Two American Teams in Tour de France

For the first time ever, two teams from the United States will compete against each other in the Tour de France. As reported by ESPN this morning, both the Slipstream and High Road teams have been invited to participate in the 2008 Tour, which begins on July 5th. The two groups of U.S. riders will also compete against 18 other teams this year. Absent however, will be 2007 Tour champion Alberto Contador and his Astana teamates. The Amaury Sports Organization - which owns the Tour de France - has banned Astana from participating in this year's Tour as a result of the plague of doping scandals that have surrounded the team over the past two years. The Spaniard, Contador, who could switch teams and become eligible for this year's race, has said he will instead set his goals on winning in 2009.
-- Jason Kerkmans