• From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Topic: The return of the Tour de Lance!

Today's news that Lance has started serious training for a comeback to professional cycling with the specific intention of going for (and winning) an eighth Tour, will probably divide opinions. In any event, it has thrilled and excited us old folks in Amsterdam! 

Whether you love him unreservedly or still doubt his integrity, I think we can all agree that Lance is far more than a 'mere' great sportsman - he has a high public profile as an anti-cancer crusader which, I'm sure we would all agree, is a good thing.

I urge anyone with any interest in the subject to read this long but extremely worthwhile exclusive article from Vanity Fair, which offers some unusual insights and information about his fight against cancer, doping, the whole yellow band story and much more.... http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/featu … rong200809 

In cycling terms, given the 'quality' of today's best riders and given Lance's phenomenal fitness, I think he would have a very good chance of achieving an eighth win, provided he had a strong enough team around him. I"d LOVE to see it happen! big_smile

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith
  • From: Heading west on 80....
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 864

Re: The return of the Tour de Lance!

Yes, its good news, and we're not just saying that because we are from Texas.

It appears one reason Lance has decided to come back, is because of the increased effectiveness of performance enhancing drug screens. The sport is probably the cleanest its been.

Lance has already entered the pre-competition phase of testing in order to be officially ready for competition by 2/1/09. He plans to post all internal drug testing online for the world to see.

Another reason......those guys that compete at the highest levels (i.e. Brett Favre) just have a tough time walking away. Both left while competing at high levels, their return is good for the sport, if nothing else.

The "Tour" was scandalous and boring the past couple of years and has taken major PR hits since Lance's last ride. All of the teams will reap the benefit of the raised profile that Lance will bring back to the sport and the "Tour".

We look forward to following his progress.

Cheers!

“A friend is someone that will help you move............a TRUE friend will help you move the bodies." -- anon
  • From: Glasgow,Scotland
  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 460

Re: The return of the Tour de Lance!

I for one am a happy bunny to know that the "master" is coming back. It will make next year's tour even more exciting. I first got into cycling watching Greg LeMond win the tour by seconds all those years ago and was privileged to watch every one of Lance's triumphs. The past couple of years have shown that cycling is one professional sport that takes it's anti doping stance seriously. If only the other "clean" sports had the same courage.



millhouse big_smile:D:D:D:D:D

"Stars fall like tears from your eyes"
  • From: Amsterdam
  • Registered: 2007-10-06
  • Posts: 5,249

Re: The return of the Tour de Lance!

Lance Armstrong: I'm cycling to take cancer message worldwide

    * Story Highlights
    * Armstrong says return from retirement is about bringing hope to those who need it
    * Rider wants to help educate, raise money about disease that reaches everyone
    * Armstrong says he is mentally at age 25 and ready to begin riding
    * Cyclist hopes both presidential candidates make cancer research a priority

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/09/24/ar … index.html

Official news today that Lance will be joining Astana - this had been 'known' unofficially for some time now. Astana just happens to be the strongest team in the world with this year's Giro and Vuelta winner, Contador, and Vuelta second Leipheimer. Good choice, Lance. big_smile

RIP Iron Man

Rock On and keep the Faith
  • From: Sonoma Ca.
  • Registered: 2007-08-20
  • Posts: 551

Re: The return of the Tour de Lance!

Amsterhammer wrote:

Lance Armstrong: I'm cycling to take cancer message worldwide

    * Story Highlights
    * Armstrong says return from retirement is about bringing hope to those who need it
    * Rider wants to help educate, raise money about disease that reaches everyone
    * Armstrong says he is mentally at age 25 and ready to begin riding
    * Cyclist hopes both presidential candidates make cancer research a priority

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/09/24/ar … index.html

Official news today that Lance will be joining Astana - this had been 'known' unofficially for some time now. Astana just happens to be the strongest team in the world with this year's Giro and Vuelta winner, Contador, and Vuelta second Leipheimer. Good choice, Lance. big_smile

Damn I was hoping it was Tour de Lance Lopez err my bad

Peace
Bluezman;)

I got blisters on my bloody fingers (JL)

Bluezman's Website