Go, Lance, Go!

Here's a pic taken just a couple of hours ago on the Champs Elysees. The start of the last leg of the Tour de France was still hours away, and it would be hours more before the riders would arrive in Paris, but the crowds were already thickening. And the Yanks were out in force, ready to catch a flashing glimpse of Lance Armstrong. The organizers had clearly anticipated a hot day, and there were little hand fans everywhere printed with the slogan "Lance Fan". (As it turns out, the fans won't be necessary. It's a cool, drizzly day.) The French are a little torn about Armstrong, simply because he's stolen the spotlight for so long, but most everyone is excited about the prospect of him winning one last time. They'd like a French rider to wear the yellow jersey but they know the Tour has been glamorized by Lance's stardom. It's hard not to be caught up in the excitement, and the French love the attention of having the world's premier event in any field. So, playing host to such an undeniable champion seems a role the French are happy with. I think it's fair to say that any other rider winning, today, would make every Tour fan a little sad. Everyone has their fingers crossed against a crash. It was fun to find this bit of promo material on the Champs, too. Yanks may be dominant among the foreigners on the Champs, but we heard plenty of Aussies, too. Geri felt right at home.