Armstrong: 2008 Tour "a bit of a joke"
by Tifosa on Jun 26, 2009 5:37 PM EDT
112 comments
For anyone who thought this year's Giro was a bit light on the traditional trashtalking, perhaps the Tour will be more to your liking.
This article from the Sydney Morning Herald quotes from a new book by John Wilcockson, Lance Armstrong - The World's Greatest Champion (catchy title; I guess it's back to the drawing board for all you Roger Federer and Michael Phelps hagiographers out there).
Quoth the Herald,
In the book, Armstrong also reveals the strength of his belief that his winning days are far from over.
"I'll kick their asses," he told author John Wilcockson in a conversation soon after last year's Tour while discussing his planned comeback. "The Tour was a bit of a joke this year. I've got nothing against Sastre … or Christian Vande Velde. Christian's a nice guy, but finishing fifth in the Tour de France? Come on!"
Ooh, la la! Let the games begin.
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Ok I tried but I can't get beyond that title
I’m not only mad as a Roger(and lets not forget his bud Tiger Woods) fan, but I’m mad as a cycling fan first and foremost. Lance is a great champion but Eddy Merckx is the greatest. If that title said “greatest Tour champion” I wouldn’t disagree.
by Phil H. on Jun 26, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
though it does call to mind Hinault's famous statement,
(I’m paraphrasing) “If Merckx had focused solely on the Tour he would have won it 15 times” ;)
by plinytheelder on Jun 26, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
plus merckx
dominated during his tour wins. His number of stage victories is incredible. In my mind armstrong doesn’t even qualify as greatest tour champion (though a good argument can be made, of course).
by yeehoo on Jun 27, 2009 5:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be reviewing this book, apparently
the publisher is sending me a copy. So I must keep an open mind. But ragging VandeVelde… why?
Abruzziamo!
by Chris... on Jun 26, 2009 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There but for the Grace of God, go I
You get to review the book, eh?
by ursula on Jun 26, 2009 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
oooh, là là
That should be entertaining. Probably better you than me ;-)
by gavia on Jun 26, 2009 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, the VandeVelde stuff…seems pretty classless to me…I’m willing to be convinced otherwise, but…
by plinytheelder on Jun 26, 2009 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
I like Lance and all, but he just comes across as a big time asshole with that comment. Besides, I think I read somewhere that VdV has a higher VO2 max than Lance.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 26, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vdv.... rode an entire season and came in fifth at theTour
Fourth if you count the doper out… Yeah, really something to be ashamed of. Poor Christian, had he had any sense he would have done as Lance did and just ridden in July.
I hope Vande Velde gives Lance a proper thrashing, healing bones and all.
by tricycle on Jun 27, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's ugly. Just plain ugly. Oh Lance. Say it isn't so. Why trash CVV?
Psychological games?
by ZoeRochelle on Jun 26, 2009 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I will restrain myself (just) to the following...
Dear Lance,
Thanks for relieving us of the need to give a team talk, your words will provide great inspiration to our guys (not that they needed it but still.. always helps to have some words to hand just in case)
Yours gratefully
Team managers and DS @ Cervelo, Garmin & Saxo Bank
by Gemma on Jun 26, 2009 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
red flag just went up...
damn “character assassins” all of em, eh sminer? ;-)
by Koppenberg34 on Jun 29, 2009 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being a champion is more than just winning stuff
or so I’ve always thought . . . statistically I’d say you could name a lot of other sportspeople who are out ahead of their peers by more than Armstrong, and I don’t even think he is better than Merckx was. I have read a couple of those articles where they make that peer comparison to work out who might have been the greatest sportsman so far (usually it’s men only) and the couple I’ve read have picked Bradman – I don’t know that that’s true but he’s certainly a better choice than Armstrong.
by Rothko on Jun 26, 2009 6:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bradman?
This really isn’t the place, but oh well: I watched the time trial stage of TdS last night, and I really take exception to calling Cancellara’s display at the end poor sportsmanship—or disrespectful to Kreuziger.
While Kreuziger probably wouldn’t see it this way—what he did by trying to re-pass Cancellara and finish ahead of him was arguably in poorer taste. If you watch the last k, you can see Cancellara deciding whether or not it’s worth it to chase K down (and who knows what’s coming through Cancellara’s radio). Now, it might seem un-gentlemanly of Cancellara to so publicly put Kreuziger in his place—but that’s what a patron has to do sometimes.
by R Mc on Jun 26, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bah.. He had plenty of time.. Why accuse Kreuziger of poor taste if you see what Cance did..
