On The Tarmac

A little diversion from the horses today as there's not much to say until deeds are done at Cheltenham. Actions speak louder than words.

Cycling, a cracking if under-rated sport, is the topic of today's discussion.
Britain is pretty decent at the sport but that is track cycling. Respect to Chris '28 inch thighs' Hoy and Victoria Pendleton but road racing is what it's all about.
A little note here, I was cycling through a neighbouring village one day and coming towards me was this guy in all the Team GB lycra. I knew who it was instantly because he'd been all over the local news. Ross Edgar, silver medalist to Chris Hoy in the sprint. I shouted 'Well done in Beijing' and to my awestruck surprise, he replied 'Cheers mate.' Two words but they meant a lot.

Anyway. back to the road. Big news this year is Lance Armstrong's comeback after a four year retirement. It's definitely good for the sport with all the extra publicity but I feel Lance is going to struggle; the cycling world has moved on, the opponents are younger and stronger. Armstrong is still talented but so is Carlos Sastre and Alberto Contador.
On his return in the Tour of California, the seven time Tour De France winner looked as fit as ever and proved himself to be just as good as he was at time trialling than last year. Time will tell if he can recapture his French crown. I'm not convinced.

One man to look out for is Frank Schleck. Stamina abound, he made some brave attacks in California and could spring a surprise in the French race. His younger brother, Andy, will be a serious peddler in a few years time.