Last year, I watched every stage of the Tour de France. It was great as I was able to watch the U.S. Postal Service team propel Lance Armstrong to his fifth win in a row. This year, he's going for number six, and once again, I'm engrossed by the race. I missed Day one due to prior engagements, but I skipped NTN today (yes, for shame) to watch the third stage as Iban Mayo was involved in a crash before the first of the two cobblestone segments of today's leg. Last year, I could remember Ullrich, Mayo & Armstrong race throughout every leg, and, most importantly, during the mountainous regions. It was a shame today to see Mayo go down, but hopefully he'll be able to make up some time and get back in the race as the more competition, the better.

It kind of sucks to have a job as I really enjoyed watching each leg of the race last year in the middle of the day, eating my lunch, just relaxing and not really having anything to worry about. Now, I've got to race home from work (the "primetime" show is on at 5pm here on the West Coast - also at 8pm though...but that's when my other shows are on) and then I can watch the last hour plus of the leg, but I can't see it all, nor do I get to watch the pre-show which recaps important happenings.

Either way, the Tour is a great watch and I'd highly recommend it if you haven't partaken yet (though you do need to get the Outdoor Life Network - which, unfortunately, we only get on the one TV with a cable box).

URL: T D F - 2 0 0 4 : canal le Tour - OLN