Official thread- TDF Stage 7 Barcelone - Andorre Arcalis 224km

[RightWingNutJob]

It's sarcasm. It means that LA is no longer the Lance Armstrong who won 7 tours. He just hasn't realized it yet. It's the beginning of the curse that occurs when you decide to affect your legacy...it happened to Jordan, Sugar Ray Leonard, Brett Favre, etc. Notice that we haven't heard many quotes from Merckx, Indurain, or Hinault regarding LA's comeback?

The guy looked pretty damn good to me today. He might not be the LA of old, but he isn't far from it from what I saw today. Might change in the coming days, but he sure has done more than I thought he ever would.

 

[dadoorsron]

Descending abilities is one area where we know Armstrong is better than Contador. TT so far = Contador. Climbing = . .??? Did today really answer that question?? There are three stages where abilities as a descender could make some time . . . especially if its only 2 seconds. I can see LA making up the 2 seconds on descending alone on some of the descents in these stages . . . . 13, 16, 17
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=1961

In the opening stage armstrong was at a tactical disadvantage because he was pacing himself against riders that had slower times. If he started towards the end and had a better judgment on effort I think he would of placed better then he did. Contador was impressive. however, the ttt armstrong took the longest pulls and a flatter second tt will give the advantage to armstrong. Plus he will start with better quailty of riders in front of him.

Descending I think guys that can ride mountians can go down hill. Lance has a bit more weight so he should go down hill a bit faster.

Climbing, Armstrong looked fine the entire climb. If he wanted to be an a-- hole he could of went with contador. I don't think he would of matched the acceleration but he would of been able to catch up with him and ride with him. With the ease of the grade at the top of the climb I really don't think many of those guys were red line. I do think a couple of them were at the limit. Well, limit meaning cadel tried and got caught so his limit is not quite higher then the other contenders. schleck I don't know. He did get caught quickly by astana and cadel. that arcalis really doesn't give you much to work on really.

 

[auscyclefan94]

When evans attacked, lance wasn't going that great as a gap opened in front of him. He was just lucky that somebody else didn't attack and that evans backed down. Schleck never attacked and neither did anyone else except CE and JVDB. They (the gc contenders) need to attack or the rest of the tour is just going to be a parade around france for Astana.. Tho armstrong i don't think was looking that fresh.

 

[dadoorsron]

The guy looked pretty damn good to me today. He might not be the LA of old, but he isn't far from it from what I saw today. Might change in the coming days, but he sure has done more than I thought he ever would.

for a 37 year old that hasn't been at this fitness level in 3 plus years its crazy impressive. We could be talking about 11 wins in a row for armstrong if he didn't retire.

 

[Azdak6]

Nice article

Once again, this supports my opinion that, when it comes to Armstrong, there seem to be only two groups of writers covering cycling: blubbering hagiographers or histrionic douchebags--this one belonging to the latter.

One of the most annoying things about stories like this and with many of the comments on this forum (and it's not just cycling--it's the same thing on political forums as well) is the habit of taking isolated statements and extrapolating them into dramatic "meanings" with absolutely no support or linking random statements together to create a false narrative. It's one thing to read stuff like this written by a bunch of guys on an internet forum, quite another to see the same sloppiness allowed into the pages of Der Spiegel. I guess they don't take sportswriting seriously either.

I'll just cite one example. I am paraphrasing the statements, because we all know what they are and I don't feel like looking them up:

Armstrong: Contador's attack was not part of team plan, but it was not surprising. (sarcastic)

Leipheimer: Contador's attack was not part of team plan, but it was not unexpected; race was in Spain, Contador was feeling good and wanted to put in a good performance in Spain. (diplomatic)

Contador: I was not attacking Lance; I felt good and it's important to be able to distance ourselves from other top rivals (wink, wink)

How does that translate into: "machtig Arger"? The writer gives no further evidence other than the quotes from Armstrong and Contador.

His description of Armstrong finishing the stage was equally absurd to anyone who actually watched the race. ("Im Ziel ließ der 37-Jährige den Kopf hängen wie ein alter Mann") .I am not saying that Armstrong could have followed Contador (doubtful, but no evidence either way) but, at least for this one day, he had no problem keeping up with either Evans or Schleck.

