The Official LANCE ARMSTRONG Thread 2010-2011

[cyclopeon]

How bizarre. I learned that in the US.

Susan

It's the country of bizarre. No issue.

 

[cyclopeon]

I'm a little confused about Lance saying the reason he did the Criterium is because he's "always wanted to go to Corsica". Is it now Lance the tourist and not Lance the perfectionist anymore?

Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Of course he would want to visit! Emperors gotta stick together.

 

[Anonymous]

There's no "I" in t e a m. There is, however; a "U" in flunky...that "U" was you, Lance. Or should have been.

There is also a "con man" in Lance Armstrong.


(and, topically, a "con man eats, grr" )

 

[Anonymous]

and a "man on CERA"

and a "strong CERA man"




Sorry, I think I've crossed to the point where I'm just entertaining myself!

 

[Big GMaC]

and a "man on CERA"

and a "strong CERA man"




Sorry, I think I've crossed to the point where I'm just entertaining myself!

Nope, keep it up

 

[Jonathan]

Um, are you serious? Either you are trying to be very funny or you are serious, but it's not clear....

A quick glance at how Radioshack functions should be enough.

 

[Publicus]

A quick glance at how Radioshack functions should be enough.

Ok thanks for clarifying. It's 2010 so I'm going to choose not to respond to your previous post on the merits because the factual inaccuracies contained therein have been thoroughly debunked.

As for how Radio Shack functions ... I've witnessed it in the four or five major races they've done to date, and they've function less like a team and more like a loose gaggle. No overall tactics or strategy, just hang around the front as long as possible and if one or more of them are around have a go. Comparatively speaking, Astana is much more of a team than Radio Shack.

 

[python]

btw, not sure if there was a separate post mentioning - the RS received a wild card to the tour. the rest now is up to the french police to clear them

 

[theswordsman]

btw, not sure if there was a separate post mentioning - the RS received a wild card to the tour. the rest now is up to the french police to clear them

I'd feel a lot better about that if President Sarkozy hadn't cleared his schedule to spend an hour of his work day with JB, LA and BM (Baby Mama) while expecting a custom painted Madone as a gift.

 

[flicker]

A few points starting with the month April

It was not a consistent time trial with lots of turns, and ups and downs and roundabouts but it was much better than in Murcia, much steadier. Yesterday was very hard you don’t usually have such a long hard climb at this time of the year. It would probably have been better to have a longer race than just two days but I always wanted to come to Corsica. It’s just great. Next to Texas there is nothing better than the Mediterranean,” Armstrong said.

I liked what I saw of Contador and Cadel in the Crit I. Nice time trialing form by both.

Lord Lance, a little worrisome. 19 seconds off in a 7.7K TT. HMM? Age or Lance and Co. just working the numbers.

However in his post race interviews Sir Lance seemed up beat and with it.

He seems upbeat. I liked his comments above. Man likes Texas, why I will never understand. Maybe its those Texas women. Lance and Ry Cooder agree. Go Lance!!!

 

[Jonathan]

As for how Radio Shack functions ... I've witnessed it in the four or five major races they've done to date, and they've function less like a team and more like a loose gaggle.

(*sigh*)

Exactly. The man first twitters 'Hey Alberto there is no I in team' and then happily forms a team built around his inflated ego if not inflated physique. The irony in that is apparently clear even if that from my post was lost.

It reminds me of a long rant I once wrote on rec.bicycles.racing, about Bobby Julich failing in some race because he didn't train during christmas. 'Well said,' an Armstrong fan responded, letting the over-the-top irony fly several country miles by him. This taught me that even the most ridiculous statements will be taken seriously. Obviously, something slightly more believable will be believed by slightly more people. So here you are.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

The man first twitters 'Hey Alberto there is no I in team' and then happily forms a team built around his inflated ego if not inflated physique.

Radio Shack is not built around Lance. In the TdU, Lance was trying to lead-out Steegmans, and if Steegmans hadn't been hurt, I'm sure they would have ridden to support him in some Classics. In Paris-Nice they rode to support Levi and will do the same in Cali. In CI, they rode to support Machado once he moved into second. They will probably do the same for him in smaller races later in the year: Tour of Ireland perhaps. In July, it will all be about Lance, but to say that this entire team is built for Lance is nonsense. Built for stage races? Absolutely, but if you think Radio Shack exists only for Lance, you're just being foolish.

EDIT: I think they're developing some young riders too. Look at Machado and Janez Brajkovič; those two guys have very bright futures, and Radio Shack has definately brought them some attention. And look at Matthew Busche, they guy starts the season on amateur team and now rides on the protour.

 

[Publicus]

(*sigh*)

Exactly. The man first twitters 'Hey Alberto there is no I in team' and then happily forms a team built around his inflated ego if not inflated physique. The irony in that is apparently clear even if that from my post was lost.

It reminds me of a long rant I once wrote on rec.bicycles.racing, about Bobby Julich failing in some race because he didn't train during christmas. 'Well said,' an Armstrong fan responded, letting the over-the-top irony fly several country miles by him. This taught me that even the most ridiculous statements will be taken seriously. Obviously, something slightly more believable will be believed by slightly more people. So here you are.

