[QUOTE=Laggard]Excellent post, Don.

Since your average American bike fan is only aware of and/or only really cares about the TDF, it makes sense that an American rider would follow suit.

I've always felt that riders like Bettini, Zabel, et al have a much deeper understanding and respect for the traditions and history of bike racing.[/QUOTE

That's what I meant about Lance being american. This whole 'you should never criticize lance' comes from american fans, becuase cycling wasn't all that big until the last few years and also because the tour is one of the only races even seen on tv. Americans have seen him win that race every year for six years, and for most north americans, our cycling knowledge doesn't extend back that far. IF we all knew cycling as well as we know football we'd think differently. Let's face it, if we only got to see the superbowl or the world series, we'd think, huh? and if players decided they'd only play one big game a year we'd think they were mazzo. BUt I also agree, the whole issue is ridiculous- imagining that Eddy Merckx is bitter is like saying BIll gates resents that he hasn't made enough money.