Kreuziger tracked him back on the climb. mKreuziger had after the lead an advantage of about 30meter. Cance had all the time in the world to let Kreuziger ride, who rode for his classement, and finish 50 meter behind him so he could take his moment alone.. But no in stead he sprints to the backwheel of Kreuziger and passes him again.. In my eyes Cance was the one with the poor taste..
(If I got your point right and you said Kreuziger was the one with poor sportmanship)
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
by Frinking on Jun 26, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Consider the context:
Kreuz has been caught for, what, 2 or 3 minutes at that point? He, like everyone else in Bern at that point, knows that Cancellara is racing to take a big win for him.
So, instead of staying within a reasonable distance of Cance (which, granting your point about Kreuz riding for GC position, would STILL gain him time over the pace that he was keeping before being passed like road furniture by Cancellara), he takes the cheeky move of upstaging Cancellara’s moment.
I realize this can be argued both ways—but given how I understand the context I think it was ungracious—poor sportsmanship, if you will—of Kreuziger to try to salvage a pointless 30 meter “victory” at the expense of Cancellara.
by R Mc on Jun 26, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We already disagree about the big win part..
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
by Frinking on Jun 26, 2009 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
For him . . .
Sure it doesn’t equal MSR or PR, but it was in Cancellara’s own home town—and here’s some kid trying to punk his moment in front of a rabid crowd.
Or, to cross-reference, Kreuziger refused to recognize what Ben Jacques-Maynes recognized.
But, I can handle being disagreed with on this one . . .
by R Mc on Jun 26, 2009 7:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The BJM analogy
Is a good one. Has Kreuziger ever complained about this? It was Tony’s race, to think he shouldn’t be able to celebrate it makes no sense to me.
"I get paid to hurt other people. How good is that? How good is that?
I get paid to make other people suffer on my wheel, that's good." Jens!
by jsallee00 on Jun 26, 2009 7:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tony won the tt with 1:30 advantage..
He mae himself such a dickhead to sprint to Kreuziger wheel and.. The camera didn’t let Kreuziger in the picture.. So I don’t know in which way it could be not good from Kreuz who was fighting for a spot..
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
by Frinking on Jun 27, 2009 5:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
and overtake him..
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
by Frinking on Jun 27, 2009 5:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just watched it again, I really don’t see anything wrong – you’re in the moment, you’re going for the best time possible. I didn’t even know there was controversy about this? Anyways, agree to disagree I guess ;)
by plinytheelder on Jun 27, 2009 6:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Kreuziger...
… had ridden the whole course at the same speed that he rode every time that he caught sight of Tony’s arse, then he would not have found himself in that situation ;-)
(Clearly, Tony’s arse is an inspirational sight, LOL)
by Lou... on Jun 27, 2009 7:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
you may laugh but...
even Dave Zabriskie has publicly mentioned that Cancellara is unbeatable in the time trial because of “look at that ass” or some comment like that about how huge and powerful Cancellaras ass is. I found that very, very funny – especially because it’s true.
who knows, Tony’s arse may have even inspired DZ Nuts indirectly. Dave Z thinking “I may not have his posterior but my nuts are huge”?
by tricycle on Jun 27, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Count on DZ to call it exactly as he sees it
and say what everyone else might be thinking.
by JFS_PGH on Jun 27, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
Kreuziger would not have reached the line when he did, had he not had Tony as a rabbit to chase.
From what I could see, after the climb Tony drops back into the tuck, comes past Kreuziger and veers to the right of him. Kreuziger jumps right into his draft and follows him all the way to the line. There is an instant and obvious increase in Kreuziger’s cadence when Tony goes past. (Well, OK, Kreuziger nearly follows him all the way to the line… he has to come out of his draft when Tony stops pedalling ;-) …).
Kreuziger made his choice. [shrug]
by Lou... on Jun 26, 2009 9:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ever had this happen to you
not even in a TT but just out on a ride? Someone passes you, you pass back, you both get better…maybe I’m being simplistic but that competitive spirit is the essence of riding right there
by plinytheelder on Jun 26, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even clearer in French:
Contre-la-montre, “against the watch.” Truly incidental what the relative positions look like. Getting caught by anyone except Tony would be embarrassing, naturally, but to be passed up by someone who’s putting 1:30 into the entire field? Why is this even an issue?
by JFS_PGH on Jun 27, 2009 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradman?
V Richards would be my choice. Maybe Bill Russell or Jordan after that. And Pele, too.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 26, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Statistically, it is quite clear.
Based on batting averages, and comparing his average to the rest of the best ever, Bradman (avg 99.9) is so far ahead of the rest (where anything over 50 is considered exceptional) it is truly extraordinary.
