Top Riders to Watch (Besides Lance)

They tried, but just couldn't say goodbye

(NEWSER) - Just five weeks into her early retirement , Amanda Bynes is back —thank goodness. “As you let the good news sink in, possibly while IMDBing who Amanda Bynes actually is,” Mary Elizabeth Williams writes for Salon , consider eight other public figures who just couldn’t quit:

• Cher: “The diva has gone away and come back more times than a persistent case of pinkeye” and is currently doing an extended run in Vegas.
• Joaquin Phoenix: He told reporters he was “done” in 2008, but he’s starring in a documentary about his rap career, so who knows if he was serious or not. Click here to read about a scandal surrounding said documentary.

Spaniard makes mark as cycling's new star

(AP) - He may have clinched yesterday, but Alberto Contador crossed over the finish line today, winning his third Tour de France and heralding the arrival of a new cycling superstar as seven-time champion Lance Armstrong finished the race for the last time. Mark Cavendish of Britain led a sprint to win the 20th and final stage—a largely ceremonial 63.7-mile course from Longjumeau to the Champs-Elysees in Paris. More»

Spaniard secures victory ahead of tomorrow's finale

(AP) - Alberto Contador locked up his third Tour de France title in four years today after retaining the yellow jersey in the next-to-last stage. (Today was the last competitive day of racing ahead of the short finale tomorrow.) The 27-year-old Spaniard held on to his razor-thin lead over Andy Schleck of Luxembourg. As for Lance Armstrong, he's way back in 23rd. More»

Bicyclists in Tour de France are bound by etiquette

(NEWSER) - The Tour de France isn't all yellow shirts and glory. The Wall Street Journal takes a look at some of the rules—informal and otherwise—that guide the bicyclists.

• Don't grab first place if the current leader is having mechanical trouble. (Alberto Contador broke this informal no-no in the current race and quickly apologized.)
• Don't pee in front of fans. (Riders sometimes stop in groups at a secluded spot or discreetly let loose while riding.)

Here's what 9,000 calories look like

(NEWSER) - Three weeks, 2,200 miles, and a few mountains: Clearly, a few Clif bars won't hack it for Tour de France riders. LiveScience takes a look at how, and what, Lance Armstrong et al eat on race days:

• For starters, they eat often, about 6 times a day: twice before, once during, and three times after their ride.
• The grand total? About 9,000 calories.