For the Fanboys and haters, Lance 1996
This interview appeared in the long ceased Winning magazine April 96 and was conducted by the late Rich Carlson who was editor of the magazine and was a very respected US cycling journalist. It proves a very interesting read in light of everything that happened subsequently, I have copied the most relevant parts and gave a brief summary on other parts. Its a long interview but work is quiet at the moment for me and I know somebody asked me for this before so here we go. For the fanboys and haters to interpet as they wish. Let the fun begin
Winning magazine April 1996
Introduction
The voice is resolute ans self-assured, annelaed by more than 3 years battling at the frontilne of professional bike racing. As he readies himself for the coming season, Lance speaks of his goals and achievements with his perspective gained through hard-earned experience.
Last year alone, Lance won Americs biggest race Du Pont; became the first US rider to win a World Cup event, SanSebastian; and captured a stage of the Tour. But mixed in among these high points were such setbacks as a poor spring classics campaign, a non appearence at the worlds, and, by far the worst, the tragic death of team-mate Fabio Casartelli.
Reality can be a stern teacher, and Armstrong the undisputed leader of Motorola and the only US pro capable of winning cyclings biggest events, now speaks earnestly of wanting to win the World Cup Series, while at the same time admitting that he will probably never win the Tour de France. The young Texan is confident that there will be many great moments in his cycling career but he also learned that they wont come easy.
The interview then begins with a review of the 1995 season, his wins at Du Pont and San Seabstian and whether San Sebastian is really a classic Lance:It not a old race(like the spring classics), but its a World Cup race and it was very difficult because all the riders were coming out of the Tour super fit. I think pros view the world cup aspect first. If you win one a year its a hig-point of your season. The World cup means a lot in the sport today.
The interview then moves on to Max Sciandri rejoining Motorola, their focuing on the World Cup and if Lance and Sciandri could mesh as two classics riders in the same team.
Lance: I certainly do, I count Max as a friend and was the biggest proponent of getting hin back on the team. Were similar types of riders. He may be faster in the sprint, and I may be a little better climber, although he can climb weell. I think the most important thing is that we see eye to eye and can work together.
The interview then moves onto the strength of the Motorola team and how the tragic death of Fabios Casartelli it impacted on Lance Lance: Fabios death was very hard on me, I cried for the first time in as long as I remember. That day I won in Limoges I was inspired.
Rich CarlsonRegarding the Tour: You finished for the first time last year-how do you rate your progress there? Do you think you could win the Tour some day?
Lance: No, probably not. I'm happy with my progress; it was a good feeling to finish the race in 95. But is hard to evaluate because of the things surrounding Fabios death, Coming into the third week, I felt really bad but the last 3/4 days I felt really good, and I am not sure if it was an emotional thing or just getting better physically? Its hard to say.
I did learn to break the race up. This year I was looking at a 3 week schedule and taking it 1 week at a time. Thats the way I think a "survivor" has to break it down to make it to the finish. But I dont think thats how a champion looks at the race.
He then is asked of anyone can defeat Big Mig? He responds in the negative and thinks Big Mig can win again in 97 and that hes a special guy with amazing physical capabilities. The interview them moves onto the Olympics and his aims for that and the length of the racing season and who Lance considers the best ond day racers are? Museeuw & Jalabert
The inteview then switches to Lances unpopularity within the peloton.
Rich CarlsonHow do you get along with the other riders? There have been reports that some of them consider you brash.
Lance:I find myself answering this question a lot, but I think you have heard those comments coming from one or two riders and I don think its fair to assume they speak for the entire peloton. I am happy with my standing in the peloton and you might be surprised if you asked around. I get frustrated with this type of question because I am not trying to win a popularity contest but your standing in the peloton is important. If you dont have friends, you dont win-thats the bottom line. I hate that one or two peoples opinions are interpeted as the entire pelotons opinion.
The interview does continue onto other topics, if anybody wants more, let me know.