It is laid out here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Bradman#World_sport_context
The statistics show that “no other athlete dominates an international sport to the extent that Bradman does cricket”.2 In order to post a similarly dominant career statistic as Bradman, a baseball batter would need a career batting average of .392, while a basketball player would need to score an average of 43.0 points per game.225 The respective records are .366 and 30.1.225
Hey, I’m an Aussie and you are talking about “our Don”, of course I have to respond!
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
by muk on Jun 26, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wilt Chamberlain averaged more than 43 points a game for two seasons in a career. One season he averaged 50.4 points a game.
by adammoney on Jun 26, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And for his total career?
Bradman achieved his feat over a 20 yr career.
There were period inside that where his batting average was closer to 150…
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
by muk on Jun 26, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bruce Jenner?
Or someone else in a multi-sport sport, or who competes at a professional level in multiple sports?
by JFS_PGH on Jun 27, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
as long as we're venturing off the beaten path...
Valentino Rossi and Michael Schumacher must be considered as well, with more world championships each than LA has TdFs or Bruce Jenner had …blah, blah, blah.
by Koppenberg34 on Jun 29, 2009 1:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt, Bradman was amazing
But best batting average does not = best champion. Richards starred in and later captained a team that didn’t lose a series for something like 15 years. Hard to argue with that, imo.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 27, 2009 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Richards?
Over Bradman?! Bradman did lead the first Invincibles tour as well, if you’re trying to get some sort of leadership thing into it. And he had to counter bodyline.
by McDiesel on Jun 28, 2009 3:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt he was great.
But it’s hard to argue against how good the West Indies were back then.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 28, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow...what a chump...
Hope he gets his ass handed to him at “his” race for saying this. I thought he would have a better attitude since he is “doing it for his kids”.
by Vlaanderen90 on Jun 26, 2009 6:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Dear Cycling Gods
PLEASE PLEASE see to it that this fool gets his ass handed to him in the Tour. Do me this one favor and I won’t even complain if you allow that Di Luca fellow to win the Worlds later this year. :0
by La3000 on Jun 26, 2009 6:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hm
I think I could go along with this deal too.
Abruzziamo!
by Chris... on Jun 26, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's was it that George Clooney's character said in "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"
Something about when men get desperate they start reaching out in desperation… Anyway, good luck with those prayers.
by sminer on Jun 26, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
but sminer don’t you think these quotes Tifosa brings up are…well, kind of garbage? I don’t know, I guess I wouldn’t want everything I’ve ever said to be out in public… Anyways I ask because usually I quite like your take on Armstrong, you’re clearly a fan but you’re not one of the blind followers who think he’s god. So…what do you think?
by plinytheelder on Jun 26, 2009 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Will be an interesting read for sure...
Heard some of this last year, but not the “I’ll kick their asses” comment. Hard to tell about some of these comments out of context unless you just like to make up your mind right away because you hate the dude.
The remarks about last year’s winner Sastre I had heard and felt a little the same way then. But now I’m mega impressed by Sastre’s riding. But the one about CVV is wrong. My take on him doing so well last year was that this guy’s been riding clean all along and now that the playing field has been cleaned up, well, here’s Christian. Hope he keeps it up and it wasn’t a career high.
I find LA a candid and colorful guy. Of course if you don’t like someone who is candid and colorful, you’re probably going to hate them all the more for whatever they say. Some of his comments are easy to be taken offensively out of context. And writing them down on paper, rather than hearing them presented can change the meaning and intent entirely. (As we know and deal with it here).
As far as the title, I think it’s safe to assume that they are talking about cycling and his TdF championships but maybe they should do one of those “Dummies” kind of bookcovers, (Cycling) World’s Greatest (TdF) Champion for Dummies.
He’s coming to play hard ball, and I think this site is going to be a hard to handle disaster zone of anomosity with some of these hard core haters. I suspect Contador will keep his cool though and win it. The fact that Lance may or may not be right there contending for the win actually shouldn’t be a problem. We saw AC and Levi take 1st and 3rd in ‘07’ and 1st and 2nd at the last Vuelta.
by sminer on Jun 26, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's gotta be some context
if it’s going to save him from this
Christian’s a nice guy, but finishing fifth in the Tour de France? Come on!"
making him come off as a douche.
(oh , and Levi coming in second in the latest Vuelta was a problem we learned afterward)
by Jens on Jun 27, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure, yep, I said the comment about CVV was wrong.
And I agree that the context might not help him look better for these comments. I did read the article finally, and I think just from the title, the author of the article from Australia was playing a bit of shock journalism.