The author makes another absurd statement: "Armstrong machte nicht den Eindruck, als könne er wie früher gegnerische Attacken einfach kontern. " No ****, sherlock. He ain't the same rider anymore. Now I understand how casual fans can make the assumption he is still the same guy, I can understand why Versus tries to maintain the fantasy that Lance 2009 is the same as Lance 1999-2005. I can even understand (although I am puzzled) why Armstrong himself sometimes seems to think he is Lance I. But there is no excuse for someone who considers himself a credible sportswriter to fall into that narrative.

And the doping stuff was just incoherent--whether in German or in English.

 

[dadoorsron]

When evans attacked, lance wasn't going that great as a gap opened in front of him. He was just lucky that somebody else didn't attack and that evans backed down. Schleck never attacked and neither did anyone else except CE and JVDB. They (the gc contenders) need to attack or the rest of the tour is just going to be a parade around france for Astana.. Tho armstrong i don't think was looking that fresh.

Hmm I don't think so. armstrong easily came across on the attack from Evans. Armstrong doesn't have that explosion he did 3 years ago. but he gets going and he can anyone in the peleton.

armstrong looked fine. I don't think he was in trouble the entire climb.

 

[Cobblestones]

Descending I think guys that can ride mountians can go down hill. Lance has a bit more weight so he showed go down hill a bit faster.

Dude. Please do yourself a favor and get a clue.

 

[Azdak6]

for a 37 year old that hasn't been at this fitness level in 3 plus years its crazy impressive. We could be talking about 11 wins in a row for armstrong if he didn't retire.

Is it time for the "Virtual Tour Wins" game again?

That's always fun.

 

[RightWingNutJob]

Hmm I don't think so. armstrong easily came across on the attack from Evans. Armstrong doesn't have that explosion he did 3 years ago. but he gets going and he can anyone in the peleton.

armstrong looked fine. I don't think he was in trouble the entire climb.

I don't think he was in trouble during the climb. I said earlier it would have been fun if we could have seen him try and stay with AC. Just to see what would happen but we will have to wait.

 

[Publicus]

In the opening stage armstrong was at a tactical disadvantage because he was pacing himself against riders that had slower times. If he started towards the end and had a better judgment on effort I think he would of placed better then he did. Contador was impressive. however, the ttt armstrong took the longest pulls and a flatter second tt will give the advantage to armstrong. Plus he will start with better quailty of riders in front of him.

Descending I think guys that can ride mountians can go down hill. Lance has a bit more weight so he should go down hill a bit faster.

Climbing, Armstrong looked fine the entire climb. If he wanted to be an a-- hole he could of went with contador. I don't think he would of matched the acceleration but he would of been able to catch up with him and ride with him. With the ease of the grade at the top of the climb I really don't think many of those guys were red line. I do think a couple of them were at the limit. Well, limit meaning cadel tried and got caught so his limit is not quite higher then the other contenders. schleck I don't know. He did get caught quickly by astana and cadel. that arcalis really doesn't give you much to work on really.

1. In the opening stage, Armstrong gave it 100%. He didn't go completely full throttle on the climb but did on the second half. Unfortunatley with 3K to go he was gassed and lost time. Suggesting that it was when he went (which was his decision because of the threat for rain) and not because he wasn't the strongest guy that day is disrespectful to the other 9 riders (including 3 Astana riders who bested him). On the TTT, definitely took monster pulls. He could taste the yellow jersey. But for that slight gap he that developed in front of him at the line, he would be celebrating his 3 day in yellow.

2. He didn't look anything like he looked back in his day. He was fine for today, but he certainly didn't look dominant or that it was effortless. The fact that LA couldn't close the gap to Schleck after he tried (and failed) to catch Contador suggests that LA didn't have the top-end acceleration he use to have. So even if he wanted to be an ***, I don't think he could have done so today. I still think he has a very good shot at podium or depending on how he does at the final TT winning the whole thing. Remember we are talking about a whopping 2 seconds. But the extra 20 pounds he is carrying vis a vis Contador definitely come into play when the road heads upward.

