Lance Amstrong Comeback Confirmed
Lance Armstrong will return to professional cycling next season. Mark Higgins, the spokesman for Lance Armstrong, confirmed the news today, putting an end to widespread speculation. In his public statements, Armstrong cited a desire to draw attention to the fight against cancer as his principal motivation for his return. It remains unclear as to which team he will join for the coming season, though today Team Astana's spokesman Phillipe Maerten confirmed that Armstrong would be welcome at Astana. Maerten raised one condition, that Amstrong give up racing mountain bikes and devote himself entirely to the road.
According to Higgins, the Tour is Armstrong's main objective for the season. And, you can expect that he will arrive in top condition, according to Bill Stapleton, Armstrong's long-time agent. Said Stapleton, "He will not race for second place." Armstrong himself told Vanity Fair that he would like to win an eighth Tour. In a public statement, Armstrong said that he is "happy to announce that after discussions with his daughters, his family, and his most intimate friends," he has decided "to return to professional cycling in an effort to raise attention to the battle against cancer."
Armstrong will hold a press conference in New York on 24 September to detail his plans for the 2009 season.
Read the entire Vanity Fair story: LINK!
Armstrong has posted a video statement at his site, livestrong.com. Watch it!
Podium Cafe's Coverage of Lance Armstrong's Comeback:
Two posts; two zillion comments...
dheadrick's Original Post
Chris' Editorial
Oh, and the Bruce Gap strikes again: Sunday's Wild Rumors!
One last update... a money quote:
“There’s this perception in cycling that this generation is now the cleanest generation we’ve had in decades, if not forever. And the generation that I raced with was the dirty generation. And, granted, I’ll be totally honest with you, the year that I won the Tour, many of the guys that got 2nd through 10th, a lot of them are gone. Out. Caught. Positive Tests. Suspended. Whatever.… And so I can understand why people look at that and go, Well, [they] were caught—and you weren’t? So there is a nice element here where I can come with really a completely comprehensive program and there will be no way to cheat.”
From this comment I am willing to bet that Lance saw the rather telling and comprehensive graphic put together by Luz Ardiden here in January. Check it out.
Comments
hail hail!
i couldnt be LESS depressed.
by djebel714 on
Sep 9, 2008 5:19 PM EDT
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What more
can one possibly say?
I wasn’t sure if you were planing to fill it in; feel free, of course. I threw in the link in case you were off to surf.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:20 PM EDT
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yuck
I just threw up in my mouth. I hope he rides for someone other than Astana, or that Bert flies the coop and goes elsewhere.
by samboo on
Sep 9, 2008 5:22 PM EDT
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The team issue will be a big drama no doubt.
There probably won’t be a lot of people eager to work with him or his style. I vote for Rock Racing, they’ve got something to prove too so maybe the marriage will be a good one.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on
Sep 9, 2008 5:32 PM EDT
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The article
mentions Johan but not Astana (at least from my quick read of the 5 very long pages of it).
It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
by cg. on
Sep 9, 2008 5:34 PM EDT
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Rock would be an interesting choice
I have a hard time picturing him and Ball getting on, though. If he thought Mario was a little unforgiving of his interference . . .
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 5:37 PM EDT
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I'm just trying to keep the circus under the one tent.
I wouldn’t wish this situation on any other team at the moment.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on
Sep 9, 2008 5:41 PM EDT
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I'm adding
two more links.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:27 PM EDT
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please do...
i didn’t have a chance to find all the links, thanks. it’s hard to write and search at the same time!
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:30 PM EDT
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HA!
I went back in, only to see the ghostwriting, so I ran away. I’ll let you finish Gav.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:34 PM EDT
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lol, so funny
what else shall we add? there was a statement from bruny today, i’ll add now.
anymore links?
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:36 PM EDT
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oops, i lied, that was the astana statement, i got that
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:37 PM EDT
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any other sources
need links? Otherwise, I think there’s little more to add.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:40 PM EDT
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nope, i'm all good with the current linkage situation
lol, so funny
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:41 PM EDT
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oh and...
too bad about that gossip column i was trying to finish…
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:45 PM EDT
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Where you break the story?
