The Official LANCE ARMSTRONG Thread 2010-2011

[Ned Flanders]

Couldn't come up with your own nickname?

My name is Ned, not Red. But you're right that I don't pay too much attention to the names. Was just really interested in the race today and thought our old friend Ned was topical.

I'm pleased I got to comment on the race whilst it was happening - it definitely adds something to it when you can see the comments of other fans as the race is happening.

 

[Ned Flanders]

Again I don't think this was a huge jump in form, just for the first time outside of a short TT we actually saw it. So I don't think he'll be competing for any wins, unless the field is soft.
As of the 11th of March I know he was down for LBL and Fleche. I'd say that's looking more likely after a strong showing. I say more likely as I don't believe he'll ride anything until he signs on.

Sean Kelly says as you get older the shorter TT's are the hardest because it takes longer for the legs to build up.

 

[BroDeal]

My name is Ned, not thread. But you're right that I don't pay too much attention to the names. Was just really interested in the race today and thought our old friend Ned was topical.

I'm pleased I got to comment on the race whilst it was happening - it definitely adds something to it when you can see the comments of other fans as the race is happening.

Go to podiumcafe.com.

 

[Publicus]

Again I don't think this was a huge jump in form, just for the first time outside of a short TT we actually saw it. So I don't think he'll be competing for any wins, unless the field is soft.
As of the 11th of March I know he was down for LBL and Fleche. I'd say that's looking more likely after a strong showing. I say more likely as I don't believe he'll ride anything until he signs on.

I would say it was a huge jump in form. But that's irrelevant, his form is obviously good (one does not have a strong showing without good form) and he should be competing to win simply because, even at 38, he's better than 80% of the professional cyclist in the peloton.

 

[Ned Flanders]

Go to podiumcafe.com.

Thanks. I bet it's pretty dead though.

 

[karlboss]

I would say it was a huge jump in form. But that's irrelevant, his form is obviously good (one does not have a strong showing without good form) and he should be competing to win simply because, even at 38, he's better than 80% of the professional cyclist in the peloton.

A much better showing I agree, and I think good enough to give confidence to try for something in the upcoming classics. However it is another jump again, from finishing in the first bunch of 30 to being one of the 4 off the front. However if the field is a little softer...

 

[red_flanders]

Yeah, I'll eat my hat. I didn't think he'd even come close to finishing.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Honestly, I think most people are pleased to see Armstrong showing good form at this point. I want a battle at the Tour. I want to see attacks going left and right. I want Lance at his best, Contador at his best, and everyone else as well.

Somewhat off topic, but BMC is tossing salad so far.

 

[richwagmn]

I would say it was a huge jump in form. But that's irrelevant, his form is obviously good (one does not have a strong showing without good form) and he should be competing to win simply because, even at 38, he's better than 80% of the professional cyclist in the peloton.

I agree. LA looked good. Road a good smart race. Team RS again is looking good too.

 

[Publicus]

A much better showing I agree, and I think good enough to give confidence to try for something in the upcoming classics. However it is another jump again, from finishing in the first bunch of 30 to being one of the 4 off the front. However if the field is a little softer...

It won't be contingent on the field. It will be contingent on how his form comes along over the next couple of weeks. He should win, or at least podium, at whatever minor stage race he's doing this week--which should give him more race kilometers in his legs. Which should put him on target for hitting his spring peak with Amstel and/or L-B-L. (I figure he's not planning on being a complete beast at Tour of California because it's Levi's baby).

 

[Publicus]

Honestly, I think most people are pleased to see Armstrong showing good form at this point. I want a battle at the Tour. I want to see attacks going left and right. I want Lance at his best, Contador at his best, and everyone else as well.

Somewhat off topic, but BMC is tossing salad so far.

Of a man who has not washed his ar$e for a week. Seriously can't understand the decision when they KNOW Evans is going for the overall at the Giro. No way he has the legs to contest the Tour de France. No way.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Of a man who has not washed his ar$e for a week. Seriously can't understand the decision when they KNOW Evans is going for the overall at the Giro. No way he has the legs to contest the Tour de France. No way.

I'd be shocked if Evans wins the Giro. I think the TdF caters more towards Evans' skills.

I remember that climb to Tre Cime di Lavaredo in 2007. I don't think Evans would have been close on that one. Honestly.

 

[karlboss]

Evans will fight for a podium at the Giro, and resign himself to it finishing 3rd-5th without killing himself. Will ride the Tour and be the 2nd or 3rd strongest rider, but finish 5th to 10th after trying a long break.

Armstrong will be the 4th strongest rider and finish 3rd.

Dark horses in this are Wiggins and Basso. Due to issues that belong in the clinic.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Evans will fight for a podium at the Giro, and resign himself to it finishing 3rd-5th without killing himself. Will ride the Tour and be the 2nd or 3rd strongest rider, but finish 5th to 10th after trying a long break.

Armstrong will be the 4th strongest rider and finish 3rd.

Dark horses in this are Wiggins and Basso. Due to issues that belong in the clinic.

