Professional Cycling For the Fans - Lance's official farewell message.

I thought the speech was a bit cold, kind of like his personality. I really didn't sense the passion and love for the sport that I know he has. It almost had the feeling of "well, I'm done with my business and now I'll turn it over to these two guys below". Almost like "seventh and final tour victory, check". I don't think that's how he meant it, but that's how it seemed to me. He will never let you see the emotional side of him. I'm not saying we have any right to see it, just that it would have been nice to see him open up a bit, get a bit emotional (not tears, just passionate).

In fairness, there's no doubt he was not expecting to speak. It's got to be tough to just step off your ride after three weeks and be asked to say something. The look on his face when Hinault handed him the mike was saying "you want me to say something?". I think the organizers were trying to create some kind of warm and fuzzy Lou Gehrig or Cal Ripken retirement moment. Those moments are tough to force, they have to just happen.


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Yeah, I thought he was going to squeeeze a couple tears @ national anthem...but nope.

In January of 2003 I was diagnosed with cancer. Thru surgery,chemo, radiation, etc I was horribly sick, extremely depressed, and so weak I was a struggle to walk around my cul-de-sac. I also had the attention span of a toddler. With one exception, and that was a little book called "it's not about the bike".
I read it cover to cover in between the "chemo naps" and puking. And as soon as I was able I went out and bought a road bike and happily ride that damn thing every chance I get. (I'm the old coot you guys blaze by every weekend.) So speaking for a few million other cancer survivors, Lance is our talisman, our inspiration, our good luck charm, our hoped for miracle remission, and our brother; and he can say whatever he damn well pleases in our book. We will still be wearing our yellow bracelets long after most TDF fans have taken them off.

I cried during that damn speech.

And farewell speech? You guys haven't begun to have seen the last of LA.

That said, I love you guys too !!!! :)

In January of 2003 I was diagnosed with cancer. Thru surgery,chemo, radiation, etc I was horribly sick, extremely depressed, and so weak I was a struggle to walk around my cul-de-sac. I also had the attention span of a toddler. With one exception, and that was a little book called "it's not about the bike".
I read it cover to cover in between the "chemo naps" and puking. And as soon as I was able I went out and bought a road bike and happily ride that damn thing every chance I get. (I'm the old coot you guys blaze by every weekend.) So speaking for a few million other cancer survivors, Lance is our talisman, our inspiration, our good luck charm, our hoped for miracle remission, and our brother; and he can say whatever he damn well pleases in our book. We will still be wearing our yellow bracelets long after most TDF fans have taken them off.

I cried during that damn speech.

And farewell speech? You guys haven't begun to have seen the last of LA.

That said, I love you guys too !!!! :)


I survived Cancer too and I still wasn't that impressed with his speech. His speech after his first win was far more inspiring, from a Cancer perspective. Sorry I can't find it, but it was about hope and strength and returning from something so terrible to be on top. Very open and passionate, straight from the heart and spilling with emotion. All his hard work and suffering through the sickness came out. That's what was lacking in this last speech. It just seemed like he was glad to be done with it.

Again, just my opinion.
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In January of 2003 I was diagnosed with cancer. Thru surgery,chemo, radiation, etc I was horribly sick, extremely depressed, and so weak I was a struggle to walk around my cul-de-sac. I also had the attention span of a toddler. With one exception, and that was a little book called "it's not about the bike".
I read it cover to cover in between the "chemo naps" and puking. And as soon as I was able I went out and bought a road bike and happily ride that damn thing every chance I get. (I'm the old coot you guys blaze by every weekend.) So speaking for a few million other cancer survivors, Lance is our talisman, our inspiration, our good luck charm, our hoped for miracle remission, and our brother; and he can say whatever he damn well pleases in our book. We will still be wearing our yellow bracelets long after most TDF fans have taken them off.

I cried during that damn speech.

And farewell speech? You guys haven't begun to have seen the last of LA.

That said, I love you guys too !!!! :)

Terrific post, although I still didn't like LA's 2005 speech. I think you would have done a better job. Wishing you a lifetime of good health.

I was hoping he was going to clear his throat, and then start singing "I did it my way" by Frank Sinatra...With the whole Orchestra in the Background, that would have been awesome!

or maybe a little beat box for the kids....



Yeah, its funny, but read the lyrics... It fits so so well...

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and ev’ry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

I’ve loved, I’ve laughed and cried.
I’ve had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

My humble opinion is that his speech was beautiful, straight to the point and short. What did some of you expect? an "efen" Hollywood Movie type speech with some cheesey background music? Please!, that would have been sooooooo Lame. Accept it as it was.

Well, everyone has the right to their own opinion and sometimes you have certain people where you could offer them gold on a silver platter and they would still shlt all over it. You cant please everyone all the time.

I totally agree, you cannot please everybody all the time, and frankly, I hate it when anybody, politician, athlete, or the plumber is telling me stuff just because they think it's what I want to here. Hate it. Just tell me what you really think, for goodness sakes, because if I'm listening to you, that's what I want to hear. The man won seven straight TDF's. He can say whatever the hell he wants, and I will listen to him because i admire and respect his accomplishments. I'm glad it didn't "please" everybody. That to me says it was at least honest.

Regarding the language bit, of course he can speak passable French, but let's face it, English is the universal language (though, at one time, it used to be French). In Formula One racing, they interview the podium finishers after every race. First it is in English no matter what country they are in, then they say a few words in their native languages, which is when Speed goes to commercial! He could have said a few words in French first, then switched to English for the remainder of his thoughts. But whatever, it's hard enough being spontaneous in your native tongue.

To me, being honest is more important than anything else. I dont intend to offend anyone but I say what I mean... if someone dislikes what I say, tough. If they get offended... again, tough. I just dont care. I guess that why I never met a politician that I could stomach. In my opinion, either say what you mean or keep silent.

I liked his speech, because it was Lance, it was the first podium speech in history and because he had just finished his 7th win. As far as I am concerned, he could have said anything at all, including "Hi Mom!" and I'd have loved it.