Lets Go Armstrong!!!...And He Wins!!!

[Seraphim]

So Roberto Heras is in the race? He quits Lance's team in the fall and joins another??? Whats the story?


Armstrong leaves rivals trailing in punishing climb

By JOHN LEICESTER, Associated Press Writer
July 16, 2004


LA MONGIE, France (AP) -- Lance Armstrong took a big step toward a record sixth straight Tour de France crown on Friday by surging past key rivals on the first climb in the Pyrenees.

The Texan moved from sixth to second in the overall standings following a ride in which he was runner-up to stage winner Ivan Basso of Italy.

Jan Ullrich, Tyler Hamilton, Iban Mayo and Roberto Heras were among the pre-Tour contenders whose hopes of dethroning the five-time champion faded as Armstrong powered up the ascent ahead of them.

Armstrong is 5:24 behind France's Thomas Voeckler, but Ullrich is the champion's main challenger. Another Pyrenean stage, the Alps and a final time trial await before the July 25 finish in Paris.

``Jan's not finished,'' Armstrong said. ``He starts slow and he's a tough guy who doesn't give up. He might have taken one on the chin today, but he always comes back and is strong in the last week.''

Last year, Armstrong beat Ullrich by just 61 seconds. Just 55 seconds behind Armstrong before Friday's stage, Ullrich now trails him by 3 minutes and 37 seconds overall.

``It's really an uppercut,'' said the manager of Ullrich's team, Walter Godefroot. ``We're groggy.''

Fickle weather on the 122.7-mile trek from Castelsarrasin to the La Mongie ski station conspired against Ullrich, the 1997 Tour winner, but left Armstrong unfazed.

Riders started the 12th stage under blazing sunshine, then got doused by rain before emerging back into sunny weather on the last of two major climbs.

``First the heat, then the thunder, then the sun again,'' Armstrong said. ``For the overall standings it is great.''

The storm caught riders as they labored up the first climb to the Col d'Aspin.

``It was a bad day,'' said Ullrich, a five-time Tour runner-up. I noticed at the first mountain I didn't have good legs and I was cold on the downhill. But I fought until the end. With good weather and good legs, maybe I can come back.''

Armstrong and Basso finished in the same time, 2:30 ahead of Ullrich, who placed 20th. Armstrong also picked up 12 bonus seconds for being stage runner-up. He did not sprint at the line, allowing the Italian to take his first stage victory in four Tours.

``It was a pleasure for me to let him win,'' Armstrong said. ``He was super strong.''

Ullrich lost 2:30 to Armstrong. Hamilton gave up 3:27 while Heras was 2:57 behind and Iban Mayo was 1:03 back.



``Armstrong is the strongest man on this Tour,'' Basso said. ``I think he's still got gas in his tank.''

Voeckler struggled in the mountain stage but limited the damage by holding the yellow jersey. Voeckler had been leading Armstrong by more than nine minutes before the grueling stage. He placed 41st on Friday, 3:59 behind Armstrong and Basso.

Voeckler acknowledged he could lose the lead in Saturday's even more punishing Pyrenean stage.

``I will fight but I don't know if it will be enough,'' he said. ``It's not news that Lance Armstrong loves this bad weather. When the sun is out, his adversaries will be more comfortable.''

If Armstrong triumphs Saturday and his rivals falter again, the 127.7-mile run from Lannemezan to the Plateau de Beille could prove decisive for the Texan.

``He stunned the favorites a bit today,'' French rider Richard Virenque said. ``Tomorrow, I think he's going to strike a sword blow on this Tour.''

A burst of speed by Armstrong's teammates on the final 8-mile ascent to La Mongie hurt those riders who couldn't keep up. Hamilton, a former Armstrong teammate, was the first major rival to fall off the back of the pack.

He trails Armstrong by 4:22 overall. Heras, another former teammate turned challenger, saw his overall deficit to Armstrong grow to a whopping 5:18.

Basque rider Iban Mayo was hoping for victory in front of the tens of thousands of supporters who lined the wet route. But his Tour had been all but lost in a crash in the first week and he trails Armstrong by 6:42 overall.

