Parisien Poster Boy for 'Pieds'

My feet are wondering what's up...i went from walking a minor amount each day over the past month, to putting in close to 40 miles in 3 days 'strolling' around Paris.

From La Marais to St.Germain de Pres...from Le Tour Eiffel to Place des Vosges...we came, we saw, we conquered...

I should have put my handprint at the base of the Arc de Triomphe, i felt so akin to Napoleon's Army- both in the 'marching' category and the 'thrill of victory' aspect.

And last night, what a way to culminate our visit...drinks on a house boat with a family friend as we stared at one of the world's most recognizable symbols, and then dinner with the same massive metal structure framed by a quiet French side street. It's hard to imagine the immensity of the Eiffel Tower could be made more beautiful, but this true slice of French life, off to the side of the tourist craziness a few blocks away, put the grandeur of Gustave Eiffel's creation in a cool context.

Alas, all good things must come to an end (at least that's what i'm told!), so back to America today, but my bet is Paris will be here next year...hopefully i will too.

The Last Word- Stage 21

On a day when 'procession' outweighed 'aggression'- at least for 2/3 of the stage- the spectacle that is the final day of the Tour was still a pleasure to behold. As a bike fan, having our studio on the '50 yard line' in Paris was almost surreal. The sounds of the peloton resounded through the trees, and the smell of victory permeated the air.

Mark Cavendish really is "Superman". The kid out-kicked everyone by such a large margin on the famed Champs Elysee, that they had to go to the 'wide-angle lense' to even have another pursuer in the shot. He lit up the "City of Light" like few have over the decades, and in the process, set a standard for future generations.

Sport is inherently based on competition, and for over 100 years, the Tour de France has showcased rivalries and created icons. To excel at the Tour, you have to not only be able to overcome OUTER adversaries, but INTERNAL demons as well.

2009 marked the return of a legend, but one man in particular was more interested in building a legend of his own. The Tour is three weeks unlike any other, and it's that passion, and these moments, that sustain us.

And you can bet 2010 will provide many more twists and turns!

The Last Word- Stage 20

If you missed a moment of today's stage, you missed a classic battle for the podium of the Tour de France. The 'Giant of Provence' became a giant canvas for the world's best to showcase their skills.

Andy Schleck played Picasso up the slopes. He declared stroke after stroke in an attempt to create a come-from-behind masterpiece. He would be matched every step of the way by Astana's Artisans- Contador and Armstrong. The Texan's steely tenacity and the Spaniard's superior strength provided the framework for one of the greatest days of gamesmanship of this year's Tour.

The places in Paris have been decided- it will be a triumphant return for two men in particular- Alberto Contador, after winning in 2007, and then denied entry in 2008, picks up right where he left off two years ago, winning his 2nd 'Grand Boucle'.

But as big a story is the return of 'The Legend', Lance Armstrong. Out of professional cycling for over three years, he found the 'Fountain of Youth' to finish in on the podium, and claims his best is yet to come in 2010!

Tomorrow the celebration commences in Paris!

The Last Word- Stage 19

It was supposed to be a day for the 'opportunists', but the sprinter's teams didn't feel like following the script. Rabobank's relentless pace reeled in the escapees, and once the massive group made it over the final climb of the day, only a counter attack from reigning World Champion Allesandro Ballan delayed the inevitable.

Columbia-HTC flew their colors at the front, and the requisite chaos for Cavendish's wheel ensued. Former World Champ Oscar Freire even went 'off piste' for a bit to try to gain an advantage, but by the finish, a Cavendish victory was almost a foregone conclusion. FIVE WINS, and he may not be done yet, but this win in Aubenas ranks him alone as the best British cyclist in Tour history.

Lance Armstrong's brain was working as well as his body today. In contact with the front group, he lost NO time, while his GC rivals were four seconds in arrears. For Lance, and the other overall contenders, it comes down to the penultimate stage of the Tour...Mont Ventoux. They'll have to push themselves through the pain one final time, in order to glimpse the glory in Paris.