Those VF editors… “web exclusive”… ruthless!
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:45 PM EDT
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totally man
I got so scooped. I had an inside source all lined up.
:-P
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:48 PM EDT
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if he races for Team Livestrong
and honest to god does it to promote that team, he’ll have my respect. We’ll see.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 5:44 PM EDT
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How about the Bruce gap on this one?
See the Wild Rumors post two days ago!
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. - G. Marx
by flying dog on
Sep 9, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
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Just noticed
and just put up a link in the post. I’m just plain frightened.
Bruce: are you a stockbroker? Can I send you all my money?
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:58 PM EDT
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see, I told ya so!
next on the news will be Vino’s comeback, heard it here first! ;)
by Bruce Suomi on
Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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On THAT topic I think we can all agree...
… please… no.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:24 PM EDT
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and yes Chris,
do send all your money here, I’ll take care of them! ;)
not a stockbrocker, but I see the future after all, so your money is safe here! ;)
by Bruce Suomi on
Sep 9, 2008 6:27 PM EDT
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Thank you
and let me be the first to welcome our new Finnish overlords.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:30 PM EDT
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Thank you Kent Brockman.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT
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Hey. Someone pour me a glass of haterade
I’m gonna need me a stiff one.
:)
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 5:32 PM EDT
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UNBELIEVABLE (in a good way!)
I know not everyone here is happy, but I’m so thrilled!
by cg. on
Sep 9, 2008 5:33 PM EDT
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No matter if you are happy or not
its going to be interesting and exciting.
by ZoeRochelle on
Sep 9, 2008 5:36 PM EDT
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this is one of the few things that could actually
move me back into the sympathy for Levi, that little bald nugget.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 5:38 PM EDT
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Oh Sui Juris, you just don't like LL do you?
Did he pee in your pool?
by ZoeRochelle on
Sep 9, 2008 5:39 PM EDT
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Someone needs to remind Lance
that before he can win the Tour he has to actually be there on the start line and ASO very much have the say nowadays on who they do and don’t invite, something that I’m sure will be an issue for consideration for whichever team would take him on…
Prudhomme and Co seem very much to want to move on from the old days and I don’t see them being likely to be enthusiasic embracers of the Lance circus
And if it is Astana (my how their tune has changed on this story in the space of a day!) it doesn’t seem to be the kind of move that will make ASO more likely to let them back in for 2009
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 5:40 PM EDT
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win-win for Lance, though
If the ASO does choose not to invite him, he can rally up his tifosi to complain about how unfair the ASO is.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:43 PM EDT
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yeah but I can’t see ASO caring – I know it would be a bigger fuss than the whole furore over Astana not being allowed in this year, but ASO (and the race) weathered that one and they’d weather this too certainly in the long run.
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 5:45 PM EDT
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agreed
I totally agree, and for many (not all) in Europe, the ASO would be far more respected if they ignore him. I was thinking more in terms of his PR and image here in the States – that is, it won’t suffer if he doesn’t get the invite. He’ll get all the publicity of his intended comeback, but it won’t hurt him if the ASO refuses to let him ride. In fact, it might be better for him, really.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:50 PM EDT
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Yes I see what you mean
As you say many Europeans (myself included) would certainly cheer ASO if they did tell him to get stuffed (in a typically Gallic way) And I doubt ASO care much about US public opinion so a win for all concerned (grins)
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 5:53 PM EDT
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they'll invite him...
…can you imagine (as hinted at in the VF article) the flak they’d take from Sarkozy if they didn’t? I don’t care how badass they think they are, they do not want to mess with him.
by plinytheelder on
Sep 9, 2008 5:53 PM EDT
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dunno
Depends on Sarko’s numbers by then, and what the French public thinks – or maybe, more to the point, what Sarko thinks the French public thinks.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
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it would be ASO...
