ASO has officially blocked (old news btw) several teams from starting in the Tour. The big victim this year is Astana.

Sure, Astana had (past tense) a bad reputation in the cycling world. Last year there were scandals surrounding Vinokourov, Kasjetsjkin, Mazzoleni and Kessler. (Russian hitman squad on two wheels.) It was a public secret that the team was really old-school cycling and didn’t comply to the new ethics that much. But after last season several things changed. For starters, Astana hired new management, a new cycling director and several Discovery team riders.

Only the name has stayed the same.

Many sports reporters felt that Astana’s absence from the Tours would negatively affect the brand image of the Tour dramatically. It has done nothing except create venues for press events. Does anyone care? Hell yes they do. Will the race be watched as it has been in prior years. Even more so. Why? Because it’s the greatest sporting event on the planet – requiring much more than fancy bikes, gel paks and a comfy bed at night.

It requires butts with hardened calluses, legs that seek ear-popping climbs, and men who ride four or five hours on their OFF days. If you believe “football” (either variety) or rugby or ______ fill in the blank is tougher, just get your happy ass out of bed and ride 120 miles today, and tomorrow and the next day. Oh, and make sure you keep up. The average speed is 26+ and they don’t stop for pee breaks, flat tires or bee stings either.

Viva Le Tour.