Dave & Hyde...
The bike is a French brand - Gitane - model Mach 2300 - full carbon frame with Altegra componants. I have added Cosmic Mavic alloy rims, BBB carbon wing bars and tried a number of different seats to find a comfortable one that doesnt cut off circulation.... as for future changes, well maybe a few bits of Dura-ace if they pop up, or I might upgrade the bike all together - we will see. The bug has bitten
As for your question if I am following the Tour de France... is the pope a Catholic!?! Cadel Evans is a friend of mine and encouraged me to get involved in cycling. He purchased my Mustang back in 2001 after he got his contract with Team Mapei.
He is my favorite, but there will be some strong competition - there are a few US riders with a great chance. Floyd Landis, George Hincapie and Levi Liepheimer are all highly regarded and I will be surprised if at least 2 or three of them dont end up in the top 5.
The drug saga is huge, but there is still a huge talent pool to make the racing as exciting as any year. You hope that these riders have not had an unfair advantage as they have had some big wind over the years and it casts doubt over how long thy have been using the drugs if it is true.
For the sake of cycling, hopefully all is clear and they are free to ride next year!