So far I've watched two of the first four stages of this year's Tour de France (or more accurately, I have it on while I work), and I can't seem to get enough. What the U.S. Postal Team (USP) did today by winning the stage was incredible. To see Lance Armstrong with the yellow jersey this early -- before the mountain stages -- is a very good sign. The stage is set for his unprecedented sixth consecutive Tour de France victory. USP has the five fastest racers so far, and six of the top 10. Tyler Hamilton is looking good in 8th place, while Jan Ullrich is back in 16th.
On another note, I listen to a fair amount of sports talk radio every day, and I've heard lots of debates among experts comparing the athletic demands of various sports. But I don't understand how anyone can watch even a single stage of an event like the Tour de France and not conclude that cycling is one of the most athletically demanding sports out there. One thing is certain -- baseball looks pretty wimpy by comparison.