Basso and Ullrich out of the Tour

In news that has shaken the cycling world, from the teams getting ready for the start of the Tour De France tomarrow down to small groups that meet at their local bike shop or coffe house, Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich, along with several other riders and an entire team (Astaná-Würth), have been suspended due to the recent doping scandle. (Here is a list of the people named in the investigation)

This is good and bad. Obviously it is bad for the sport and for the people suspended, but it is good for fans of this great sport.

While it is true that we will miss out on Ivan Basso, Jan Ullrich, and others racing, we will also see people who otherwise wouldn't have stood a chance. All of a sudden the Yellow Jersey is with in reach of guys like Landis, Valverde, Hincapie, Boonen, Zabel, Voeckler, and Leipheimer. Plus there might be someone who supprises us, like Hamilton did a few years ago when he broke his coller bone, but finished the race.

In the end, the cycling world will be watching, and in my oppinion this could be the best, and most interesting, tour in years.



Update: Here is a list of the people still in the Tour.