Road Bike Racing - Armstrong wins greatest yet accolade!

Now that the build up to the Tour has really begun, I think this short article sums up why Armstrong is the toughest competitor in the Tour: http://www.overcompetitive.com/heros/heros.htm

Their Overcompetitive products http://www.overcompetitive.com/products.htm are the funniest things i've seen in a long while!!! After his recent double defeat, Michael Boogard may be receiving some of their silver medals from Rebellin...

http://www.pe.com/dayphotos/sports-2004-04-28/crow28_600.jpg

A beer? Now he just looks like me at a hockey game.

http://www.pe.com/dayphotos/sports-2004-04-28/crow28_600.jpg

A beer? Now he just looks like me at a hockey game.


yeah, except you don't have that hottie Sheryl Crow kickin' it next to you !

jeff

is that picture taken at a hockey game? doesn't really look like it, but if it is, i have a whole new respect for lance. i'm a rabid hockey fan, you see. he watches hockey, drinks beer, oh, and wins 5 tours in a row. just an ordinary guy like me!

Actually, it was the Lakers game on Monday. It's just that when I'm holding a beer like that and sitting next to Cheryl Crow, I'm usually at a hoceky game

Actually, it was the Lakers game on Monday. It's just that when I'm holding a beer like that and sitting next to Cheryl Crow, I'm usually at a hoceky game

yeah, looked more like a basketball game. and, of course, the nba is evil and worthless. so i actually LOST respect for LA because of that pic. but the sitting next to cheryl crow thing ain't all bad (though my wife is kicking me reminding me about how lance's ex is sitting at home with the kids while he's out with a rock star... she might have a point).

Yeah, the whole Chryl Crow thing is really putting me off ole LA. I wish he had handled the divorce with more class and hadn't been pictured w/ Sheryl merely a month or two after announcing the divorce. I'm really disappointed in him and will only half-heartedly pull for #6. To be honest, I think he's not gonna do it. I think Cheryl will wind proving to be too much of a distraction (as will a beer at an NBA game :D ).

Alright. First I hear he is out of shape and eating too much junk food. Then he wins a race, yet drinks a beer days later, so he supposedly isn't focused. Now he must be worshipping Satan because he watches basketball, and actually has a friend (instead of a life of solitude)? Of course since we know what he does 24/7, we are able to judge how good of a father he is. I dont mean any offense here. I'm just really confused.

Alright. First I hear he is out of shape and eating too much junk food. Then he wins a race, yet drinks a beer days later, so he supposedly isn't focused. Now he must be worshipping Satan because he watches basketball, and actually has a friend (instead of a life of solitude)? Of course since we know what he does 24/7, we are able to judge how good of a father he is. I dont mean any offense here. I'm just really confused.

Amen! The man deserves more respect ... and I say that not as some rabid LA fan but as someone who can appreciate his accomplishments. I am always amazed at the focus and drive of elite athletes and LA is no exception.

-mark

Alright. First I hear he is out of shape and eating too much junk food. Then he wins a race, yet drinks a beer days later, so he supposedly isn't focused. Now he must be worshipping Satan because he watches basketball, and actually has a friend (instead of a life of solitude)? Of course since we know what he does 24/7, we are able to judge how good of a father he is. I dont mean any offense here. I'm just really confused.


uhm, i was just saying i don't like the nba. and i was saying my wife and sister both think it's a shame he's out canoodling with rock stars after a divorce from a woman women seem to think highly of. wasn't saying anything about race prep--beer=carbs, imo--or his parental skills. but i do think the nba is satan. ;)

Right on, Brent. We have no idea what his relationship with Sheryl is like. We also know nothing of his divorce or his relationship with his wife and kids.

The idea that he's not focused because he's been spotted with a woman (!) and with a beer (!) in his hands is silly. Did you know that sometimes riders will have a glass of wine with their dinner during the TDF?

Right on, Brent. We have no idea what his relationship with Sheryl is like. We also know nothing of his divorce or his relationship with his wife and kids.

The idea that he's not focused because he's been spotted with a woman (!) and with a beer (!) in his hands is silly. Did you know that sometimes riders will have a glass of wine with their dinner during the TDF?

guys, has anyone actually said he wasn't focused because he was drinking a beer at a game with a woman? i don't want to poo on the pity parade, but none of us are saying that. i'm fine with it--i hate the nba, and would rather him be at a hockey game, but i could not possibly care less what the man does in his free time.

Dammit! I do a search for hockey (because that's really the only sport worthwhile) and beer and find this thread. . . yet it has nothing to do with hockey, or beer. And now, my post will lure another hapless soul in search of hockey on this forum to this very thread which has NO HOCKEY AND NO BEER!

Now, on to more important goings on @ http://www.nhl.com . . . and where'd I put my beer?

Let's just hope he comes into the tour with fire in his eye and a happy heart! #6 just might prove you can have your cake and eat it too! We're pullin' for him. (Myself and the little lady, who wishes she was sitting beside him!)