Basso, considered a possible future Tour winner, won a stage for the first time in his career. The 26-year-old cyclist captured the white jersey as the best young rider in 2002, when he placed 11th overall. He was seventh last year and hopes to win the showcase race in two to three years.

[Ria]

Go Armstrong! This guy is amazing. I really like him, and hope he wins woot :hug:

[MEGR]

Go Lance!

[Fintin]

Quit? You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I'm sure you have a good reason to quit. So what are you dying of that's keeping you from the finals?

[ronin2172]

that guy is awesome....the only person that can stop lance is lance.

[Deuterium]

Dope' Dope' Dope' Lance needs to open a can of whoopass on some Frenchies. I sure don't know how he keeps his cool. I certainly would feel the need to punch out a few reporters. Then again maybe it's true. Oh well back to MotoGP. Two wheels were meant to have a motor.

[MVSpartan117]

Yeah I really hope he wins! woot

[Ratamacue]

Lance Armstrong is the man. 'Nuff said.

[cut]

As with schumacher in in F1, I'm torn over this, on the one hand it's great to see a contemporary sporting legend in action on the other had it makes the sport almost unwatchable.

[Kilgor]

To come back from cancer, and to completely dominate one of the toughest races on earth is something truely special. Hes one of the greatest athletes of all time.

And nothing like seeing a American own frances most important sporting event years in a row, especially in this politically charged times ;)

[hank]

I even saw the lights of the Goodyear Blimp and it read "Lance Armstrong is a pimp".

I watched teh whole thing today and again tomorrow. Tomorrow Lance will be wearing yellow unless something extraordinary happens.

Pro cyclers are so far ahead of what is possible for an am like me. Those guys ride 100 miles, hilly miles and AVERAGE 30 mph. I just rode about 40 miles and averaged 17 miles an hour of relatively flat terrain and I can barely walk. Really puts the whole deal in perspective. What an incredible feat those guys accomplish everyday. Lance is truly the best of the best.

Congrats to US Postal

hank

[hank]

Armstrong just won the stage and may well get the Yello Jersey today. Voeckler still has not finished and it is going to be very close. This might be the end of the Tour de France and a win for Lance and US Postal!

hank

[Zarathustra]

LANCE HAS WON TODAY woot


http://sports.lefigaro.fr/articleimg/poster/38211.jpg

[WolverineBlue]

Armstrong is still in second, but he is in complete control. Greatest cyclist ever.

[Apogee]

Whos wears their "Livestrong" band everyday? Because I know I do. If you guys don't know about it, its a yellow, rubber band. That says "Livestrong" on it. That saying has been Lance's credo for many years. Anyways, every dollar you spend on them goes to fund cancer research. So I always wear mine.

http://img31.photobucket.com/albums/v93/jackal419/DSC00390.jpg

[MEGR]

I just heard that he was on his way to winning his 6th tour de France! Good for him.. What a come back!

[Zarathustra]

If you needs a few good informations about the tour de france, the next stages etc, go here : www.letour.fr no worries, it's a french site but it's in english ( version anglaise ) too... ;)

[farmgirl]

Whos wears their "Livestrong" band everyday? Because I know I do. If you guys don't know about it, its a yellow, rubber band. That says "Livestrong" on it. That saying has been Lance's credo for many years. Anyways, every dollar you spend on them goes to fund cancer research. So I always wear mine.

http://img31.photobucket.com/albums/v93/jackal419/DSC00390.jpg

That's cool, K.... where'd you get it?

[USAF G]

I'm down here in Texas training (running around, shooting machine guns, etc.), so I can't wear mine when I'm in uniform, but I wear mine as much as I can. I think it's a great way to show support and recognition of survivership. Go Lance. G

[Midtown]

My girlfriend was in Angers when they were going thru there, she had a I love lance tshirt on with like 20 other ppl. She calls me up bragging about it. "I gave my shirt to this guy who knows lance, and he's going to try to get it signed" I was like "OH YEAH, WELL LAST NIGHT I GOT SUPER DRUNK, KICKED OUT OF 2 BARS, ONE FOR MAKING FUN OF A FAT GIRL, AND THE OTHER FOR TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO THE FEMALE BARTENDER HOW THE EIFFLE TOWER ****** MANUVER WORKS" true story by the way. that shut her up. Why she puts up with my ****, I do not know. I need to stop drinking. yeah right.