3. Contador raced a smart race today, both individually and for the team. Astana still occupies 2-5 and 6, and doesn't (theoretically) have to defend the jersey. The fact that he took time on his rivals, and incidentally his own teammates, is no more bothersome to me (and it should be to you or any other cycling fans) than when LA put time into his GC rivals (and incidentally 6 of his teammates) on Stage 3.

 

[dadoorsron]

Dude. Please do yourself a favor and get a clue.

oh god Newtons second law. "the acceleration of an object is proportional to the force applied, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object" I guess that's to advanced for a cycling forum.

 

[RightWingNutJob]

Dude. Please do yourself a favor and get a clue.

Dude, Chill.

 

[Azdak6]

When evans attacked, lance wasn't going that great as a gap opened in front of him. He was just lucky that somebody else didn't attack and that evans backed down. Schleck never attacked and neither did anyone else except CE and JVDB. They (the gc contenders) need to attack or the rest of the tour is just going to be a parade around france for Astana.. Tho armstrong i don't think was looking that fresh.

I guess it just shows that two people can look at the same race and see different things. I watched the replay and looked for two specific things: evaluate Schleck's comments re the motorbikes and Armstrong's condition responding to the non-Contador attacks.

My conclusions: TV is 2-dimensional, so it's not always conclusive, but it sure looked like Contador had minimal, if any, help from the motorbikes.

Armstrong was easily able to keep up with both Evans and Schleck, on this day, up this mountain. The fact that he didn't instantly jump on the wheel doesn't mean anything, IMO. He moved up easily and much of the time did not get out of the saddle.

Does that he mean he could have responded to Contador or that he is at the same level as Evans, Sastre, Schleck, etc? No--it only means that today, I thought he was fine. On a steeper climb? Dunno. Against more vigorous, sustained attacks? Dunno. Tomorrow, or any day after? Dunno.

And I don't think anyone else does either--even Armstrong. To me, this whole Tour for Armstrong is an experiment (which to me makes it really silly to plan a team strategy around him--I still find it hard to believe that Bruyneel would really consider such a thing).

 

[RightWingNutJob]

1. In the opening stage, Armstrong gave it 100%. He didn't go completely full throttle on the climb but did on the second half. Unfortunatley with 3K to go he was gassed and lost time. Suggesting that it was when he went (which was his decision because of the threat for rain) and not because he wasn't the strongest guy that day is disrespectful to the other 9 riders (including 3 Astana riders who bested him). On the TTT, definitely took monster pulls. He could taste the yellow jersey. But for that slight gap he that developed in front of him at the line, he would be celebrating his 3 day in yellow.

2. He didn't look anything like he looked back in his day. He was fine for today, but he certainly didn't look dominant or that it was effortless. The fact that LA couldn't close the gap to Schleck after he tried (and failed) to catch Contador suggests that LA didn't have the top-end acceleration he use to have. So even if he wanted to be an ***, I don't think he could have done so today. I still think he has a very good shot at podium or depending on how he does at the final TT winning the whole thing. Remember we are talking about a whopping 2 seconds. But the extra 20 pounds he is carrying vis a vis Contador definitely come into play when the road heads upward.

3. Contador raced a smart race today, both individually and for the team. Astana still occupies 2-5 and 6, and doesn't (theoretically) have to defend the jersey. The fact that he took time on his rivals, and incidentally his own teammates, is no more bothersome to me (and it should be to you or any other cycling fans) than when LA put time into his GC rivals (and incidentally 6 of his teammates) on Stage 3.

Bravo. Good Post.

 

[Dirty South]

The guy looked pretty damn good to me today. He might not be the LA of old, but he isn't far from it from what I saw today. Might change in the coming days, but he sure has done more than I thought he ever would.