And whether it was a problem or not, Astana easily sealed the deal on 1st and 2nd. All I remember about it being a problem was some comment from Contador about Levi getting too close to taking over the 1st place position from him. He lost some respect from me after that Vuelta, but all is forgiven. I’m ready to see a battle royale, within the team, and the other competitors.
by sminer on Jun 27, 2009 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As clean as the rising star Kohl..
I don’t say he drugged himself.. But I will watch him closely..
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
by Frinking on Jun 27, 2009 5:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, what I said a CVV is what I originally thought about Kohl too, then he was busted.
So it was naive of me to say that about the playing field being cleaned up. Don’t want Jaksche prediction to be true.
by sminer on Jun 27, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"a" is about
sorry to make things harder to understand
by sminer on Jun 27, 2009 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
where can I sign on?
A$$hat needs a few lessons in humility.
by Fred Marx on Jun 26, 2009 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1; even better yet
if nobody “lets” DDL win, but manages to anyway
by Koppenberg34 on Jun 29, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"A bit of a joke" is a step up
when you look at what we now know about most of the people who finished in the top 5 during Armstrong’s time
by William H on Jun 26, 2009 6:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
+100.. Like you read my mind
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
by Frinking on Jun 26, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remind me to pick LA to finish 5th
in the pick LA’s final GC placing competition. What a wanker (probably once livind in Wankdorf).
by pigilito on Jun 26, 2009 7:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
last would be better
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
by umwolverine on Jun 26, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think y'all are letting Lance get to you too much.
He’s a man who has always thrived on conflict and aggression. You’re feeding him now—if you really want to piss him off, dismiss his comments—or better yet, laugh them off.
I can't understand why people cheat--Mark Cavendish
by majope on Jun 26, 2009 9:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He reads these blogs?
Otherwise it’s immaterial.
Hi Lance, if you’re out there! Don’t be such a douche!
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 26, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, even if you serious, which I'm sure you are.
by sminer on Jun 26, 2009 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm dead serious
My mom is recovering from breast cancer and I’m hoping he can speed things up with some of his tears. I understand they cure cancer.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 27, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That on the other hand, I did not find very funny.
by sminer on Jun 27, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's cynicism
not a failed attempt to be “ha ha” funny.
by JFS_PGH on Jun 27, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah yes, cynicism, I'm very familiar with this word,
as are most smartasses like myself. Maybe you could also tell me if you think it’s cynicism of the jesting nature, or the dark and bitter nature, + or – to one side. I don’t seem to have a pulse on how people feel about things.
by sminer on Jun 27, 2009 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I'm saying is, if someone's facing cancer,
and they don’t happen to find Lance inspirational (many do, some don’t)
they might indeed be feeling bitter about the balance between “cancer awareness promotion” and “self promotion.”
Those who DO find Lance inspirational to their own cancer fight (many do, some don’t) will presumably be willing to accept, at face value, the assertion that all of his self promotion IS cancer awareness promotion.
Me, I’ve dealt indirectly with cancer in both parents now, and in several friends, but still distinguish between the two faces / phases of Lance.
Perhaps if and when I deal with cancer myself, if Lance’s example pulls me through, I’ll change attitude 180 degrees. I have already taken great inspiration from the example of many Livestrong-band-wearing people. I’d rather hear more about their admirable exploits. How to put it? I want a band with Flatbagger’s name, or the post-chemo-looking people in the Livestrong shirts doing the local marathon, and looking like they’d really trained for it.
by JFS_PGH on Jun 27, 2009 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it possible
…that Lance has done a ton to raise awareness of cancer? Absolutely.
Is it possible that he’s created a godhead/mythological image of himself while winning 7 Tours and doing the above? Definitely.
Is it possible that he has an outsized ego and competitive nature? Signs point to “yes.”
Is it possible that he, just like all of us, can act like a douche sometimes? I’d think so.
Does acknowledging this make me cynical? It’s certainly possible.
Could I have expressed myself better? Always.
Do Lance’s tears actually cure cancer? Not sure.
Are you crazy if you ask yourself so many rhetorical questions? Only if you answer them.
FWIW my mom takes these things in stride, else I probably wouldn’t feel like it was worth joking about. Her nickname for herself is the Unaboober.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 27, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unaboober, once again that's funny.
