As usual, the Tour de France has been a fascinating feast of sporting drama, spiced with side dishes of cycling politics, secrecy, speculation and innuendo.
Now, as the midway point of the world’s most arduous two-wheeled test approaches, it may become a race.
Cycling’s inner machinations provide intrigue of their own, and for those who like to delve beneath the skin of athletic endeavor it is the gift that keeps on giving.
Finally getting to understand the intricate workings of this complex profession, with its multitude of jerseys, classifications, traditions and team orders is something of an achievement in itself.
Yet what everyone with an affinity for this event wants to see – from the casual television viewer to the bike racing fanatic – is two combatants freed from situational shackles and allowed to go head-to-head in pedaling warfare.
Such shackles looked likely to deny Lance Armstrong his shot at an eighth Tour title this year, with Spanish teammate Alberto Contador having earned the protected position of leader within the Astana squad…Â Details