Google Map
Update: I can't swear that this is going to work for you Monday morning, but on Sunday I was able to find live video streaming of the Tour de France with commentary in English. Your company may frown upon you doing this while you're getting paid to work, but in the interests of full disclosure, here's what I did:
1. I went to the Eurosport Tour de France page, followed the link to live coverage then found the "live audio" button on the right side of the page. That's where Eurosport commentators, including Sean Yates, described the action.
2. Then I went to what I'll call Justin.tv No. 1 and Justin.tv No. 2, which are foreign language video-streaming broadcasts. I don't know where they come from or how they appear here, but they cut in and out, which is why I had both running. Then I opened Eurosport live video, which doesn't have any sound and was not a smooth stream, but it was better than nothing.
3. Then I listened to the Eurosport audio and turned the volume down on the two Justin.tv streams flipped among all three videos to find the best stream.
Thanks to CyclingFans.com, which had the links. Good luck.
A lot has been written about the accessibility of bicycle racing to its fans, who can stand at the edge of the road and watch their favorites pedal past. No tickets. No reservations.
That's more true than ever for the Tour de France. Not only can cycling fans watch it up close and personal, but the event is broadcast by 92 TV stations in 180 countries. Live coverage is also widely available on the Internet, enabling people hunkered down in their cubicles to keep up-to-date with the action.
I've already reported about the Versus cable TV schedule. There's also video highlights at some websites, as well as text updates and race animations elsewhere. Google is even offering Street View photos of the entire route, above.
Ever since Google Earth was launched, it seems that someone comes up with some new way to display the Tour de France course.This year is no different. No they haven't figured out a way to display live action, but you can see a 3D view of the route just as the racers see it using Street View.
This is Google's first use for Street View outside the US. Not only is it available for all the stages of the Tour de France on Google Earth, it's also available at Google maps. The photo above is from Google Maps near Le Bourg d'Oisans; if you look closely, you'll even see a bicyclist.
Check out Google Earth Tour de France street views (you may need to download the 4.3 version); or Google Maps Tour de France street views.
Video
The VeloNews Tour de France site offers video interviews and highlights, as well as links to news and race updates at the Tour.
Versus plans to offer streaming video for stage 1 and 2 prior to its on-air TV coverage. It also will offer video highlights.
George Hincapie is even expected to get into the video act, offering behind-the-scenes video at the George Hincapie website.
Other coverage
One of the best places to follow the race action online is the official Tour de France website.
The Tour de France live race page provides an elevation chart with race position, peloton gaps in real time, and newsflashes.
I also like the CyclingNews Tour de France updates. Check the index for other features.
Eurosport offers streaming audio of the Tour de France. From the Tour page, follow the "Live" link on the photo then look for "Live Audio" under the "Related Video" on the right side of the page. (Update: Check this link from justin.tv. It had a Stage 1 highlight show from Eurosport Saturday afternoon.) It also has a Tour de France Fantasy cycling manager game.
In Seattle, the Cyclefest Outdoor Cinema is showing Stage 14 in the evening of July 23. Beer and food for sale.
Thanks to SmuggleMe for the justin.tv link
Also, check "5 Ways to Watch the Tour" at TechMacro. Most of these require software downloads...
