Well, Contidor won it again. Lucky Spaniard. But, Lance and Team Radio Shack took the team title and teamwork is what it is all about - lest Contador remeber that....
On the final day, I hung out with my pal John from Austin (a brilliant tech dude) and we walked the streets of Paris - up to L'Arc de Triomph and around the circle to cross the Champs and ramble about. Yes, we may have ordered a few beers along the way. In honor of Lance, of course, since it is his last Tour de France. John, however, would not let me go to the bathroom until I ordered his beer. The French language makes him a bit nervous.
We enjoyed the "entree" into Paris and then headed for a bistro. As cycling enthusiasts know, the last day of the Tour is really just ceremonial. The race is won on the preceding stages. But, the cyclists enter Paris and then do nine laps around the city in a spectacle that becomes a blur. So, we figured it was best to watch the final couple of laps on TV while enjoying a bottle of French water (aka, vin blanc). Lovely, indeed. Cavendish took the stage win and we were so happy - at least Contador didn't win the Paris stage....
For those who may want to come to the Tour, remember a few key pieces of advice: It is really hot in France and there is not much AC (or deoderant for that matter); dress in comfortable shoes (the French don't - they always wear Prada or high heels); expect huge crowds (refer back to my deoderant message); learn to love fanatics (they are way beyond Gator football fans, which includes me); and, above all, prepared to drink too much wine (it is literally cheaper than buying a 1.5 litre bottle of water).... Oh, and plan a 12-week detox when you return. This country really does like it's wine....
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