We have a new winner in the Tour, and a new winner in the Tour Pool.
Despite all the agonizing, analyzing, second guessing and proselytizing, it was one of the least expert and least prepared entrants who walked away with the big prize: Team Last Minute, a.k.a. Wilby McKnight, has crushed all comers in this year's pool with a brilliant final-week performance capped by a scintillating last day.
In second, after so much hope, was Paul McAneney, the Cadel Evans of the Tour Pool. A brave effort, but too little, too late.
Third was Stephan Sander, who had a low-key but consistent Tour before vaulting onto the podium on the final day.
What happened to our other pretenders? The one who was feared the most after leading for so long, Remi Berube, simply didn't have what it takes on the last day, dropping to fourth. Tricia K (& RP), who vied for the win at one point, also ended the Tour slumped over her handlebars in sixth. Former winner Steve Proulx faded to seventh. And long-time leader Grimpeur George? An anonymous 65th.
The one entrant that fulfilled its early promise was K8 Scallion, who started and finished the Tour in Lanterne Rouge.
Before anyone points it out, I managed 80th, a performance so far beyond mediocre as to be, well, exceptionally mediocre.
Thanks to everyone for participating, and thanks, too, for the many kind words during the Pool. I will follow this up with a list of prize winners.
KW
1 Team Last Minute 792
2 Paul McAneney 781
3 Stephan Sander 766
4 Remi Berube 754
5 Meylina Kandoy 743
6 Tricia K (& RP) 732
7 Steve Proulx 729
8 Josée Lamirande 726
9 Matthew Ellis A-Team 720
10 Marc Boudreau 716
10 Bob Webber 716
10 Les Boyz 716
13 Chris Holzhauer 687
14 Flip i Flap 686
15 Paul Crowley 682
16 Team Twink 675
17 Alexandra Lai 663
18 Earl Wexler 657
18 Peter Metuzals 657
20 Team Kingsmere 648
21 Dr. Ed 637
22 Fee 634
23 Jeffrey Furry 622
24 Devil's Island CC 621
25 Phelan 618
25 Grimpeur Kings 618
27 Jay "Green Jersey" Heins 612
28 Paul McAneney Team 2 611
29 Team mtbrkerz 608
30 Sebastian Robillard-Cardinal 602
31 Paul Skafel 599
32 Jay "GC" Heins 592
32 Kiwi Mike 592
34 Oro Rocks! 591
35 Rob Grondin 589
36 Helena Deveer 586
37 Linda Gilligan 583
38 Hamburglars 579
39 Barnet Cycling Club 576
40 Paul Gagnon 575
41 David Markin 573
42 Superfan 564
43 Deb Hine 563
44 Jboys 552
45 Vince Caceres 550
46 Donneli 548
47 Team Nestle 544
48 VIPER 530
49 Team Willow 520
51 Gordon Dalling 518
52 Chris White 514
53 Bill Richardson 511
54 TinaB 507
54 Westboro Chiropractic 507
54 Julie Deschenes-Furry 507
57 Sandy Fulton 502
58 Mike House 498
59 Richard Swandel 478
60 Ian Dewar 476
61 Getafix 471
62 Julian Hine 466
63 Conor O'Brien 463
64 Tyler Lawlor 458
65 Grimpeur George 455
66 natbikes.com 450
67 Ian Dalling 449
68 Blaine Penny 444
69 Sheri Jay 433
70 Biggie Flave 429
71 Are we there yet? 428
72 Bat of Alpe d'Huez 422
73 Richard And Catherine 421
74 Matthew Ellis B-Team 403
76 Doug Corner 373
77 Julie Jay 369
78 Lisa McMurray 363
79 Mhairi Gilmore 338
80 Kris Westwood 310
81 Erich Zappe 263
82 Old Farts 208
83 Ilennod 134
84 K8 Scallion 78