The Ride of His Life

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 11:56 AM EDT in News Comment 56 comments

No links just yet, just a closing thought... Floyd Landis just did something we'll be talking about for generations. Think about LeMond's time trial win in 1989, a ride most anyone who saw it will offer up as the greatest or at least most dramatic feat they've seen at the Tour. Just ask the folks at Cycling Revealed. It's been 17 years and we talk about it as if it were yesterday.

That's about where Floyd Landis' ride today ranks. The pre-race semi-favorite, suddenly dropping 10 minutes on a jour sans, solos away from the pack the next day and gains pretty much all of it back. Had it not been for the flats leading up to the Joux-Plane, Landis would be solidly in Yellow today. After 100km off the front, his final climb, on the Tour's toughest slopes (after maybe Alpe d'Huez), was just about as fast as the "heads of state" who'd been sheltered all day. He sits with a cheshire cat smile 31 seconds behind the leader and 20 seconds behind the race's other leading protagonist, knowing that the final time trial, the race of truth, has his name all over it.

It's hard to get nostalgic over something that happened an hour ago, but today was pure legend.

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Holy Moly....

Long-time lurker here. I haven't watched one second yet today because of work but I logged on here expecting to see lament after lament on yesterday. I can't believe this! I can't wait to get home to watch today's race. This incredible!

by Liz on Jul 20, 2006 12:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

no words

I've watched the last 21 Tours and haven't seen anything remotely like this. I still get shivers remembering how I felt about LeMond's win in 1989, but if Floyd indeed goes on to win, it would be hard to rank this achievement anywhere other than with the greatest ones ever. I'll go out on a limb and say it would surpass the last stage in 1989.

I'm racking my brains to recall any time in the modern Tour where three riders entered the final time trial within 30 seconds of each other. Nothing comes to mind yet.

I need a beer (or several). :-)

by Comma Sutra on Jul 20, 2006 12:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I just

can't find words for this one. I was 16 years old when Greg LeMond won that time trial in '89. This is the only thing that has come close to that. I just can't believe it.

by ssmith on Jul 20, 2006 12:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It certainly ranks up there with the great rides..

I'd rank it above Van Impe's nearly 100 km solo escape in 1976 (where he essentially wrapped up his only TdF win).

And it's certainly on a par with Merckx's eerily similar 1969 TdF effort, where his team squeezed the challengers early, and then he broke from the pack with 130 km left to go on the race's toughest mountain stage. He finished with nearly 8 minutes lead...

The difference is that Merckx was riding from a position of strength (he already held the race lead), but Landis was riding the day after his biggest collapse as a professional.

And yeah, LeMond's win was wild and unexpected and worthy of legend, but it carries a hint of the triumph of technology over tradition, while Landis', Merckx and Van Impe accomplished what they did on sheer, unmitigated guts.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 12:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree TC

I was so bummed after yesterday that I slept in instead of getting up at 5:00 to watch. First thing I had to do was clean a dog pile off the carpet, so nice a start to the day. I didn't even turn the TV on. After a few more chores I woke the computer up and hit the live update. Wow!!!!!
Couldn't get to that TV fast enough and damn near had tears in my eyes. Ah the human, American spirit lives! Way to go Floyd. I'll never forget Lemond's ride, but he is not Floyd. This was another "Miracle", and I say that with warm thoughts of the great Herb Brooks whom I was lucky to know since childhood. Now Floyd has to put on the after burners in the TT and I don't think there's a person in the world willing to bet against him after today. Can't wait.
T

by Tmeister on Jul 20, 2006 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now those tears

Wouldn't have anything to do with the resurgence of your virtual team, would they? 8-)

Seriously, It's hard to compare a hockey game to mountain stage (especially consdiering the hockey tourney's cold war overtones), but the continuing buildup of tension - the continual, jaw-dropping disbelief in what I was seeing - were similar.

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot to add...

That even a Hollywood screenwriter would have trouble making this plot believable.

I'd snort sprite out my nose into my popcorn if I saw this happening on the screen...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Today was all about

brute fucking strength. If today's stage was actually a TT he would have beaten the next guy by 30 minutes. At least.

The thing that kills me is that he only lost about 50 seconds or so to Sastre on the last climb (after 4 climbs in front solo) and then puts 35 seconds back into him on the run into the finish. That's such a freaking smackdown I can hardly put it into context. Every other rider should be shaking their heads in awe.

I can't ever remember such a domniant ass whipping in a race that mattered when so much was on the line, and it was one guy against everyone else.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Todays ride

puts the last seven years securely in the background.

I didn't think that was going to happen for a while, but it is completely impossible to talk about anything other than the amazing race going on right now and it is completely impossible to talk about any rider other than the man who stamped his name across the Alpes today.

