Posted on 07/27/2009 2:50:12 PM PDT by Red in Blue PA
Of course. But he didn't so he played the role he was required to play.
Armstrong will be lucky to finish in the top ten next year.
You have to have a bad mountain day to miss the top 10, no matter how much you've lost in the time trial. He showed now signs of that. Contador and the Schlecks were better in the mountains, but nobody else was. Maybe age will take that from him over the next year, or maybe training will give him a little time trial prowess back. I doubt you would bet a substantial sum at even money that he will miss the top 10.
He had a great, great career; but he is finished as a real threat in the TDF
Unless injuries or drug scandals take out a few others, that's true. If he were to win at 39 it would be one of the greatest sporting accomplishments ever. Getting 3rd at 38 after three years off was rather impressive. It was just fun to see him back on the slopes, and I hope he's able to make it interesting one more year.
Didn't he lose just a bit of time in the mountains twice, once when protocol demanded he not chase Contador? Did you see Saturday's race? Nobody who did could call that stinking up the joint. He didn't have the solo breaks we have come to know and love, true. But stink?
Evidence?
yup...
apparently humility & class aren’t part of this victor’s traits
How much has Armstrong spent on attorneys to shut people up - a lot more than Obama has hiding his BC. Just ask Greg LeMond.
Does not sound like the behavior of an innocent or honorable man.
Welcome to FR.
Born:
Thank you for your thoughtful post. I too grew up listening to Springsteen, having lived two towns north of Asbury Park and attended High School in the mid 70’s. I, however, can’t keep the apples and oranges separated, especially when a high school dropout tells me, a person with seven years of higher education from some of the country’s best institutions, what to think.
When Bruce threw in with Kerry - that was it for me. I listen to his music rarely now, only when I am feeling nostalgic. I will never buy any of his music, nor will I go to any of his shows. I will not express my enjoyment for his accomplishments - will not promote him in any way. I am no longer a fan.
I feel the same way abut any other celebrity that promotes a political ideology that is antihetical to what I believe will provide the greatest good to the greatest number of people. Their ilk will not get my money or support in any manner - only my efforts to tear them down. You can include Lance’s X, Cheryl Crowe in that group.
When it comes to rooting for a sports figure, or being the fan of an entertainer, I will throw in with the one who promotes freedom or just stays politically neutral. I won’t criticize anyone who wants to be entertained by someone who wants to take their liberty. But you won’t find me in that audience. But that’s just me.
As far as the TdF, I agree that the team effort is the primary ingredient in a rider’s success, especially in modern times where the Director is in constant contact. The team effort, however, has the least impact on the pure climbs, where the most time is won or lost. Lance has been one of the greastest. But I think we are seeing the emergence of one who will eclipse his accomplishments in Contador. Only time will tell.
As I see it Lance was the first one to strike out on his own in this tour. I do not recall the number of the stage - but it was early in the south on a flat costal course. The Peloton split - Lance was in the first group and Contador got left behind. So much for team unity.
Therafter, it seemed clear to me that the plan was to get Lance in yellow. Probably good for the team fundraising and good for the sport in terms of publicity. But Contador had other ideas, with his freelance acceleration away from Lance in the Pyraneese. Alberto, as the superior rider, delivered a smackdown to Lance, because he did not take care of him when the Peloton split. Having yellow taken from him was too much for Lance’s ego to abide - so team unity got lip service thereafter.
But that’s just how I see it.
I will be looking forward to next yera’s TdF regardless. Take care my FRiend.
wonder what was behind all tha
wonder what was behind all that
I don’t think that is a valid criticism. I think Lance thought he might win that stage when they planned the announcement, and that would have been a great way to get the team off the ground.
But in any case, starting up a new team the point is to get maximum exposure for the sponsor. You don’t put it off, Radio Shack was paying good money to get their name on world-wide TV in the middle of the race, on a day when most people would be watching (unlike all the boring days of the race where nothing really was happening).
It would almost be fun to see if Lance could get a rider on HIS team the win over Contador, thus proving that no matter how good a rider you are, you can be beat by a good team.
If someone was trying to take away your career by lying about you taking illegal drugs, don’t you think you might get a lawyer to help you stop them?
Your right.
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