I still say Kristen is better looking :D

Dammit! I do a search for hockey (because that's really the only sport worthwhile) and beer and find this thread. . . yet it has nothing to do with hockey, or beer. And now, my post will lure another hapless soul in search of hockey on this forum to this very thread which has NO HOCKEY AND NO BEER!

Now, on to more important goings on @ http://www.nhl.com . . . and where'd I put my beer?


chez, it is about hockey, in that hockey is infinitely better than basketball. beer's good too. oh, and choosing between the leafs and the flyers is like choosing between dental work and a rectal exam.

I still say Kristen is better looking :D


I agree Sam....

I think we might have a little insight into their relationship. She was hanging out the window of a car at the Tour de Georgia watching him race. Seems like she's pretty into him and what he's doing. I think we all wish we had a significant other that would ride ahead of us and cheer us up the mountain!

Brent,
I'm not saying LA is the Devil, but I think he has handled his divorce INCREDIBLY poorly and with very little respect for his wife's feelings (though I am not divorced, so maybe this is a normal feeling). As for b-ball, I was just teasing there. Personally, I can't stand basketball because of what the players have come to represent, but his attendance is more a chance to take a quick jab :) As for beer, cool with me. My point is that all of those together (expect the divorce deal) aren't all that bad. All of those things together (including the divorce) can be VERU bad if you're going for TdF #6 and will basically have a target on your back for all 2k+ miles. Compare what you've seen of Lance this year to the previous 5 years... He's not as focused. To win the TdF, yes, you almost have to live a "life of solitude" :D And as for the comment about riders drinking a glass of wine, any nutritionist wirth his/her weight in salt will tell you beer ain't wine :D

I think we might have a little insight into their relationship. She was hanging out the window of a car at the Tour de Georgia watching him race. Seems like she's pretty into him and what he's doing. I think we all wish we had a significant other that would ride ahead of us and cheer us up the mountain!

Hard to do this with three children who probably would not tolerate riding along in a car at 20-35 mph for 5 hours.

Kristen is doing something much more important than cheering at a bike race. But then again, some people realize what the real important issues are.

I still say Kristen is better looking :D

Me too!

You see one beer in his hand at a ball game. Oooh! The CARBS! It doesn't mean he had five.

He's got a girlfriend. So? There's a school of thought that will tell you that relationships and sex actually cultivate energy and stamina.

Surely you don't want me to dig up all of your posts on Bikeforums, and presume I understand your life? Reading a couple of books, a bunch of magazine articles, and following the Tour doesn't mean that you really know THING ONE about Lance's personal life, or even his training regimen. It's obnoxious to suggest that you do. Unless you've got some inside information? Maybe you're Bill Stapleton? Bart Knaggs? Johan Bruyneel?

If not, how about you sit down next to me, and have a nice glass of shut the hell up. ;) We'll watch the Giro to take your mind off things.

If not, how about you sit down next to me, and have a nice glass of shut the hell up. ;) We'll watch the Giro to take your mind off things.

:roflmao: :beer: :roflmao:

lance's ex is sitting at home with the kids while he's out with a rock star... she might have a point).

tell your wife that SHE wanted the divorce...

all of a sudden bike racing seemed to be too much trouble...and the $25 mill that went along with it...

she shouldn't feel too sorry for Kik...especially when Lance rearranged his racing schedule to be in the US more often...

:)

Hard to do this with three children who probably would not tolerate riding along in a car at 20-35 mph for 5 hours.

Kristen is doing something much more important than cheering at a bike race. But then again, some people realize what the real important issues are.

I think you misunderstand what I'm saying. I am not saying anything about Kristen versus Crow, I'm simply saying she seems to be more encouraging than distracting.

chez, it is about hockey, in that hockey is infinitely better than basketball. beer's good too. oh, and choosing between the leafs and the flyers is like choosing between dental work and a rectal exam.

Flyers.

yeah, looked more like a basketball game. and, of course, the nba is evil and worthless. so i actually LOST respect for LA because of that pic. but the sitting next to cheryl crow thing ain't all bad (though my wife is kicking me reminding me about how lance's ex is sitting at home with the kids while he's out with a rock star... she might have a point).

Yeah well I just wanted to post some thoughts about this topic. It kinda struck a nerve when I was reading the posts. I am divorced and speaking from personal experience. Divorce is never easy physically, financially or emotionally. Yes it happens even to the best of us. I felt like my life, bills, income were all exploited. I thought the divorce decree was going to tell me what color underwear I should wear on certain days as all of your personal issues are thrown into a courtroom full of strangers. You see we see Lance Armstrong as the TDF champion, cancer survivor and fellow cyclist. We don't see Lance Armstrong as Lance Armstrong human being (away from cycling). None of us have that insight. I have since moved on with my life after divorce and found another relationship. It's okay as a matter of fact its normal. I am sure Lance Armstrong has visitation rights and has days when he can spend time with his children in his off season. It's all part of divorce. Divorcing my ex wasn't the hardest part....it was not being with my two beautiful daughters all the time that did. I pay my dues and make sure I am always involved with my daughters. So I guess what I am trying to say is that Lance Armstrong shouldn't be flamed for picking up the pieces after divorce, being seen in public with another woman or eating some junk food. I am sorry that some of you think Lance Armstrong should live a life of solitary confinement and do nothing but race......especially after going through a divorce. He's human just like the rest of us and deserves to have another relationship, go to a basketball game and yes even have a beer. No offense to anyone......I was just venting a little :o

