Six U.S. Cyclists Set for Unique 2007 Tour De France

The 2007 Tour de France, cycling's yearly pinnacle event, begins Saturday, July 7 in London, and it will be unique for three reasons.

The race's 94th edition will start in London, England, a first since the race debut's 1903. It will begin three days after Independence Day - a rare late starting day. And the race will not include a defending titlist.

Last year, Floyd Landis of Murrieta, Calif., became the race's 11th American winner in its last 21 editions. But Landis is still embattled in drug accusations and his absence will be the first time in race history the reigning title won't return via drug-related issues.

In his well-documented ordeal, Landis tested positive for a high testosterone-epitestosteroe level after dramatically winning stage 17 en route to his comeback overall victory. He's currently embroiled in the legal process and his title remains in limbo.

Amaury Sport Organization, the Tour's organizers, says it no longer consider Landis the race winner. Yet it has not officially stripped his title.

Beyond the Landis affair, the new starting location and late starting date, the Tour this year will advance in a clockwise route and will include six days in the mountains, one more than in 2006.

After the start in London, the Tour will cross the sea two days later, continue in Belgium and then progress into France until its traditional concluding day in Paris on July 29.

Although final rosters aren't required until just prior to the race's start, six Americans, all Tour de France veterans, will likely compete.

The pending U.S contingent includes:

George Hincapie, 32, Greenville, S.C., Discovery Channel - Hincapie rode for Armstrong in each of his seven title years. Now he's one of the most experienced riders in the pro ranks. He won a Tour de France mountain stage in 2005 and has now finished the race 10 times, more than any other American.

The official logo of the 2007 Tour de France.

Credit: Amaury Sport Organization

Copyright: Amaury Sport Organizatiin