Floyd Freaking Landis, I have no words to describe him or what he's done. He's more powerful than language.

by Koppenberg on Jul 20, 2006 12:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said

and if OLN could stop showing anymore interviews, pictures, or images of Lance I would be even happier than I am.

Today's results after yesterday's horror show leaves me (as Paul Sherwen would say) 'over the moon.'

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 12:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Remember

when Liggit held up a French newspaper a couple days ago, with a headline complaining that Landis was winning the Yellow without "panache"?

Well, they got their panache.

by kos on Jul 20, 2006 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was remembering that moment...

when the Landis media scrum started. Anyone know what sauces French editors prefer on their crow?

I'd be happy to whip up a bottle and ship it over...

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They were right...

and I think Landis learned that riding with aggression (and panache) is the best way to win on the tour.

by sancerre2001 on Jul 20, 2006 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And the icing on the cake?

Getting to share it with like minded people in a community such as this. Thanks guys and girls for adding to an already incredibly dramatic and enjoyable tour. Everyone's particpation has made it fantastic.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's cool Drew

by Tmeister on Jul 20, 2006 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't

agree more, ten times over!

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has there ever

been a tour where the teams were as worthless as this one? No real organized sprint lead outs, not much protection for yellow jersey wearers, and so many successful breakaways.

by kos on Jul 20, 2006 1:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Un. Frickin'. Real.

What a contrast from yesterday's performance. I can't imagine what it takes mentally to convince yourself you can make up everything you lost after a day like that. Can't wait to go home to watch the TiVo.

by byrrh on Jul 20, 2006 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Instantly legendary

My vocabulary doesn't have enough superlatives to do justice to Floyd's ride today.

LeMond's 1989 TT is the only ride at the Tour, within my memory, that is even in the ballpark. (I have not seen much video of Merckx's greatest feats; I certainly didn't see him "live" when he was riding.)

Can't wait for Saturday. Can't imagine that anything could be more amazing than today, though.

by socal on Jul 20, 2006 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

New Nickname

"The Phoenix"

For a sport that loves inspiring nicknames we are reminded of the famous tale from Egyptian mythology about the Phoenix which rose from the ashes of its funeral pyre and then flew off to paradise. Today we witnessed the flight of the Phoenix heading for paradise in Paris. From here on Floyd Landis deserves to be known as "The Phoenix "!

http://www.cyclingrevealed.com/July06/TdF/Daily_TdF_Stg17.htm

by CCB VW on Jul 20, 2006 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Very much appropriate

nice call.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking...

..."Lazarus". But I like "Phoenix" more. And not just because I used to read a lot of X-Men.

by Chester on Jul 20, 2006 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Landis and Disco

need each other desperately now. Landis could be the next American cycling hero, for sure if he wins Saturday, and he can double his pay and stature by doing it for a US team versus a Swiss one. Discovery can become the national team again. Everyone is much better off this way... including us.

by Chris... on Jul 20, 2006 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

my dream scenario

George realizes a stage win (last year) and a yellow jersey (this year) are the pinical of what he can achive in the tour and next year he focuses on winning classics. Then Floyd with Disco's mighty team backing wins tour number 2. and 3,4,5.... (say what you will about their preformace this year, disco has a proven track record of protecting their man the best. definitly a hell of a lot better than any team did this year) I would also love to see Disco make the multi-threat thing work. If the "team" of TMO can put 2 men in the top 5, then Disco actually working together sure as hell better be able to. I think it would be a wate to have Popo and Tom as just leutenints.

but that's my ultimate scenario, sadly whether it will come true ...

by ellie on Jul 20, 2006 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What an amazing effort

That was absolutely amazing. Positively Merckxian.

Sitting on the couch this morning I had an internal debate. Go ride, or stay home and watch. I went out with the usual group, but we were getting live updates on the cell phone. The power of the internets.

I can't wait to watch the repeats tonight.

BTW, what a great forum. I've been lurking since I found the site a few weeks ago. Thanks for setting it up.

by johnw on Jul 20, 2006 2:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for joining in

I postponed my morning ride til evening after I logged on the first time. When Floyd was off before the first climb I thought "here we go, he's either winning the stage or dying on his bike."

So happy he won.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I called my business partner and just said...

... "I'll be in late."

Then I called every riding friend I have and said, "You better watch this."

And that was before he even topped the first climb.

I'm going for my ride now.

by Bob Johnson on Jul 20, 2006 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You suppose

that the Mennonites will rush out now and buy TVs? Or at least build them out of old tractor parts?

by ssmith on Jul 20, 2006 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was remembering

that great stage two years ago when Floyd towed Lance up the final climb of the day, Ullrich and Klodi hanging on. Lance asked Floyd how bad he wanted to win a stage in the tour and Floyd said "Real Bad." Then Lance told him to "Ride like you stole something." That's what I tell my 6 year old grandson when he's out on his bike, and that is what I kept thinking today. C'mon Floyd, ride like you stole something, and steal something he did. He stole not only his deficit back, he also stole the respect and hearts of a whole lot of bike racing fans.

