Morning Brian, I agree that the Tour faces a major crisis in terms of Sponorship/Funding and this could have a major impact on next years event. Cycling is a sport enjoyed by millions including me. The Tour is not the only cycle race in the world and I'm sure the Tour and the Sport will survive.
I think there is a lot of hypocrisy concerning the Tour, because the 'wrong doing' is discovered during the race; what other Endurance Event lasts three weeks in the public view? In other sports it's 'old news' so lose it on the back page.
I for one still admire 'Tail End Charlie' whoever that maybe this afternoon, I donot believe that the commitment of the vast majority of the riders should be so lightly and cheaply dismissed by the Pundits.
I don't know about our friends in the 'CD', but the reports received from Madame, who with virtually the entire population of the Commune was present for yesterdays Stage, the local support and passion for the Tour remains unabated.........
