We talked all night...

A departure from art…

3 weeks ago I was subjected, rather against my will, to a drunken viewing of the prologue stage of the 2010 Tour De France.

I didn’t think much of it, until a couple of days later, I could afford a late night, so I resolved to sit down and watch Stage 2. By the time Sylvain Chavanel crossed the line, it is safe to say I was more than curious. After watching his epic breakaway, the numerous crashes, the amazing Jens Voight riding Andy Schleck back after his crash, Petacchi and the other major players neutralizing the peloton in protest of the conditions, I came to the same conclusion that everyone who is a fan can identify with: it’s more than just a race.

As I’ve told numerous people over the last 3 weeks of religious viewing, it’s more like a war. There are pre-existing tensions, scandals, ulterior motives, etiquette and expectation. The last stage is in progress, and the intricate story of this year is coming to an end. I’ve followed a fair chunk of sport in my time, and I’ve never, ever seen such a complex rivalry as the one Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck have cultivated over the last 20 stages. The strength and endurance I’ve seen in 3 weeks is absolutely incredible. This sport is fucking amazing.