[MVSpartan117]

My girlfriend was in Angers when they were going thru there, she had a I love lance tshirt on with like 20 other ppl. She calls me up bragging about it. "I gave my shirt to this guy who knows lance, and he's going to try to get it signed" I was like "OH YEAH, WELL LAST NIGHT I GOT SUPER DRUNK, KICKED OUT OF 2 BARS, ONE FOR MAKING FUN OF A FAT GIRL, AND THE OTHER FOR TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO THE FEMALE BARTENDER HOW THE EIFFLE TOWER ****** MANUVER WORKS" true story by the way. that shut her up. Why she puts up with my ****, I do not know. I need to stop drinking. yeah right.


rofl

Go lance :)

[StarvingStudent47]

I'm still rooting for Lance to win another straight Tour de France.

And it's really good what he's doing for cancer research. One of my friends is a cancer survivor (thyroid cancer at age 22) and I'll support anyone who

BUT...

This year I've really gotten p---ed at Lance as some sort of moral role-model. I used to really think he was, but now I don't. So his wife sticks through him through all the cancer. She sticks with him through all the long hours of training and blood/sweat/tears. They have a child together. And then *gasp* he becomes a celebrity. What's the first thing he does? Gets rid of his wife like a loaf of stale bread and gets jiggy with Sheryl Crow. Who needs her? She's loving, faithful, and dependable, she stayed by his side through a living hell, but she doens't have a Grammy or a personal trainer ensuring she's cellulite-free :roll:

[hank]

Whos wears their "Livestrong" band everyday? Because I know I do. If you guys don't know about it, its a yellow, rubber band. That says "Livestrong" on it. That saying has been Lance's credo for many years. Anyways, every dollar you spend on them goes to fund cancer research. So I always wear mine.

http://img31.photobucket.com/albums/v93/jackal419/DSC00390.jpg

That's cool, K.... where'd you get it?

Try this. I just ordered ten. I'll mail you one farmgirl. I'll pm you when I get them in the mail. Anybody else wants one of hte extras, drop me a pm and I'll see what I can do.

http://store.laf.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=43

hank

[farmgirl]

Whos wears their "Livestrong" band everyday? Because I know I do. If you guys don't know about it, its a yellow, rubber band. That says "Livestrong" on it. That saying has been Lance's credo for many years. Anyways, every dollar you spend on them goes to fund cancer research. So I always wear mine.

http://img31.photobucket.com/albums/v93/jackal419/DSC00390.jpg

That's cool, K.... where'd you get it?

Try this. I just ordered ten. I'll mail you one farmgirl. I'll pm you when I get them in the mail. Anybody else wants one of hte extras, drop me a pm and I'll see what I can do.

http://store.laf.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=43

hank


Sweet!!!! Thanks, Hank! :hug:

[hank]

I'm still rooting for Lance to win another straight Tour de France.

And it's really good what he's doing for cancer research. One of my friends is a cancer survivor (thyroid cancer at age 22) and I'll support anyone who

BUT...

This year I've really gotten p---ed at Lance as some sort of moral role-model. I used to really think he was, but now I don't. So his wife sticks through him through all the cancer. She sticks with him through all the long hours of training and blood/sweat/tears. They have a child together. And then *gasp* he becomes a celebrity. What's the first thing he does? Gets rid of his wife like a loaf of stale bread and gets jiggy with Sheryl Crow. Who needs her? She's loving, faithful, and dependable, she stayed by his side through a living hell, but she doens't have a Grammy or a personal trainer ensuring she's cellulite-free :roll:

I'm not sure that is a fair characterization of what happened. It takes two people to break up. I've read quotes from Lance's wife where she says it was an amicable and "agreed to" split. Noone has ever said, even Lance's wife, that Sheryl was in the picture before they split. Lance is definitely a role model, but he, nor anyone else for that matter, is perfect. Leaving a wife and three children is a horrible decision to make, but unless you've walked a mile then why judge?

