Leipheimer's overall victory at the Tour of Germany, and a stage victory in the Vuelta by Heinrich Haussler.

With
BigTex out of the way, Leipheimer is looking forward to the 2006 Tour de France and an opportunity to improve on his finish last year.   "My preparations are going better than in 2005. And like last year I am concentrating on the Tour," he said. "When everything goes well, a place on the podium ought to be possible. But I have other priorities, too."

Until next week, send your thoughts and comments to me at ian@roadcycling.com and info@roadcycling.com. Also, be sure to post in our forums and support our latest sponsors such as Thomson Bike Tours and FRS Plus.

Ian