…against Sarko (who never really cared a whole lot about numbers in my estimation), Lance, the USA, a ton of cancer foundations from all over the world, and lay public opinion (in spite of itself). Actually it would be ASO against itself, if you look at it strictly from the cynical profit-making standpoing.
It’s one thing not to let in some dude only cycling fans and Spaniards know about (Contador); it’s another not to let in Lance Inc.
by plinytheelder on
Sep 9, 2008 6:06 PM EDT
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He mentions that in the VF article
and said that he would put in a call to his buddy Nicolas Sarkozy if needed.
by Hons on
Sep 9, 2008 5:44 PM EDT
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Also...
he’s assuming that Sarkozy has any kind of pull in that kind of situation :)
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 5:51 PM EDT
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actually, yes
Sarkozy? Yes, he’ll have some influence, because the ASO needs the government to accede to their use of the roads. So, they definitely need the government’s good will. In part, the embrace of anti-doping has reflected this need, though that issue tends to be the territory of the left.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 5:52 PM EDT
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forget it, he's in
Sarkozy wouldn’t have to do so much as pick up the Élysée home phone…as he was dialing the number, ASO would be calling his cell confirming that yes, Lance is indeed invited
by plinytheelder on
Sep 9, 2008 5:55 PM EDT
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but as usual, Lance just had to show off, and it didn't make things any
easier for those he expects to help him. As of the moment of that statement, organizing to attack Sarko for helping him was set in motion . . .
(not that I don’t mind seeing Sarko taking a bit of flack . . .)
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 5:55 PM EDT
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I can see the stand off now
…Hey Nick, you really going to deny the French tourist board three weeks of full publicity (think of the tourist money you stand to lose). Now let us have our race or we’ll blame you and we’ll take the Tour elsewhere (an unusual TdF I grant you, but hey it’ll be fun!)
Quite frankly that comment (His that is) makes me even more want to see them to tell him get stuffed.
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
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Columbia is Lance's new team.
Si Si
by Bruce Suomi on
Sep 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT
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the problem with that
is how cohesive Team Columbia is at a sprint — they can win a lot of stages with Cavendish — something the old Disco boys never did.
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:40 PM EDT
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oh my god
i hope that’s not true. i can’t handle that
Today, I raced à la Chavanel, and I succeeded.
by callmecayce on
Sep 9, 2008 11:07 PM EDT
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are you toasted?
Gemma, you’ve got to be out of touch with reality if you think Lance is going to announce coming back to race and they don’t let him in the Tour, hello.
And Rock Racing, there’s a good guess people, in chess you would be referred to as a wood pusher.
Someone remind Gemma of something… sorry to pick on you but really. I hear Jethro Tull singing “Thick as a Brick”
by sminer on
Sep 10, 2008 12:01 AM EDT
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One would hope
Lance, with all his connections, has done a little advance work on this. I can’t believe he’d put himself out there unless he knew ASO were OK with him attending the Tour.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
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Oh yeah?
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 5:59 PM EDT
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Yeah, waddya wanna make of it ;-)
LOL, I’m thinking partly in terms of Gemma’s point about the arrogance angle. Why would he need to go hat in hand to the ASO? Of course, they’ll let him in, won’t they? The comment about Sarkozy is leading me down that road.
I also think that it’s no big loss to him if he can’t ride the Tour. That is, he still gets the publicity that goes with this Big Comeback story. And he can ride the “they denied me my shot for glory” angle for a bit longer. My view on that is influenced by the impression that this thing isn’t really about athletic goals, but about attention-seeking, celebrity, and a bit of boredom, on his part. I don’t think it really matters whether he rides the Tour or not, if those are the considerations, which I think they are.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:03 PM EDT
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I have to agree with Chris here
Lance, while probably not having a definite confirmation of a Tour guarantee, has got to be 99% there, what with the chits he can call in.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:12 PM EDT
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Yeah but on the other hand
I don’t think people should discount the fact the ASO will not want to look like they’ve been forced into something – they’re still probably reveling in having taken on the UCI.
