I don’t agree with everything in this article, but I thought I’d post it because they have SOME valid points, and anyway, there’s not enough balance in the Lance stuff int he media. I quite like watching Armstrong, and I had a blast this decade watching the Tour and professional cycling as a whole, with and without him. And he still gets 100% of my support and respect for what he’s done on and off the bike. But I also have a good sense that he can be a HARRRRRD guy to ride for, can be brazen and authoritative int he peloton, and to some people, a total dick. On the other hand, I think he’s mastered that aspect of sport: intimidation. I’m not pleased about where it’s used OUTSIDE of the ride, but nonetheless, his/Bruyneel’s/Carmichael’s whole system of apex training for single-rider dominance is frowned upon and whined about by people who either don’t use it, or do and get crushed by it anyway (that’s sour grapes for you) but it’s a big sport, and there are lots of great riders and great events that he doesn’t overpower. There’s room for everyone. Also, I didn’t much like some of what Contador did in the tour, but I think there wa sfault on both sides of it. What mused me so much is that when Telecom had THREE riders jockeying for leadership and neutering themselves collectively against Lance’s boys, no one made such a stink. It’s just the typical culture cycle: we thrill as an underdog rises to the top of the game, and then we thrill as he gets torn down. Same as movies, same as politics, same as music.

But man, i AM looking forward to seeing Contador and Armstrong racing opposing teams this year. That’ll be thrills reGARTless of who you root for…

http://www.bicycle.net/2009/lance-vs-alberto-2010

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2. Tour de France 2009
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