Professional Cycling For the Fans - @39 Lance remains a Monster

As I watch Lance just spin like a top he is so dam good. He is either a genetic freak or just cheats like a dog....Cancellara is said to have used a "motor" Jackarses....Lance is the man to beat in July. I am amazaed that some guys just lack to engine to TT.....David Z remains a TT machine.
USA will rock France:thumb:

http://kennethhunt.com/archives/imajs/calvin.jpg

Lance: Doped to the gills.

As I watch Lance just spin like a top he is so dam good. He is either a genetic freak or just cheats like a dog....Cancellara is said to have used a "motor" Jackarses....Lance is the man to beat in July. I am amazaed that some guys just lack to engine to TT.....David Z remains a TT machine.
USA will rock France:thumb:

I'm not a big Lance fan, but I have ridden with him last year. While on his wheel, I made the observation that he is like no human I've ever seen before. Just a walking mass of lean muscle is all he is. Weather he cheats or not, idk, but I've never seen anyone look like that. Also I disagree, Lance will not win TDF this year. It will be Thor's year. CTT will be in top form as soon as Heinrich heals up.

Lance: Doped to the gills.


screw you.

Lance is da BOMB>>>>>>>>> you only wish you could ride fast enough to watch him blow your behind off the road.

As I watch Lance just spin like a top he is so dam good.


Er, Armstrong came 11th in the final stage TT today. Pretty good for a 39 year-old, but not the form that would win Le Tour.

screw you.

Lance is da BOMB>>>>>>>>> you only wish you could ride fast enough to watch him blow your behind off the road.

Sometimes it's too easy.

Er, Armstrong came 11th in the final stage TT today. Pretty good for a 39 year-old, but not the form that would win Le Tour.

Yea because the TT totalllly determines the winner of the tour.

Yea because the TT totalllly determines the winner of the tour.

are you really that clueless?

Not a bad result for a guy pushing 40 ... :thumb:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/48123000/jpg/_48123744_riders.jpg


By AP, with additional commentary by Roadcycling.com Jun 20, 2010

Lance Armstrong wrapped up his Tour de France preparations on a high note, finishing second in the Tour of Luxembourg on Sunday, 12 seconds behind Frank Schleck of Luxembourg.

The seven-time Tour de France champion was seventh overall going into the stage, but surged into contention by placing 11th in the 16.6-mile time trial around Liestal, finishing in 33 minutes, 30 seconds to trail stage winner Tony Martin of Germany by 1:09. Following bouts of illness and a crash earlier this season, Armstrong posted a strong performance in Switzerland, showing his 38-year-old legs are still able to compete in high mountains and produce a solid performance in time trials.

Armstrong escaped serious injury when he crashed at the Tour of California in May, but it was a big setback in his preparations for cycling's three-week showcase. The cancer survivor made up for the race days he lost by competing in the Tour of Luxembourg, where he finished third, before racing in Switzerland.

Armstrong was pleased with his result heading into the Tour de France 2010. "I think if we look at the field here, on all levels, the climbers, the sprinters ... and the speed and compare it to the alternative race, this is what you'll see at the Tour," Armstrong said. "For whatever reason, this race attracted all sorts of favorites, this is a good indication of what's coming up. I just have to stay healthy and try and find an extra 1 percent."

The American plans to scout four mountain stages of this year's Tour next week before heading to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the race starts on July 3. Following a 3.5-year retirement, Armstrong struggled in time trials last year, a discipline in which he had excelled during his heyday. He started slowly Sunday but rallied after the first seven miles, gaining ground on the long descent to the finish.

"It was a hard time trial, it was relentless, actually I had to drive all the way, there was no recovery apart from the downhill," Armstrong said after posting his best overall result since last year's Tour de France, where he finished third. Team RadioShack director Johan Bruyneel said Armstrong's condition is improving.

"It's a shame to lose by 12 seconds, but if somebody had told me before the race that Lance would finish second, I would have signed for it," Bruyneel said. "We have to be very happy. His condition is satisfying. The biggest part of the job has been done."

Two-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador, who didn't race in Switzerland, is favored to defend his title next month and Armstrong acknowledged this week it will be difficult to derail his rival's ambitions. But his second place-finish gave him a major morale boost before the 2010 Tour de France, the only race that really matters to him.

