Boy! What a year this has been for the pro peloton! One thing is for sure, all of the excitement that was generated in 2008 will be carried through into 2009 and more so. Is anyone else excited about next year!!?? The 2009 season could not be packed with more drama and anticipation. We have the return of cycling superstar Lance Armstrong (Team Astana) as well as his former rival, Italian Ivan Basso (Team Liquigas) as well as the return of the entire Astana team into ASO races (knock on wood) including the Tour de France. Spain's Alberto Contador will finally get a chance to back up his 2007 yellow jersey, or will he? The return of Armstrong does complicate things which makes it all the better for us fans. I'm not complaining.

And what about the Giro? Will the centennial edition of this race be THE race of the year? Race director Angelo Zomegnan's quest to globalize the Giro and compete against the Tour de France's popularity will finally come to fruition thanks to an all-star cast of cyclists. All of the big names, save for Alberto Contador, will ride the Giro, making it the most greatly anticipated Grand Tour of the season.

Besides the two obvious races, Le Tour and the Giro, to keep tabs on, the other big event I can't wait for is the 2009 Paris Roubaix. Will big George Hincapie (Team Columbia) finally win his elusive cobblestone trophy? We in the states are always on pins and needles every year we watch this race and hope that all of the stars do align for the South Carolinian. He's definitely not getting any younger and his current crop of rivals are just as strong, if not stronger.

Follow up:

So what about Lance? Call it what you want, but he does bring attention to the sport and we do need attention. With that comes money and sponsorship which is the only way to have the sport survive. One can say he came back at just the right moment. The sport was just getting over the latest doping scandals and a drop in sponsorship money. Teams are folding and cyclists have found it hard to find jobs. Whatever Lance's reason, whether it's for personal gain or for his global cancer initiative, all people in the sport should welcome him with open arms. Yes, even you, France.

But did Lance the manwhore really have to go out and get girlfriend number 1,001 pregnant (without outside help) in time for a delivery between the Giro and the Tour? (Great timing, Lance!) As online gossip columnist, Perez Hilton states, Lance does have Super Sperm! Here are some images to prove:

And finally, I'd like to thank Fyxomatosis for single handedly bringing Save The Legs!!! it's monthly hits quota in just 2 days. And it's nice to know that you enjoyed my Bikesnob NYC post. I'm bringing a longer lens next time.

So with all of that said, Happy Holidays and enjoy your New Year!

- Jack