THE 2008 Tour de France may have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons with several riders being caught doping and suspended.

The majority of the public are now of the opinion that the event is like a circus or actors who are performing on a big stage.

But at least the authorities are attempting to root out the perpetrators. There is now an opinion that a life ban for anyone caught doping would put the item to bed.

But hopefully we will have a clean tour next year, with the possibility of three Irish riders on the start line.

Philip Deignan, who recently moved to newly-created Cervélo Test Team, which will have this year's winner Carlos Sastre as its leader.

Nicolas Roche (24), who signed a two-year contract with AG2R La Mondiale, and whose fine showing in the Tour of Spain was the highlight of a terrific season.

EXPERIENCE

"Nicolas is a rider of the future. He has acquired a certain experience in the pro peloton and is today a mature rider. All of this will enable him to become faster in big races," said AG2R's Vincent Lavenu.

And, keeping it in the (Roche) family, Stephen's nephew Daniel Martin, who admitted to me at the recent World Championships in Italy that his team Garmin Chipotle will be competing in all the major tours next year.

He has no preference but I'm sure he would like to go head-to-head with Nicholas.

This week the 2009 edition was launched, and it drew favourable comments from seven-time winner Lance Armstrong, who recently announced his return to the saddle.

Speaking about the route, which will take in Mont Ventoux on the penultimate day, the American said: "I could not have hoped for a different Tour. The route of the 2009 Tour de France strikes me as innovative and very interesting.

"From its start in Monte Carlo with a 15km time trial, to the reinstatement of the team time trial, to stages in my old home town of Girona all the way to my old friend the Ventoux."

By all accounts the 2009 edition, which runs from July 4-26, looks to be spectacular.

SHOWDOWN

Instead of the last weekend coming down to the usual individual race against the clock, the final showdown will be on the slopes of Mont Ventoux -- the last of four summit finishes -- on the day before the race finishes in Paris.

It will also be the most international Tour for many years because, as well as starting in the Principality of Monaco, it will pass through Spain, Andorra, Switzerland and Italy.

- Tommy Campbell