Tour de France: A Biking Experience

On the other side of the pond, the world’s biggest cycling challenge is in progress. While not as popular here, the Tour de France still has a dedicated following all over the world. If you’re new to the sport of cycling, here are some quick facts: The Tour de France is a race that travels 3,443 km, mostly in the French countryside, in 21 stages during the month of July. Throughout the race, there are 4 coveted jerseys to wear: best mountain climber (red polka dots), best young rider (white), points leader (green), and overall leader (yellow). There are 22 teams of 9 riders for a total of 198 cyclists (although fewer actually finish due to injuries or other misfortunes).

Here is an update on the 2011 Tour, which moved into its 14^th stage on Saturday, July 16^th. This year’s Tour has seen the emergence of a new set of stars and a series of dramatic accidents. In the first stage, the 2010 champion Alberto Contador suffered a crash that injured his knee, and he is still suffering from minor injuries as he continues to race in the middle of the pack. Previously a favourite as a return champion, Contador can pretty much try to just finish the race with a decent time, although a dramatic comeback is not out of the question because he is only 4 minutes off the lead. Injuries have also broken the Tour-winning dreams (and collarbone) of veteran Bradley Wiggins, but the “crash of the race” prize certainly goes to Juan Antonio Flecha and Jonny Hoogerland. Reckless driving by a television vehicle knocked Flecha off his bike, sending Hoogerland flying behind him… into a barbed-wire fence.  It is not pretty, but it’s on YouTube if you have not already seen it.

One pair to watch are the Schleck brothers racing together on team Leopard-Trek. Andy and Frank Schleck have been racing well near the top of the standings and have, thus far, avoided accidents. After a strong Stage 12 finish, they are confident they can bring it home. After Stage 13, Frank Schleck was in second place with 1:49 off the lead and Andy was in fourth with 2:17 off the lead. Another favourite to win is probably Cadel Evans, who has finished on the podium twice but never in the yellow jersey. Maybe the third time is the charm. After Stage 13, he holds third place with a 2:06 gap between him and the leader. So who is this overall leader? Thomas Voeckler of team Europcar. Known for his strength in the mountain stages, Voeckler had held the yellow jersey in stages of past Tour de France, but never been able to keep it to the end. With frequent daring passes, accidents, and team maneuvers, this year’s Tour has proved unpredictable.

Now you’re set to watch the remaining stages! They’re broadcast live on TSN at 8 am (except for rest days), and sometimes re-broadcast later in the day.