I grabbed kleenex when he went under the 1km kite 'cause I knew I'd need 'em when he crossed the line. And I did.

It seems silly for me to sit here and write these words, after all there are much more eloquent and dedicated long-time bike racing fans than I. But on a stage like today I'm greatful to have a forum like this because I want to say something, anything...but mostly I guess what I want to say is Thank You Floyd, Thank You.

by bethie on Jul 20, 2006 2:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That was quite eloquent

When they showed Floyd and his wife behind the podium I started to get a wee bit choked up. Ok, a lot choked up. It was just an incredibly valiant effort on his part today, whatever the outcome on Saturday he has instantly joined the pantheon of legends in the Tour. No one can case any kind of dispersions on today's performance. He literally beat the entire field by himself, cause he sure didn't have his team blocking behind him.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

that was incredibly eloquent. I couldn't have dreamed of saying it better myself.

I had forgotten about the "ride like you stole something" incident. but I think it's a wonderful contrast. 2 years ago he was a helper in Lance's shadow, now he is setting out to be a tour king in his own right.

by ellie on Jul 20, 2006 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nicely done

And the team you're doing it against are all All Pro players and you're doing it yourself, Bugs Bunny style (in the classic baseball cartoon when he's playing the entire Gashouse Gorilla's team by his lonesome.)

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

His coach (Robbie Ventura)

hit it right on the head when he was speaking to Phil and Paul when Floyd was away, when he said today's stage was perfect for what Floyd was attempting because it had very little flat sections to it. Take a look at the profile and indeed he's right. There was minimal territory for even a well organized chase to retrieve a whole lot of time before the final climb. The other GC teams totally fucked up when they gave him so much time to start the last two climbs, especially considering Floyd was outriding the yellow jersey's TEAM when they were on front.

After about 50k of that nonsense CSC and T Mobile should have gone straight to the front and taken over. As it was even after they did they still didn't put much of a dent in his lead. Imagine if they had left the entire chase to Perreiro's team? They would have finished 10' back.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drew, this is going to kill you..

But you have to give props to Bob Roll for saying it wasn't over by a longshot, as well as Al for saying that Landis is looking at possibly never racing again with his surgery and he has absolutely nothing to lose. I personally thought he would battle back to a top 5, but I never thought he'd be in a position to be the virtual Maillot Jaune by the first time check on Saturday. OK, let's not talk about final yellow for Sunday yet...

by Mr Van P on Jul 20, 2006 2:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It won't kill me for two reasons

Neither one of them believed it was possible (nor did any of us). They, as we, hoped that Floyd would attack and maybe get 3-4 minutes back on everyone in front of him and that maybe one of the top 3 guys would crack and lose some time, giving him a remote chance at the podium after the TT on saturday. But gain basically everything back at one throw? Please. Neither one of those idiots thought they would ever see something like that.

Bob is trained to hyperbolize as much as humanly possible to simply be a contrarian, and an american one at that. If Floyd's position before today was swapped with anyone else Bob would have put a 6 foot salad fork in the back of his chances. And Al is a product of TV and ABC After School Specials that always tie in heartbreak to ultimate triumph, like some 8th grader conquering chronic bedwetting.

Did anyone with a brain larger than a walnut think Floyd wouldn't attack today? Of course he had nothing to lose, he was 8:08 off the fucking lead! Duh!

Ok, that was more than two reasons but I think I've made my point.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 3:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I keep thinking about

that six or eight seconds Floyd lost in the first TT starthouse. Be a huge bummer if that cost him in the end.

OK, enough of that. (smacks face)

by bethie on Jul 20, 2006 3:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

OK

I take my face smack back, appears I'm not the only one who is thinking of this.

by bethie on Jul 20, 2006 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the commentary this week

I just wanted to thank everyone for the great commentary recently (and especially today). Even though I've been reading the mainstream articles about the Tour for years, I'm a relative newcomer to being a serious cycling fan, and this year, I've gotten into the Tour more heavily than ever before (I finally have OLN).

Today was unbelievable. I was getting jittery and yelling at the TV like I usually only do when my favorite basketball team is in the Final Four. I had to leave to give a midterm exam, and the first thing I did was pull up this site and VeloNews to follow the rest of the story while my students were cranking away. I'm glad I got to witness history and I can't wait to rewatch it tonight with my wife.

Your comments and historical references made it a lot more fun. You might take your cycling knowledge for granted, but it's much appreciated for a rookie like me. So thanks!

