But sometimes it's best to keep the apples with the apples and the oranges with the oranges. I grew up listening to and loving the music of Bruce Springsteen. I knew nothing of his politics. Yet, here he is a devout misguided democrat, but his music is still the same. I still love it.
Concerning Johan
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Bruyneel
“Johan Bruyneel (born August 23, 1964, Izegem, Belgium) is a former road bicycle racer in professional cycling and a directeur sportif for UCI ProTeam Astana. Retiring from racing in 1998, he became director of Team Discovery (formerly U.S. Postal Service Pro Cycling Team), a US-based UCI ProTour cycling team. He produced nine Tour De France wins with Lance Armstrong from 1999-2005 and Alberto Contador in 2007 and 2009. Following the 2007 season, the team disbanded and Bruyneel became the director of the Astana Team beginning in 2008.”
Now let me make this very clear. Alberto is amazing, he can hold his own in the mountains and in a time trial. Granted, I think he made a couple of mistakes that he did not need to. He would have one without them. It must have been so frustrating from Andy and Frank, knowing that there was nothing they could do.
But, all things being equal I would have to put money both ways. The tour de France is much more than just the rider, the team makes a huge difference. Do I think Lance could beat Alberto, yes I do, that is if he had a stronger team.
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.