Phonak Reinstated on Pro Tour by Euro Sport Court
02-02-05, 10:29 AM
#51
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I just love how everyone b1tches on this board about Americans supporting American cyclists... What a concept.
02-02-05, 10:31 AM
#52
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Originally Posted by BeeTL
In the mountain stages and after I kept waiting to see another team mount a serious challenge for the GC.
Didn't really happen, did it? I think that because of that last year's TdF was lacking suspense and heroism. But the 2005 edition will make up for that, so stay tuned! Meanwhile, good luck coping with the lack of moving pictures. 
02-02-05, 10:42 AM
#53
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Originally Posted by Bruco
Loyalty and professional sports are a rare combination.
BTW, Armstrong also 'owes' Landis for his services as a domestique. IMHO it's hard to visualise Armstrong going out of his way for the benefit of another rider, especially outside the context of the racing itself. My guess is that you are overrating his contribution to the development of Landis. Did they train together (except for the occasional USPS training camp)? For all I know, Armstrong's teammates hardly get to see him 'out of competition'. But you may call that 'anti-American'.
BTW, Armstrong also 'owes' Landis for his services as a domestique. IMHO it's hard to visualise Armstrong going out of his way for the benefit of another rider, especially outside the context of the racing itself. My guess is that you are overrating his contribution to the development of Landis. Did they train together (except for the occasional USPS training camp)? For all I know, Armstrong's teammates hardly get to see him 'out of competition'. But you may call that 'anti-American'.
I agree with you that Armstrong owes Landis for his services as well, but I think he helped in molding him into the rider you see today.
02-02-05, 11:10 AM
#54
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[QUOTE=squeegy200]"The Anti-americanism in cycling parallels similar circumstances surrounding motor racing in the 60s. Back then, drivers would dominate their field in various different races. Short course and endurance races would highlight big names just like the Tours and one-day classics. Then FORD stepped in with an organized factory effort. There was teamwork which focused stategy on getting to the top. The Shelby Cobras gradually began winning and finally the Ford GT40s dominated the endurance races.
How does this relate to cycling? Because its the same criticism and the same attitude against americans different approach to racing."
You're exactly right. Once Ford's (and Goodyear's) corporate weight entered the international racing scene with a firm, focused goal, big-time funding, professionalism, skilled drivers who had demonstrated their abilities (and not just bought their rides), Europe's days were numbered. How bad did it chap them when A.J. Foyt kicked butt at Le Mans? Same in cycling now. They're gonna have to become more professional and technically adept, particularly medically and with regard to training and focus, or they're going to continue to have their heads handed to them. The money is too big now for professional cycling to be the realm of dabblers and pop stars. It's a specialist's game. Lance has shown them that, p[roven it, and underscored it for them about three or four times.
How does this relate to cycling? Because its the same criticism and the same attitude against americans different approach to racing."
You're exactly right. Once Ford's (and Goodyear's) corporate weight entered the international racing scene with a firm, focused goal, big-time funding, professionalism, skilled drivers who had demonstrated their abilities (and not just bought their rides), Europe's days were numbered. How bad did it chap them when A.J. Foyt kicked butt at Le Mans? Same in cycling now. They're gonna have to become more professional and technically adept, particularly medically and with regard to training and focus, or they're going to continue to have their heads handed to them. The money is too big now for professional cycling to be the realm of dabblers and pop stars. It's a specialist's game. Lance has shown them that, p[roven it, and underscored it for them about three or four times.
02-02-05, 11:29 AM
#55
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Originally Posted by ChiefCatchacold
Ok, so maybe it wasn't a response to my post, just a knee-jerk reaction to seeing his name. You can be a fan of someone without expecting them to win the biggest races. Fans of Bob Roll... bandwagoners all. Steve Tilford.. overrated. 
02-02-05, 11:55 AM
#56
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Originally Posted by Devil
There is a big difference between being fans of Bob Roll and Steve Tilford and saying that Floyd is a future Tour/Giro/Vuelta winner.
02-02-05, 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by WildBill
According to Lance's book "Every Second Counts" he took Landis under his wing, made him focus more on his training than he was previously doing, and took him on 'one on one' training rides while in Europe. I'm sure he did others things not mentioned. He also contributed greatly to getting Landis out of big time debit by fairly healthy bonuses on top of the team salaries.
02-02-05, 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Bruco
Okay. I haven't read the book yet. This corrects my take on Armstrong to some extent. It's not about the bike, I memory doesn't deceive me, failed to mention his teammates. And in a long interview with Dutch television, Armstrong was rather dismissive about the 'intelligence' of some of his domestiques. The ones that weren't loyal and had left USPS, that is. I found that ugly. I am glad to read about his 'softer side' here.
FWIW, You can probably pick it up real cheap on half.com
I recommend reading that, plus heft on wheels...both very good reads IMO.