He looked good for a guy in the position he's in - 37 years old and trying to make a comeback. IF (and a a big if) he wins, it's another historic reward for him. I don't think he will. As I said, it is good and encouraging for those of us over 35, but it's not enough to win the Tour. And he did have trouble covering CE's 2nd attack. There are 2 significant mountain stages, 15 and 20 (possibly a 3rd, but definitely 2). And the ITT. Barring any accidents, if AC distances himself in 15, maintains in the ITT, and further distances in 20, which is likely, then it's over. Judging by today, LA will likely not make an impact in stage 15. Therefore in the ITT he has to demolish AC and put the lid on it in stage 20. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for today in saying that he was still recovering from the effort he put in driving the TTT win on Tuesday. However, AC was right there with him in the TTT and still accelerated today. As a 37 year old making a come back, LA's task seems far more difficult compared to AC's, and judging by his legs today, he just doesn't have it. Therefore, if Astana is playing a team game, it would be easier to follow the path of least resistance.

 

[Publicus]

Hmm I don't think so. armstrong easily came across on the attack from Evans. Armstrong doesn't have that explosion he did 3 years ago. but he gets going and he can anyone in the peleton.

armstrong looked fine. I don't think he was in trouble the entire climb.

Are you watching the same race that I am? A Caisse rider jumped on Cadel's wheel, and then AC. LA was caught out and it took him awhile (relatively speaking) to bridge up, which only occurred after Cadel shut it down. The fact that LA wanted to ride in front is not evidence that he "easily" came across.

On Contador's attack he was having trouble bridging to Schleck and Evans, until the former shut it down. We do agree on one thing: he's not the same guy he was 3 years ago. Why folks think he should nevertheless be the leader of this team with a 26 year old phenom is beyond me. Maybe it's nostalgia.

 

[RightWingNutJob]

He looked good for a guy in the position he's in - 37 years old and trying to make a comeback. IF (and a a big if) he wins, it's another historic reward for him. I don't think he will. As I said, it is good and encouraging for those of us over 35, but it's not enough to win the Tour. And he did have trouble covering CE's 2nd attack. There are 2 significant mountain stages 15 and 20 (possibly a 3rd, but definitely 2). And the ITT. Barring any accidents, if AC, distances himself in 15, maintains in the ITT, and further distances in 20, which is likely, then it's over. Judging by today, LA will likely not make an impact in stage 15. Therefore in the ITT he has to demolish AC and put the lid on it in stage 20. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for today in saying that he was still recovering from the effort he put in driving the TTT win on Tuesday. However, AC was right there with him in the TTT and still accelerated today. As a 37 year old making a come back, LA's task seems far more difficult compared to AC's, and judging by his legs today, he just doesn't have it. Therefore, if Astana is playing a team game, it would be easier to follow the path of least resistance.

Good points. I would just say we are a week into the tour and the guy is 8 seconds from the lead and as far as the GC contenders are concerned he's in second place overall. Every other cyclist in at the tour would kill to be in the position he is in. He may fold in the coming days, but so far the guy has ridden a masterful race.

 

[Azdak6]

1. In the opening stage, Armstrong gave it 100%. He didn't go completely full throttle on the climb but did on the second half. Unfortunatley with 3K to go he was gassed and lost time. Suggesting that it was when he went (which was his decision because of the threat for rain) and not because he wasn't the strongest guy that day is disrespectful to the other 9 riders (including 3 Astana riders who bested him). On the TTT, definitely took monster pulls. He could taste the yellow jersey. But for that slight gap he that developed in front of him at the line, he would be celebrating his 3 day in yellow.

2. He didn't look anything like he looked back in his day. He was fine for today, but he certainly didn't look dominant or that it was effortless. The fact that LA couldn't close the gap to Schleck after he tried (and failed) to catch Contador suggests that LA didn't have the top-end acceleration he use to have. So even if he wanted to be an ***, I don't think he could have done so today. I still think he has a very good shot at podium or depending on how he does at the final TT winning the whole thing. Remember we are talking about a whopping 2 seconds. But the extra 20 pounds he is carrying vis a vis Contador definitely come into play when the road heads upward.