I've also read quotes where Lance's wife all but said after he won the fifth that she gave him a choice - family or the Tour but not both. Lance wanted both but ultimately chose the Tour. Hard to say.

hank

[Olybrius]

LeMond Blasts Armstrong

In what is the closest any American has come to directly accusing Lance Armstrong of using performance-enhancing substances, three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond publicly questioned Armstrong's cleanliness, saying that denials and negative tests were not clear proof that he is clean.

"Everybody says that," LeMond said in an interview printed today in the French daily newspaper Le Monde. "But neither had David Millar tested positive and he now admits he took EPO."

Millar, formerly of the Cofidis team, was taken into custody last month when a police search of his home turned up vials of Eprex, a form of EPO. His lawyer acknowledged that Millar admits to having used EPO three times in his career. Millar had previously denied all allegations of drug use, calling his accuser, former teammate Philippe Gaumont, a "nutter" and pointing out that he had never failed a drug test.

LeMond has publicly questioned Armstrong before. In 2001, when London Times writer David Walsh revealed that Armstrong was consulting with Dr. Michele Ferrari, who is currently on trial in Italy for allegedly helping cyclists dope, LeMond was characteristically blunt. "If it's true, then [Armstrong's Tour wins] are the greatest fraud in cycling," he said at the time.

Armstrong, reportedly non-plussed by LeMond's comments, had a phone conversation with Greg that is recounted in Walsh's new book, "LA Confidential: The Secrets of Lance Armstrong" currently on newsstands in France. In the book, LeMond's wife Kathy tells Walsh of the conversation, in which Armstrong pressures LeMond to admit to taking EPO himself; Greg denies ever having used the drug.

Le Monde, a daily published in the southern part of France, has been a dogged pursuer of doping scandals. Its report last week that some riders in the Tour remain under investigation for doping led to the rest-day expulsion of Martin Hvastija and Stefano Casagranda.

And in 1999, when it was revealed Armstrong tested positive for a corticosteroid after denying it, he had a tense exchange at a press conference with a Le Monde reporter who asked him whether he was truthful in his denial or if he had used a corticoid. "So, Mr. Le Monde," Armstrong shot back, "Are you calling me a liar, or are you calling me a doper?" Armstrong's team produced a medical certificate for the product, a topical cream, and he was never sanctioned. In LA Confidential, Walsh asserts, through former Postal soigneur Emma O'Reilly, that the certificate was produced after the fact as a cover.

In his strongest words yet, LeMond blasted Armstrong, saying, "The problem with Lance is that you're either a liar or you're out to destroy cycling," he told Le Monde, referring to how Armstrong reacts to riders like Filippo Simeoni, Christophe Bassons or Jesus Manzano, who acknowledge doping in the sport. "Lance is ready to do anything to keep his secret but I don't know how long he can convince everybody of his innocence." Simeoni has sued Armstrong for slander, saying that Armstrong damaged his reputation by calling Simeoni a liar when he testified against Ferrari at the doctor's last trial.

LeMond dismissed criticisms that he is jealous of Armstrong, who has won two more Tours than him and stands to become the first-ever to win six.

"Because of all that has occurred in the past 10 years," he said, referencing doping, "that does not have the same value as the five Tours of Hinault, for example."

As of press time, Armstrong had not yet responded to the comments.



http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/experts/columns/0,3489,s1-9410,00.html

[hank]

LeMond Blasts Armstrong

In what is the closest any American has come to directly accusing Lance Armstrong of using performance-enhancing substances, three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond publicly questioned Armstrong's cleanliness, saying that denials and negative tests were not clear proof that he is clean.

"Everybody says that," LeMond said in an interview printed today in the French daily newspaper Le Monde. "But neither had David Millar tested positive and he now admits he took EPO."

Millar, formerly of the Cofidis team, was taken into custody last month when a police search of his home turned up vials of Eprex, a form of EPO. His lawyer acknowledged that Millar admits to having used EPO three times in his career. Millar had previously denied all allegations of drug use, calling his accuser, former teammate Philippe Gaumont, a "nutter" and pointing out that he had never failed a drug test.