Vielles Vignes- 'Ancient Vines'

It's almost unbelievable to think we are back in the south of France. It seems like an eternity since we were here, talking about the first few sprint stages, but if we needed any reminders, there are plenty. The churches, the castles, the heat, and of course, the VINES.

On our drive into the town of Aubenas today (which is known for its CHESTNUT industry), the early morning light danced off of the countless vineyards we crisscrossed on the back roads of the Rhone Valley. I've got my fingers crossed that we may get another 'bonus bike ride' in, because aside from stopping at each vintner, the best way to see this countryside is at a more moderate pace.

The 'vielle vignes' are everywhere...it is a term commonly used on wine labels to indicate that a wine is the product of grape vines that are notably old. The practice of displaying it stems from the general belief that older vines, when properly handled, will give a better wine. Grape vines can grow for over 120 years. After about 20 years, vines start to produce smallercrops, and average yields decrease, leading to more concentrated, intense wines. In a place where wine production is longstanding, it often means a wine whose vines are thirty to forty years old. Some wine makers insist the vines should be older than this.

What wine-lovers can count on is that the Rhone AOC produces some of the best wine in the world...i just wish on this trip i had the time to enjoy it!

The Last Word- Stage 18

The 'Race of Truth' determined the destiny of one man, but left questions unanswered for others.

Alberto Contador tore a page out of Lance Armstrong's playbook, and sent a message to every rider who dare challenge his superiority. His time trial win was a showcase of strength and confidence. He's now won in the mountains AND against the clock, proving he's the most complete cyclist at this year's Tour.

For the other overall contenders, the time gaps in Annecy promise a veritable slugfest on Mont Ventoux in two days time.

Lance Armstrong finds himself in a position to finish on the podium, but you can bet he wants much more than that on the 'Giant of Provence'. And if Astana can circle the wagons, there's still an outside shot for a sweep of the spots in Paris.

It's two days to go until we officially crown a champion, but Alberto Contador isn't planning a procession just yet. He has one more mountain to climb before the coronation commences.

Adios Alps! Ah...Annecy!

After three days at altitude it’s nice to take up residence in one of the most picturesque spots in France. Known as the “Venice of the Alps”, I’m referring to Annecy.

I may move here. Seriously. I was here before when covering the Dauphine Liberé, a prep race for the Tour de France that is held in June every year, and covers most of the same climbs you see in the Tour.

The lake of the same name is the 2^nd largest in France, and is known as the most PURE in Europe. It was formed 18,000 years ago from the melting of Alpine glaciers, and is now fed by 7 rivers, and an underground spring.

It's a mountainous version of a 'beach community', complete with a laid-back style, and sports-centric atmosphere that even the most jaded of tourists would have to appreciate. I'm coming back- you can bet on it.

The Last Word- Stage 17

The Queen's Stage was worth a king's ransom to the Saxo Bank squad today! Flying up five 'categorized' climbs in honor of their fallen comrade, the 'Saxo Siblings', Frank and Andy Schleck, used a combination of 'acceleration' and 'sizing up their competition' to shed all their challengers, save the Yellow Jersey of Alberto Contador. Oddly enough, it was the Spaniard's surge that would leave him with a 2 to 1 DISADVANTAGE as Andreas Kloden couldn't keep up on the Col de la Columbiere.

At the finish, Andy rewarded his brother with a strong lead-out to assure Frank would take the stage, after all his hard work on a day with over 12,000 feet of climbing.

Contador proved once again he can match anyone in the mountains, happy to concede the win today as an 'homage'- his ultimate goal made all the more easier by Saxo Bank's efforts.

The surprise story was Thor Hushovd, flying the Norwegian flag, and the Green Jersey through the first 3/4 of the race. He's supposed to be a sprinter, but today he climbed like a mountain madman. For his Herculean effort, he more than likely secured his 2nd Green Jersey.

One final note- Contador did not make any friends within his own team yet again. Kloden and Johan Bruyneel expressed displeasure with Alberto's uphill blast, and Lance refused to comment (once again) on the Spaniard's racing tactics. Alberto may very well end up winning (or losing) this Tour on his own- and friends may be a rare commodity for the Conquistador on the final climb up Ventoux.