WPeabody 

Just a news snippet of interest for anyone either participating in the Amgen Tour of California or who lives near the route. If you've never seen Lance Armstrong in person, here's a potential opportunity.

BostonRoadee

Happy for the ToC, which is a race I love.

Very uhnappy for Levi Leipheimer, my favorite pro, who, even if he wins the ToC again this year will be overshadowed by Mr. Ego -- um, I mean, Lance.

Levi rode a stellar Vuelta this year, and was overshadowed (understandably, but sadly) by Contador. I rarely saw photos of him except when he won a stage, rarely saw interviews, etc. He won silver, for crying out loud!

Ty.S

I keep wondering what will happen with Levi. Really just flat out bad luck on his part. However Lance could in theory assist Levi with ToC where he is current champ, and in turn Levi could assist lance in france? maybe? some sort of trade? I'd hate to see Levi just cast aside.

Pizza Man

"Armstrong's first race will be the Tour of California from Feb. 14-22, Proskurin said.

Australian officials announced earlier Wednesday that Armstrong would ride in the Tour Down Under from Jan. 20-25."

Doesn't January come before February?

Anyway, I hope he does do the tour of CA. I'll be watching most of it either way, but there will definitely be more spectators there with Lance in it.

BostonRoadee

Agree with you both -- Tv.S, about Levi. Exactly my feelings. Such a good racer and, apparently, such a decent guy, and always overshadowed. The deal you describe would be awfully sweet, but it's been said elsewhere on BF: When I imagine Lance trying to ride support for someone else, all I can picture is his head getting ready to explode.

Pizza Man, agree that whatever happens, it will be good for the ToC.

DiabloScott

I don't know, he brings a lot of controversy with him. Sure there will be lots of semi-fans who only come to see him and wouldn't come otherwise, but there's also the possibility of lots of negative publicity from press/ASO/other teams.

Remember how the Landis-Armstrong thing went in Tour of Georgia?
What if Lance tries another Simeoni maneuver on somebody?
What if his ego is all there but his legs aren't?
What if a bunch of Germans spit on him on Palomar?

With Rock Racing and all they bring including ex-Armstrong team mates
With Armstrong and Levi the two time defending champion both on Astana
With Landis the first ToC champion and Lance's hostility toward him...

Things will definitely be interesting but I'm not sure it's all good for the Tour of California.

BTW, coming into our fourth year, I think the ToC needs a cool Euro nickname to cement its place in history, like Race to the Smog or something.

Pizza Man

Too bad it doesn't start in SF anymore, then it could be Fog to Smog.

How about just merging the start and finish cities and calling it Sacondido?

1jacktripper

That would be high drama! I always love it when talks don't get backed and you get to utter, "what a bonehead!"

Califgirl

I thought it would be interesting to be up close and personal with the competiters...I hope they call me. They may have enough volunteers what with bike clubs, etc. We'll see. I signed up for the beginning leg in Sacramento.

caloso

I haven't seen anything official, but I can't imagine he'd pass up the ToC. Astana and its sponsors would absolutely insist. They're going to have to put up stadium sized bleachers here at the State Capitol. And we've been debating the best route. It pretty much has to include the Folsom Lake loop.

Pizza Man

https://www.velonews.com/article/8368...rt-the-tour-of

It's on Velonews.com, so it must be official.

I fully expect Nor Cal BF organized cheering/viewing rides for all Nor Cal stages.

Cheering for Lance is optional (Scott )

I plan to try and organize some type of SF to Santa Cruz ride on the day of Stage 3, once they figure out the route. I hope they go up Hwy 9 since that's where I'd like to watch.

spingineer

Quick, everyone, put in your 1 week PTO now ... follow the TofC .... I really had a blast last year, following it down to Pasadena (although a little better weather would have been nice).

BostonRoadee

Agreed fully that many of those scenarios are distasteful (hence my original post), and I personally would rather Lance go back into retirement. But, like it or not, I suspect those kinds of dramatic possibilities will only draw in viewers.

DiabloScott

I hope I didn't come across as a Lance hater, I'm not (I have an autographed postcard!). Neither am I a Lance apologist. He's certainly a big celebrity and will draw in the viewers.

My concern is that the ToC continue to get more popular and have a good reputation. I watched all five of the SF Grand Prixs and I watched the sponsorship support dwindle and the expo area get smaller and the complaints from residents businesses and government compound every year.

My fear is that Lance might bring so much controversy along with him that it becomes bigger news than the race itself and that's not conducive to growing the event long term.

I_meant2do_that

Apparently Contador says he will quit if he is not the Team Leader...so it could be an interesting winter for Astana after the go down under.

BostonRoadee

That all makes sense. Although, from what I understand, the ToC has been growing in popularity and financial success every year.

I'm not an LA hater, either. I respect him a lot (you pretty much have to), and appreciate what he's done for the sport. But I don't like him, and his return has put a sour taste in my mouth re: watching the ToC or the Tour.

kelsey by metro

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