I couldn't agree more with cyclist7.
Who are we to judge what lance, Sheryl, Kristen or anyone does?
I'm sure we do not have the whole story, nor will we
(well maybe if Lance does a 3rd book).
Lance never took on the burden of purity/chastity/sainthood we gave that
to him. All he did is ride bikes, get cancer, recover, start LAF and win a few
bike races. So he got divorced, BFD. It happens, get over it.
I say good for him for moving on. I say that having someone in your life
is way better for winning number 6 than being alone will ever be.
one other thing, Lance isn't asking for the media attention, he isn't flaunting
his relationship he just gets lots of coverage because he is LANCE and she
is Sheryl (and not KRISTEN).

marty

It's funny. The thing that struck me and the reason I posted the photo was its normalcy. There's the guy who is currently the #1 cyclist in the world, and he's at a ball game with his girlfriend drinking a beer. In the photo, he's just like any of us.

This whole moral outrage thing I find very strange. I've been an elite athlete (not that elite) and I've had to train for mega hours (not as many as Lance) to win (races much less competitive than his). I can't say I know the commitment he must shoulder is like, but I can say I have a pretty good idea. I know from personal experience that even at a much lower level, training can exact a huge toll on the rest of your life. I knew a world track and field champ who ended up breaking up with his wife and living in a crap apartment while he trained for Atlanta. He won the Gold.

So as you blame Lance, ask yourself this question: If you had just one shot to be the best there ever was, would you give up your family for that chance? Would you do it if you could retire afterwards and spend the rest of your life making up for that year or two?

I know I would.

In the photo, he's just like any of us.


Except that I'm pretty sure he and Sheryl are watching themselves on the jumbotron.

I was just venting a little :o

And what a good vent! ThanX for bringing forth a voice that comes from actual experience.

Except that I'm pretty sure he and Sheryl are watching themselves on the jumbotron.
I've been on the Jumbotron before. Once, I was on the Jumbotron three times during one game. I wasn't even wearing a funny hat.

I've been on the Jumbotron before. Once, I was on the Jumbotron three times during one game. I wasn't even wearing a funny hat.

I hate to burst your bubble, but you probably weren't targeted because of who you are. ;)

Lance and Sheryl probably were. :)

I hate to burst your bubble, but you probably weren't targeted because of who you are.
I never said I was.

I like the look of the watch he is wearing. I've a thing for watches ... :eek:

Flyers.

seconded.

tonight, preferably.

I like the look of the watch he is wearing. I've a thing for watches ... :eek:

looks like a rolex gmt master II, prefer the seadweller myself :p

looks like a rolex gmt master II, prefer the seadweller myself :p

I think you're right. On both counts. Though the Submariner is rather nice too. I'd probably buy one, but I doubt the engineering is as good as my Timex Ironman :D

choosing between the leafs and the flyers is like choosing between dental work and a rectal exam.


Flyers win! Rectal exams for everybody!

Cyclist7,
Good comments and I'm glad you shared. It helps me understand that situation a bit better. Here's where I may be misinformed then... Is the divorce final? My understanding was that it's still in process. If it's been final for some time and he's been seeing Crow *after* the settlement, then I totally cool w/ that. My perception was that the divorce papers hadn't even been signed and he was runnin around w/ Sheryl. Am I wrong? If I am, PLEASE correct me. I'd love to pull for LA but I can't if I believe he didn't even wait for the ink to dry on the papers (ESPECIALLY since he claims he and Kik had an amicable divorce)... :(

it is my understanding that it's final. I too had the same issue that you speak of, but as far as I know they did it quickly and painlessly.

Well, if that's the case, then I feel MUCH better. It really seemed like he was out running around w/ Sheryl while Kik and the lawyers were sorting it all out. if they took care of things like you suggest, than I can be an LA fan again :) For a while, I was afraid his integrity only applied to cycling and his battle with cancer...

Flyers win! Rectal exams for everybody!

bwah-ha-ha!!! i just spit water on my keyboard. thanks. i'm a caps fan, so i'm sincerely hoping for some sort of matter/anti-matter collision in the eastern conference finals that destroys tampa bay AND the flyers. at least darcy tucker's out.

oh, and on the topic itself, i'm not judging anyone. my wife is. i'll reprimand her for y'all. ;)

I think it is awesome that he is out enjoying himself with that lil hottie. He sure the hell does not have to go into mourning for what we think is a acceptable time period post divorce. Lance's ex is hardly working odd jobs after the divorce settlement so the poor former wife struggling with the kids at home is not going to hold water. Go Lance!