3. Contador raced a smart race today, both individually and for the team. Astana still occupies 2-5 and 6, and doesn't (theoretically) have to defend the jersey. The fact that he took time on his rivals, and incidentally his own teammates, is no more bothersome to me (and it should be to you or any other cycling fans) than when LA put time into his GC rivals (and incidentally 6 of his teammates) on Stage 3.

I pretty much am in agreement with everything you say. I'm not as sure as you that he was "gassed" at the end of the opening TT. My memory is that his time splits were relatively consistent with his overall placing (I think he improved one place over his intermediate place). They showed a lot of the riders at the 1K to go mark, and it didn't seem like his last 1K time was noticeably slower (again, compared to his placing--obviously he was slower than Cancellara). I am curious if you saw something different or have different info.

I also think he looked a little better today than you think he did (although I agree it was doubtful he could have kept up w/Contador).

I also don't have a real problem with what Contador did today. Given the goofy situation w/Astana, I don't see how you can fault him for looking out for himself. And even if one says it was a "selfish" move, he picked a good spot-- it's not like he hurt the team by his attack. Had someone like Zebeldia done it, that might be different, but Contador has arguably the most legitimate claim to team leadership, regardless of who is ahead in the standings.

 

[subzro]

It seems there's only team unity if everyone expresses their support of LA, which is very disappointing. Also, he has gone back and forth most of this year about his commitment in supporting AC's riding to win the Tour. He's admitted AC is the best rider in the world, and AC has won a major race already this year, not to mention all 3 tours in recent years. LA has attempted to win the Vuelta and the Giro in separate years and has come up short. So, why is AC all of a sudden unqualified? Also, in the years LA's done well in Tour mountaintop finishes, he's had the team to just ride and shred riders for him throughout the stage. Same scenario today, but why didn't it work this time? I just saw the replay of stage 7 and when CE tried to attack after AC's counter-attack, LA had trouble coming around LL. It wasn't until CE backed off a bit that LA was able to make a slight bit of progress. I would think that if he was still trying to hold onto 2nd place he would have moved up to 2nd position behind CE on that 2nd attack. Then it would look as though he's not chasing AC, yet minimizing the time gap. So, AC is obviously the strongest rider (don't forget, while LA was realizing he wasn't going to win the Giro, AC was busy studying the Tour's mountaintop finishes - LA's old game plan.) And JB, LA, AC, and the rest of Astana said that the strongest rider would determine who the leader would be and stage 7 would be the first proving ground. It's obvious that LL is drinking the LA kool-aid. So, AC can't expect any support from him.

Nice post.

After watching the stage last night and then reading the LA dummy spit reports this morning I just thought ohh how the tables have turned since stage 3. Do any of you really believe LA could have done what AC did last night? He looked tired. He looked like he was struggling to stay with Evans let alone Contador.

 

[Publicus]

I pretty much am in agreement with everything you say. I'm not as sure as you that he was "gassed" at the end of the opening TT. My memory is that his time splits were relatively consistent with his overall placing (I think he improved one place over his intermediate place). They showed a lot of the riders at the 1K to go mark, and it didn't seem like his last 1K time was noticeably slower (again, compared to his placing--obviously he was slower than Cancellara). I am curious if you saw something different or have different info.

I also think he looked a little better today than you think he did (although I agree it was doubtful he could have kept up w/Contador).

I also don't have a real problem with what Contador did today. Given the goofy situation w/Astana, I don't see how you can fault him for looking out for himself. And even if one says it was a "selfish" move, he picked a good spot-- it's not like he hurt the team by his attack. Had someone like Zebeldia done it, that might be different, but Contador has arguably the most legitimate claim to team leadership, regardless of who is ahead in the standings.

The first sign he was in trouble was the change in his cadence at about 3K to go. Maybe it was 2K but it was definitely well before the tunnel which was just after the 1K to go banner.

As for today, I thought he was fine in a LL way of climbing. The old LA use to accelerate away from folks at the drop of a hat. LL NEVER could do that. He could ride consistent and at a high tempo, but he's never been able to drop any of the best climbers. LA looked more like LL than LA circa 2005 or before.

