Can't Get No Respect

Yes, it seems like this year's Tour de France will go down in history as the Tour de Crash.  Just when we thought the luck of the competitors couldn't get any worse, this happens:



Unbelievable.

Turns out, the driver of the French TV car was instructed by race officials to remain in position, but he ignored their instructions and attempted to pass the breakway riders.  In doing so, he misjudged his distance from a tree and swerved into Juan Antonio Flecha who in turn was knocked into Johnny Hoogerland.  Hoogerland was sent flying into a nearby barbwire fence.

Both riders finished and were awarded the most aggressive prize for that stage, the first time in Tour history two riders shared that honor.  Hoogerland was also awarded the polka dot KOM jersey at the end of the stage.  After the race, he went to the hospital for 33 stitches in his legs and the hope he'd be in decent shape to return after yesterday's rest day.

After today's stage, he still holds the polka dot jersey.

Meanwhile, that idiot driver was thrown out of further participation in the Tour and the matter is being investigated by the French police.  I certainly hope the guy gets more than a slap on the wrist.

Of course, idiocy begets idiocy and this fellow with dull normal intelligence had to put in his two cents:

ESPN's Michael Smith tweeted,

Later on after receiving numerous complaints he responded, "I'm sorry that crash is hilarious. Every. Time."  What could possibly be funny about this?

Hoogerland's bloodied legs as he completed the rest of stage 9

Face it people, cycling (despite what the bright colored lycra may suggest) is a hardcore sport.  While Michael Smith and his sort clearly think something like American Football is tougher, the stats don't seem to mesh with that viewpoint.  Since the 1890's, 92 cyclists have been killed during a competition, 28 have been killed during training.  According to my research, only about 10 professional and college football players died from an injury sustained during a game or practice.

In fact, it seemed cars have killed more football players than football has.  Twenty-seven deaths were caused by an automobile or motorcycle accident.  In fact, from baseball to weightlifting, the most common killer of  athletes is motor vehicle accidents.

I don't hear any laughing.

Professional and competing amateurs are extremely dedicated to their sport.  Its is a 365 day a year commitment that strains their bodies, minds, and personal life.  They train from 2 to 6 hours a day, obsess about their diets, travel all over the world, and only get paid a mere fraction of what athletes are paid in the most popular American sports.  Then, when they get out there to compete, they face the overwhelming odds of getting a serious injury during the event.  I'm not just talking about the pro's either.  There are tons of folks out there that compete just as hard and face just as many risks without team sponsorships.  These men and women are incredible.

Its about time that that cycling is taken seriously by the rest of the world.  If they can't respect the men and women at the top of the sport, what makes us think they will respect those of us that are just riding down the road?