For most people who are into cycling, their interest in the sport seems to stem from a childhood fascination with the Tour de France. I, on the other hand, have only recently discovered the event, but have been captivated by the race for the last couple of years and was delighted to see it weave its way through London and the Kent countryside. It's undoubtedly one of, if not the, most gruelling sporting events in the world, lasting 22 days (with only two rest days for riders) at a distance of 3,550km.
 
I have also been drawn into the sport after reading the great Lance Armstrong's two autobiographies, which not only tell the story of his record seven consecutive Tour de France wins (from 1999 to 2005) but also describe his battle with cancer, which occured before he had won his first Tour. In fact, the main focus of the books is not his success on the bike, but his defeat of a disease which very nearly took his life. One doctor gave him less than a 5% chance of survival. Without doubt they are the most inspiring, unputdownable books I have ever read. "Fall down six times, get up seven," as the great man himself says.
 
Anyway, I'm lucky enough to be heading out to France tomorrow to watch stage eight of the Tour as it the riders race from Le-Grand-Bornand to Tignes against a stunning Alps backdrop. We'll be watching the peloton (the name given to the main group, or 'herd', of riders) close up, and I can't wait. I'll have a glass of red wine in my hand at the time, if I have anything to do with it anyway, but rest assured I'll be 100% behind them...
 
Then I'm off for a week's holiday in Provence, so I'll tell you all about it when I get back (the Tour, not my holiday).
 
Ross