Yellow numbers

As an American, I really like it when my team is in the lead. This year, my team is Columbia. But as of today's stage (or really after stage 13) team CSC has taken over the team lead.

If you're watching the Tour on television, you can tell which team is winning this contest by looking at their numbers. The team that has their numbers in yellow is in the lead.

Just a little FYI as I watch the riders blast toward the Alps.

Nantasket Beach

What? Are you asking why a post that has Nantasket Beach in the title is here on TDF08?

Well, it's here because overheard some people in line at an ice cream stand discussing the Tour. I was wearing my 2007 TDF shirt and figured I was qualified to pitch in.

They wanted to know who to root for and what was occurring in this year's race.

I filled them in a little and then urged them to come here for more details. SO, if you guys are here, leave a comment and let me know how you're enjoying the updates.

Countries - Riders in the Tour

This year, according to the official site of the Tour de France, there are only FOUR Americans riding in the TDF.

Here's the listing of how the rider numbers break down across country lines...

The 180 riders in the 95th Tour represent 28 countries.

40: France
30: Spain
21: Italy
16: Germany
12: Belgium
10: The Netherlands
9: Australia
4: USA, Russia and Switzerland
3: Colombia, Great Britain and Luxembourg
2: South Africa, Austria, Belarus, Noway, Sweden and Ukraine
1: Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia