I know I always say I focus only on XC mtb, but I must admit I enjoy watching the TdF every July. Back when Lance was the star, each Tour was an exciting event for us US viewers. But the Tour has a decent history of mountain bikers tearing it up in France. Cadel Evans is probably the most successful former XC racer at the tour. He was one of the best in his years on the World Cup before moving full time to the road. Unlike modern racers, Once Cadel switched, he never really came back, or dabbled in mtb races for fun.
The new generation has several tour racers that were and are, successful XC racers. Tom Pidcock of course, he wins every XC race he enters it seems, and with ease. MvDP used to race XC races and eventually won some. Even with his extreme talent, it took him several years to really master XC races. Then he disappeared and I see zero reason he’ll ever return at this point.
So if you love bike racing, I see no reason not to watch the Tour. This year in particular is a bit of a mess. The big favorite, Tadej Pogacar, will win this year, and probably with ease. Everyone else is either compromised in health and body, or just not up to the task in my opinion. But I’ll still watch it.
It’s also handy that I get a “free” sub to Peacock since I am an Xfinity customer, and they give a free basic Peacock account. So you might have access to the Tour this year and not even realize it.
So I’ll be watching, and rooting for Pidcock and MvDP. But I’m predicting a boring race for the win.