LeMond has publicly questioned Armstrong before. In 2001, when London Times writer David Walsh revealed that Armstrong was consulting with Dr. Michele Ferrari, who is currently on trial in Italy for allegedly helping cyclists dope, LeMond was characteristically blunt. "If it's true, then [Armstrong's Tour wins] are the greatest fraud in cycling," he said at the time.

Armstrong, reportedly non-plussed by LeMond's comments, had a phone conversation with Greg that is recounted in Walsh's new book, "LA Confidential: The Secrets of Lance Armstrong" currently on newsstands in France. In the book, LeMond's wife Kathy tells Walsh of the conversation, in which Armstrong pressures LeMond to admit to taking EPO himself; Greg denies ever having used the drug.

Le Monde, a daily published in the southern part of France, has been a dogged pursuer of doping scandals. Its report last week that some riders in the Tour remain under investigation for doping led to the rest-day expulsion of Martin Hvastija and Stefano Casagranda.

And in 1999, when it was revealed Armstrong tested positive for a corticosteroid after denying it, he had a tense exchange at a press conference with a Le Monde reporter who asked him whether he was truthful in his denial or if he had used a corticoid. "So, Mr. Le Monde," Armstrong shot back, "Are you calling me a liar, or are you calling me a doper?" Armstrong's team produced a medical certificate for the product, a topical cream, and he was never sanctioned. In LA Confidential, Walsh asserts, through former Postal soigneur Emma O'Reilly, that the certificate was produced after the fact as a cover.

In his strongest words yet, LeMond blasted Armstrong, saying, "The problem with Lance is that you're either a liar or you're out to destroy cycling," he told Le Monde, referring to how Armstrong reacts to riders like Filippo Simeoni, Christophe Bassons or Jesus Manzano, who acknowledge doping in the sport. "Lance is ready to do anything to keep his secret but I don't know how long he can convince everybody of his innocence." Simeoni has sued Armstrong for slander, saying that Armstrong damaged his reputation by calling Simeoni a liar when he testified against Ferrari at the doctor's last trial.

LeMond dismissed criticisms that he is jealous of Armstrong, who has won two more Tours than him and stands to become the first-ever to win six.

"Because of all that has occurred in the past 10 years," he said, referencing doping, "that does not have the same value as the five Tours of Hinault, for example."

As of press time, Armstrong had not yet responded to the comments.



http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/experts/columns/0,3489,s1-9410,00.html

WTF does Lemond have to do with anything? I can't believe he even made a comment. He has 0 personal knowledge and should keep his pie-hole shut. I bet he wouldn't care nearly as much is Lance hadn't taken his place as greatest American rider in history.

Lance likely will not respond. He has denied these reports so many times its pathetic. Also note that he has been tested on many occasions and has never failed a test. EVER.

hank

[Kilgor]

Its just lemond doing what they love best... trashing americans.

dont get too upset about it p-)

[superpeltor]

Do you know who LeMond is? He is an American. He does know one or two things about tDf, he won three times in the past. (1986, 1989, 1990)

It is well known that a lot of pro cyclists did use performance enhancing drugs. Partly because they race 9~10 months per year and they can't keep up with hectic schedule... I am not trying to make drug use legal here but I am just saying that is what happened.

Greg LeMond is a very nice guy to be with, I had a privilage to ride mountain bike with him in the past. BUT he should've careful with what he was saying during tDf season.

[hank]

If you don't have anything to back it up then its all just playa hatin'. Lemond's credibility is shot. The very next American after him to win the TDF is Lance and Greg accuses him. That is BS. If Lemond knows some facts, then by all means, but Lance has said that he and Greg aren't even close. Shut your pie hole Greg

hank

[Kilgor]

Oppps...
bad

I thought you ment lemonde, as in the paper.

I dont read anything past one line if its anything to do with those guys.\

my mistake :P

Lemond flogs that stupid or used to suspension concept bikes didnt he ?

[WolverineBlue]

I believe Greg LeMond also got shot in a hunting accident one time -- must've gone to his head (I hope...).

[hank]

Sunday, July 18, 2004

Associated Press
NIMES, France -- After two torrid days in the Pyrenees and with more pain lurking in the Alps, Lance Armstrong and other top riders caught their breath Sunday, allowing Aitor Gonzalez of Spain to win the flat 14th stage.

