Touroscopy - Stage 13 - a star is born

Winners

Mark Cavendish - This might prove to be a big a year for 'the Cav' with Beijing just around the corner. Cavendish is not expected to be see too many more stages of this race but he might just stick around for one last swing today. There is no real reason for him to stick around either. He does not need to suffer through the Alps as he will not gain anything from that. His Team Columbia must be stoked with his efforts too as they have seen a lot of the podium. A great start for a new sponsor. Cavendish surely must start as one of the favorites for gold in Beijing. He will probably exit after this next stage to rest and get ready for his shot. Cavendish attributes his early track career to his speed. His win last night, his fourth for the Tour, is second only to thr e great Lance Armstrong in terms of stage wins for a Tour. In 2004 Lance won five stages.

Losers

Riccardo Ricco and Leonardo Piepoli - These two have been fired by their Saunier Duval team for "doping practices" it has been reported. The are strong rumours about Ricco's team mate and of course Ricco himself who spent time in a French jail after his positive test. A spokesperson from the Saunier Duval company said their involvement in the sport of cycling was likely to end. They also stated that if illegal practices were found to have taken place they would be pursuing legal action. A sad end to their involvement in the sport.

State of Play

With the talk of drugs in the sport of professional cycling Mark Cavendish is proving to be the shining light. He has been tested a numerous times and is riding clean. Anther 'easy' day too for the contenders of the Tour. These days are nervous but also a chance to get the legs ready for the battle on the Alps which starts on Sunday.