The 2009 Tour de France will go down in the books as the one that saw Lance Armstrong come back after an absence of nearly 4 years. Say what you will, Lance proved beyond any doubt that he’s a worldwide draw. The sport, sponsors and fans all benefited.
I watched with amusement this July as fans online from around the world debated the merits of Armstrong’s cycling accomplishments and newest chapter of his legacy. Enough wattage was expended on keyboards and cellphone keypads and touch screens to light up NYC or London for a week. Dare I say, though, we don’t hold U.S. Presidents and other global leaders to the same standards that many critics apply to Armstrong. He’s not the Pope. He’s not a saint. He’s a bike racer and humanitarian. Pure and simple. And a few people and brands happen to like and support him. He’s done some good in the world to fight cancer, a ruthless killer of humans, something that has caused so much pain and suffering, we’ll never be able to fully measure its impact.
To the detractors (especially the smoking-gun pursuers in the press), I ask: What positive acts have you done for the world? What have you given to your town? Your neighborhood?
Having met Lance in February at the San Diego Low-Speed Wind Tunnel, along with Steve Hed, Johan Bruyneel and Liz Kreutz, I’ll always hold a special memory. He signed an Outside magazine cover, as well as a 2004 Ride for the Roses jersey for my bride, who just happens to be a cancer survivor going on 6 years now.
I’m not asking you to be a “Lance Fan” here. But if you’re an avowed detractor, please take any hate your harbor somewhere else. We’ve seen countless times in history what hate has contributed to mankind. It’s not the best motivator. Lance Armstrong is hardly an angel, but he’s surely not the devil. He’s not leading a movement that threatens your life and freedoms. He races bikes and raises money for cancer. He’s a symbol of hope.
Yeah, but what about this L’Equipe article, you ask? And that deposition of that person who was in the hospital and claims he said this? And what about all the other riders with sullied legacies?
Well, I wish you luck playing God, higher power, judge, jury and executioner. Each of us must look inside and deal with the consequences of our actions, based on our beliefs and ultimately how the mystery of life ends. I’m not in a position to judge Lance. Nor will I ever.
I just want to thank him on this blog for coming back to the sport of cycling and raising awareness in the battle against cancer. Thanks, Lance.
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Related posts:
- Thanks Lance 2.0 A year ago, I wrote a post immediately after the end of the 2009 Tour de France to thank Lance Armstrong for coming back to the pro peloton. This year, he didn’t podium. Controversy now surrounds him much like it did Barry Bonds a few years back with federal authorities...
- Good sport 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...
- 11-year itch A lot can happen in 11 years. When Lance Armstrong returned to professional cycling to win the 1999 Tour de France, it pretty much shocked the tifosi and television commentators. A cancer survivor, depite doctors giving him razor-thin odds to live, Armstrong has since cemented his place in cycling history....
- Going postal Quick quiz: In the pro peloton, who else besides Lance Armstrong wears black socks and black shoes? Hard question, eh? Mark Cavendish and George Hincapie wear black socks but pair them with white shoes. So do other riders. But that’s as far as they’ll go. Black and white if not...
- The People’s Ride Yesterday about 5,000 people on bikes rode with Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie and Robbie McEwen and other pros in Adelaide, Australia. The “ride” was announced a day or two in advance. Much like one in Ireland last year, the ride symbolized solidarity. A positive call to action. Say what you want...
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Ah, you have been holding out on us! You knew the master plan all along! You had a secret meeting with Johan and Lance!
All kidding aside, I love the fact you met them and got the shirt signed for your bride. And, now I also get the meaning behind that interesting card you recently shared. Best to all of you!
I think I got it right yesterday regardless of his final position at the end of the day. Lance really rode like the champion he is and in my mind, is the the true winner of today’s stage. Thanks for today’s crave.
Rickie
You have to admire the man!
Great post. I’ll never understand the hate either.
This tour was great to watch and I’m a Lance fan but think him skipping Alberto’s dinner last night was un-sportsman like.
So.Spot.On. Nailed it and in a way that is (your style) eloquent. Yup. Lance is top notch – top athlete and top spokesman for cancer (and selfless in ways his naysayers cannot fathom). I’m a fan, have been a fan and will be a fan. Vive le Lance!
Nice post; I’m with you on the “hate” crap. Lance rode superb. For me, due to his 3.5yr gap, his age, his challenges, and the cause for which he rode this year’s tour makes him #1 in my book.
Here, Here..