"I was third in Luxembourg, second here, I'll do the math for the next race," Armstrong concluded.

http://www.roadcycling.com/artman2/uploads/1/lance_armstrong_frank_schleck_jacob_fuglsang_2010_tour_de_suisse_tour_of_switzerland_2.jpg

Yea because the TT totalllly determines the winner of the tour.

Even if that were true, which it manifestly is not, how would his coming 11th in today's TT tell you that he'd win the Tour?

EDIT: Sorry, Botto said it better.

217

Yea because the TT totalllly determines the winner of the tour.

Sometimes it does, like in 1989 if I'm not mistaken, when LeMond took the yellow jersey from Fignon. I believe that was a TT because I remember the two disc wheels made me laugh. Of course, this was a youtube clip since I was born 93.

But anyways, I have high hopes for Lance Armstrong. This year's tour is a Tour de Climbers so Contador is still Lance's main competition. But I'm excited for this TDF because of this.

are you really that clueless?

Yes, but 12th place in TT today still resulted in a 2nd place overall. This year will be more competitive than last year if LA is on top form. Contador isn't significantly stronger but LA looks better than he did last year. AC will be hard to beat, but if his team sucks, it may be closer than everyone thinks. If LA is close to AC into the last week, it will be really fun.

The only thing lance will win in July is the media race.

Sometimes it's too easy.



I got something here that will be easy for ya

The only thing lance will win in July is the media race.



that's only because he's the face of cycling world wide. He's that face that sells advertising, the face that Versus sells TV time on, and the most reconizable persona in the sport.

The only thing lance will win in July is the media race.

Yes, you are probably right, but he will be more competitive than last year. Conatador is at his peak career wise, but no mistakes or there can be an upset. LA can easily be on podium this year if all goes right.

Moved to Professional cycling Forum.

Not a Lance fan but he did well today.

They say the only thing that never loses is Father Time....

Lance did well. Very well. But he's not the Lance of old. He seems to have lost the "spring" in his cadence that you see in Contador, Schleck (both) and even Kloden now.

I'm not sure Lance is even the best Radio Shack rider for the TdF. Kloden laid it out in a pure support role for Lance during the Tour d' Suisse, but still only came in 36 seconds behind him on GC. If it weren't for the fact that Radio Shack is Lance's team, I would have to use Lance for a diversion and pop Kloden out for the win in France. I think Kloden is their best shot for a GC win.

I found this online the other day and thought it was a pretty cool read:

http://community.active.com/servlet/JiveServlet/showImage/38-15700-10505/Accomplishments-Jan88_web.jpg

I'm not a big Lance fan, but I have ridden with him last year. While on his wheel, I made the observation that he is like no human I've ever seen before. Just a walking mass of lean muscle is all he is. Weather he cheats or not, idk, but I've never seen anyone look like that. Also I disagree, Lance will not win TDF this year. It will be Thor's year. CTT will be in top form as soon as Heinrich heals up.

are you suggesting that hushovd will win the tdf?

I think Kloden is their best shot for a GC win.

And that is a pretty grim thing - remember how Kloden was the first to get popped last year when Contador jumped (forget the stage)?

Yes, you are probably right, but he will be more competitive than last year. Conatador is at his peak career wise, but no mistakes or there can be an upset. LA can easily be on podium this year if all goes right.

It will be interesting to see whether Vino rides to support Contador, or with his own agenda. If I were Contador, I'd be sleeping with one eye open again this year.

Not too shabby.
I still wouldn't bet on him to make the podium
at the Tour, but he's motoring along nicely.

are you suggesting that hushovd will win the tdf?


Yes sir.

Yes sir.

wow. well, if you feel that way, i would certainly put some cash down. i only found two sites that have hushovd as yellow jersey option, and both had odds of 2000. (that means if you bet $10, you would get $20,010 back if hushovd wins.)

Yeah ... great for a 39 year old.

Since he's into symbols on his frames ..... maybe he should use I2O in this years TDF ..... for "I'm too old" to win this.

He gets top 10 in the TDF, but no podium this year.

.Lance is the man to beat in July.

No, that would be AC.

I wish I was as good as a 39 yo old man. LOL

wow. well, if you feel that way, i would certainly put some cash down. i only found two sites that have hushovd as yellow jersey option, and both had odds of 2000. (that means if you bet $10, you would get $20,010 back if hushovd wins.)

I like those odds, too bad I don't gamble.

