The great race is over for another year with Carlos Sastre from Spain winning this years Tour de France following a win in the Alps on the famous L'Alpe-d'Huez and a strong performance in the time trial to hold on to his lead.    Australian Cadel Evans was second for the second year in a row.  Still a huge performance from the Australian.  Cadel can win the Tour in the future, he needs the confidence to make a break on a mountains stage and remain strong in the third week of the Tour.  A stronger team would also help.

There is something about the Tour de France that captures the imagination.  The majic of the secenary, the determination and guts of the riders, the tatics of the teams.     The Tour de France truely is the great race and the toughest individual sporting event in the world.

Carlos Sastre of Spain and Cadel Evans, right, ride past the Arc de Triomphe.