Despite the doping case against Alberto Contador, he's still the heavy favorite to win the 2011 Tour de France, beginning this Friday, July 1. Contador currently has appealed the verdict against him, and he says he's focused on winning the race ahead. He better be since Andy Schleck is going to prove himself a worthy opponent once again no doubt. The two are miles ahead of anyone else listed among the betting odds for the world's most famous cycling event, and for good reason. But here's hoping the race can continue without any distractions other than the spirit of competition that comes with such a prestigious race.
Here are the official pre-race odds for the 2011 Tour de France (from Bodog):
Alberto Contador - 8/13
Andy Schleck - 2/1
Cadel Evans - 25/1
Ivan Basso - 25/1
Bradley Wiggins - 28/1
Robert Gesink - 28/1
Frank Schleck - 33/1
Samuel Sanchez - 33/1
Jurgen Van Den Broeck - 50/1
Levi Leipheimer - 50/1
Jani Brajkovic - 66/1
Andrea Kloden - 80/1
Christopher Horner - 80/1
Roman Kreuziger - 100/1
Alexander Vinokourov - 125/1
Carlos Sastre - 125/1
Ryder Hesjedal - 125/1
Christian Vandevelde - 150/1
Joaquin Rodriguez - 150/1
Damiano Cunega - 200/1
Edvald Boasson Hagen - 200/1
Nicholas Roche - 200/1
Peter Sagen - 200/1