, dirty doings, doping scandals, comedy and a carnival atmosphere. What more could a girl ask for? Amazing displays of physical prowess and endurance? Sculpted men in spandex? Yep, this has that, too.
This year, Lance Armstrong is riding again and trying for his 8th win. I don't care about that. It's amazing, and I hope he does well, but really? I watch Le Tour for my daily doses of Bob Roll (Bobke), Paul Sherwen and Phil Liggett. I love those men and I'm thrilled that Versus hasn't changed their lineup of commentators. Bobke, with his gap toothed grin, is boyishly charming. Paul is sophisticated and Phil has the best one liners in the business. I'm looking forward to the next 3 weeks.
Viva le Tour!
