The 2008 Tour de France is now underway. This is the 95th edition of the tour. I’ll likely be posting small updates and comments about the race over the next few weeks. Don’t look for extensive in depth analysis, but just quick thoughts, comments and some of the race results if I think there is something notable to point out.

Today’s stage runs from the town of Brest to Plumelec in western France. It is just under 200 Km of racing with an uphill kick right at the finish. It is a sprint type finish, but maybe not for the guys who specialize in a flat sprint finish. A very strong time-trialer or climber could make a solo break and win the stage. Somebody like a Hincapie or a Cancellara.

Of note here at the beginning of the race—there are two American teams in the race this year. Discovery Channel, the former lone American team no longer exists. But now Team Columbia and Team Garmin-Chipotle have stepped up and both have very interesting teams entered into the race.