R.I.P.

While you might not have guessed it from my quiet over the first eleven stages, I'm a fanatical Tour de France junkie. I've altered my workout and commuting schedule this week to catch part of OLN's live coverage every morning, and I religiously check the stage and overall results online shortly after reaching the office.

I like Lance just fine, though I think he's a bit of a short-tempered, robotic, prima donna. As far as I'm concerned, Le Tour's main attraction is Tyler Hamilton. Tyler's perseverance and sheer grit (not to mention his boyish smile and Boulder connection) hooked me last year, when he rode to a 4th place finish and a stunning stage win despite a broken collarbone and excruciating pain. I'm now the proud owner of two autographed posters of the man (both obtained via friends who know of my crush; I've yet to meet him in person) and I maintain a voracious appetite for all things Hamilton (particularly now that he's riding for a hearing aid manufacturer's team).

This year's Tour preview issue of Bicycling magazine featured a terrific cover article on Tyler, focusing in part on his special relationship with his beloved dog, Tugboat. Tugboat died yesterday, just as the Tour roads began to slope upwards and the hunt for yellow began in earnest.

Tyler, please accept my condolences to you and Haven. May Tugboat provide the wind on your wheels and the inspiration in your heart as you pursue le maillot jaune you so richly deserve.

Allez!

Comments

[Sheila]

My family and I have been watching the Tour de France for hmmm how many years now, can't remember but sure is exciting. The different colored shirts are fun to watch too, yellow, green, pink and whatever. Today was awesome with the climb into the Pyrenees..... Sorry too to hear about Tyler Hamilton's dog, the commentators did not mention that.... Sheila

[Sheila]

Too bad Tyler had to drop out with the bad back. I finally saw the media print about his dog. Sheila