He’s a phenom. You’ve got to wonder how many additional TdFs he could’ve won if he hadn’t retired prematurely? One at least and he probably would’ve been on the podium for another couple. Hope he’s been holding back a little for tomorrow and jumps up and surprises the heck out of everyone, including Shleck when he takes second place from him.
Maybe none. Probably did some self-evaluation and determined he was burned out, maybe never intended to come back, but took a few years off and got the hunger again.
It's the most grueling race in the world, and much of it is between the ears.
No brain power, no muscle power.
Armstrong readily acknowledges Eddie Merckx was the best. He raced all the races, plus held the one-hour record for so many years.
And the sweetest thing is that anytime Lance is in the TDF, the french press are crapping in their berets. Him up on the podium in Paris would really stick it to those vile bastards.
I agree that Lance could of easily won another TDF, and been on the podiums for a few more as well if he didn't retire. But the guy still has 7 final yellow shirts at home. He's the man.