 

[auscyclefan94]

I guess it just shows that two people can look at the same race and see different things. I watched the replay and looked for two specific things: evaluate Schleck's comments re the motorbikes and Armstrong's condition responding to the non-Contador attacks.

My conclusions: TV is 2-dimensional, so it's not always conclusive, but it sure looked like Contador had minimal, if any, help from the motorbikes.

Armstrong was easily able to keep up with both Evans and Schleck, on this day, up this mountain. The fact that he didn't instantly jump on the wheel doesn't mean anything, IMO. He moved up easily and much of the time did not get out of the saddle.

Does that he mean he could have responded to Contador or that he is at the same level as Evans, Sastre, Schleck, etc? No--it only means that today, I thought he was fine. On a steeper climb? Dunno. Against more vigorous, sustained attacks? Dunno. Tomorrow, or any day after? Dunno.

And I don't think anyone else does either--even Armstrong. To me, this whole Tour for Armstrong is an experiment (which to me makes it really silly to plan a team strategy around him--I still find it hard to believe that Bruyneel would really consider such a thing).

I just think that by Lance taking longer to close the gap that he wasn't feeling that great. He didn't look that sprightly or fresh to me.

 

[dadoorsron]

1. In the opening stage, Armstrong gave it 100%. He didn't go completely full throttle on the climb but did on the second half. Unfortunatley with 3K to go he was gassed and lost time. Suggesting that it was when he went (which was his decision because of the threat for rain) and not because he wasn't the strongest guy that day is disrespectful to the other 9 riders (including 3 Astana riders who bested him). On the TTT, definitely took monster pulls. He could taste the yellow jersey. But for that slight gap he that developed in front of him at the line, he would be celebrating his 3 day in yellow.

2. He didn't look anything like he looked back in his day. He was fine for today, but he certainly didn't look dominant or that it was effortless. The fact that LA couldn't close the gap to Schleck after he tried (and failed) to catch Contador suggests that LA didn't have the top-end acceleration he use to have. So even if he wanted to be an ***, I don't think he could have done so today. I still think he has a very good shot at podium or depending on how he does at the final TT winning the whole thing. Remember we are talking about a whopping 2 seconds. But the extra 20 pounds he is carrying vis a vis Contador definitely come into play when the road heads upward.

3. Contador raced a smart race today, both individually and for the team. Astana still occupies 2-5 and 6, and doesn't (theoretically) have to defend the jersey. The fact that he took time on his rivals, and incidentally his own teammates, is no more bothersome to me (and it should be to you or any other cycling fans) than when LA put time into his GC rivals (and incidentally 6 of his teammates) on Stage 3.

your second point I think schleck gave up when astana and cadel quickly closed the gap on him. Armstrong looked fine. Why does he need to look Dominant on a semi easy mountian top finish 2 weeks before the end of the race. Mount Ventoux will have GC contenders spread out all over it. The time lost on Ventoux can be in the 5-10 minute range if you crack. Arcalis the grade in the last 5k was so low i think anyone riding near the red on the bottom felt better at the top and was able to make a move like the riders did. Armstrong didn't change his cadence when alberto went by letting him go. If you can make a good argument for chasing down a teammate then you can use the lance didn't go after contador crap.

Now stage three when you are warned that there is a right turn and the wind will change don't you think you better get to the front because the peleton could get ripped apart. That is just cycling. Running off the front in stage 7 with 14 stages to go to pick up time really just on your teammate when most other riders are atleast a minute plus down on you already is just tactically childish. The race wasn't won today and the riders 3 plus minutes down are pretty much S.O.L already. It's the riders that are behind that need to attack why attack so early in a race when there is so much race left. It didn't prove anything to any of the riders it just proved that Contador is being the child in this matter. not listening to a sports director that has accomplished as much as Johan is just ***. I was a contador fan and I still think he is a great rider and will be very good for the next few years. However, if he doesn't listen to a Sports director why would seasoned riders like his astana teammates want to help him if he acts like this.

 

[Cobblestones]

Once again, this supports my opinion that, when it comes to Armstrong, there seem to be only two groups of writers covering cycling: blubbering hagiographers or histrionic douchebags--this one belonging to the latter.

