by Linda Laktasic - Jul 30
As this year's Tour de France has once again winded down, many of us have had the opportunity to watch one of the most grueling races in history. The race requires endurance, focus, strategy, balance, along with, of course, tremendous athleticism achieved only through thousands of miles and years of training. A bit of luck (both good and bad) is also thrown into the mix, exemplified by the occasional bike crash, equipment malfunction, not to mention wondering sheep, haphazardly crossing the race course. As I watched much of the coverage via Versus, I was struck by the incredible beauty of the French Pyrenees and surrounding countryside. However, I am as limited as any spectator to the real appreciation of the unforgiving toughness of this mountainous course.