This could all be academic mind, because the ASO may welcome him with open arms…
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:14 PM EDT
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He's in. Money talks.
After all, L’Equipe didn’t publish his drug test results — which they had been sitting on for a long time — until right after he retired. Had to squeeze every left euro out of him before kicking him out the door.
L’equipe, the Tour, and ASO are one and the same.
Contador, Levi, and the others don’t bring in that kind of money, hence the grudge fuck-you.
by Mr 60 Percent on
Sep 9, 2008 6:05 PM EDT
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Good point
Think of the $$… I don’t see how anyone could say no.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:08 PM EDT
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It's just two letters
it’s really a lot easier than people think (grins)
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:09 PM EDT
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That or ...
maybe his arrogance leads him to think it would not be an issue…..
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 5:58 PM EDT
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He's too politically aware.
And again, he’s a lot bigger than Pro Cycling. He’s a lot bigger than Bruyneel.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:13 PM EDT
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the Lance-Johan connection
it will be interesting to see just how much that affect things, here. Having noodled this seriously for all of an hour now, I think that it would probably be in both men’s best professional interests not to make this a joint project. But we’ll see, I guess.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT
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Way more so in the US
than in Europe
Yes he’s a big name and people know who he is etc I’m not denying that at all, but amazingly enough the world kept turning and the Tour continued after he quit (grins).
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT
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si...
this is also why i’m not as convinced as some of the others that the tour invite is a sure thingy.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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Glad I'm not the only one!
Course we could be wrong and ASO will welcome him with open arms, but that would surprise me…then again this is the ASO so anything is possible, but as I’ve said elsewhere if ASO don’t think this is the ‘bestest news ever’ then I can certainly see them not wanting to be forced into anything, or made to look like they were – they just took on the UCI after all, the court of French public opinion over Armstrong probably wouldn’t bother them…
It seems I’m having a very European reaction to this news (which makes sense my being European and all!_
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:32 PM EDT
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well...
i spend a lot of time on european news sites and forums. so i’m more attuned to the differences of opinion and assumptions between the us and europe, for better or worse. i can’t really take for granted that the aso will welcome la with open arms, given the prevailing views of many in europe. we’ll see.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT
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we will indeed
and now I’m off to get some sleep – night!
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT
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I tend to agreed that he must have done some homework...
After all, he let Discovery (or whatever it was about to be) fold rather than take a chance at not being invited to this year’s Tour.
by cg. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:05 PM EDT
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If the Tour doesn't let him in
The Giro or Vuelta would do ANYTHING to have him.
And it would be more fun to watch IMHO
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:06 PM EDT
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Contador has class
If he’s pissed off, he’s not showing it:
“It would be an honor to be able to ride with Lance Armstrong,” Contador, the 2007 Tour champion, told Europa Press news agency. “Nothing in this news seems strange to me, Lance Armstrong is such an important rider that you can allow for everything.”
by majope on
Sep 9, 2008 6:07 PM EDT
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I'm sure he thinks
he can beat an almost-38 year old who last rode four years earlier.
Levi, who is just a couple years younger, is another story.
by Mr 60 Percent on
Sep 9, 2008 6:09 PM EDT
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sure he can
on the road, anyway.
But with respect to the team? Ha. Find a new job, Alberto.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:12 PM EDT
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My guess on what Bert is hearing
Lance’s comeback is only for one year, you will lead either the Giro or Vuelta team, the team will be yours again in 10.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:15 PM EDT
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Oh
…and here’s some extra cash.
Bert- Okay I’m tranquil!
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT
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Would call for some serious maturity on Contador's part
but that’s something I can see, now that you say it.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:17 PM EDT
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and kloden just gets forgotten forever
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT
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Bert's young; he can wait
…and add another Grant Tour victory or somewhere else. Lets see… by age 26 Bert could have 4 or 5 Grad Tours already in his belt.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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isn't that what they said
about Jan Ullrich?
by australopithecine on
Sep 9, 2008 7:28 PM EDT
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Kloden forgotten...?
not according to his bank account — he rides like a missionary.
he does what he’s told because they pay him well.
