Lance Armstrong returned to pro cycling in 2009 with very low expectations for himself. He wanted to raise awareness for the fight against cancer while regaining his place in the peloton as one of the world's best stage racers. At the conclusion of the 2009 season, it was clear that he accomplished both goals.
A 3rd place overall at the Tour de France was encouraging for Armstrong and his legions of fans, but it was clear that the Texan was far from satisfied while standing on the final podium of the Tour in Paris last July. Now, he returns with a new team for 2010 intent on taking one more Tour de France title.
Armstrong will have few excuses at the end of the season if he is unable to win the Tour for an 8th time. Last season he was able to lean on his lack of racing kilometers and a fractured team as reasons for his 3rd place ride, but really there was no reason for excuses. Armstrong had an amazing comeback year, and far surpassed the expectations of his fans, teammates and the rest of cycling public.
Now that he has a team around him that is entirely committed to delivering him an 8th Tour title, Armstrong can focus completely on preparing for the three week stage race this coming July. Already he is training in Hawaii ahead of his first race at the Santos Tour Down Under, and he has outlined his training program for 2010, including participation in select early season classics.
Lance Armstrong will come to this year's Tour de France in top shape (providing he doesn't experience any crashes), with a full contingent behind him and every chance to succeed. His preparation leading up to any race is the stuff of legends, and Armstrong will likely follow his time-tested routine in his lead up to the Tour. Whether he'll have the legs to hang with the likes of Contador, Schleck, Menchov and the rest though is yet to be determined.
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Simple Plan? Lance Armstrong Prepping for Run at 8th Tour de France Title
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7 comments:
Just wanted to let you know I really enjoy your blog and I read regularly. I like your insight into the PRO racing scene. Keep up the good work!
Yeah, what Matt said.
Barring severe misfortune, Armstrong looks to have a very good shot at the TDF in 2010. I, for one, would love to see any rider win the Tour again 11 years after his first victory. My wish to see it has nothing to do with the fact that Lance is an American and everything to do with the inspiration that triumph would hold for all of us. Like lots of folks, I love a long shot; I love cheering for the underdog; and I love athletic heroism.
I hope it happens.
The 800 lbs. gorilla, Armstrong, as a underdog is rich. I hope he gets pounded in TdF, retires, and finally leaves cycling. If he wins 11 years after his 1st victory just show what a joke cycling is at the moment.
Harry,
Yes, a 38 year old cyclist is an underdog when it comes to winning grand tours. When an athlete retires from professional sports for years, he is an underdog when he returns -- especially when he comes up against a man who is both a better climber and a better time trialist. Armstrong is clearly the underdog when compared to Contador. Nearly no one denies it. Do you?
If cycling is a joke, it's not the fault of the guy who's been away.
BTW, Harry,
Gino Bartali won the TdF 10 years apart (1938 and 1948) and cycling was no joke when he did it.
Good points, Michael. I believe that underdog is not appropiate label for Armstrong. There are legit underdogs for the TdF (Evans, I am looking at you, but Armstrong is NOT one of them. On one of the best financed and talent packed stage race teams in existence, Armstrong is actually what you call a contender. By your definition, the Schlecks are more of an underdog then Armstrong. As far as Bartali, that whole world war thing probably got in his way. One could also question the talent level of that TdF after the destruction caused by the war.
Good points, Harry, all of them. I especially appreciate your designation of LA as "contender," which does seem more appropriate than "underdog." He is a contender -- like the Schlecks -- though not an equal, at least not when compared to Contador rider-to-rider. Of course, it often happens that the most talented rider does not win. So, even if AC is better, he is beatable. But beating him will likely be a very tough job. But LA, the Schlecks and many others will be there to attack him time and again. We'll see if he and his team can withstand the onslaught that is sure to come. I have my doubts -- and my hopes.
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