Lance Armstrong's Comeback: A Negative Affect on Pro Peloton?

Most of the news surrounding Lance Armstrong's planned comeback has been positive. He'll bring the world spotlight back to the world of cycling, and should be able to save the foundering Tour of Georgia stage race. However, what will the other teams think about his return, particularly in the smaller stage races like the Tour of California, Georgia, and Paris-Nice?

No one can question the value of having Armstrong at the 2009 Tour. The advertising and spectator dollars he'll bring to the Tour will be significant. Similarly, his presence at the Tour of California and Georgia should provide economic stimulus as well, particularly in Georgia. But at what cost to the other riders in the race?

Armstrong's presence at these smaller races will see the media impact grow. There will be far more media reps on hand in California this year than last, which will make for a more chaotic, pressured atmosphere. Will the high profile European riders that usually ride California show up again in 2009? Further, will smaller American teams get a chance to contest the biggest race in America?

Many of the European riders from the 2008 version of California explained that they were eager to ride the west coast stage race because it allowed them to get in quality training miles at race pace without the myriad distractions of a European stage race. They spoke of the crowds being more polite and the press being more understanding of their need for space before and after races.

However, with the inclusion of Armstrong, things could change drastically. An increased press corps coupled with a larger, more intense fan base could see some of Europe's best stay away from the two American races. Tom Boonen, Oscar Freire, and Fabian Cancellara get enough attention late in the year in the classics and grand tours. Will they be willing to be subjected to the same intense atmosphere early in the season? Maybe not.

And what of the lesser known Americans on today's scene? What will become of Garmin's Steven Cozza, or Bissell's Burke Swindlehurst and Ted King? Will domestic veterans like Andy Bajadali and Jeff Louder feel left out and written off standing under the enormous shadow of Armstrong? California (and to a lesser extent Georgia) are one of a few opportunities for America's best domestic pros to get themselves some recognition for their hard work on the bike. With Armstrong sucking up most of the media attention, will these lesser knowns feel jaded and frustrated?

Armstrong's comeback, for the most part, should be received with a positive air. However, not all will be rosy when the audacious Texan returns. There will be many casualties along the way as Lance cuts a swath through cycling's landscape, and the biggest one may be the quality of the field assembled come February.