If Armstrong is 3rd, Ferrari should stand on the podium.

Every single person on this board knows it too.

 

[karlboss]

If Armstrong is 3rd, Ferrari should stand on the podium.

Every single person on this board knows it too.

I won't disagree, but he was 3rd last year with the same support he'll have this year. I think this course suits him a little better and am anticipating no crashes and broken bones.
Another unknown is if he actually wants a victory for radioshack and encourages Kloden or Leipheimer to go for it. Kloden more likely.

 

[Publicus]

I won't disagree, but he was 3rd last year with the same support he'll have this year. I think this course suits him a little better and am anticipating no crashes and broken bones.
Another unknown is if he actually wants a victory for radioshack and encourages Kloden or Leipheimer to go for it. Kloden more likely.

Curious, why do you think this course suits him a little better this year? Harder days in the mountains. 3 MTF. No TTT. Sure he has the same support as last year, but he's also got to race AC this year, which, when he tried that last year, he lost . . . badly.

So what about this course benefits him more so than any of the other competitors (like Evans or Frank Schleck)?

 

[flicker]

How many TdF GC podium contenders were ahead of Lord
Armstrong today at Flanders?

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

How many TdF GC podium contenders were ahead of Lord
Armstrong today at Flanders?

The same number that were racing.

How many Flanders winners have been contenders at the Tour recently?

 

[karlboss]

Curious, why do you think this course suits him a little better this year? Harder days in the mountains. 3 MTF. No TTT. Sure he has the same support as last year, but he's also got to race AC this year, which, when he tried that last year, he lost . . . badly.

So what about this course benefits him more so than any of the other competitors (like Evans or Frank Schleck)?

He was 3 taking out the TTT. 3 MTF...same as last year, longer ITT. I figure the longer harder days in the mountains with a team for support will help where there is no decisive finish.
He'll race Contador and lose, hence 3rd. Andy will gain the time in the mountains to hold on the time trial, Frank won't as he'll be playing dutiful domestique.

EDIT: I'd tip Evans over him, but i don't think Evans will ride a comfortable 3rd I think he'll attack and finish down a little towards the bottom of the top 10.

I forgot Menchov too

 

[flicker]

The same number that were racing.

How many Flanders winners have been contenders at the Tour recently?

uh Bernard Hinault

 

[altark123]

So what is the name of next weeks stage race?

Sarthe or something? Is that the one Publicus is referring to?

 

[MacRoadie]

Again I don't think this was a huge jump in form, just for the first time outside of a short TT we actually saw it.

I would tend to agree. You have to keep in mind that pre-cancer, pre-1999, he was inarguably a very strong (and very successful) one-day rider, well suited for the classics. Everything in his early career indicated that his future lay in these events.

The USPRO, Worlds, Fleche Wallone, San Sebastian, LBL, etc. all suggested that his success would be as a one-day rider. I think he had something like 10 one-day wins in 1993-94.

As far as this year goes, I would consider this a decent showing. Several online commentaries suggest he was somewhat active several times during the day (although this wasn't too evident on Versus' coverage), he managed to keep himself well-positioned for most of the day, and as has been said already, he did finish in the first large group.

The differences between The Ronde and the Tour are obvious. Without the need for recovery, an older rider should be able to stay competetive in a single day event, although The Ronde hits you where old legs typically don't fare well: constant, repetetive accelerations and short violent climbing efforts. It would be interesting to see, if he had to race again tomorrow, just how well the legs would feel.

Also, I think it should be noted that he did get gapped a couple of times, and that he finished in the same group as a 36 year old (37 in June) George Hincapie, but all-in-all it wasn't far from what I expected.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

uh Bernard Hinault

LOL. I guess we define RECENTLY somewhat differently.

 

[Publicus]

He was 3 taking out the TTT. 3 MTF...same as last year, longer ITT. I figure the longer harder days in the mountains with a team for support will help where there is no decisive finish.
He'll race Contador and lose, hence 3rd. Andy will gain the time in the mountains to hold on the time trial, Frank won't as he'll be playing dutiful domestique.

EDIT: I'd tip Evans over him, but i don't think Evans will ride a comfortable 3rd I think he'll attack and finish down a little towards the bottom of the top 10.

I forgot Menchov too

I think Menchov makes podium before Armstrong. Assuming no injuries, it's AC, Menchov and AS. Andy and the other pure climbers are going to need to gain as much time as possible before the final TT. I think Lance finds himself in a rather deep hole by the final TT simply because he cannot follow either Contador or AS when they decide to drop the hammer.

 

[hfer07]

after reading some of the comments on how "surprising" LA performed today-I'd like to remind everyone that this is a "single day" race. indeed he showed a good form & the outcome looks promising-however- the real test will be at a "multi day" where everyone could have a real sense of what his "real form" will be like in July.
Ferrari knows who to "tune up" his client, and what is at steak is that he only needs to be 100% in full power at the TDF. so if the program is on going, we'll see some dramatics changes worth to make a lot of threats in the clinic.