Originally Posted by Spinster
RE: Americans and time trialing, I wonder if many American pros come from strong backgrounds from Ironman/Triathlons? These events seem to have a significant component of near-solitary pedaling.
We at least know that Lance came from such a background.
Funny thing is Lance wasn't a very good ITT rider prior to his cancer. Example 95 Tour, and at this point he was no slouch as a pro rider. He finished 19th in the 1st ITT, 5m behind Mig. (56th on Alpe d'huez a couple days later). Finished 43rd in the final ITT, 6m behind Mig and only 20s ahead of Frankie. Not exactly stellar TT riding. Comes back and sweeps the TT's in 99!
He had to make himself into a TT rider as a pro, no indication to that point in his career. that he had talent in that area.