The 2011 Tour de France was fascinating this year because of the early time gaps, the crashes into barbed wire fences (not joking) and punishing mid mountain stages. In previous years, I wouldn’t bother watching the flat stages and the mid mountain stages would have to have been unusually interesting to make me stay up late (early). This year was different because of the large time gaps among the race favourites very early on in the race. Because of these gaps, riders were forced to try and make up time every way possible including while on dangerous descents. They took risks and pushed the limits, which lead to several spectacular bone breaking crashes.

I was hooked early and decided that I would watch every single stage from start to finish, which I had never done before. This required some significant effort if I wasn’t going to fall asleep so I put a game plan into place. There were a few rules: No laying down on the couch, always drink something so you have to whiz every hour, read the online ticker as you watch, do not watch on the laptop in bed and for gods sake, do not schedule an early morning meeting.

Cadel Evans had my unwavering support throughout this tour and several times I found myself standing in my living room at 2am shouting encouragement at the television. Evans clearly had a game plan and meticulously stuck to it for the whole three weeks despite me repeatedly yelling “Why aren’t you chasing Schleck down?!” His performance was truly inspiring and he was simply the best rider. No dropped chains or PED’s were required…just skill and determination. Australia has their first Tour de France champion.

Later I may write more about the significance of Cadel Evans winning the yellow jersey. How he has overcome challenges, been world champion, lost his trainer to brain cancer last year, and transformed from a disgruntled loner to humble winner. I may even write more about how this significant moment could save lives by elevating the sport of cycling in Australia and bringing more tolerance to our treacherous roads. But now isn’t the time. I’m exhausted and I have a Tour de France hangover. My sleeping patterns are all upside down and I have early meetings every day this week.  Still, I can hardly wait to ride this weekend.