Cheers...

by dave on Jul 20, 2006 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Seconded

I, too, followed mostly mainstream coverage in the late 80s and 90s, thinking it interesting, but not something I was devoted to. Then I picked up my own bike again in 97, leading to an increased interest, but was still limited to mainstream press and the occasional accidental finding of a stage on late night cable. As the web grew up, it was easier to find more in depth news, but no community. Add that to Lance beginning to bore/annoy me to tears, my interest in the Tour waned.

But this? An phenomenal Tour combined with a community of (mostly ;)) informed commentators? Fantastic. Thanks to all.

(As well as the Blogofascism Overlord behind the scenes)

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

welcome aboard Dave

You realize you could have cemented your iconic status with your class if you had canceled your midterm in return for everyone watching the stage?

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks!

Thanks, Drew! Class starts at 11:30am and the first day of class, I asked if anyone was a fan (as I was pulling up the end of that day's stage along with my course documents) and they all looked at me blankly. This is Cincinnati, not exactly a cyclng hotbed (although there is a very good cycling club here).

Maybe I'll show today's highlights in Monday's class and try to convert them.

by dave on Jul 20, 2006 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Class!

"Who here is a cycling fan?"

(crickets)

You should have failed them all at that point ;-)

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, wow, superlatives are not enough

to comment on what happened today in the TdF. I absolutely could not believe my eyes. I kept thinking about History, which is so important in our Sport, and how we were witnessing a monumental day of racing that people will be talking about for many, many years to come.

I was so glad to sign-on here and see that you all were thinking the same thing! The comments posted here are much more eloquent than I could ever express. I find myself nodding, "Yes, yes" to so many of your posts. What a fantastic, monumental Tour de France this has truly been. So much has happened!

Remember back a few months ago: we all were dreaming of the mighty '06 Giro and its monster stages and drama. Gravel roads, snow, Ivan and Jan, oh my! But in the end, it was the Tour, fresh and thrilling and somehow (with all the drama from Operacion Puerto) plumbing the depths and heights of emotions (for both participants and spectators) that our Sport can reach.

I taped the stage this morning, and will watch it again tonight. Something tells me that I'll end up keeping it safe somewhere, to watch over and over and over again! Vive le Tour, indeed!

by Ruthann on Jul 20, 2006 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hadn't even thought of the doping

And you know what? That's even more icing on today's cake. It didn't, for a second of Landis' run, even occur to me to think that it was anything other than sheer ability and willpower that was getting him through it . . .

And that's fantastic. For him, for us, for the sport.

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

More thanks

I too have been following this board while watching this year's tour on OLN (at the breaka breaka dawn here on the West Coast), and I just wanted to say that I think the comments, articles and links here have been absolutely brilliant.

And Landis? Unbelievable. Before my girlfriend and I fell asleep last night, my last words were, "Honey, Landis cracked today." (Scintillating bedroom conversation, I know.) It was so depressing.

This morning I simply could not believe what I was seeing. We witnessed some cycling superheroics today.

Bigs ups to the Podium Cafe posse---keep up the brilliant work.

--J

by 72andSunny on Jul 20, 2006 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks 72

And you were not alone in expressing those Floyd sentiments last night. I essentially did the same thing. Today I told my wife "you won't believe what happened today" on the phone and she insisted that I tell her everything then and there. And of course we'll watch it all again tonight to make absolutely sure it happend.

Glad you found our site and enjoy it - wouldn't be much of a site without you all.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 4:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Today

I have four friends coming over later to watch it who have carefully shielded themselves from any news all day. All I've told them is that it's something they want to see, with a few "Man, that so f'ing sucked for Floyd yesterday" comments to help ensure they get the same thrill we did this morning.

by Sui Juris on Jul 20, 2006 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Out of curiosity

anyone know how many total mountain points Floyd picked up today? Would have been the ultimate kick in the nuts if he'd grabbed the spotty jersey from Rasmussen.

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 5:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He's more than 30 points behind...

Still, even if Floyd loses the TT on Saturday, he can be content with the knowledge that he won today's 'Most Combative' prize... 8-)

by TCWriter on Jul 20, 2006 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you sure

there wasn't a T Mobile rider who might have taken that instead? ;-)

by Drew on Jul 20, 2006 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sitting here at work

I'm slogging through quarterly reports and 401(k) payments, invoicing and paying bills, (and reloading podium cafe to read the comments, because being boss has its perks) and I'm doing all this dreck work WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE.

I remember that during the 2004 tour I think it was, Floyd's family showed up with this HUGE banner with pictures of Floyd from his younger days and across the top it said, "We Support Floyd Landis." They were dressed in the conservative clothing of their culture and I have to admit they looked a little out of place but nonetheless they were a friendly group of folks and very excited for their boy.

I can imagine that Floyd is a huge hero today to his family. I wonder what their banner would say today?

by bethie on Jul 20, 2006 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs