Official Lance Armstrong thread

[RigelKent]

I have to take a different view on the "boring". If we're just talking about the race for the GC, in a traditional different guys from different teams approach--and if you can't get over distaste for Lance, then I suppose it is boring. On the other hand, we've had multiple breaks stay away, great cross winds racing, a real race for green using different strategies, teams breaking up chases, internal team subterfuge, a man who is either the perfect hero or perfect villain, dominant teams that dominate in different ways, an uncertain finish--if you get over it being in one team, a wide open KOM race, the potential for collusion (Caisse with AC, the other teams against Astana) and, heaven forbid--French victories.

If it's so darn boring, why are we talking about it so much?

 

[Padeiro]

I guess I just want to point out the the two reasons (raise awareness/money & winning TDF) are not excuses, nor do they conflict with each other. What the heck does it matter if he came out and said I am coming out of retirement and will try to win AND raise awareness? Which is what he is doing. He'll try to win the TDF (anyone who knows cycling and thought otherwise was dillusional - although I DO think it would have been different had he not broken his collar born and been unable to compete at his best level for the Giro since THAT is what he pegged so early on as a target to win). But even if he loses, the Livestrong cause does not.

Thanks UTFan! These are my thoughts exactly! Whether people like it or not, Lance has been huge for Cancer awareness, research, fund raising, inspiration and all. It's hard to put to words what Livestrong means to so many people. I think the foundation has raised a ton of money this year from the comeback so I say more power to "the excuse". And oh yeah, Hook 'em! As a USC fan, that's hard for me to say but you deserve one today for your post.

 

[The Falcon]

If it's so darn boring, why are we talking about it so much?

because we expect more, as we had in the post Livestrong years.

 

[RigelKent]

because we expect more, as we had in the post Livestrong years.

Like a race won first by a dramatic ride later DQ'd and then given to a domestique who won by accident? Or maybe one where the leader was yanked and one team took two of three podium places?

I just wonder if everybody would be saying the same thing if we had the Schlecks and Sastre on the same team again this year and Saxo was dominating?

Why is this Armstrong and Buyneel's fault? Astana's job is to win the race, not provide you excitement. Complain about the race organizers. Complain that the other teams don't attack. I have had no problems with those arguments. But to associate this with Armstrong in any way just doesn't make sense. There are no shortage of things to criticize him for, but the quality of the race is simply not one of them.

 

[UTFan2]

And oh yeah, Hook 'em! As a USC fan, that's hard for me to say but you deserve one today for your post.

Thanks! Hope to USCyou again this year in The Rose Bowl !!!

 

[BroDeal]

Thanks UTFan! These are my thoughts exactly! Whether people like it or not, Lance has been huge for Cancer awareness,

Yeah, cancer is such a secret that we need to be made more aware of it.

 

[UTFan2]

Yeah, cancer is such a secret that we need to be made more aware of it.

You stop at the word awareness and what....quit reading???

Awareness, research, fund raising, inspiration.

I really do hope you are one of the lucky few who's life has not been affected by cancer and that is why you don't get *it*.

 

[richwagmn]

You stop at the word awareness and what....quit reading???

Awareness, research, fund raising, inspiration.

I really do hope you are one of the lucky few who's life has not been affected by cancer and that is why you don't get *it*.

I think it's cool that he provides inspiration to cancer survivors and he has certainly put time into fund and awareness raising.

I think many cycling fans are unhappy with his returning to a Johann Bruyneel team (now Astana) and bumping Alberto Contador from the team leader spot (or trying to). It really speaks to Lance's selfishness. Hey, look at me everyone. Plus, he showed great disrespect to other riders when he described last year's tour as a joke.

I also think of some his actions in his personal life add to that, but to each his own.

I find Lance disingenuous. He's very good at saying the right thing but to me, his actions speak more loudly. That's why many don't believe he's really here to raise awareness about cancer. If his life has shown anything, it's that he's most concerned with raising awareness of himself.

 

[Bala Verde]

Lance replied to FR2 reporter's question (answer from the Boss himself) that it's probably not his last TdF anyway...

Oh and in mentioned article, he admits that the tension is palpable on the team.

I want to win

but since

Contador is strong and ambitious [he] hasn't come to be a runner up

Amazing perception, to see through Contador's devious plans to try and win the TdF...

 

[Publicus]

I think it's cool that he provides inspiration to cancer survivors and he has certainly put time into fund and awareness raising.

I think many cycling funs are unhappy with his returning to a Johann Bruyneel team (now Astana) and bumping Alberto Contador from the team leader spot (or trying to). It really speaks to Lance's selfishness. Hey, look at me everyone. Plus, he showed great disrespect to other riders when he described last year's tour as a joke.

I also think of some his actions in his personal life add to that, but to each his own.

I find Lance disingenuous. He's very good at saying the right thing but to me, his actions speaker more loudly. That's why many don't believe he's really here to raise awareness about cancer. If his life has shown anything, it's that he's most concerned with raising awareness of himself.

