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07/26/2007: "Le Tour De Farce"

I'll admit it - even though I consider myself a cycling fan, I don't follow the Tour de France as closely now that Lance Armstrong has retired. That was the reaction predicted by the French organizers two years ago as Armstrong pedaled off into the sunset with his seventh maillot jaune. But, at least for me, it's not for the reasons our French friends thought.

Controversy is nothing new to Le Tour. Long before there was the story of Armstrong and his historic recovery, there were problems with doping on the Tour. Heck, they even had a rider drop dead during a stage as a result of some of the things he'd taken to make himself perform better. But the seven-year hiatus created by Lance and the Big Blue Train made us forget those problems.

Last year, we got a glimpse when several of the biggest names in the sport were linked to a Spanish blood doping scandal and subsequently banned from the event. Later, on the heels of another heroic performance that led to his overall victory, American Floyd Landis was caught up in yet another doping scandal. As a result, he was prevented from defending his TdF title.

For the 2007 event, currently underway in the French countryside, the scandals have hit a new level. Before the race, several competitors were again banned from starting the event because of the clouds that surrounded them. Even though every rider signed a pledge commiting themselves to fairness in the race, two riders - including stage winner and prohibitive favorite Alexander Vinokourov - have tested positive for banned substances and been kicked off the tour.

The biggest bombshell dropped yesterday when race leader Michael Rasmussen was dismissed by his team and tossed out of the race for apparent attempts to dodge drug testing earlier this season. It's become such a joke that they practically have to hand the yellow jersey to a spectator to wear - assuming they're not doped up, of course.

Ironically, with all the shakeups, two members of the Discovery Channel Team - Armstrong's old squad - find themselves near the top of the time sheets. Alberto Contador is leading with Levi Leipheimer in third as the riders compete in the 18th stage this morning. Not a lot of pride in those positions, all things considered. It should be interesting to see the reaction of the French spectators as the riders head into Paris next weekend - I understand tomatoes are in season ...