Lance Amstrong Comeback Confirmed
by Jen See on Sep 9, 2008 5:17 PM EDT
in News
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PrintLance 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.
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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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:20 PM EDT reply actions
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.
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
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 up reply actions
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 . . .
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
I'm adding
two more links.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:27 PM EDT reply actions
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!
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
lol, so funny
what else shall we add? there was a statement from bruny today, i’ll add now.
anymore links?
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
if he races for Team Livestrong
and honest to god does it to promote that team, he’ll have my respect. We’ll see.
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
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions
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! ;)
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
this is one of the few things that could actually
move me back into the sympathy for Levi, that little bald nugget.
Oy
this is going to be an interesting afternoon.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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 up reply actions
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.
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 up reply actions
He mentions that in the VF article
and said that he would put in a call to his buddy Nicolas Sarkozy if needed.
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.
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 up reply actions
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 . . .)
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.
I wonder
If Cippollini has Carla’s number in his little black book? Maybe they should do what golf does and start up a seniors’ tour. We know that Hinault still has a bit of fire in his belly. Sadly Eddie just has the belly nowadays.
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
oh my god
i hope that’s not true. i can’t handle that
Today, I raced à la Chavanel, and I succeeded.
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”
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:57 PM EDT reply actions
Oh yeah?
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions
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.
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.
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…
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 up reply actions
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
He's too politically aware.
And again, he’s a lot bigger than Pro Cycling. He’s a lot bigger than Bruyneel.
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.
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).
si...
this is also why i’m not as convinced as some of the others that the tour invite is a sure thingy.
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!_
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.
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 up reply actions
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 reply actions
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.”
Yep
keep the powder dry…
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions
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 up reply actions
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.
Would call for some serious maturity on Contador's part
but that’s something I can see, now that you say it.
and kloden just gets forgotten forever
by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
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.
isn't that what they said
about Jan Ullrich?
by australopithecine on Sep 9, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions
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
Maturity
I doubt Bert would make many exceptions. Indurain too maybe, but that’s it.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I believe that's: tranquilo
but you’d have to ask Gav to be sure.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
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 up reply actions
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…
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…
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.
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……
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 reply actions
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 up reply actions
which would make it all the more impressive
I was going to say something about it taking . . . and then . . . see? Best left unsaid.
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.
+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.
Hey, crashdan...
I’m doing the dance of joy with you!
by cg. on Sep 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok CG... I'll let you and Corddry up there into the treehouse...
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
Woot!
The Insular Lance Armstrong Appreciation Society grows by another member.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
Not sure
I’m in the fanboy club, but I can’t help getting VERY excited about next summer.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks!
Every fanboy needs a fangirl in the club… :)
by cg. on Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
You bring the cookies...
… I’ll bring the lemonade. You and Bethie better not have cooties.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
Don't be fatuous Daniel
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
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
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.
The first name
in regurgitating news.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
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 . . .)
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.
For sure
That one is certain
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Astana's Tour team next year;memo to Riis
Lance
Bert
Levi
Klodi
Horner
Zubeldia
+3 domestiques
Hey Riis! Your team sucks donkey balls.
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
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions
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
yeah Astana
i was thinking for a minute actually of Columbia instead of Garmin. But its Astana al the way.
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
+100
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions
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 up reply actions
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
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.
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.
Are you sure that frat paddle said "Astana" and not
“ass tanner”
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
You've been watching
that Sean Connery video again
The penis mightier for $100 Alexsh.....
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
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 up reply actions
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?
If Dan was right you really don't want to know............
Carlos Sastre - Tour de France winner - Born From Jets
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?
Lance's ego would continually clash with Vaughter's sideburns...
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
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
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.
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 up reply actions
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.
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.
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
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.
Liquigas!
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions
not on a Trek anyway
he’d be arrested
by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions
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.
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.
lol, no way josay
if any y’all come to cali, i’ll take you to my fave taco joint. it’s very mexican ;-)
(booking plane ticket now)
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
There is more activity on this post than 99% of the non Ronde live threads...
… astonishing.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
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 up reply actions
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions
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.
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.
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.
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 . . .)
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.
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."
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.
[instituting banning procedures...]
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
That is what I have been thinking
a new team
"The world is a mess and I just need to rule it." Dr. Horrible
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.
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
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.
Latest Floyd rumor:
Health Net. So says podium in sight.
If so that would make California Floyd’s biggest race of the year probably.
You have
a future in news!
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Tsk
It’s Burns and Allen, any fule knows that.
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.
What performance will
his VDS points be based on?
