Lance Amstrong Comeback Confirmed

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:17 PM EDT in News Comment 343 comments

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.

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Comments

lol

simultaneous writin’s

got more?

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hail hail!

i couldnt be LESS depressed.

by djebel714 on Sep 9, 2008 5:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

lol

it totally made me laugh :-)

i put up the headline then a ghost started typing…

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

oops, i lied, that was the astana statement, i got that

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

nope, i'm all good with the current linkage situation

lol, so funny

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get a (editorial) room, you two.

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ha!

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh and...

too bad about that gossip column i was trying to finish…

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Lance

in his own words.

by cg. on Sep 9, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep

got it :-) thanks…

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair

I saw it here first.

by Hons on Sep 9, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

+a bazillion

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

:-D

by Bruce Suomi on Sep 9, 2008 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that may be the first time that has ever been uttered

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you Kent Brockman.

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

make mine a double...

by nickel17 on Sep 10, 2008 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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... on Sep 9, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nah

But I did mistake him for one of the kids and told him to get off my lawn.

(and when I did, he made the same mean face he did yesterday, when he said that he didn’t think Lance was coming back).

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by nickel17 on Sep 10, 2008 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

+1

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+2

by Bruce Suomi on Sep 9, 2008 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

grrrrr

God that comment makes me so bloody mad (his not yours by the way!)

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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.

by Monty. on Sep 9, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cipo

LOL, just wrote a bit earlier about Cipo rumors. I’ll try to get that thingy posted lates or tomorrow.

Sigh.

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Columbia is Lance's new team.

Si Si

by Bruce Suomi on Sep 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by nickel17 on Sep 10, 2008 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

I'm skeptical about that, actually

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 5:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

non

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

See? Everything's more complicated there.

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

okay three for the French

(giggles)

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup

by plinytheelder on Sep 9, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

we will indeed

and now I’m off to get some sleep – night!

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

Chris put it so much better than me

by sminer on Sep 10, 2008 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

+1

well done Contador

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

keep the powder dry…

"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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Oh

…and here’s some extra cash.

Bert- Okay I’m tranquil!

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

and kloden just gets forgotten forever

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wonder if he retires soon, actually...

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

isn't that what they said

about Jan Ullrich?

by australopithecine on Sep 9, 2008 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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... on Sep 9, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

well stranger things

have happened so they say!! (grins)

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ha :-)

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by nickel17 on Sep 10, 2008 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

Vanessa Paradis

and I’m a LA fan in a heartbeat.

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Think Jonny may have something to say about that one! :)

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed :)

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

damn trekki disco fanboy

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

said fondly

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+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 up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, crashdan...

I’m doing the dance of joy with you!

by cg. on Sep 9, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Woot!

The Insular Lance Armstrong Appreciation Society grows by another member.

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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... on Sep 9, 2008 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

Every fanboy needs a fangirl in the club… :)

by cg. on Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Make that two fangirls.

by ZoeRochelle on Sep 9, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

lol

cyclismag.com, french site, had a very very funny spoof of the original vn article that substituted Jan for Lance. very funny stuff.

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

Are CNN anchors wearing yellow wrist bands?

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

...and???????

You didn’t finish the story here did you? ;)

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

For sure

That one is certain

"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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

I am sure Ekimov would join (is he 50 yet?)

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh jesus that's funny...

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Or even Riis

and obviously that should say hang round with

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To which

Astana just laughs and laughs.

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

laugh now, cry later :)

by Gemma on Sep 9, 2008 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Trying to withhold comment until further reflection...

… but that is too damn funny!

by dheadrick on Sep 9, 2008 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

Astana because of Bruyneel.

by majope on Sep 9, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

ohmigod

Vaughters and Lance together? Gah.

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

America's team= NOT Garmin

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

Roll on, Columbia, roll on!!!

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Sep 9, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+100

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Sep 9, 2008 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

bwaaah

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

hehe!

by nickel17 on Sep 10, 2008 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

well said

by nickel17 on Sep 10, 2008 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

You've been watching

that Sean Connery video again

by Monty. on Sep 9, 2008 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!!!!

by Bruce Suomi on Sep 9, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

your

mother put me to work as an ashtana, Alexsh.

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kill the tabernacle!

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Sep 9, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

that, and...

they do not have a good history.

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

it'll make a great story

even greater…

live to ride, ride to live

by orangekick on Sep 9, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

not on a Trek anyway

he’d be arrested

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lance doesn't spend enough time

on his hair to ride for Liquigas.

by Katiek on Sep 9, 2008 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

lol

hmm, is he capable of such a feat? he has to pass doping controls and all.

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

well...

yes, all of the above, i believe would be correct.

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True enough, those tacos definitely aren't Mexican! ;)

by plinytheelder on Sep 9, 2008 6:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

(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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

wait.

Dan is in charge of housing?

Kids. We need to talk.

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

back up pretty boy

It’s because you keep stealing my razors….

by Megabeth on Sep 9, 2008 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

when did Dan get your email address?

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

hmm.

bet that wouldn’t be too hard, actually….

by gavia on Sep 9, 2008 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

[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 up reply actions 0 recs

Don;t worry

I’m hitting myself as hard as I can in penance.

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

oof

and I went for a ride after that. Ack.

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Totally there.

Flanders is the best race of the year.

by ursula on Sep 9, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+17 Hellingen

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.

by crashdan on Sep 9, 2008 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am kind of ashamed for us

by Sui Juris on Sep 9, 2008 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lance may just start a new team

Amgen?

by cyclingchallenge on Sep 9, 2008 6:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

does he still use their products...?

live to ride, ride to live

by orangekick on Sep 9, 2008 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

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 up reply actions 0 recs

too much work, too little time...

live to ride, ride to live

by orangekick on Sep 9, 2008 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 reply actions 0 recs