I love the guy, but he hasn't a shot in hell of winning another TdF. Sure, he may get his climbing form back, but his TT days are over. With the final stage being a TT, he's going to lose alot of ground. I just can't see him breaking away from Contador or the Schleks in any of the mountain stages.

I like those odds, too bad I don't gamble.

With odds like that, I don't know if "gamble" is the appropriate word.

That Lance article was cool.

wow. well, if you feel that way, i would certainly put some cash down. i only found two sites that have hushovd as yellow jersey option, and both had odds of 2000. (that means if you bet $10, you would get $20,010 back if hushovd wins.)

Odds seem right. Only way I can think of where Thor wins is if he chases down a break for intermediate sprint points and the race is so ahead of schedule we have a train fiasco, only this time the train breaks down and that small group gets an hour. That or 5 entire teams and several other team leaders fail doping tests.

As I watch Lance just spin like a top he is so dam good. He is either a genetic freak or just cheats like a dog....Cancellara is said to have used a "motor" Jackarses....Lance is the man to beat in July. I am amazaed that some guys just lack to engine to TT.....David Z remains a TT machine.
USA will rock France:thumb:

NO!

A monster once roda the Tour of Switzerland. He lead at teh end of every stage and took all 3 jerseys. Finishing SECOND is hardly the result of a monster.

BTW did Vrs. get it right? Dod Frank actually put time on Lance on the Final stage TT? If so just where is Lance supposed to put any time on Frank?

Odds seem right. Only way I can think of where Thor wins is if he chases down a break for intermediate sprint points and the race is so ahead of schedule we have a train fiasco, only this time the train breaks down and that small group gets an hour. That or 5 entire teams and several other team leaders fail doping tests.

Your forgetting what Lance always says. It's about the bike. S3's, and P4's are unfair advantages. You could put Paul Rubens on CTT, and he would make the top 5 in GC. All kidding aside. Don't count out the Norwegian. Sure his collarbone injury set him back a bit, but he has been riding strong, and admitting took it easy on the Swiss Tour.

It will be interesting to see whether Vino rides to support Contador, or with his own agenda. If I were Contador, I'd be sleeping with one eye open again this year.
+1

I keep thinking back to the T-Mobile version of Vino, and have to doubt that he's evolved into a loyal domestique or lieutenant. Emotionally, AC could find this year a repeat of last (and unlike last year, for good reason).

are you suggesting that hushovd will win the tdf?
Yes sir.

This wouldn't have anything to do with motor doping, would it?


You do realize that without a motor, Big Thor is about as good as me in the high mountains?

Odds seem right. Only way I can think of where Thor wins is if he chases down a break for intermediate sprint points and the race is so ahead of schedule we have a train fiasco, only this time the train breaks down and that small group gets an hour. That or 5 entire teams and several other team leaders fail doping tests.

i am not really a gambler either, the most i have done are the $5 saturday night poker buy ins, but i do use odds sites when assembling fantasy cycling teams. if there was an established secondaries market for the bets that would allow hedging, i might consider it. anyway, this seems to be a pretty good site to check out the best odds:

http://www.oddschecker.com/other-sports/cycling/tour-de-france/win-market

fyi, armstrong is sitting at 12 right now, contador is at 4/6. :thumb:

I love the guy, but he hasn't a shot in hell of winning another TdF. Sure, he may get his climbing form back, but his TT days are over. With the final stage being a TT, he's going to lose alot of ground. I just can't see him breaking away from Contador or the Schleks in any of the mountain stages.
Remember the proloque TT, where Lance said he essentially "gave away" 20 sec. because he's afraid of crashing in the rain. (An effect of old age, he claims.) Less pucker factor or less rain and LA would have been on the top step. AC didn't even win his event. "not a shot in hell"?

Incorrect.

What really sucked was that Lance, while I am impressed at how well he did in the GC, got nearly all the press coverage and Frank got about 15 seconds. Frank turns in one of the best time trials of his life and the reporter barely gives him an interview. Lance does sell in this market.


that's only because he's the face of cycling world wide. He's that face that sells advertising, the face that Versus sells TV time on, and the most reconizable persona in the sport.

Does Frank speak the good English?

Yes, in my mind a major improvement by a Schleck in ITT is Big News, maybe as big as Lance's podium. But then I know something about pro cycling. Maybe the TV director doesn't. (Other than that Lance has a massive Q.) Or maybe the one-hour format <bleh!> left time for only one interview...

Does Frank speak the good English?