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:21 PM EDT
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I believe that's: tranquilo
but you’d have to ask Gav to be sure.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:25 PM EDT
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agreed...
…especially because you know he has to be thinking the exact opposite. I see way more potential for conflict next year (Contador vs Lance) than this year (Contador vs Levi in the Vuelta).
by plinytheelder on
Sep 9, 2008 6:09 PM EDT
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But what did you expect?
Contador pretty much HAS to say this publicly and it may well be what he actually thinks, but then again…
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:11 PM EDT
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he pretty much always does
say what he’s supposed to say, that is. very well media trained. i assume there’s a personality in there somewhere…
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:24 PM EDT
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well stranger things
have happened so they say!! (grins)
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:26 PM EDT
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I'm surprised it took so long for somebody to say that.
Contador is the ultimate spokesman for the team. Having such great physical prowess, I’m continually amazed by how media-savvy his comments seem to be.
by dheadrick on
Sep 9, 2008 11:37 PM EDT
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Agreed.
If I were Contador I must say that I probably would be pissed off. The whole thing is surreal. The guy’s won 7 tours and gone out on a high. Is he just incapable of living without the bike? I’m not a Lance fan (but have no problem with the fact that many people are) and I’m really not thrilled by this……
by Albertina on
Sep 9, 2008 6:13 PM EDT
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can we start a pool for his 2009 TdF entourage?
1. Matthew McConaughey?
2. Robin Williams?
3. Owen Wilson?
4. Some cool rocker chick?
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:12 PM EDT
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brilliant idea!
Maybe he can take up with a French rocker chick this time just to appease people! The lead singer for Les Prototypes maybe? JE NE TE CONNAIS PAS!
by plinytheelder on
Sep 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT
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Vanessa Paradis
and I’m a LA fan in a heartbeat.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT
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Think Jonny may have something to say about that one! :)
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:19 PM EDT
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which would make it all the more impressive
I was going to say something about it taking . . . and then . . . see? Best left unsaid.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:29 PM EDT
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I like Lance.
Go Lance.
I’m out… I’m in too good of a mood for cynical vitriol in either direction. I still love you guys though (except Drew.)
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:13 PM EDT
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+1
I had no doubt. :)
By the way, you know that scene in “Once upon a time in Mexico” where Johnny Depp shoots the chef for making a Puerco Pibil that’s just too good? I think of that every time I look at your avatar.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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Hey, crashdan...
I’m doing the dance of joy with you!
by cg. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT
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Ok CG... I'll let you and Corddry up there into the treehouse...
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:19 PM EDT
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Me too Dan
"The world is a mess and I just need to rule it." Dr. Horrible
by bethie on
Sep 9, 2008 6:19 PM EDT
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Thanks!
Every fanboy needs a fangirl in the club… :)
by cg. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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You bring the cookies...
… I’ll bring the lemonade. You and Bethie better not have cooties.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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Don't be fatuous Daniel
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Sep 10, 2008 8:25 AM EDT
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Halo, Jan!
Herr Ball on line one!
(that’s what I want to see, now.)
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:14 PM EDT
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Ohhh, I love it
Jan and Tyler vs. Lance and Eki
"The world is a mess and I just need to rule it." Dr. Horrible
by bethie on
Sep 9, 2008 6:21 PM EDT
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Main headline on CNN right now...
That didn’t take long. Of course they’re just quoting out of the VeloNews story though
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:17 PM EDT
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The first name
in regurgitating news.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT
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totally
makes me regurgitate all the time.
(Some CNN producer dude tried to pick me up at Hains once, and used his ability to introduce me to Wolf as if it were something cool . . .)
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:36 PM EDT
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...and???????
You didn’t finish the story here did you? ;)
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT
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U know who the sponser of the Tour of California is? Amgen.
1+1=3 in which race he begins
Some say the best things in life, are one the inside.
by Frinking on
Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT
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Astana's Tour team next year;memo to Riis
Lance
Bert
Levi
Klodi
Horner
Zubeldia
+3 domestiques
Hey Riis! Your team sucks donkey balls.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:19 PM EDT
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Oh jesus that's funny...
