2008 Tour de France - Stage 21

Everyone is smiling on Team CSC Saxo Bank as the “race” progresses to Paris. What a joy it must be to be honored by the peloton. There is time to relax and sip champagne.

It won’t be so calm on the Champs-Elysees. After the traditional parade lap, Sastre better get out of the way. All hell is going to break loose. The French will be fighting amongst each other. Thor will be after another win on the Champs-Elysees.

What usually seems like a fifteen second sprint at the end of a stage is taking much longer. The finish is enduring lap after lap. All the big names will be there. Sure enough, here come Freire, McEwen, Hushovd, Dean, Schumacher, Hunter and Lance!
(just seeing if anyone is paying attention) Steegmans produces huge power and has his moment of glory. Cioleck was coming fast but Gert was too far out front.

The pleasantries of the podium have taken place and the Tour is over. The talk of the strongest team proved itself true for CSC Saxo Bank. Congratulations to Carlos Sastre and those sacrificed for him: Frank Schleck, Andy Schleck, Jens Voigt, Vlodymir Gustov, Kurt-Asle Arvesen, Fabian Cancellara, Stuart O’Grady, and Nicki Sorensen.

Sports presents drama. There are opportunities taken and given. There are moments beyond the individual’s control. At times, these moments occur outside of competition. They create the story for us. The ending may be different than what we expected but our passion has been fueled by the drama.

Super Dave (If you enjoyed my Tour de France dribbles please click on my name to send me your feedback! Thanks!)