Yes, in my mind a major improvement by a Schleck in ITT is Big News, maybe as big as Lance's podium. But then I know something about pro cycling. Maybe the TV director doesn't. (Other than that Lance has a massive Q.) Or maybe the one-hour format <bleh!> left time for only one interview...

yes. i once heard an interview of him post race victory (perhaps amstel gold?) in which he said something like:

"i just attacked, and with 2k, i was like - f*&^, i'm gonna win this $#!+!"

it was being broadcast on tv and across the finishing area on big screens.

+1

I keep thinking back to the T-Mobile version of Vino, and have to doubt that he's evolved into a loyal domestique or lieutenant. Emotionally, AC could find this year a repeat of last (and unlike last year, for good reason).

Yep........

The tour this year could come down like this:

Don’t forget that Vino has already been critical of Contador this season. It did not get much press, but after Alberto’s disappointing allergy induced performance on the Criterium International finishing climb Vino was quoted as saying “Alberto is a raw talent and a potentially great rider, but has much to learn. I mean come on… who forgets to take his antihistamines during such a critical period?”. I contend that remark is the beginning signs of a fissure in team Astana!

Much of what happens next will depend on Vino’s performance, particularly just prior to the TDF and more importantly in the opening time trail. If Vino can post a respectable finish, within striking distance of Contador time don’t be surprised if all of a sudden the Astana team manager announces that “we will have to wait until the mountain stages to settle things within the team”. Of course this will come as quite a shock for Alberto who had been assured for over a year that it was “his team”.

Next comes the “cobbles” in stage 3, where Vino will cut an underhanded deal to be on the “right wheel” when the critical attack is launched. Vino will put time into Contador as Alberto struggles along on the cobbles, in fact Vino will be driving the lead group as it devours the cobbled roadway. From that point forward it will be a race within a race to see which Astana rider can don the Maillot Jaune first, knowing full well that the with Vino in yellow the Astana team leader can now order Contador not to attack the yellow jersey despite the road ahead turning up.

Of course Contador will have no part of this and take matters into his own hands. He will take advantage of the first mountain top finish to get back the time that Vino gained over the cobbles and remind the rest of Team Astana as to his rightful position. No doubt Vino’s Kazakh brothers on Team Astana will openly criticize Alberto’s “reckless moves” and paint him as not being a loyal teammate. The press will eat it up, and the Vs commentating bunch will be beside themselves over what they deem Alberto’s never-ending series of tactical mistakes.

In the end, just like last year… the strongest rider will prevail “despite his own team” as you have stated. Unfortunately for Contador he will be relegated to babysitting Vino up the Col du Tourmalet in Stage 17 instead of being able to enjoy another decisive stage victory.

Post race Vino will prove to be a sore loser and purposefully skip Alberto's victory party.

Your forgetting what Lance always says. It's about the bike. S3's, and P4's are unfair advantages. You could put Paul Rubens on CTT, and he would make the top 5 in GC. All kidding aside. Don't count out the Norwegian. Sure his collarbone injury set him back a bit, but he has been riding strong, and admitting took it easy on the Swiss Tour.

...
Are we even talking about the same guy?
Thor Hushovd. The sprinter?

Well, since we're talkin' nonsense. I predict Cavendish and Boonen will round out the podium with Thor. McEwen will win the KOM.

Well, since we're talkin' nonsense. I predict Cavendish and Boonen will round out the podium with Thor. McEwen will win the KOM.
Nah. Zombie Pantani will win all 3 podium places and the sprint jersey.

Yea because the TT totalllly determines the winner of the tour.

Name 3 people in the past 20 years that have won the Tour and have not been good at TTs.

BTW did Vrs. get it right? Dod Frank actually put time on Lance on the Final stage TT? If so just where is Lance supposed to put any time on Frank?

F. Schleck was 5 seconds slower than Armstrong in the final TT.


+1

I keep thinking back to the T-Mobile version of Vino, and have to doubt that he's evolved into a loyal domestique or lieutenant. Emotionally, AC could find this year a repeat of last (and unlike last year, for good reason).

Yeah, Contador's Astana nightmare is far from over. :lol:

Maybe Vino was humbled by the Giro though - he gave it his best and it was a nice performance but he's just not good enough anymore. Hopefully that tells him something about the Tour de France.

Lance was a genetic freak when he was 16 years old and competing with some of the best triathletes in the world.. He is at 39 still a genetic freak, pulling for him in the TDF but Contador will be tough to beat..