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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Riss memo back
Pah – I’ll take our late 30-year old over yours anyday! Ours is way more fun to hand round with and can be just as scary when needs be
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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Or even Riis
and obviously that should say hang round with
by Gemma on
Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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So what?
It may all be academic unless Zubeldia’s job is to ram a pump into Andy Schleck’s spokes.
[Unless Frank accidentally Schlecks his little brother. But IIRC, “Schleck” only means you do it to yourself?]
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:36 PM EDT
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Trying to withhold comment until further reflection...
… but that is too damn funny!
by dheadrick on
Sep 9, 2008 11:42 PM EDT
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Astana because of Trek...?
maybe, but a better fit would be with Garmin — and their internal testing along with the fact that everything about Garmin is American right down to the tacos.
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT
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yeah Astana
i was thinking for a minute actually of Columbia instead of Garmin. But its Astana al the way.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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ohmigod
Vaughters and Lance together? Gah.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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America's team = not Astana
A team named after the capital of Kazakhstan? I know we’re overly dependent on oil, but that might be a stretch.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT
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Roll on, Columbia, roll on!!!
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:39 PM EDT
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George and Lance again
Hincapie; “ahhhhhh – oh my god, i can’t believe it”
Lance “what’s wrong”
Hincapie: " I just got better looking"
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:40 PM EDT
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God slow down people
how can I laugh at everything being posted at once! Now this, toooooo funny.
"The world is a mess and I just need to rule it." Dr. Horrible
by bethie on
Sep 9, 2008 6:46 PM EDT
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To the public that sees Cycling thru Vanity Fair's eyes
…which is most of America (98%) Lance= America’s team.
Its almost like our sport is just whisked out from under us.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:40 PM EDT
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oh, I wish I had the photo accessible
but I have a picture of a woman in Dahlonega, Georgia, waving a frat paddle that had “ASTANA” on it.
Shocking, but true. And she wasn’t a traveling groupie.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT
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Are you sure that frat paddle said "Astana" and not
“ass tanner”
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:57 PM EDT
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You've been watching
that Sean Connery video again
by Monty. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:57 PM EDT
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your
mother put me to work as an ashtana, Alexsh.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:58 PM EDT
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Kill the tabernacle!
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 7:00 PM EDT
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The penis mightier for $100 Alexsh.....
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Sep 10, 2008 8:30 AM EDT
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Actually
if you’re talking about Amy, she was a traveling groupie at TdG…
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
by cg. on
Sep 9, 2008 8:51 PM EDT
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I'm sure that this is just a cultural thing
seperated by a common language and all that, but the only sort of paddles I know are the ones that you use to make canoes go forward and the ones that get used to beat heads of international motorsport on the bottom. And in both cases I’m sure you would prefer your paddle to be smooth. So what exactly are these paddles?
by Monty. on
Sep 10, 2008 6:58 AM EDT
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If Dan was right you really don't want to know............
Carlos Sastre - Tour de France winner - Born From Jets
by Jens on
Sep 10, 2008 7:22 AM EDT
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In that case
shouldn’t it be written in mirror writing. Or do you do it normally so that you can read it when you look at yourself in the mirror?
by Monty. on
Sep 10, 2008 8:02 AM EDT
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Lance's ego would continually clash with Vaughter's sideburns...
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:23 PM EDT
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it's only 5-races
and they don’t have a superstar on the team — at least one that will work for free.
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:24 PM EDT
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that, and...
they do not have a good history.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:27 PM EDT
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so that's it
Lance to Garmin.
period end of story. (not likely)
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:28 PM EDT
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i believe at this point
they are on polite, but frosty, speaking terms. certainly not on, yes, please join my team terms. too much hot sauce under the bridge, if you know what i mean.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:31 PM EDT
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yeah, but Garmin (and maybe Columbia)
are the only rational choices
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:33 PM EDT
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A French team?
