Lance making a comeback?

[Alpedhuez55]

It looks like Lance Armstrong may try to comeback for the 2009 tour. Don't know if he can still win after a few years out. And if Contador is on his team, who is #1. But I think he could have won a couple of more tours without a doubt. But I am wondering if the marathon running will hurt his cycling. Plus, he is old by cycling standards.

Lance Armstrong will end his retirement and hopes to compete in the 2009 Tour de France, according to a cycling journal report.

The 36-year-old seven-time Tour de France champion will compete in five road races with the Astana team in 2009, the cycling journal VeloNews reported on its Web site Monday, citing anonymous sources.

Armstrong's manager Mark Higgins did not immediately respond to a voice mail left by The Associated Press.

The move would reunite Armstrong with Johan Bruyneel, now the team director for Astana.

VeloNews reported Armstrong also will compete in the Amgen Tour of California, Paris-Nice, the Tour de Georgia and the Dauphine-Libere.

The Astana team, however, was not allowed to compete in this year's Tour after Alexandre Vinokourov was kicked out of the 2007 Tour for testing positive and the team quit the race.

VeloNews, which said Vanity Fair will publish an extensive article detailing Armstrong's comeback, said the cyclist will race for no salary or bonuses and post his internally tested blood work online.

[Genevapics]

I haven't followed him much, but sounds like he may be looking for another challenge. I would hate to see him come back and fail. Think deep inside he hates the French who question his integrity?

Could you imagine what the french press would do if he came back and won? They would go ballistic!

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by Genevapics

I haven't followed him much, but sounds like he may be looking for another challenge. I would hate to see him come back and fail. Think deep inside he hates the French who question his integrity?

Could you imagine what the french press would do if he came back and won? They would go ballistic!

I think it is more the French Press than the French people. The French have not won in almost a quarter century. There was a little animosity towards LeMond at first, because he beat Hinault, who was one of their great champions. But that faded and the fans show great respect for whoever is champion.

[tobii3]

Originally Posted by Alpedhuez55

Plus, he is old by cycling standards.

By WHOSE standards??



Do you follow Mountain Biking at all?? Just Curious - check out Ned Overend and Tinker Juarez.

Cycling Standards.....ha ha ha.....

[BigVito]

he wont be much competition unles he dopes up again.

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by tobii3

By WHOSE standards??



Do you follow Mountain Biking at all?? Just Curious - check out Ned Overend and Tinker Juarez.

Cycling Standards.....ha ha ha.....

Well, the only 36 year old to win the TdF was Firmin Lambot, in 1922. If anyone can win at 36, it is Lance, but it will be an uphill battle. There are a few guys older in the pro peloton, but not many.

Plus Mountain Bike races are a lot shorter than road bike races. Though 3 hours on the trail can be tougher than 3 hours on the road. But the Tour is so long, three weeks, that it is a tougher challenge. While I agree the conditioning of MTBers can be fantastic, it is a different style all together. Evans, Landis and Rasmussen all crossed over with success though.

By the way, did you see the MTB race coverage on the Olympics? It was fantastic!! A lot of cameras at key positions. The course was very technical and they made it look great on TV. Too bad there is not more SC coverage on TV.

[j6ppc]

Originally Posted by Alpedhuez55

Plus Mountain Bike races are a lot shorter than road bike races. Though 3 hours on the trail can be tougher than 3 hours on the road. But the Tour is so long, three weeks, that it is a tougher challenge. While I agree the conditioning of MTBers can be fantastic, it is a different style all together. Evans, Landis and Rasmussen all crossed over with success though.

Lance raced the Leadville 100 last month an epic MTB race that has in excess of 14,000 feet of climbing. He "only" placed second losing around two minutes to the winner both of them obliterating the previous course record.

I guess he's in shape. As an aside prior to Leadville Lance signed up for the the USADA "out of competition" testing program (not a requirement for Leadville at all) but definately needed 6 months prior to re-joining the professional circuit.

Yesterday's news was all about rumors. Still the buzz was such that something was afoot. This afternoon the rumors were quelled clicky.

It will be an interesting journey to watch. As for age... I don't think it is a factor if you train smart. Many elite Ultra Marathoners, Marathoners and Ironman distance triathletes remain highly competitive into their forties and beyond.

Finally on to doping. I don't think he did in the past but this go round he'll not only be tested frequently but *publicly*.

GAME ON!

[theycallmedan'lboone]

I think he just got bored....

[lightning9191]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

I think he just got bored....

That is exactly what I was thinking. All those years of racing and he quits while he is still winning....that has to eat at a man.....the what ifs?

[Joan]

Already got several nice wagers on my man from Texass!

Alpdh is right: if anyone can pull it off, it's Mellow Johnny!

ALLEZ, LANCE, ALLEZ!

[j6ppc]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

I think he just got bored....

Originally Posted by lightning9191

That is exactly what I was thinking. All those years of racing and he quits while he is still winning....that has to eat at a man.....the what ifs?

In any case it will be fun to watch.
Don't discount the cancer advocacy aspect either...

Team livestrong perhaps???


[SIZE=7]Wear yellow.
[SIZE=3]livestrong.org[/SIZE]
[/SIZE]

[ucla695]

I was watching Sports Center yesterday and there are reports that he confirmed that he'll be in the TdF next summer. He's been training for the last several months and is trying to bring more awareness to cancer. It'll be an uphill battle for him , but I hope he suceeds. Can you imagine how ticked of the French will be?

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by theycallmedan'lboone

I think he just got bored....

I don't know about that. I would ride Kate Hudson over my bike any day

[Volt]

I see another Michael Jordan, Brett Farve, etc - take your pick. Another athlete that just can't quit while on top and ends up ruining their reputation becoming a has been. Rather sad, train wreck in progress.

[j6ppc]

Originally Posted by Volt

Rather sad, train wreck in progress.

Or not. Time will tell.