His last one
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions
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 Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it'll wreck the team
not help it — this would suck for Cavendish.
live to ride, ride to live
Meh
Lance is famous for not existing 10 months out of the Cycling year. He shows up for a little in Spring, then in July. Otherwise, they can go about their business.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I would love it to be Columbia
they need a serious GC guy for the Tour and they have the domestiques. AND he would ride against Astana and Bert so we’d see a real competition (along with Sexy Bank and the Schlecks of course.. and I’m not dissing them here.)
taking you with me
next time I go to Ikea
(shut up. everyone goes to ikea for something or the other.)
guilty
as charged. The Cardamum biscuits.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
i heart ikea's glass doored billy bookcases...
please, don’t ask me to count how many i have… half of them are in storage from when we sold our 2nd house…
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
sigh
of course. the one language i really can’t make heads or tails of. all those freakin’ circles over the letters :-P
Here you are
something to fill those long winter nights
i really don't want to go back
to not liking that team, damn it
Today, I raced à la Chavanel, and I succeeded.
Dang
this is like a Podium Cafe all-star gab-fest. All we’re missing is Cosmo and TCWriter. So I can’t help but goad you guys into submitting your Angliru Five.
[OK, enough actual racing. Back to Lance…]
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:49 PM EDT reply actions
Mags
is a continental pro, or maybe a Pro Tour pro. He’s too smart to come here.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
well, send someone up the road
to catch him and haul him back, then. Enjoyed his posts. Even the Floyd Did Too Use Testosterone ones.
Ok, Ok... I'll submit a top 5...
Geez… it’s not like I haven’t lost enough non-money in $0 cost PdC games this year.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
Jeezzee, I go out to mail a letter and there are over a hundred new comments!
This makes for some great entertainment! Probably exactly what Lance wanted right?
Hi Lance!
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Or as my grandson calls him
Hi Ants! (He’s 2.)
"The world is a mess and I just need to rule it." Dr. Horrible
uh... uh... uh...
he might race in the Amgen Tour of California in February, and the Giro d’Italia in May.
I think my brain just melted. Lance at the Giro??
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:57 PM EDT reply actions
that would be fantastic
Dolomites road trip ….
by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
True
but in this case, it’s Lance doing the speculatin’.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Tour of Missouri 102 comments
this thread is already over 250
Lance = life.
live to ride, ride to live
I was actually looking for him today
Rock Racing seems a little light in talent out there in the peloton today.
live to ride, ride to live
you might be kidding, but
I’m telling you, if they could both get over themselves*, a Lance + Rock Racing effort would be perfect. Lance could pull in all the talent he needed, massive elevation for Rock, etc. You all can laugh, but I’m telling you, this would be brilliant for all.
*which is what makes this a non-starter
it wouldn't surprise me at all.
they’d have to ride treks, but otherwise, it fits. the tour invite, though, that might be a problem given some of the names on that roster.
only problem i see.
is the problem that cipo had – it seems that Mr Ball is quite controlling. That might be too much Ego in one room.
interference = risk...
… and I believe Armstrong would never, never allow something that simple to screw up his Big Yellow Machine.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
well, that's what makes it a non-starter
That said, Lance (for all of his other faults) is a very smart boy. If he’d go with Rock, I’m sure that his control over things would be (painfully) hashed out in advance. If Ball knew what was good for him (and his success indicates that he occasionally does), he’d hand it over, lock, stock, and cassette.
watch that roster
get shuffled like a deck in Vegas, if it happened. Hamilton, Sevilla, and Botero? Summer vacay, boys.
like I said before, too much work, too little time.
the choices are Garmin or Columbia or at least something established — he needs to focus on training and not managing a new team.
live to ride, ride to live
he's only in for 5 races
a turnkey operation is what he needs to succeed.
live to ride, ride to live
too late today, but
I’ll watch for comment tomorrow in the French press and elsewhere. Uh, I’m guessing there’ll be some.
Libé and Le Monde both have it up...
…but it’s only the AFP wire story. Few more hours I guess.
by plinytheelder on Sep 9, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
More reactions: Hincapie
“I think it’s great,” said longtime teammate George Hincapie, who added he spoke to Armstrong this morning. “Like I said earlier today without Lance half the teams in this race probably wouldn’t be around. He’s done more than anyone for the sport especially in America and around the world.”
“On a personal note, I like that he’s going to be back in the peloton. He’s a great friend of mine, and I also think for the sport it’s good, too.”
Associated Press Writer Jerome Pugmire in Paris contributed to this report.
Jerome Pugmire – beautiful name.
Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
Ullrich
(courtesy of Google Translation)
What does Jan Ullrich (34) to the comeback of his eternal opponent?
Ullrich: "I can not imagine. I think it only when Lance in Monaco at the start. "
a better translation for that...
…might be “I’ll only believe it when I see him at the start in Monaco.”
by plinytheelder on Sep 9, 2008 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
and in the new Cervello Team, no?
i think a thing is certain, the team that he will choose will have anti-doping program, right?
Lance
riding a Cervelo? Nahhhh
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Sep 9, 2008 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions
299 posts... we need a new thread
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
TdF 2009 will be very interesting!
Can you imagine a tour with Armstrong, Basso, Contador and Evans battling for overall victory with Sastre, Sanchez, Menchov, Kohl, Schleck 1 & 2, Gesink, Valverde, Leipheimer, Klöden, Soler, Kreuziger and Cunego present to spice things up?
I’m allready looking forward to it!!!
Maybe Rasmussen can come back too, who’ll notice with Armstrong and Basso riding again? :-)
Some commentary on Eurosport
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the likelihood that Contador – a rider so heads-and-shoulders above his peers he could win the Giro days after entering the race on whim and with little training besides lounging on the beach – would play second fiddle to a former great bent on making headlines and spiting a few old foes by making a sentimental return to the sport after a celebrity-infused two-year hiatus, is so far-fetched it could rival Newcastle United for ridiculousness.
don't think so...
…I don’t think there’s any way Contador cedes his place to Armstrong.
by plinytheelder on Sep 10, 2008 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions
if it's Astana - then poor Horner gets left out again?
didn’t he and Lance reportedly not get along? Hasn’t Horner made some comments that weren’t so endearing about Lance or something like that? (trying to remember)
Lance is a brand name
ASO would never exclude him. That is just crazy talk. Agree or disagree, ASO had cause for excluding Astana, but keeping Lance out because of some sort of vague European dislike syndrome? A seven time winner who never tested positive? Nonsense. If BIg Tex wants to race in France, he will race in France. ASO is dumb but they are not stupid. And Lance might just kick ass again. And the ToC shindig has now officially become way to big for my modest abode. Offer rescinded….
I think it's probably bad for American cycling
I know some people think that his return may mean the survival of the TdG, but that really just confrims that cycling in the US needs a star/celebrity (or more than one) to retain anything other than a niche prescence. He may return for one year or two but this isn’t a long term deal. Arguably the next best USer in the peloton is Levi, and Levi isn’t a star (and he’s getting on). IMO he’s dull and that doesn’t help, but in another country like Australia he might be big news like Cadel Evans is, regardless of personality or panache. Levi suffers from the comparison with what has gone before.
But looking beyond that – and especially at the 23-30 olds – the riders who’ll be the faces of US cycling for the next 5-10 years, I can’t think of anyone who has the quality to produce the kind of results that will keep cycling in the regular sports pages once Lance returns to retirement once again. There is some promise in the U23s, but just about every country can lay claim to that. But back to my point, Lance’s return makes it impossible, IMO, for anyone else to develop a strong profile. Just as Levi suffers from the comparison, any emerging talent is going to be overshadowed by Lance’s profile and past results. And when confronted with the reminder of those results it makes it nigh on impossible for many fans at the periphery to recalibrate their expectations of what a “star” rider might be.
here in Portugal we need a star too
but the level of Azevedo already is enough, like Cadel in Australia.If this are difficulty to find in that countries, imagine a Armstrong every decade!!
by semprenaroda on Sep 10, 2008 5:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Rui Costa looks promising, doesn't he?
Very impressive riding by an ex footballer (just kidding)
Carlos Sastre - Tour de France winner - Born From Jets
yes he does,
he seems the most promising. While there are many young rider that give good indications here in Portugal, Rui Costa is perhaps the one who have achieved the best results in foreign.
There are rumors that Benfica will be finish in the end of this year, hope for a good performance from Rui Costa in WC (like last year) to attract a big team. But i think his profile will be more a classic especialist, something like Kirchen, not a climber like Azevedo,
by semprenaroda on Sep 10, 2008 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Prudhomme speaks
The gist of it is: at the moment, without knowing which team he’ll be on, Armstrong’s return is accepted as long as he follows the anti-doping rules. ]
Where he will scream at us
to get off his lawn :-)
Hey Steve, any houses in town we could rent for a bunch of days? That way we won’t have to wreck yours.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
That's not too far away from Ssmith's place actually. This could have legs.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
About 10 miles
as the crow flies. Even though Becks and Posh looked into buying the place, word is that it’s empty at the moment. Except for the monkeys.
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