Tyler Farrar Becomes First Washington State Native to Win Tour de France Stage

Paul Andrews, BI editor — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:59:06 +0000

Seattle bike fans have been watching Wenatchee WA native Tyler Farrar for years, wondering how far his potential could carry him. He’s won many of cycling’s top honors, but so far a Tour de France stage win had eluded him.

That all changed today — America’s Independence Day, appropriately enough — when the 27-year-old sprint specialist bested the field in the Tour’s third stage, a flat 198-kilometer run from Olonne Sur Mer to Redon.

Farrar has played second fiddle in sprints to Mark the Mouth Cavendish, the Manx Missile. He’s had some tough luck against Cav along the way as well. But today his Garmin-Cervelo mates positioned Tyler perfectly, and it was Cavendish who had to bang his bars in frustration as his HTC leadout train fell apart in the closing seconds.

Farrar is a real gentleman and credit to the sport. His win could help draw mainstream Americans back to the Tour in the absence this year of legendary Lance Armstrong. In any case, it is a well-deserved triumph for a guy who has waited a long time and worked tirelessly to improve — all the unlikely way from quiet Columbia River roots.

Tour de France winner Andy Schleck and brother Frank join new team

Paul Andrews, BI editor — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 14:31:10 +0000

Andy Schleck, winner of the 2011 Tour de France (remember, you read it here first!), and brother Frank are joining a new Luxembourg team in their home country.

You'll be seeing him in yellow...

Alberto Contador, besmirched winner of the 2010 Tour de France, is leaving Astana for the Schlecks’ old team, Saxo Bank.

Andrew Hood of VeloNews speculates on who may follow the Schlecks and Contador to their new teams.

Bike Intelligencer » tour de france 2011

Tyler Farrar Becomes First Washington State Native to Win Tour de France Stage

Tour de France winner Andy Schleck and brother Frank join new team