Tour de France- now what?

I'm an avid TDF tv watcher, recording every stage of the race, every year.  While I know that there has been and probably always will be assorted 'cheating', Lance really put a damper on the race for me this past year with his interviews and all the crap.  Not sure I'll watch this year.

Anyone else having doubts?

Honestly, I only watched Le Tour during the Lance era.  Other than his dominance, it really never interested me much.  Now, it really doesn't interest me at all.

I'm still of the opinion that Lance was simply the best cheater in a race filled with cheaters that has a history of cheating going back to the very early days of the race.  Lance didn't turn me off to the sport, the nature of the controversies turned me off.

I'll be watching.  Haven't seen a clear favorite for it in any of the classics, ToC, GdI, or even the recent Dauphine.

I really haven't had much of an interest in that sport, even when Lance was dominating. I mean, I would follow the highlights at night on Sportscenter, but that's about it.

I was a religious watcher until last year - now I'm not so sure if I'll watch.

I caved and so far have the first week set on the DVR.

I found more joy watching the commercial for the "Pro Form Tour De France" indoor cycle.

Kenny B. wrote:I found more joy watching the commercial for the "Pro Form Tour De France" indoor cycle.

 Ugh.  Uuuuuugh.  The new Kickr Power Trainer or whatever looks alright, though.

I'm enjoying watching the last 10-15 minutes of each stage when Cavendish has a shot at sprinting to victory. That guy is an animal. Love his 'max power' mantra too.

I've always enjoyed watching and have had it on most nights but someone please explain this: How is it possible that Alberto Contador is allowed in this years TdF and any future TdF's? He was stripped of his 2010 title for doping!!!! Doesn't make sense...

He was found guilty in Feb 2012 and given a 2 year ban from racing.

Dave Bussard wrote:I've always enjoyed watching and have had it on most nights but someone please explain this: How is it possible that Alberto Contador is allowed in this years TdF and any future TdF's? He was stripped of his 2010 title for doping!!!! Doesn't make sense...

He was found guilty in Feb 2012 and given a 2 year ban from racing.

The ban was retroactive to the date the Spanish authorities first proposed a one-year ban. It then ran until last August sometime, but he's been eligible since.

Great sport - it's all about PEDs (or maybe spoiled meat!) and doping. Still, it's worth it to watch just to see the beautiful shots of the countryside.

I first watched the TDF in 2006.  It was very exciting.  The tour was winding down and Floyd Landis had bonked badly.  It looked like he was out of it.  The next day he came back and won the stage, securing his victory.  I figured something was up.  I even talked about it on Hal's boards and Hal insisted that Landis was probably clean.

Of course, now we know something really was up.  He was doping.  I haven't watched the TDF since.

Stan

I don't like to root for people to fail - but I am OK with Contador having a terrible day yesterday and finishing off the podium.