Lance Wins #7
I could have posted this a couple of days ago, Armstrong has had the
2005 Tour de France wrapped up for the last few days. Today’s stage was completely
ceremonial, to the point of being a bit ridiculous. The early
kilometers today looked like a bunch of club cyclists out on a ride. I
could have hung with them without breaking a sweat. Anyway, I’m
not going to comment on the miniscule details of the tour, you can
visit other sites to get your tour fix. I just wanted to give my thoughts on a few topics — it is the biggest event in my favorite sport.
Armstrong was amazing this year. He made this tour look as if it was
one of his easiest to win. He never seemed to be in trouble at any
stage. He pounded on the time trials. He was more strategic this year
than ever. Everything seemed to work amazingly well. At the ceremony
Lance was given the opportunity to speak to the assembled crowd. Nobody
has ever been given that opportunity before, ever. It was a small
gesture, but shows how much Lance has stamped his legacy on this event.
I will miss Armstrong in next years tour. He’s won every tour that I’ve
watched. However, I’m also happy to see him retire and move on. I’m
looking forward to the next round of winners, and next years Tour is
going to be very exciting!
I ask only one favor. Lance, please, I beg of you, do not run for governor of Texas!!!
I’ve also decided that it is officially time to retire the Livestrong bracelet.
Rasmussen
Michael Rasmussen had the worst time trial I’ve ever seen a cyclist
have on the 20th stage. The poor guy went down in the first 10 km. His
rear wheel just slid out from under him. He then had a bike change, and
the new bike didn’t work right. Another bike change. Then he fell off
again going over his handlebars. Then another new bike. It was horrific
to watch, turning completely comic after all the mishaps. It was almost
a given that he would lose his 3rd spot in the GC to Ullrich, but I
felt so bad for the guy.
Ullrich
I really hope that big Jan comes back next year and wins the tour. I
would be happy for a number of other riders to win, Ivan Basso for
example. It would be great if an American could do it. But Jan deserves
it more than anybody else. He’s been dogged by Armstrong year after
year. If Armstrong would not have been a pro cyclist, we would be
amazed over the Ullrich domination of the Tour. He should get another
win before he retires.
American Cycling
…is huge! Around ten Americans played big, big roles in the Tour this
year. The American presence was incredible. Additionally, Lance has
changed the way America views cycling. I really hope that the
excitement and attention that cycling gets with Lance continues to grow
after his retirement. And the European Peloton simply is no longer just
European. American’s are definitely here to stay in pro cycling.
Vino!
Alexandre Vinokourov was just amazing this year. Two stage wins,
including the final stage in Paris, add up to a great tour. Vino is
switching teams and clearly put in a great showing to increase his
contract value for any new team. If he could be tamed and be supported
by a full team, he could be powerful. After his explosive performances
though, I’m wondering why he doesn’t go after the 1-day spring classics
more.
Landis and Leipheimer
Both former US Postal riders failed to impress this year. I don’t think
they had the legs or the killer instinct, but it’s also pretty clear
that Lance has no love for these former teammates turned team captains.
When he takes opportunity to put the hurt on these guys, even though
they are minutes behind and no threat, it doesn’t look good to anyone.
We still have the La Vuelta a Espana in September to wrap up the cycling
season, then a few months off and we’ll be back in Europe for the 1-day
classics.