To lock up a Tour invite
Voeckler his domestique?
(ok never going to happen)
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT
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unless he puts together something of his own
which is entirely possible. dunno.
but garmin? definitely out. they’re entire team identity on the inside is that they are the anti-Postal. it’ll never happen.
columbia? i suppose, but i’m not sure it really fits.
astana is more likely – bruyneel is already there, trek is the sponsor, and the team is open to the idea. only problem is the team name – perhaps they could get some kind of hyphen thing going: astana-livestrong or something.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:39 PM EDT
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Columbia could be his best bet
Remember that Bob Stapleton signed up George Hincapie when it looked to most people to be a pretty dumb thing to do.
by Monty. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:42 PM EDT
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anti-Postal...?
that’s exactly why he’ll ride for Garmin, and besides he’ll look great with a mustache.
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT
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for his pr, sure
but for the team? i can’t see it. but i dunno, maybe vaughters wants to hitch himself to that particular wagon again. he’d know what he was getting into, at least.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:46 PM EDT
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it'll make a great story
even greater…
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:46 PM EDT
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Liquigas!
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:42 PM EDT
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ha!
that would be funny. not sure he can ride for an italian team, though.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:43 PM EDT
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not on a Trek anyway
he’d be arrested
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT
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Lance doesn't spend enough time
on his hair to ride for Liquigas.
by Katiek on
Sep 9, 2008 8:04 PM EDT
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si...
his hair values are definitely too low. though, the qualifications have fallen a tad with the hiring of basso, who is definitely not bringing the Hair.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 9:52 PM EDT
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Maybe there's a Hair stipulation in his contract?
maybe Basso has the winter to make himself presentable? One can hope for some funny results.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 10:28 PM EDT
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under the bridge?
through the IV? not down the drain? into the dumpster?
(nothing but net)
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT
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True enough, those tacos definitely aren't Mexican! ;)
by plinytheelder on
Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT
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when was the last time you were in Texas...? :)
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:23 PM EDT
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lol, no way josay
if any y’all come to cali, i’ll take you to my fave taco joint. it’s very mexican ;-)
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:23 PM EDT
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(booking plane ticket now)
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Sep 10, 2008 8:32 AM EDT
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There is more activity on this post than 99% of the non Ronde live threads...
… astonishing.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:23 PM EDT
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yes bedlam
We better stake out a spot on Alpe d’Huez tomorrow
It’s going to be a big Tour de France
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:24 PM EDT
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I think this will guarantee a massive PdC ToC party...
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT
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Massive.
Very massive.
Who knows where we can rent a house? Preferably in Solvang.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:39 PM EDT
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Oh now that's a wicked idea...
… hadn’t thought of that… I was planning on just trying to get us all a group rate and either a conference room or a hospitality suite for a night or two.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 6:59 PM EDT
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wait.
Dan is in charge of housing?
Kids. We need to talk.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:59 PM EDT
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Oh, I'm sorry...
… you mean you wanted someone that WOULDN’T focus on making sure the fridge was just a big keg cooler?
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 7:00 PM EDT
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or...
that the shower was big enough to store the kegs?!
lol, this sounds way too much fun.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 7:01 PM EDT
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Christ
I’m going to actually have to to show up to this thing, aren’t I?
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 7:02 PM EDT
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like duh...
what, you thought you could skip it or someting? no way, dude. you’re so here.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 7:03 PM EDT
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Nope...
… just send Megabeth as your proxy. We’ll give her a little Mark mask to wear 50% of the time.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 7:03 PM EDT
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yeah
but then she’d have to shave her legs twice as much.
Oh. TMI?
(we’ll see if she ever goes through this thread, I guess . . .)
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 7:07 PM EDT
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But that's the beauty of linking directly to the comments...
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 7:09 PM EDT
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back up pretty boy
It’s because you keep stealing my razors….
by Megabeth on
Sep 9, 2008 7:21 PM EDT
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We won't need a shower...
