Tour de France 2007 Reports

I wish the Versus channel would reduce the amount of attention they are giving to the doping scandal. I think they are trying to add “excitement” to their coverage, but it is just coming across as cheap sensationalism. They also had a spot put together that showed past crashes and they set it to music. This is not classy. Crashes are not entertainment. They seriously injure people and can end careers. I hope the station does not continue on this type of coverage. Commentator Al Trautwig prefaced a profile about Jay Ullrich by talking about the doping allegations against Ullrich. While it is true there are investigations, there is a race going on now that all the riders have been tested before entry, so lets focus on today, not harping on doping.

The crash near the end of stage 2 caused some serious injuries. I saw a photo of Erik Zabel taken before the start of stage 3 and the caption said he was the one who caused that crash. It did look like a Milram rider, but I had no idea it was Zabel. He is an honest man to admit it. He said he was avoiding Tom Boonen. These things happen; all riders know that. While no one is happy about it, especially the injured, riders know this can happen. It was not intentional or stupidity. Zabel is experienced and respected.

I’m glad Levi Leipheimer came across the line without injury. One Discovery team rider did have to get his hand operated on and will not start. Freddy Rodriguez look all banged up; he came in without his helmet! But he’s a tough and experienced rider; he won’t be whining.

Phil Liggett has been highlighting a new British rider, Mark Cavendish. But when Cavendish had a problem during stage 1 and was stopped on the side of the road I think to get a flat tire changed, it looked like he was yelling and bitching up a storm. Phil Liggett noted that this was not very mature of Cavendish, and I was glad to hear Liggett say it. It’s not just because Cavendish is young; Jay Ullrich was young when he was in the spotlight and I never saw him acting like a jerk. I hope this Cavendish kid learns his lessons and behaves more professionally.

I’m very disappointed that Bobby Julich is not at the Tour this year. Talk about an athlete who always shows good sportsmanship. He is an admired rider, skilled, accomplished and has been on the podium plenty to prove it.