Photograph source: The Guardian

Alejandro Valverde brought a passion and excitement to yesterday’s Stage 1 finish in Plumelec. He took off with 200 metres to go, with an extraordinary acceleration, producing roars of delight from Eurosport commentator  David Harmon.

And from us. We were on the edge of our seats too, shouting at the TV, loving every thrilling moment. We can’t wait for today’s humpy hilly stage and another uphill finish.

So whilst we absolutely believe that Cadel Evans is a great role-model for clean cycling and is a fantastic cyclist, he’s doesn’t have a va va voom switch.

And this is exactly what cycling fans need from this Tour de France to expunge the doldrums of the last two years.

Valverde oozes va va voom. He looks different this year. It’s not just confidence, it’s like he’s finally got it. Stephen Roche spent time with him at an early season training camp, and believes he has a new maturity.

So barring those slippy wheels and his customary bonk in a mountain stage - it could happen to anyone - he’s our favourite for the top of the podium in Paris.

Take a walk on the scary King’s Pathway, near Malaga, Spain. At your own risk!

Go to Brightcove

el Camino del Rey

Nicky, Edinburgh

Photograph : The Guardian

Chechu is in south-east France this weeked for the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, which starts tomorrow in Avignon.

Not far away, “perched on a hill overlooking the valley of cherry trees and vines”, is the tiny medieval village of Lacoste.

Artists and writers have long settled here. Peter Mayle wrote A Year in Provence near here, and John Malkovich is a regular visitor to the local food market.

Something is disturbing the traquility here though. In recent years, house prices have rocketed, sometimes up to three times the market value. The reason for this property boom is Pierre Cardin, the millionaire Paris fashion designer and businessman.

Cardin now owns more than twenty properties in Lacoste. His aim is to turn the village into a “St Tropez of culture”, a refuge for artists. He has already established a music festival. He says,

“I’m happy here. I just want to make the village beautiful. I collect houses.”

Of course, local people are objecting to the manipulation of their village by outsiders, and the high property prices.

See more photographs of Lacoste in The Guardian.

Nicky, Edinburgh

Cycling is a wonderful competitive sport. We love watching our heroes in action. For many of us, though, it’s also a fun activity for the family, as well as great exercise.

A recent survey in Britain shows that children are not enjoying the freedom offered by cycling because their parents don’t allow them to cycle on the roads, at least until they are much older. Fear of traffic is the main reason.

Cycling proficiency training is given in most schools. Is this adequate? What else should be done to make cycling safe and normal for kids?

Let us know what you think.

All contributors to this Vox Pop will be entered into a monthly draw to win a pack of 10 exclusive Chechu Rubiera postcards (2 designs).

The June draw will be made on 10 June 2008, and the winner notified by email.

It’s been a slow news month on the Rubiera front. We know he’s been training in the gym, as it’s been wet in Asturias. But we’ve certainly missed him at the Giro.

However, like all good magazines, we have something fun and quirky in reserve.

Just along from Loli and Jose’s bar in Baldornon, Asturias, there’s a field belonging to the family. And in the field, you’ll find the Rubiera goats. Las cabras.

Of course, we went to look and admire, and the girls spent twenty minutes or so feeding the greedy but gorgeous goats.

Amazingly, Chechu hung around, he took a couple of calls, and we talked goats!

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Alberto Contador’s good friend Paco is a lucky man. He gets to go to Alberto’s races, then shares his experiences at his fantastic blog, EL BLOG DE PAKITO.

Paco has been at the Giro for several days with Alberto’s brother Francisco and their friend Patricio. They were at Plan de Corones on Monday and saw Alberto’s amazing time trial performance.

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If you don’t live in Europe, this annual “song” tele-fest may be meaningless - but take a moment out to enjoy. Last Saturday, 25 nations competed in Belgrade in the Eurovision Song Contest.

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AP Photo, Alessandro Trovati

Alberto Contador set the world on fire last year when he won Paris-Nice. He went on to win more and more victories for Discovery Channel team, finishing with the biggest prize in pro cycling: the Tour de France.

Since his Tour win, Alberto has met many challenges, on the bike and off. The way he has comported himself in good times and in tough times shows that he’s mature beyond his years, a consummate professional, and a prinicipled person.

Why do you support Alberto? Is it his attack style of riding? Is it his rapidly developing time-trialing skill? Or is it because of the type of person he is?

Tell us about it!

It’s fair to say that our Braveheart competition hasn’t set the heather on fire. Yet.

Thank you to the lone person who has entered so far. You know who you are. You’re my favourite!

Our competition isn’t easy, because it’s a great prize and I want people to see what’s happening at Braveheart. Brian Smith and Alan Miller have integrity and genuine spirit. I’ve been inspired working them. I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating. Supporting Braveheart and all that it achieves is the right thing for us to do in Chechu’s final season.

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This week, Scottish football (soccer) fans went on the rampage after Glasgow Rangers lost the UEFA Cup final. It was a shock to us. The days of fans facing up to the polis were supposed to be over. We were proud that we weren’t like yon thugs south of the Border.

The reasons for the violence and destruction in Manchester last Wednesday have been much debated in the media here. Everyone has given their opinion - of course - including the leader of Glasgow Council, Steven Purcell.

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