Is this the face of a champion? (NSFW)

If your first thought in seeing the picture above is, "DEAR GOD WHAT IS THAT THING?!?", you're not alone, that's all I gotta say. Well that and close your browser before your boss sees what's on your screen.

No, that's not the Zodiac killer, it's Cadel Evans. Looking odder than ever at the Team Silence Lotto presentation, he suddenly finds himself elevated by the ASO to Tour favorite. What's that? The organizers of le Tour are picking favorites? Well, yes, after a fashion. Indeed, last season's Doping All Stars, Team Astana, freshly stocked with doping investigation subject and Tour winner Alberto Contador, not to mention third-place Levi "peak too soon" Leipheimer, are living a teenage girl's worst nightmare, not being invited to the party of the year.

Clearly the French are done with losing le Tour to Spaniards and Americans. Of the 22 Tours run since the last time a Frenchman won (1985, if you're not old enough to remember), 10-11 have been won by Americans and 7-8 by Spaniards, depending on how you count. By banning Astana from the 2008 edition of cycling's big dance, both the leading Spanish and American contenders are removed from the race. Quelle coincidence!

Incredibly, possibly the next favorite on the list, eternal contender / occasional finisher Andreas Kloden is out too. When I'm done recovering from the shock (of seeing Cadel's pic, natch), another favorite will come to me, but by then he'll probably be banned too. If someone can think of a French rider who's won a Pro-Tour race of consequence, let me know. I'll do a piece on him as a Tour '08 front-runner.

Cadel still isn't going to win

It has been suggested on these very pages that perhaps I don't like Australians. That's not true, at all. However, I admit to being pleased to see Cadel Evans doing his thing: hanging around but not winning anything (unless, of course, Vino is formally stripped of his TT win for being a doper). Why does the sight of Cadel admirably hanging on then getting dropped like a bad habit make me feel warm and fuzzy? It must be because I know he won't win. All signs, in fact, point to Cadel finishing second or third in Paris. By his own admission, the last TT doesn't suit his characteristics, so too bad, maybe next time, Cadel! In fact, the Cycopaths are so confident, that we plan to give live or near live on-the-ground coverage of what is no doubt going to be a jubilant celebration in Madrid. That's right, this reporter has packed his folding bike and is off to Alberto Contador's hometown. If you're wondering where my lazy colleague Mr. 60% has gone, he's been busy commenting on other blogs.

Tour Preview!

Is this the face of a champion?

On the eve of the 2007 Tour de France, Cycopaths readers are no doubt wondering what we think will come of this Tour. Well, aside from another doping scandal, natch. While I won't tell you who will win, I'll tell you who won't, and that's Cadel Evans. How is this guy ever considered one of the favorites? He's won exactly one race since 2004 [A Tour of Romandie 2006 stage, Ed.]. At least we can be pretty sure he's not a doper, though, and you never know who will be left standing when the (dope) smoke clears. Perhaps Cadel can win this Tour eleven years from now like Indurain.