So in other words you were being sarcastic/funny initially and my second response was completely unnecessary. Sorry I didn't get your point after you clarified the first time.

 

[Publicus]

Radio Shack is not built around Lance. In the TdU, Lance was trying to lead-out Steegmans, and if Steegmans hadn't been hurt, I'm sure they would have ridden to support him in some Classics. In Paris-Nice they rode to support Levi and will do the same in Cali. In CI, they rode to support Machado once he moved into second. They will probably do the same for him in smaller races later in the year: Tour of Ireland perhaps. In July, it will all be about Lance, but to say that this entire team is built for Lance is nonsense. Built for stage races? Absolutely, but if you think Radio Shack exists only for Lance, you're just being foolish.

EDIT: I think they're developing some young riders too. Look at Machado and Janez Brajkovič; those two guys have very bright futures, and Radio Shack has definately brought them some attention. And look at Matthew Busche, they guy starts the season on amateur team and now rides on the protour.

I don't really know what they are built for to be honest.

 

[Jonathan]

Radio Shack is not built around Lance.

The reason the team exists is because Armstrong wanted to ride the Tour.

 

[BroDeal]

Radio Shack is not built around Lance. In the TdU, Lance was trying to lead-out Steegmans, and if Steegmans hadn't been hurt, I'm sure they would have ridden to support him in some Classics. In Paris-Nice they rode to support Levi and will do the same in Cali. In CI, they rode to support Machado once he moved into second. They will probably do the same for him in smaller races later in the year: Tour of Ireland perhaps. In July, it will all be about Lance, but to say that this entire team is built for Lance is nonsense? Built for stage races? Absolutely, but if you think Radio Shack exists only for Lance, you're just being foolish.

Did I just stumble into an alternate universe? This "built for stage races" team with two dozen members cannot even be bothered to do the Giro. The younger riders on the team, who have no chance of being selected for the Tour squad (or ToC for that matter), would have loved the opportunity to gain experience by doing the Giro. Horner would have welcomed the chance to win a stage of the Giro.

 

[Jonathan]

So in other words you were being sarcastic/funny initially and my second response was completely unnecessary. Sorry I didn't get your point after you clarified the first time.

And I'm sorry for not being clear enough. Next time I'll add in lines that make you go 'no way'.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

I don't really know what they are built for to be honest.

The roster is full of 1 day riders and stage race domestiques, so I would say stage races, but considering some performances thus far (excluding Machado), they're really built for drifting off the back of a speeding peloton.

The reason the team exists is because Armstrong wanted to ride the Tour.

Can you confirm that? I would gladly withdraw my post if you provide me with a link of anybody on the team (rider or DS) saying, "Yeah we wanted to get this team together, so Lance could ride the Tour again."

Did I just stumble into an alternate universe? This "built for stage races" team with two dozen members cannot even be bothered to do the Giro. The younger riders on the team, who have no chance of being selected for the Tour squad (or ToC for that matter), would have loved the opportunity to gain experience by doing the Giro. Horner would have welcomed the chance to win a stage of the Giro.

BroDeal, in your sarcasm, you actually make a very good point. I wish they would send a B squad of sorts to the Giro, Horner is going to Cali in support of Levi, so he's out. Well that leaves Kloden, again probably going to Cali, but there are numerous other guys they could send: Machado, Daryl Impey, etc? I think this has more to do with sponsorship. They want their American team fully represented at the American race; nowhere else. That's the only reason I could think of. If the ToC was still in Feb, I'm sure the Giro would be on their list.

 

[pmcg76]

Whenever its pointed out that RadioShack are performing poorly in relation to there talents, the standard reply is that it doesnt really matter as its March and they are all focused on July.

Then when its pointed out that they are built around Lance in an effort to win the Tour, the reply is that is not true, they are not just focused on the Tour, they are aiming for other racse with other riders.

So which is it?



Why are they not going to the Giro?

a/ Because California is more important. Fair enough
b/ They werent invited. Why not?
c/ They dont want to go according to Bruyneel. Again, why not?

They have enough talent to do both Cali/Giro? Lance, Levi, Kloeden, Horner, Machado, Zubeldia, Brajkovic, Popyvch, Paulinho. Who else is shooting for California other than RadioShack, do they really need their Tour squad to take on a relatively weak field at Cali. Facts are they dont want to take the risk of wasting any of their riders for the Tour.

What about their classics team? UUmm, yeah, they are rubbish.

So, in summary, RadioShack exist for 2 races, California & Tour, everything else is just training.

Why is California so much more important to RadioShack than other US teams like Garmin, Columbia, BMC who are all going to the Giro?

 

[flicker]

Did I just stumble into an alternate universe? This "built for stage races" team with two dozen members cannot even be bothered to do the Giro. The younger riders on the team, who have no chance of being selected for the Tour squad (or ToC for that matter), would have loved the opportunity to gain experience by doing the Giro. Horner would have welcomed the chance to win a stage of the Giro.

