I’m not sure about you, but Lance Armstrong’s body language the past few days isn’t telling me that he knows how to bow out gracefully. Last year, the internal strife with Alberto Contador generated buzz and left a little tarnish. This year, after numerous falls and a less-than-stellar showing (absent the Prologue TT), Lance’s television time has consisted of soft pedaling near the back and chatting amiably. Not exactly the stuff of dedicated teammate and domestique — although his chances for a podium finish are long gone. Sure, there’s a tornado of noise outside of France, what with Floyd, Greg and a growing list of who knows who else. But I still want to feel like this when the race ends July 25. Love him or hate him, Lance has given us thrills, chills and — this year — more than his number of spills. A true champion is also a good sport. Lance, it’s time to assume that role and show us how to ride with humility and dignity. Winning isn’t everything. Yes, it’s nice. But often times, losing takes more courage and grace.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with you. It seemed like today that Levi was left on his own to try and stay with the other GC contenders on the final two climbs. I hate to say it but Levi just doesn’t seem to have the power to breakaway from the other riders on the climbs and could probably use the help.
This is a tough one to comment on. I’ve been a fan of Lance’s like a lot of cyclists…even with his ups and downs. He’s done so much for the sport and cancer and it is those things that I will remember him by.
He’s not having a great TdF this year on a number of levels…..let’s see if he changes anything for the last week.
Darryl
I too would like to see Lance work for Levi, unselfishly help a teammate win. If I see Lance carrying water bottles to Levi I’ll change my opinion of him. But I’m not holding my breath!
More than once he’s promised to help a teammate win, only to drop out when he was not able to win. This time apparently he’s not dropping out (good for him) but I ask myself- is he staying in the race just to stay in the media spotlight he loves so much?