+1. Frankly if he was that interested in raising cancer awareness why hasn't he created a team of young cycling professionals who are cancer survivors, like the team of diabetics (Team Type 1). Right now all I see is an ex-tour champion trying to regain his glory at the expense of probably the next greatest tour champion since he retired.

 

[dgodave]

Everyone wants their champions to be lions on the field, and lambs in real life. Sometimes we get that. Sometimes we dont.
.

 

[BroDeal]

What is wrong with this face?

 

[BroDeal]

The new ad for FRS.

 

[UTFan2]

I think it's cool that he provides inspiration to cancer survivors and he has certainly put time into fund and awareness raising.

I think many cycling fans are unhappy with his returning to a Johann Bruyneel team (now Astana) and bumping Alberto Contador from the team leader spot (or trying to). It really speaks to Lance's selfishness. Hey, look at me everyone. Plus, he showed great disrespect to other riders when he described last year's tour as a joke.

I also think of some his actions in his personal life add to that, but to each his own.

I find Lance disingenuous. He's very good at saying the right thing but to me, his actions speak more loudly. That's why many don't believe he's really here to raise awareness about cancer. If his life has shown anything, it's that he's most concerned with raising awareness of himself.

And I think many cycling fans are lying if they say they really thought Lance was going to come back and NOT be as competative as possible. Seriously?? Who really really thought he was going to come back and NOT do his best to win. If he found himself in good form, he would compete to win. If not.....he would still be riding. He said he wanted to try and win the Giro. But sparks only flew when he stated he would try to win the TDF. It speaks to Lance's selfishness that he goes back to the team of his former DS? Who the heck else was he going to race for? If he did indeed "bump" Alberto from the lead spot it would ONLY be because they found him (Lance) to be the better rider for the TDF. There are many leaders on that team, each with certain races "tagged" for them (Levi - California, Alberto - Spain, France, etc). And I dont think he has "bumped" anyone from the lead spot. Lance is the one who has to have the ride of his life for anyone to believe he is better than Alberto.

Everyone already believes Alberto is the man to beat, not Lance. Lance is a surprise. He is a great decoy for Alberto, but he will try to win this thing if he can. If the competition does not make Alberto stronger, then.....well, then he is selfish and spoiled (and I dont think he is either of those things, several teams survive just fine with multi-pronged attack weapons, just none as good as the Alberto/Lance/Levi/Kloden combo)

Alberto is better than Lance and should win this thing. Lance is more seasoned and has better race smarts than Alberto. I would hope Alberto can learn a thing or two from Lance. I have seen this on many many football teams with 2 good quaterbacks - one has more talent, one is better at reading defenses and turning failed offensive plays in winning drives. It's the smarter palyer that usually - eventually - wins the starting spot.

Alberto will win and Lance haters will still find a way to say it was somehow spoiled by Lance ...... when it should be quite the opposite. I think it takes away from Alberto for people to think he can't handle a former TDF winner being on the same team.

 

[Padeiro]

Thanks! Hope to USCyou again this year in The Rose Bowl !!!

Yeah, if we don't lose to Stanford (Stanford?!!??)

 

[Publicus]

And I think many cycling fans are lying if they say they really thought Lance was going to come back and NOT be as competative as possible. Seriously?? Who really really thought he was going to come back and NOT do his best to win. If he found himself in good form, he would compete to win. If not.....he would still be riding. He said he wanted to try and win the Giro. But sparks only flew when he stated he would try to win the TDF. It speaks to Lance's selfishness that he goes back to the team of his former DS? Who the heck else was he going to race for? If he did indeed "bump" Alberto from the lead spot it would ONLY be because they found him (Lance) to be the better rider for the TDF. There are many leaders on that team, each with certain races "tagged" for them (Levi - California, Alberto - Spain, France, etc). And I dont think he has "bumped" anyone from the lead spot. Lance is the one who has to have the ride of his life for anyone to believe he is better than Alberto.

Everyone already believes Alberto is the man to beat, not Lance. Lance is a surprise. He is a great decoy for Alberto, but he will try to win this thing if he can. If the competition does not make Alberto stronger, then.....well, then he is selfish and spoiled (and I dont think he is either of those things, several teams survive just fine with multi-pronged attack weapons, just none as good as the Alberto/Lance/Levi/Kloden combo)

Alberto is better than Lance and should win this thing. Lance is more seasoned and has better race smarts than Alberto. I would hope Alberto can learn a thing or two from Lance. I have seen this on many many football teams with 2 good quaterbacks - one has more talent, one is better at reading defenses and turning failed offensive plays in winning drives. It's the smarter palyer that usually - eventually - wins the starting spot.

Alberto will win and Lance haters will still find a way to say it was somehow spoiled by Lance ...... when it should be quite the opposite. I think it takes away from Alberto for people to think he can't handle a former TDF winner being on the same team.

