2009 Cycling Season: A Final Look Back

What a year 2009 was. From returning dopers to conquering underdogs to the return of a cycling legend, a look back at some of EP's favorite and most poignant moments from this past season . . .

NBC Universal answers all cycling fan's prayers. The media giant broadcasts International races live via the Internet, allowing fans the chance to see races live that they previously never would have been able to see before. Perhaps the biggest happening of 2009, it is hoped that NBC will continue to support the sport with live race coverage.

Chad Gerlach returns to cycling. The recovering drug addict and alcoholic wins the overall title at the Tour de Nez, and comes full circle in his battle against drugs and alcohol. Currently still battling his addictions, Gerlach has decided to cut his comeback short. Still, his 2009 exploits were amazing.

A different Lance Armstrong returns to professional cycling. "Big Tex" made an improbable return to the highest level of cycling, after a nearly four year layoff. Behind a solid early season build up, Armstrong placed an amazing 3rd overall at the Tour de France, electrifying the world once again with his amazing talent. Less edgy than in years past, Armstrong was a cheerful participant in big and small races throughout the season. Now with a new team and a new found desire to compete, he'll look for his 8th Tour de France title in 2010.

Mark Cavendish cements his reputation as world's fastest sprinter. The brash Brit destroys his competition throughout the season, and sets the standard for sprinters for 2010 and beyond. He may have things a bit tougher next year, but nevertheless he'll still be the number one favorite for sprint finishes throughout next season.

Alberto Contador confirms himself as the world's best stage racing rider. Neither team polemics, course profiles or rival teams could derail Contador at the Tour in 2009, and 2010 will likely be more of the same, regardless of the fact that he has lost many of his top support riders from 2009.

Coryn Rivera arrives as a top female cycling talent. "The Prodigy" rolls up big time wins in America against some of the world's best, and establishes herself as the American female rider to watch for the foreseeable future. She'll be a top threat in 2010, behind a revamped ProMan Hit Squad.

Accused dopers continue to deny, deny, deny. From Danilo Di Luca to Davide Rebellin to Stefan Schumacher, accused dopers continue to come up with every excuse in the book to explain their cheating. Few choose instead to admit their mistake, and the legal process drags on and on and on, a shame for fans everywhere.

Garmin's Tyler Farrar goes full legit. Farrar completes a scintillating season and wins several huge races, proving once and for all that he belongs among the world's top sprinters. He'll re-load for 2010, and will target stage wins in all three grand tours and a few select classics. With a bit of luck, it's within the realm of possibility that he could win Milan San-Remo or even the green jersey at the Tour.

Floyd Landis returns to cycling with a fizzle. Despite big publicity and promises from the disgraced American, Landis falls short in his first season back in the pro peloton. He looks like an ordinary rider now, but could still improve in the coming year. As of this writing he doesn't have a new team, but rumors have linked him to Rock Racing.

Alejandro Valverde is banned in Italy . . . yet manages to win first grand tour at the Vuelta a Espana. Valverde rides valiantly in Spain to take top overall honors at the Vuelta, and continues to avoid a worldwide ban for Operacion Puerto. The jury is still out as to whether he'll avoid a long suspension, but for now the Spaniard is aiming at a top overall finish at the Tour de France next July.

Cadel Evans breaks through. The embattled Aussie finally makes good in a big time race taking the rainbow jersey in Mendrisio, Switzerland. Next up for Evans is a stint at BMC, where he'll once again try his luck at the Tour de France, and legendary status.

Race radios to be fazed out over the next few seasons. The cycling powers that be pass down the judgement that race radios will be fazed out of professional competition, with the hope that the lack of in-race communication between coaches and riders will lead to more dramatic and unpredictable race action. Like it or not, riders will have to slowly get used to riding on instinct instead of instruction.

Damiano Cunego sees the light. The punchy Italian climber finally allows that his grand tour overall dreams are over. Re-upping for 2010, The Little Prince will instead focus on stage wins and the hilly classics. A 20 win season in 2010 would not be too much of a surprise.

Brad Wiggins goes from prologue specialist to grand tour threat. Behind staunch support from Garmin boss Jonathan Vaughters and the rest of the Gamrin team, Wiggins climbs to an amazing 4th place overall in the Tour, and instant grand tour credibility. For 2010, the Brit will line up for the newly formed Team Sky. He'll be the undisputed team leader of the Sky squad, and will enjoy all of the pressure that goes with being a favorite at the world's biggest bicycle race. Time will tell how he handles it.

It was an amazing year for professional cycling, and hopefully 2010 will build on the momentum from this past year. Until then, eat, drink, and be happy, and may you drop all of your rivals out on the roads in 2010!

Once more important note from 2009: EuroPeloton would like to thank all of our readers for their loyalty and comments throughout the year. Thanks also to all of those who have sent emails of thanks and support throughout the year. Looking forward to all the action in 2010!