Back in 1999, Lance Armstrong was an unproven stage racing talent intent on making a name for himself in the biggest stage race in the world. It didn't matter to the Texan that few others believed he could win the Tour. His coach Chris Carmichael and his director Johan Bruyneel were convinced, and by the end of the 1999 Tour, so were many others. His win in 2000 was confirmation of his new talent as a top grand tour contender, and from that point on he became increasingly distant on and off the bike with not only the media, but also his fans and sometimes even his teammates.
Today Lance Armstrong is in the midst of his second comeback to the sport. Now a 7-time Tour de France champion, he has little left to prove. Raising awareness for cancer is his top priority these days, but close behind is re-establishing himself as the top stage racer in the world. After an ambitious early season peppered with both good (solid ride in the Amgen Tour of California, Giro d'Italia) and the bad (broken collar bone at the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon), Armstrong seems poised to contend once again in the biggest bike race in the world.
The difference this time around though is noticeable to the media, his fans, and teammates alike. Gone is the distant, cold, calculating Armstrong, replaced by a gregarious everyman who seems to genuinely be enjoying the spirit of competition. "Big Tex" will grants interviews to just about any media representative, always stays around before and after races to sign autographs, and comes to the start line with a nod and a smile instead of a stone-faced stare at just about every race he enters.
This is not to say that Armstrong has lost his competitive fire, rather to underscore that his approach has changed. He still trains as hard as ever, still meticulously prepares, but this time around he does so with joy in his heart, with a sense of duty not only to himself, but his legions of rabid fans. One had to look no further than this past Father's Day at the Nevada City Cycling Classic to see the new Armstrong in full light. Granting an informal interview just seconds ahead of the race, Armstrong humbly pointed to his friend and teammate Levi Leipheimer as the rider to watch for the win on the day, while at the same time expressing his gratitude for small town races like Nevada City. The fight against cancer too was top of mind for Armstrong, as he granted that riding races like Nevada City could only help increase awareness and support for beating the debilitating disease.
As the start gun went off though, Armstrong seemed to snap back into the old "patron" we have all become so accustomed to seeing. Off the front early and often, he offered no gifts out on the roads of Nevada City, and after riding each and every rider off his wheel, he crossed the line solo for the first win of his comeback. Playing down the importance of the win for his and the Astana team's morale, Armstrong nevertheless was very satisfied with his effort, and with his decision to race the 49th edition of the western classic.
After a brief podium ceremony and a few autographs, Armstrong and his two teammates Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner were on a chartered plane back to Aspen, Colorado for a few more days of training before heading to France for the ultimate test. And while his mood will no doubt become more serious come the time trial in Monaco, Armstrong's fans and the rest of the world will never forget his win at Nevada City. The hero had come home and won in the USA triumphant, arms raised and face beaming ahead of his biggest objective. No matter his performance in France in a few day's time, his support in his home country, and the rest of the world, will remain rock-solid.
The new Lance Armstrong has arrived, and now a practiced veteran he has learned to kill em' with a smile and a handshake, remembering that true success comes in sharing and providing unfettered joy to those around you. He'll head to France with a nation of supporters behind him, ready to cheer his best effort, whatever it is.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The New Lance: Armstrong Still Focused, But Finding Time for Fans, Teammates and Media in Second Coming
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3 comments:
Excellent summation if I say so myself.
This comeback will firstly save cycling, and secondly will change his overall image in the eyes of the fans. Lemond was a hero here in the states for a long time and then became somewhat of a bitter old coot and a hater. Armstrong doesn't want to go down that path, and ultimately I believe he has some very big plans in the world of pro and amateur cycling.
Bottom line...Americans actually care about cycling again. I'd say that's Lance's biggest win.
Excellent post as always although I have to disagree with the comment:
""Big Tex" will grant interviews to just about any media representative"
As before his comeback Armstrong will only grant interviews to media who are in the pro Armstrong camp meaning they don't ask him difficult questions about accusations of drug taking in the past. For example, he would not allow David Walsh or Paul Kimmage to interview him.
Walsh and Kimmage aren't very journalistic when it comes to Lance; thus Armstrong's aversion to them. They're antics seem to be directed at getting him to admit that he doped or took EPO's. Whether through books, interviews, articles, or other media forms, their contempt for the man shines like the clear day's sun. I can understand why LA won't give them the time of day. Hell, many a rider won't give them the time of day lest becoming embroiled in some drug/doping related controversy.
The way I see it is Lance either never cheated, or works with some of the most brilliant sports scientists in the world who've managed to make the perfect undetectable drug.
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