I would say that Lance, as a 38 year old man, has more race experience than Alberto, not that he is smarter. AC seems to be a pretty fast learner, having recognized long ago that the only thing that will get LA to accept he is the team leader is to beat him on the road. While LA continues to play up the drama and his hurt feelings ("I deserve a little respect" or my favorite "there were some hurt feelings" after stage 7), and engage in his passive aggressive media war, AC continues to say the same thing: this will be decided on the road.

Time for LA to STFU and pedal.

 

[Padeiro]

Yeah, cancer is such a secret that we need to be made more aware of it.

Yes we do. Until there is a cure, we could use as much awareness as possible. And then some. Hopefully you will never have to deal with it because if you have, I doubt you would be saying something like this.

 

[Robert Merivel]

Today's news...before this gets censored...

LA said today in an interview on French TV:

“I won't just sign off on third-place yet,” said Armstrong. “To be completely honest, there has been some slight friction on the team. Alberto has some aggressive ambitions; I won this race a few times so I understand."

He also said he and JB expect to be forming a new team in 2010 to compete in the TDF.

 

[Robert Merivel]

What is wrong with this face?

It's not you, fortunately.

 

[BroDeal]

It's not you, fortunately.

Fortunate indeed.

 

[Padeiro]

+1. Frankly if he was that interested in raising cancer awareness why hasn't he created a team of young cycling professionals who are cancer survivors, like the team of diabetics (Team Type 1). Right now all I see is an ex-tour champion trying to regain his glory at the expense of probably the next greatest tour champion since he retired.

Team Type 1 is not racing any of the GTs or the Tour Down Under or any of the other PT races. The comeback is about raising GLOBAL awareness and encouraging governments to do more. A development team is a great idea (and that's what Trek/Livestrong is all about although not cancer survivors per se) but right now, Astana is a much more effective vehicle for global awareness. Also, no other Pro Tour team would have signed on to this plan other than Astana given the obvious history between LA and the team. As much fun/exciting as the TdF is, there are bigger things at play here and LA and the cancer community at large know this. This is much more than just the bike.

 

[Publicus]

Today's news...before this gets censored...

LA said today in an interview on French TV:

“I won't just sign off on third-place yet,” said Armstrong. “To be completely honest, there has been some slight friction on the team. Alberto has some aggressive ambitions; I won this race a few times so I understand."

He also said he and JB expect to be forming a new team in 2010 to compete in the TDF.

Why would this get censored?

Btw, anyone notice the word 'yet'? I can smell the fear all the way in California.

 

[Publicus]

Team Type 1 is not racing any of the GTs or the Tour Down Under or any of the other PT races. The comeback is about raising GLOBAL awareness and encouraging governments to do more. A development team is a great idea (and that's what Trek/Livestrong is all about although not cancer survivors per se) but right now, Astana is a much more effective vehicle for global awareness. Also, no other Pro Tour team would have signed on to this plan other than Astana given the obvious history between LA and the team. As much fun/exciting as the TdF is, there are bigger things at play here and LA and the cancer community at large know this. This is much more than just the bike.

My bad, because that's all anyone has been talking about since he returned: cancer awareness. Not the inevitable leadership issues, his fitness, his recoveries. Nope, it's all about cancer awareness. I really don't mean to be cynical (I've had several people close to me die from cancer), but right now all I see is LA trying to recapture his shine.

 

[Robert Merivel]

Why would this get censored?

Btw, anyone notice the word 'yet'? I can smell the fear all the way in California.

That's a question only the moderators can answer for you.

Hint:
What kind of relationship exists between LA and CN? Is the feeling "soft and sweet?"

 

[Padeiro]

My bad, because that's all anyone has been talking about since he returned: cancer awareness. Not the inevitable leadership issues, his fitness, his recoveries. Nope, it's all about cancer awareness. I really don't mean to be cynical (I've had several people close to me die from cancer), but right now all I see is LA trying to recapture his shine.

Maybe that's all that anyone is talking about in the cycling arena. Not so in the cancer community. Folks I talk to don't really give two s**ts about the Astana leadership drama. Again, to a lot of people, this is about much more than who gapped whom on Arcalis.

And what is wrong with him trying to recapture his shine? He's arguably the second strongest rider in the Tour at the moment, and even then the gap on the road is 2 secs. Why do people begrudge him trying to win the Tour? It's not like he's 10 mins down and he's crowing about winning. I can't believe that people are giving Lance crap for thinking he can still win this Tour when he's down 2 secs yet they don't b**ch about Cadel, the Schlecks, Sastre when they say they want to win and they are minutes down. WTF? He is 2 seconds down! If he loses 3,4,10 mins and he is still saying that he should be a co-leader then sure, but for now, why do people expect him to just roll over and let AC win? The man has won 7 consecutive TdFs. He has earned the right to ride for a win if he is 2 seconds behind Contador.