Armstrong finished in 39th place alongside overall leader Thomas Voeckler of France. They both had the same time, meaning Voeckler kept his 22-second lead on the five-time champion for at least another day.

Gonzalez was among 10 riders who were so far down in the overall standings that the main pack, which included Armstrong, did not chase the small group that surged ahead with about 55 miles left.

The stage win was Gonzalez's first in three Tours. The peloton was way back, still pedaling, when the Spaniard crossed the line in Nimes, the picturesque end of a 119.6-mile swing through southern France from the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne.

Armstrong cruised in 14 minutes, 12 seconds later. Germany's Jan Ullrich, the 1997 Tour winner who had two disastrous days in the Pyrenees, placed 21st, also in the same time as Voeckler and Armstrong. Ivan Basso, the last real threat to Armstrong for the Tour crown, also finished comfortably in 31st place -- still 1:17 behind Armstrong overall.

Gonzalez, winner of the 2002 Tour of Spain, broke away from his small group with more than three miles to go. The nine other cyclists in his escape group couldn't organize an effective chase, allowing Gonzalez to build a small lead that he held to the finish.

"I felt the ideal moment to attack and I gave everything I had," Gonzalez said.

The win was the third for his Fassa Bortolo team at this Tour.

"It's an enormous satisfaction for me," said Gonzalez, who has never completed a Tour. "Until now, things had not gone as I wanted. But today victory is here."

Two French riders, Nicolas Jalabert and Christophe Mengin, made a late but fruitless effort to catch Gonzalez. They rolled in second and third, respectively, 25 seconds after the Spaniard's time of 4 hours, 18 minutes, 32 seconds.

The first 60 miles of the stage were quick and tiring on legs already aching after two days of grueling climbs in the Pyrenees, where Armstrong overpowered other favorites, clearing his path to a record sixth Tour crown.

Because none of the 10 breakaway riders represented a threat to the Texan, Vockler and others, there was little point chasing them. The main pack, already looking forward to a rest day Monday, eased up as the escapees disappeared into the distance.

"It was a relief when they went away," Voeckler said.

"We started to unwind," added French rider Richard Virenque. "Some of the boys are exhausted."

Riders will use the day of rest to regroup, treat injuries and steel themselves physically and mentally for three days in the Alps.

The first Alpine stage Tuesday, 112 miles from Valreas to Villard-de-Lans, takes riders up seven climbs, including a steep 7½-mile ascent of the Col de l'Echarasson.

Maybe this stage win will assuage the Spaniards' grief since Iban Mayo is not in contention after Saturday's dismal performance. Been a great Tour, one of the most enjoyable to watch in recent years. Lance will take the lead on Tuesday in the Alps and unless something crazy happens that is all she wrote.

hank

[Smoothie104]

Greatest cyclist ever.

Ummm...............no

http://www.kings5.freeserve.co.uk/merckxpalmares.htm


Here's the long version.



Eddy Merckx - The Greatest

1966
Milan - San Remo
Trofeo Angelo Baracchi, with Ferdi Bracke

1967
World Pro Road Race
Milan - San Remo
Flèche Wallone
Ghent - Wevelgem
Trofeo Angelo Baracchi, with Ferdi Bracke
2 stages, Giro d'Italia
Critérium des As

1968
Giro d'Italia
KoM, Giro d'Italia
Points Competition, Giro d'Italia
4 stages, Giro d'Italia
Tour of Catalonia
Tour of Romandy
Paris - Roubaix
Tre Valli Varesine

1969
Tour de France
KoM, Tour de France
Points Competition, Tour de France
5 stages, Tour de France
Paris - Luxembourg
Milan - San Remo
Tour of Flanders
Liège - Bastogne - Liège
Paris - Nice
4 stages, Giro d'Italia
Super Prestige Pernod Trophy

1970
Tour de France
KoM, Tour de France
8 stages, Tour de France
Giro d'Italia
3 stages, Giro d'Italia
Paris - Nice
Tour of Belgium
Paris - Roubaix
Flèche Wallone
Ghent - Wevelgem
Critérium des As
Super Prestige Pernod Trophy

