Cycling: The 'other' July Tour

Like many Americans, I didn't become aware of cycling until Greg LeMond won the Tour de France in 1986.  In the pre-internet, pre Lance Armstrong age it was generally difficult to follow the Tour de France and there was no news of any other races.  What I love about cycling is the combination of factors that contribute to someone becoming a winner.  There is the chemistry of the team, the strength and determination of the individual rider, how much pain you can suffer and the use of strategy and the dynamics of physics that all need to come together, as well as luck.  I love the strength of will the riders display as they ascend the peaks of a mountain and their fearlessness on descent.  
On Sunday we were able to see the final stage of the Tour of Austria as they entered Vienna.  Yes, the Tour of Austria is the 'other' July race, much shorter than the the big Tour.  Alan compared it to the triple A teams of baseball, which is a very apt comparison, I think.  A-list riders are in the big tour, those either still honing their skills or compromised for other reasons (injuries, etc) will ride here.  The skill level is still superior and it is thrilling to see these riders whisk by. 

Riders on the final laps around the Ringstrasse in Vienna, 7/10/11 

We also had the chance to see the Tour de France final laps in Paris - this was the year rider Floyd Landis 'won' - later to be disqualified due to doping.