Sir Lance A Lot
By Wyatt Earp | July 26, 2009
Well, the Tour de France finished today, and Lance Armstrong was on the podium at the end.
Sadly, he was there representing third place.
That is not to say he is not still a dominating force in cycling – he is – but the long layoff hurt him in the long run, and that may have contributed to the result. Of course, Alberto Contador – who, in my opinion, is a selfish scumbag – was unbelievable in almost every Stage, and Andy Schleck is turning out to be a stud. As always, Lance sees the positives in the effort:
Lance Armstrong’s gamble to return to the Tour de France after a four-year break may not have been a complete success sports-wise but the American easily won the media battle.
To finish on the Tour podium at nearly 38 years old is a formidable achievement, especially after such a long time off the bike, yet Armstrong had looked so untouchable during his seven-year reign on the race the result was relatively disappointing.
Armstrong, third overall, acknowledged winner Alberto Contador was the best rider in this Tour, even though life in the Astana team may not have been easy for two exceptional athletes with strong characters and conflicting ambitions.
“I am happy and overall damned pleased how it turned out. Alberto was far superior than any riders and Andy (Schleck) rode a very consistent and smart race,” Armstrong told reporters after the penultimate stage on the Mont Ventoux. (H/T – )
The good news is that he will be back for the Tour next year, and without Contador – who really needs to reread the definition of “team” – I predict Lance will give everyone a ride for their money. Time will tell.
Congratulations, Lance. The fact that you finished on the podium is a testament to your character and determination.
Topics: Cycling | 8 Comments »
July 27th, 2009 at 12:31 am
Agreed, on all points. I watched most of it and I thought it was really interesting to watch this year.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:05 am
VERY rare photo of the 1940 Tour de France.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/RidesAPaleHorse/BIN/TourdeFrance1940jpg.jpg
July 27th, 2009 at 1:19 am
RT – It’ll be better next year when Lance wins it again. (Hope, hope.)
RAPH – You are so going to Hell! Funny, though.
July 27th, 2009 at 2:01 am
I’ll be in good company though…………
July 27th, 2009 at 8:18 am
An awesome Toour this Year. Ventoux was great. Lance had no chance against AC and Schleck.
July 27th, 2009 at 9:49 am
38 ain’t old. I am glad to see he can still ride after cancer and the removal of parts that I don’t ever want to part with. MUD
July 27th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Lance has still got it and hopefully will be back in top form next year. He is one of my favorites.
July 28th, 2009 at 11:57 am
RAPH – You got that right.
Randal – No, he didn’t Hopefully, that’ll change next year.
MUD – Agreed. I’m 40 and I still play ice hockey. I’d like to play until 50, so I can lace them up with kyle, but we’ll see.
MeToo – Mine, too. A terrific athlete.