Redemption

This year's troubled Tour de France was partially redeemed by a thrilling 19th stage time trial. Levi Leipheimer, the overall third place rider, blew away the filed with a spectacular ride (average speed of 53 kph) and came within 8 seconds of overtaking Cadel Evans. Evans, in turn, came within 23 seconds of overtaking Alberto Contador, the yellow jersey. Contador rode the time trial of his life to barely hang on.

With all the problems that the Tour had, one senses that a sea change is taking place. It is becoming very clear, even to the riders, that they must clean up the sport and that now is the time to do it.

In any event, now that the ride is over, there is once more no use for the country of France for the next 49 weeks.