… there should be a hot tub in the back… and it will be Solvang in February after all… lots of chances of rain.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 7:03 PM EDT
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If there's no DVD player in the house
I’m not coming.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
by Drew... on
Sep 10, 2008 8:34 AM EDT
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Ronde
What’s a Ronde? there’s only the Tour… and pre-Tour.
It will be like two completely different Cycling calendars next year:
the Pro Tour and the Lance Tour.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:25 PM EDT
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[instituting banning procedures...]
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:37 PM EDT
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Don;t worry
I’m hitting myself as hard as I can in penance.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT
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It's OK
I seem to recall coercing you into having a beer at 4:30am one Sunday in April, even though we;ve never met.
Note to newcomers: Cycling isn’t just bread and cheese in July. It’s very strong beer at ridiculous hours in April. If you aren’t sure why, go to Youtube and search “koppenberg”.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:43 PM EDT
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Totally there.
Flanders is the best race of the year.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:47 PM EDT
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+17 Hellingen
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 7:01 PM EDT
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Lance may just start a new team
Amgen?
by cyclingchallenge on
Sep 9, 2008 6:28 PM EDT
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does he still use their products...?
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:29 PM EDT
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Oh, meow! :-)
"The world is a mess and I just need to rule it." Dr. Horrible
by bethie on
Sep 9, 2008 6:29 PM EDT
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That is what I have been thinking
a new team
"The world is a mess and I just need to rule it." Dr. Horrible
by bethie on
Sep 9, 2008 6:30 PM EDT
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too much work, too little time...
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:31 PM EDT
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tour of California
well that will be a huge race this year… and isn’t it interesting that ASO is not in a relationship with AEG?
I am sooooo hoping Floyd comes back in that race too. We need someone who will stand up to Lance or otherwise it will be a coronation that will make Levi’s last two wins look nerve racking.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT
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Floyd has been too quiet lately
does he still train…? I’m surprised that he wasn’t at Leadville.
live to ride, ride to live
by orangekick on
Sep 9, 2008 6:39 PM EDT
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leadville was usac sanctioned this year
So, Landis could not ride it, since his ban was not yet up. Rumorage is flowing about his future team, but nothing nailed down.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT
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Latest Floyd rumor:
Health Net. So says podium in sight.
If so that would make California Floyd’s biggest race of the year probably.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT
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yeah
They’re s’posed to get a new sponsor. That’s the last one I heard too, separately from Lyne.
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT
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New sponsor- maybe
are the Floyd hip replacement folks.
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:48 PM EDT
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yep
i forget what they’re called. someone & someone. i so rock at this…
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT
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You have
a future in news!
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:50 PM EDT
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Smith is there somewhere
but not with Wesson
by Monty. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:51 PM EDT
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smith & allen?
westfield? i’ll stop guessing…
by gavia on
Sep 9, 2008 6:52 PM EDT
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Tsk
It’s Burns and Allen, any fule knows that.
by Monty. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:54 PM EDT
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That's Burns and Smithers, Monty...
Burns and Smithers.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
by crashdan on
Sep 9, 2008 7:04 PM EDT
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podium in sight?
Total hack operation.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:47 PM EDT
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But the worse rumor the better!
Hey! I hear Lance will make a comeback!
No fucking way!
by ursula on
Sep 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT
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I suspect that Floyd's form hasn't
really held up. And dude can’t even keep his web site going. Best of luck to him, I guess.
by Sui Juris on
Sep 9, 2008 6:54 PM EDT
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What performance will
his VDS points be based on?
by Teel22 on
Sep 9, 2008 6:40 PM EDT
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So next year we have
Lance 1pt
Basso 1pt
Floyd 1pt
anyone else I’ve forgotten?
by Monty. on
Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT
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His last one
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT
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The latest rumour is that Lance
will ride for Columbia…………
by Bruce Suomi on
Sep 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT
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Are you serious?
What is the source? Columbia… my favorite team… desperate for a GC guy.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris... on
Sep 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT
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I think it'll wreck the team
not help it — this would suck for Cavendish.
live to ride, ride to live