You’re Mom sounds like she’s doing well, sounds like she certainly has a great attitude, I hope so. I know many victims and survivors, hell, cancer is so damn prevalent, who doesn’t know a victim or a survivor. It doesn’t strike any closer to home than your Mom though, all the best.
by sminer on Jun 28, 2009 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
pass the douchie
on the left hand side . . .
by R Mc on Jun 26, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sweet music to my ears
the moment will come in a few weeks time that we’ll get to see Bert catch LA in the ITT and subsequently “pass the douchbag on the left hand side”
by Koppenberg34 on Jun 29, 2009 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah
trash talk, so nice. indeed reminds me of the old times.
now I’m waiting to see who else beats LA in the GC.
by rbjhan on Jun 26, 2009 11:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Honestly...
besides thinking that these comments are really kind of lame and in poor taste, I’m coming to the conclusion that Lance isn’t such a great judge of other riders. He was also going on and on about how Cunego had a real shot last year, if I remember correctly. An awful lot of what I can recall him saying over the past year or so about who’s good and who isn’t really hasn’t been all that accurate. Or maybe I’m missing something.
by Ed K on Jun 26, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
"Lance isn't such a great judge of riders"
+ 100 Didn’t he also say Devo was going to win the Tour last year?
by Ruthann on Jun 27, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Devo forgot to whip it
(yes, it’s an old joke, I know)
Staring at the swim team gets you killed by a gang of dancing ninja men who know how to twirl.
by TheFigurehead on Jun 27, 2009 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hate the comments about Sastre and CVV
I’m just happy he didn’t say 07 was a joke, because lets be honest that Tour was a giant mess, but of course his team leader won that so there would have been more drama…which I’m incredibly sick of.
by Phil H. on Jun 27, 2009 1:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lance has set out to put VdV and Sastre back were they belong as part of the fight against cancer.
Oh well, I think it will be a healthy experience for Lance to ride as Bert’s waterboy just like VdV did for him.
by OctaBech on Jun 27, 2009 3:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't see LA carrying bidons for anybody -- unless he sees it as a useful photo-op to demonstrate his good intentions
I can only imagine what will happen should he beat Contador in the first ITT. Certainly he’ll put on a good face and swear he and the team are working for Alberto, but he’ll doubtless be pressuring JB and his team mates that he is fit and ready to claim title number 8.
by pigilito on Jun 27, 2009 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Party like it's 1986!
It’ll be funny seeing the Badger up there on the Podium. I wonder if they can get Greg on stage too!
Racing for Victory and Free Beer!
by DemonCats on Jun 27, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Armstrong - Hinault - Lemond on the same stage
What a weird and wacky bizzarro-world menage a trois that would make.
by Jens on Jun 27, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
seriously, la beat conta in monaco next saturday?
yeah, right
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
by umwolverine on Jun 27, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I used the phrase "should he beat"
I don’t expect it either.
by pigilito on Jun 28, 2009 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A bit of a joke in there for Phil H as well
AUSSIES ON LE TOUR……..
Heinrich Haussler* (Cervelo)……….
* Born in NSW, but a nationalised German
Do the aussies not want to claim him?
by Jens on Jun 27, 2009 9:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll claim him
and have claimed him many times..
He has Dual citizenship, and he know has an Australian racing licences.. So he is an Aussie..
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
by CycleGirl on Jun 28, 2009 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LoL, claim him, means in previous posts on PdC ;-))
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
by CycleGirl on Jun 29, 2009 5:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lance won't finish the '09 Tour
That’s my prediction.
-Greg
by gregm on Jun 27, 2009 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
considering that la himself said he didn't know how far he'd go...
that’s really sticking your nose out in left field
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
by umwolverine on Jun 27, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Make enough different statements about your intentions
and some of them will come true.
by JFS_PGH on Jun 27, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lance
refuses to rule out the possibility of finishing first. In the few interviews he has given in recent weeks, his only comment has steadfastly been that his team should follow cycling’s unwritten rulebook and work for the strongest rider. But in a television interview to be broadcast in France today, he hints again that he feels he could be on for an eighth Tour: that the strongest rider might just happen to be him.
by lucybears on Jun 28, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
John WilkCOCKson was just on a local news show
(sorry about the caps but that titles really ruffles my feathers)
well didn’t really say much except he thinks Lance is the greatset champ EVER, dumbest comment EVER…imo, and that in theory Bert should be leader but he thinks we’ll see something different because Lance really wantes to win(as if Bert doesn’t!) Errrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…
anyway I can look to find the interview on-line tomorrow.
by Phil H. on Jun 29, 2009 12:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting point of view
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jun/28/lance-armstrong-comeback?commentpage=1
Well worn ground, but some interesting comments from David Millar & others on Lance
by gadjo on Jun 29, 2009 6:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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