I think the Shack is built to support Lance/Bruyneel. If the Giro was the goal of the Shack, and they had the depth and their was a market for trek, radioshack livestrong etc, in the Giro market, Shack would be there. To respect the Giro you need to have all the pieces of the puzzle.

I do not see the problem with that. Obviously barring calamity, the Tour is Albertos to loose. Menchov to me is an obvious second.

So that said if the Shack proves its duty to the sponsors, what is the problem?After all it is a commercial endeavor. The shack does not belong to the weenie/haters on this forum. Do the weenie/haters in this forum own stock in Trek, radio shack michelob bont shoes etc.

Keep on being weenies, haters.

 

[Bag_O_Wallet]

Whenever its pointed out that RadioShack are performing poorly in relation to there talents, the standard reply is that it doesnt really matter as its March and they are all focused on July.

Then when its pointed out that they are built around Lance in an effort to win the Tour, the reply is that is not true, they are not just focused on the Tour, they are aiming for other racse with other riders.

So which is it?



Why are they not going to the Giro?

a/ Because California is more important. Fair enough
b/ They werent invited. Why not?
c/ They dont want to go according to Bruyneel. Again, why not?

They have enough talent to do both Cali/Giro? Lance, Levi, Kloeden, Horner, Machado, Zubeldia, Brajkovic, Popyvch, Paulinho. Who else is shooting for California other than RadioShack, do they really need their Tour squad to take on a relatively weak field at Cali. Facts are they dont want to take the risk of wasting any of their riders for the Tour.

What about their classics team? UUmm, yeah, they are rubbish.

So, in summary, RadioShack exist for 2 races, California & Tour, everything else is just training.

Why is California so much more important to RadioShack than other US teams like Garmin, Columbia, BMC who are all going to the Giro?

Standard response to your questions should be:

1) You're just a hater
2) You should ride your bike more.

And we'll loop around again.

 

[flicker]

Let me add to the Leon Trotsky Bolsheviks out there that procycling is an exercise in capitalism.

Frightening isn't it. A good reason for the haters to attack the elitist bourgoesie clique of Armstrong/Shack/Bruyneel.

May the mobs of haters tear the shack clique from their stronghold so that the courteous moral bolshevik pro-cycling teams worldwide can succeed to there place of prominence.

Arise!! Workers of the world!!

 

[theswordsman]

So that said if the Shack proves its duty to the sponsors, what is the problem?After all it is a commercial endeavor. The shack does not belong to the weenie/haters on this forum. Do the weenie/haters in this forum own stock in Trek, radio shack michelob bont shoes etc.

Keep on being weenies, haters.

Is Michelob a sponsor of Team Radio Shack? That would explain a lot.

Pro Tour teams have obligations beyond those to their sponsors. If teams only picked races on your criteria, why would any European based team bother to race in your beloved Tour of California in May? Does Liquigas do big business in SoCal?

And it's actually a sports team, which needs other sports teams to compete against, and they've been granted a license by the UCI, who might not have rushed to do so if they knew in advance the team would skip major UCI events. Pro teams are required to send teams to a lot of races. I guess the Giro is on the list because who would ever pass up the Giro.

They dismantled an Astana team that was one of the best in the world last year, took every rider they wanted, and bragged about how great they were. LA proclaimed them to be the Dream Team. Then real life rolled around. I've never heard of a team turning down a chance to race the Giro, or hear one admit that with 25 riders, they weren't strong enough to compete in two races at once. Liquigas can field strong squads for the Giro and California. So can Saxo Bank, Garmin, HTC Columbia, and any number of others. When Radio Shack puts all their eggs in the Amgen and loses to a team that's also doing well in Europe, they're going to be a laughingstock. And after the Tour de France, they'll fall apart completely.

Over the weekend I deleted all of my entries, and my ignore list. You get to be the first one added back on, even though calling people weenies does make a strong case for your side.

 

[pmcg76]

Standard response to your questions should be:

1) You're just a hater
2) You should ride your bike more.

And we'll loop around again.

And in the very next post, there it was, never fails.

If it is all for the sponsors, why bother with applying for a ProTour licence? Why bother with a +20 man squad? Just have a 15 man team with ProContinental licence, then you dont have to do any other pesky races the sponsor dont care about. You are just wasting sponsorship money by having all those extra riders competing in those extra races

Funny also how people rave about all the great sponsors Lance brings to the sport, a sponsor that only cares about 2 races and will more than likely **** of again after Lance retires. What a great sponsor to have, short term opportunism abounds. Why is it every other team sponsor wants to see their riders do as well as possible.

 

[Bag_O_Wallet]

Let me add to the Leon Trotsky Bolsheviks out there that procycling is an exercise in capitalism.

Frightening isn't it. A good reason for the haters to attack the elitist bourgoesie clique of Armstrong/Shack/Bruyneel.

May the mobs of haters tear the shack clique from their stronghold so that the courteous moral bolshevik pro-cycling teams worldwide can succeed to there place of prominence.

Arise!! Workers of the world!!

Time to build a new mythology where the rest of season is important too.