The 95th edition of the Tour de France got underway today, with a regular stage and no short prologue for the first time in 42 years. The world's premier bicycle race, wracked by doping scandals, also started without its defending champion.
The 2007 winner, Alberto Contador of Spain, was not present because his Astana team was not invited due to doping charges. Just last week, American Floyd Landis was stripped of his 2006 title for using illegal substances. This year's no-name Tour began in Brittany with 180 riders from 20 teams and will arrive at the finish line in Paris on July 27th.
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