It never fails. Every time I catch a glimpse of or a news report about the Tour de France, that Freddie Mercury and Queen song invades my head.

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike. I want to ride my bicycle I want to ride it where I like…

AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!! I actually love their music, except for that one song! I have to stop watching that damn bike race!!!

Anyway, it appears the Americans will keep their stranglehold on France’s greatest sporting event. Fresh off the heels of Lance Armstrong’s record 7-consecutive Tour wins, Floyd Landis has grabbed the yellow jersey with but one, largely ceremonial stage remaining. This one was kind of a remarkable development according to cycling experts. (I admit to not being one, unless you count riding a 10-speed through the back streets of Dracut when you’re a kid)

Landis, one of the favorites to win the race, was given up for dead following a disastrous performance Wednesday. After the stage, he stood in 11th place, more than 8-minutes behind the leader. Landis roared back with a dominating performance Thursday, one that ended with him just 30-ticks off the pace.

Even better, he’d become a fan favorite among the mostly French crowds. After winning the all-important time trial Saturday, Landis now has a nearly insurmountable lead of 59-seconds.

The only question remaining is whether Landis can stay upright on his bike while sipping champagne through the Champs Elysees on Sunday. That, and how long will it take some French newspaper to drum up false performance enhancing drug rumors about the new champ.

God bless America! And God bless Freddie Mercury!

Does anyone out there care about the Tour de France other than the fact an American is sticking it to the French yet again? Does anyone like that "bicycling" song? What's your favorite Queen hit? Mine is Killer Queen!