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I had no idea there were so many cycling enthusiasts..I should say, knowledgeable cycling enthusiasts at FR. Once again, FR shows it is a true example of diversity.

I would agree, to a certain point, that no rider can do it alone. However, I believe last year during a climb, a breakaway killed Lance's team, and he had to do it alone...and he did. Of course, this would be why he is the featured rider on the team.

Trivia Q's for the crew:

1) - has anyone won in their first Tour?

2) - has anyone ever taken all 3 jerseys (yellow / green / pola dot) in the same Tour?

That's also why Armstrong is the 12 MILLION DOLLAR MAN...

Armstrong, the 12 million dollar man

Lance Armstrong is still the highest paid cyclist in the world, due to his image as a cancer survivor as well as being an American winner of the biggest and hardest cycling race in the world. He reportedly earns US$12 million a year from sponsorship plus an extra US$200,000 from public speaking.

His agent Bill Stapleton said in an interview with Reuters that Armstrong "earns every cent...Lance has a very good image in the USA, especially after recovering from cancer. Companies are all excited to have him endorse their products."

His main sponsors include Trek, Powerfood, Nike, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Coca Cola and Oakley, all of whom pay at least US$500,000 for sponsorship rights. In addition, sales of his autobiography "It's Not About the Bike", co-written with Sally Jenkins, have topped 800,000, and he receives royalties from those.

According to Cyclingnews sources there is another book in the works with the same author Sally Jenkins, due out some time next year. And there is even a movie producer on Tour this year who is interested in making a film about Lance's career over the past four years.

One thing's for sure, LA will be popular for some time to come.