I think that the "big" boys have forgotten where they came from and can only remember their paycheques. Everyone in bike racing has been involved in a crazy situation because of weather, terrain, the tactics of other racers, or a combination of everything. When I hear comments like Levi Leipheimer's saying how chaotic it was because of the conditions and the fact that the directors lost t.v. coverage in their cars so riders like Levi didn't know what was happening, it makes me think that maybe Levi (and others) need to realize that what is happening is the Tour de France and most riders in the pro ranks would give everything for the opportunity to compete in this event. And the last time I checked, the race is three weeks long so there will probably be some difficulties along the way. Otherwise I hear randonneur events are quite popular.