Don't Like the Nickname Department
Well, it's that time of year again. In a mere ten days, Lance Armstrong and the US Postal Team will quite possibly ride into history. Check this story from AFP. The prologue starts on July 3 and this will be a tough race. The time trial in Stage 16 over a 15km climb looks like the race right there. That's where the battle will be between Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich. Some commentators are also suggesting that Tyler Hamilton could have a big race.

This year's tour is also not without controversy. In a new book, Armstrong is alleged to have engaged in doping, in what seems to be an annual event in the French press. (No need to go on about Base10's feelings toward the French). Armstrong recently lost his bid to insert his denial of drug use in the text.

Aside from his mutant like lung capacity and leg strength, there is something to love about Lance Armstrong. This is his shot at the sixth yellow jersey. It will cement his place as the greatest cyclist in the history of the sport. This on the heels of his recovery from cancer. You couldn't write a movie of the week better than that.

The Peloton is one of Base10's favorite sports. First, it is a team sport although it may seem to solely rely on individual effort. Lance can only win with the help from members of his team. Second, there is a curious camaraderie between riders. In last years tour, Armstrong took a spill because a spectator held a bag out in the road and it caught his bike. Ullrich, who was still in contention at this point, and others did not attack. There is an unwritten rule in the tour that one does not attack the leader during a mechanical problem. All of which shows that one wins or loses in the Tour de France with one's head, one's legs and one's heart, not because of a broken chain. If only some American athletes would internalize this theme.

Here's a link to the official site. Let's bring that yellow jersey back to Texas!
And here's a photo to boot. Visit www.cyclingphotography.co.uk!


- posted by Base10 @ 1:48 PM