One of the most annoying things about stories like this and with many of the comments on this forum (and it's not just cycling--it's the same thing on political forums as well) is the habit of taking isolated statements and extrapolating them into dramatic "meanings" with absolutely no support or linking random statements together to create a false narrative. It's one thing to read stuff like this written by a bunch of guys on an internet forum, quite another to see the same sloppiness allowed into the pages of Der Spiegel. I guess they don't take sportswriting seriously either.

I'll just cite one example. I am paraphrasing the statements, because we all know what they are and I don't feel like looking them up:

Armstrong: Contador's attack was not part of team plan, but it was not surprising. (sarcastic)

Leipheimer: Contador's attack was not part of team plan, but it was not unexpected; race was in Spain, Contador was feeling good and wanted to put in a good performance in Spain. (diplomatic)

Contador: I was not attacking Lance; I felt good and it's important to be able to distance ourselves from other top rivals (wink, wink)

How does that translate into: "machtig Arger"? The writer gives no further evidence other than the quotes from Armstrong and Contador.

His description of Armstrong finishing the stage was equally absurd to anyone who actually watched the race. ("Im Ziel ließ der 37-Jährige den Kopf hängen wie ein alter Mann") .I am not saying that Armstrong could have followed Contador (doubtful, but no evidence either way) but, at least for this one day, he had no problem keeping up with either Evans or Schleck.

The author makes another absurd statement: "Armstrong machte nicht den Eindruck, als könne er wie früher gegnerische Attacken einfach kontern. " No ****, sherlock. He ain't the same rider anymore. Now I understand how casual fans can make the assumption he is still the same guy, I can understand why Versus tries to maintain the fantasy that Lance 2009 is the same as Lance 1999-2005. I can even understand (although I am puzzled) why Armstrong himself sometimes seems to think he is Lance I. But there is no excuse for someone who considers himself a credible sportswriter to fall into that narrative.

And the doping stuff was just incoherent--whether in German or in English.

Sports journalism used to be pretty crappy, because it has always depended on access which of course would usually lead to an unhealthy closeness between athletes and reporters.

Now, to the analysis of the article. It is clearly a mixture of reporting and opinion piece. A style for which 'Der Spiegel' has been (in)famous as long as I can remember. However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to distinguish one from the other. What you dislike is mostly the opinion parts and interpretations of the writer. So you disagree. How again does it make the article bad?

The doping stuff was correct and right to the point. Did you spot a mistake?

 

[Azdak6]

Are you watching the same race that I am? A Caisse rider jumped on Cadel's wheel, and then AC. LA was caught out and it took him awhile (relatively speaking) to bridge up, which only occurred after Cadel shut it down. The fact that LA wanted to ride in front is not evidence that he "easily" came across.

On Contador's attack he was having trouble bridging to Schleck and Evans, until the former shut it down. We do agree on one thing: he's not the same guy he was 3 years ago. Why folks think he should nevertheless be the leader of this team with a 26 year old phenom is beyond me. Maybe it's nostalgia.

As I said in an earlier post, I understand that casual fans and the US media imagine that Lance 2009 is the same as Lance 2001. I live in Chicago and you heard the same stuff when Jordan made his (2nd) comeback. And you hear the same nonsense about Favre.

What I don't understand is how some of the other pro riders and Bruyneel could think this way. Maybe deep down they don't, and they are just being publicly polite. I hope someday we get the real story--unfortunately, from the looks of things right now, no objective report is forthcoming.

I don't have a problem with Armstrong taking his shot, within an overall team plan. As an exercise physiologist, I am curious to see how he performs at this level. I just think that it is suicidal to seriously plan for him as an official team leader--as you say, esp when you have a Contador on your team. WTF?

 

[dadoorsron]

I just think that by Lance taking longer to close the gap that he wasn't feeling that great. He didn't look that sprightly or fresh to me.

I thinks its because he is 37 and hasn't been in a race like the tour in 4 years. His acceleration is a bit lower now but he still closed the gap.