[stormin]

Interesting stage so far today. The 99*F heat seems to be taking its toll on some of the riders. Not a good sign for those affected on only day 3. Nasty crash has knocked out 2 riders as well.

With regards to Ulrich et al being implicated in doping I really don't understand it. Professional cycling has come under such scrutiny that I don't understand how these guys could possibly be that stupid. Throws a cloud over the entire sport. Again. Apparently the current penalties for getting caught are not effective. I think they need to have stiffer penalties including lifetime bans. I also think they need to introduce more vigorous testing at lower levels. You can't expect someone who cheated his way to the top to suddenly change his cheating ways. I know all of this is being done but I guess its still not enough. How about 1 strike and you're out?

Another crash. Anyone pick Valverde to win? Not this year.