Yes, we had absolutely no idea this thing was underway already too.

Steroids. That has been the topic the past couple of years when one talks about cycling. With the 2008 Tour de France underway, the sport’s organizers are hoping this year’s winner will have no trace whatsoever of the substance these sports buffs love.

And as far as this year’s tournament is concerned, we’re already in the sixth stage this Thursday. After Mark Cavendish finally did his home Britain proud by winning the fifth stage of the Tour de France championships, things have gone from obscure to a little bit interesting as far as the British are concerned.

You read it, after missing out on a win last Monday via a breakaway, Mark Cavendish got some sort of redemption Wednesday after recording his very first victory in the premier tournament of cycling.

‘’Obviously after the other day we were really disappointed, so it made us motivated for today,'’ Mark Cavendish said, referring to Monday’s disappointment that pushed him to win Wednesday. ‘’For sure it is the biggest thing that has happened to me.'’

Riding for Team Columbia, Cavendish won the fifth stage in a sprint after a three-rider breakaway that led almost the entire way of the tournament’s longest leg. And although Stefan Schumacher still managed to retain the Tour de France yellow jersey by keeping his lead in the standings, stage five was a day that allowed sprinters to show what they can do.

Even though their performances won’t have any impact whatsoever in this year’s standings.

One man who does have a big impact on the sport lately is happy to still have the lead. You can bet your ass he was more than happy to sport that yellow jersey and with a name that relates to champions of speed, sports fans should take notice of THIS Schumacher too.

‘’It was great to enjoy this stage in the yellow jersey,'’ Stefan Schumacher said. ‘’Yesterday, it was a great mix of feelings given that the start of the season was not good for me. Yesterday, I could have cried but I didn’t want to cry in front of everyone. Today, I was much more relaxed.'’

Who will win the 2008 Tour de France? SBG Global provides a list of the top cyclists you can bet on. Bet now.

Stefan Schumacher

Mark Cavendish

Cadel Evans

Alejandro Valverde

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2008 Tour de France Mark Cavendish