Washington Syrah v. Sonoma

Lance Armstrong's sponsors were dropping him faster than a sommelier drops a corked bottle of wine last week.  Not only did he lose his 7 Tour de France victories (the UCI agreed with the USADA lifetime ban and removal of all results from 1996 forward), Lance also lost his sponsor deals with Trek, Nike, Oakley, Anheuser-Busch and others.  He also stepped down as CEO of Livestrong.

The biggest heroes definitely make the biggest thud when they fall.

Personally, I am tired of the whole thing.  I have two hopes for all of this:  Pro Cycling can focus on what is happening now and in the future.  That focus needs to include deterants that will eliminate doping from the cyclists "preparation" and training "programs."  My other hope is that Livestrong can continue to provide resources to people fighting cancer and cancer survivors despite the damage that Lance has done to his personal reputation.

The pro road race season is done.  Cyclocross is the focus for the elite racers from now until February.  So, this is the time of the year where I start exploring other parts of the world.

First up is Major League Baseball's World Series featuring the San Francisco Giants v. the Detroit Tigers.

Now, on to the bay area and this week's battle.

2006 Saint Laurent Estate Syrah v.  2004 Arrowood Russian River Valley Syrah

Washington Mourvedre v. Southern Rhone

This last week has been explosive for pro cycling.  The covers were blown off and the mystery of doping was laid bare with the USADA's reasoned decision against Lance Armstrong.  Most people wanted to believe that the majority of the pro peloton was racing clean.  Sadly, it turns out that most continued to use banned substances even after the Festina Affair blew up at the 1998 Tour de France.

This week's challenge keeps up with the Mystery theme matching up a Garagiste Mystery Wine from the Southern Rhone against a Mystery Wine from Walla Walla.

2010 Renegade Wine Co. Mourvedre v. 2008 Calendal  Plan de Dieu

Washington Dolcetto v. Dolcetto d'Alba

The pro cycling season is winding down with a number of one day races in Italy and France and a final stage race in China.  Last week featured three one day races in Northern Italy.  The biggest race of the three was the Giro d Lombardia. Also known as the Race of the Falling Leaves, the race represents the changing seasons as well as the traditional end of road racing in Europe.

This week's matchup features a Dolcetto Double Down.

2010 Wind Rose Dolcetto v. 2010 Socre' Dolcetto