The Cheryl Crow issue didn't come into play until
lately (within the past year or so), I don't think it's
a huge factor.
The Cancer survivorship didn't help his story, it made
his story. There were Americans winning the Tour and
other races before Lance, and will be after Lance.
He made a machine out of his foundation, signed on
some big advertizers (nike for one) and that was that.
the media machine took over, book tours, Oprah appearances
etc. that is what will not be working for the next american
cycling superstar.
Beating the french at their own game is a good story
line but it didn't work before, won't work again without
all the other pieces.

Marty