It was a challenging and extremely gruelling event this year 'though the attrition rate was quite small, compared with previous years. Cadel Evans didn't make it to the podium in Paris in the Yellow jersey, not for lack of sheer hard work, perseverance or stamina/strength, but through lack of team support, poor strategy and team management, and having sustained energy-draining injuries earlier on in the race. For me, he has won anyway, being only 1min05sec behind the leader, not a huge difference in the overall scheme of cycling racing.
Cadel is strong and will return in 2009, hopefully within a new, better, stronger team. In this regard, I am hoping Australia fields a team for Le Tour 2009/2010, and have said so in various bicycling online forums in Australia. I think it's time for an Australian team!
Le Tour toujours! Good one, boys! xoxo
Photos: Courtesy SBS TV Australia and French television, and me trying to take them very quickly, handheld, only a few out of 197 images.
