Every Second Counts (WARNING: SPOILER)

[N_C]

WARNING: BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER NOTE THAT THIS THREAD IS A SPOILER TO THE BOOK. SO IF YOU HAVE NOT READ IT AND DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL YOU DO READ IT THEN STOP READING THIS THREAD NOW!

Just finished reading the book. First it is a sequel to his first one. Second it talks about more of his struggles and with more depth then the first book did.

In the book he talks about pretty much everything that has happened to him since his 4 tour wins plus a recap of his 5th.

I had no idea that he went through such hell regarding the dope testing he and the team went through. Its like they were trying to find something to nail him for. And it took way to long to complete the tests. Plus at the end it was decided by those responsible for the testing that nothing was found due to lack of evidence. What more do they want? There was nothing more to test. And they decide there was not enough evidence at the end after finding nothing at all? Hmm gee sounds like someone got upset because they did not find anything. The testing was not by any means unbiased an impartial. And I'm surprised they did not taint the tests to find him guilty. I wonder if there were not any attempted or actual pay-offs to keep the testing going with the hopes of find something.

Lance still considers himself a cancer survivor first and a 5 time TDF winner second. And he would rather be known as a cancer suvivor then a TDF winner. Don't know wbaout the rest of you but I applaud that. I can o0nly assume that it is because cancer, compared to the TDf is the hardest thing he ever encountered and defeated. Plus he has impeccable modesty as well.

The book showed and taught me that no matter how hard life gets there is always a way through it and you should never give up. Even when you are losing.

I hope that anyone who reads it gets the same thing I did out of it and maybe more.

I recommend this book for anyone over the age of 18, as it deals with adult issues and has some swear words in it.

John.

[lotek]

Haven't read it yet (its on order) but from excerpts
and having seen LA speak a few times I would have to
agree with the majority of your points with one exception

he has impeccable modesty as well

he does downplay the TdF stuff in light of his cancer but
I don't think Lance is modest, not in the least.
Marty

[demoncyclist]

No, he isn't modest. Nor should he be. If someone else tells his story (besides his co-author), it will lose some of its intensity. If he was a modest person, he would shun the limelight. If he was a modest person he wouldn't have climbed back on a bike after his illness. If he was a modest person, he would likely be dead.

Just my humble (different from modest) opinion!!!

DEMON

[N_C]

What I meant by Lance being modest is at least IMHO he has not let his "celebraty status" go to his head. I don't think he acts like any of the big name baseball, football or basketball players who once they become big and famous their stardom clouds their better judgement and they become very arrogant, etc. Especialy when the fans put thier favorite sports stars on pedastels (sp). And it happens all the time.

As far as I've seen Lance has not become that way, yet. Hopefully he never will. Despite the fact that as fans of his we have put him on a pedastel (sp).

[bac]

There were a few revelations in the book for me. I didn't know about the nasty injuries he had (like the broken neck) that nearly stopped him from winning le Tour.

I like the Robin Williams comment regarding the length of time (years) the French were taking to test his urine. It went something like, "Is it a chardonnay? Does it get better with age?"

[lotek]

N_C,
Ok, I can see your point, I'd say in that regard he is more humble than modest. After all the poking, proding,
exams, pictures etc. I don't believe modesty is possible.
(as in shy, prudish etc.) extensive Medical procedures have that effect on folks.
Marty

[N_C]

N_C,
Ok, I can see your point, I'd say in that regard he is more humble than modest. After all the poking, proding,
exams, pictures etc. I don't believe modesty is possible.
(as in shy, prudish etc.) extensive Medical procedures have that effect on folks.
Marty

lotek, you're right. he is more humble, then anything. That is the word I should have used instead of modest.

And you're absolutley right about not being able to be modest when it comes to almost any kind of medical procedure and or testing.

Speaking of being humble, there is a saying that the U.S. Marine Corps has, among others that is. It is one of the most politically incorrect sayings I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. And I actually agree with it. It goes: "It's Hard To Be Humble When You're The Best" And I've never met a Marine that is humble. but you know what? They have a right not be humble.

So does Lance have the same right? After all he is among the best athletes in the world. Or is it a matter of that he knows he's the best and he could easily get away with not being so humble, but he chooses not to? I'm talking off the bike and not during the TDF. If you act arrogant on the bike during a race the peleton punishes you for it. Or is it perhaps his humbleness extends to his life off the bike like as well?

[jacob]

modest:
1having or showing a moderate estimate of one's merits, importance, achievements, etc.,; not vain; humble: *The prizewinning scientist remained a modest man.*
2held back by a sense of what is fit and proper; not bold or forward. See synonym study below.
3not displaying or calling attention to one's body.
4not excessive; moderate: *a modest request.*
5not expensive or showy: *a modest little house.*

from Scott Foresman Advanced Dictionary, 1983

Well, he did tell Charlie Rose (promise actually) that he would quit riding competitively by age 35...

Jacob

[bac]

I don't think Lance is modest, not in the least.
Marty

LA is certainly not as modest as a Miguel Indurain, but who is? He is very modest in relation to other sport stars who are @ the top of their game and profession. Compare LA to a Terrell Owens, or even a Marco Pantani, and he is ultra-modest!