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Tour Lessons for the French Economy

What will be the cultural impact of yet another win by an American of the Tour de France? The French, already reeling from their loss in the World Cup final ? and forgetting that simply getting to the final of the world?s greatest soccer match is no small feat ? might throw a conniption fit, but as Lance Armstrong proved multiple times and those of other countries have shown, just because France hosts the Tour de France doesn?t mean a Frenchman deserves to win the competition.

In fact, an American or other foreigner winning the Tour would be an example of the sort of multi-polar equality the French seek for the world. The French have long taken their inadequacies to be reason to loathe everyone else that does better than they do, but they do this mistakenly. Their country, while suffering from high unemployment and stagnant innovation, and ethnic tensions, is hardly indicative of a failed state. In fact, post-War France is one of Europe?s success stories, having overcome political divisions that might?ve torn other countries apart.

But back to the point: If an American wins the Tour de France once more, the French are likely ? with their history of antipathy to American success ? to make more than a few snide remarks. If anything, though, the French would do well to learn from Floyd Landis and apply the determination that Americans often show to improving the situation of their country, because it could turn them into winners too?especially when it comes to their economy.