1971
Tour de France
Points Competition, Tour de France
4 stages, Tour de France
World Pro Road Race
Milan - San Remo
Liège - Bastogne - Liège
Tour of Lombardy
Frankfurt Grand Prix
Omloop Het Volk
Paris - Nice
Dauphiné - Libéré
GP du Midi Libre
Tour of Belgium
Super Prestige Pernod Trophy

1972
Tour de France
Points Competition, Tour de France
6 stages, Tour de France
Giro d'Italia
4 stages, Giro d'Italia
Milan - San Remo
Liège - Bastogne - Liège
Tour of Lombardy
Flèche Wallone
Giro dell'Emilia
Giro del Piemonte
GP de l'Escaut
Trofeo Angelo Baracchi, with Roger Swerts
Hour Record - 49.431km
Super Prestige Pernod Trophy

1973
Giro d'Italia
Points Competition, Giro d'Italia
6 stages, Giro d'Italia
Vuelta a España
Points Competition, Vuelta a España
6 stages, Vuelta a España
Paris - Roubaix
Liège - Bastogne - Liège
Grand Prix des Nations
Amstel Gold Race
Ghent - Wevelgem
Omloop Het Volk
Paris - Brussels
GP Fourmies
Super Prestige Pernod Trophy

1974
Tour de France
8 stages, Tour de France
Giro d'Italia
2 stages, Giro d'Italia
World Pro Road Race
Tour of Switzerland
Points competition, Tour of Switzerland
KoM, Tour of Switzerland
3 stages, Tour of Switzerland
Critérium des As
Super Prestige Pernod Trophy

1975
Milan - San Remo
Tour of Flanders
Liège - Bastogne - Liège
Amstel Gold Race
Catalan Week
2 stages, Tour de France
1 stage, Tour of Switzerland
Super Prestige Pernod Trophy

1976
Milan - San Remo
Catalan Week

1977
1 stage, Tour of Switzerland



Even if Lance wins a 6th Tour de France, its the only Grand Tour he enters, and he uses other races during the year as training only, so as not to get too tired for July.

Eddy raced to win, whatever race he entered. Merckx also has 33 stage wins to Armstrongs 17, although I think LA may get 1 or 2 more this year.

Armstrong has 60 days in the Yellow Jersey, compared to Merckx 96.

Merckx was on his way to win a 6th Tour, when a crazed fan punched him in the liver, the man stated he didn't want Merckx to win, becuase he was Belgian, and not French.

If Lance wins 6, he will be the most succsessful Tour de France winner ever, but that does not make him the greatest cyclist of all time. Don't get me wrong, I hope to God he does it, but you have to give respect where it is due. Even Lance himself admits that Merckx is the greatest ever.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[hank]

Well, wait until its over and if Lance gets #6 then we'll talk about it. Merrcx is a great, as is Hinault. Lance is definitely on the list.

hank

[WolverineBlue]

Armstrong just won the first Alps stage.... woot woot woot woot

[Zarathustra]

ARMSTRONG woot

[WolverineBlue]

Yeah -- Merckx was a god, as was Hinault. I'm just biased. GO LANCE!!!!!!!!!!! :hug:

[hank]

Ok this is absolutely positively my last post until after the bar.

That was awesome, yellow #61 for LA. Also cool was his visitor in the US postal van after the win. Robin Williams was there to congratulate him after the quick OLN interview. Wouldn't that be the coolest? Win you 61st yellow jersey and Robin Williams is there to say "job well done". Its good to be Lance.

Congrats to Voeckler. Heart likea lion.

Also, congrats to Ullrich. Probably can't win but really make a good showing today.

hank

[Midtown]

Riding bikes is cooooool n all, but it just cant beat the pure awesomeness of an open ice check. Im sure evan knows what im sayin. I mean, I still laugh when the bikers fall, but it's not nearly the same ownage.

[Zarathustra]

ARMSTRONG ! woot

[hank]

39:41 Lance

42:?? Basso

40:42 Ullrich

Warm up # 6 cause Lance just ended it.

hank

[hank]

Here is how it stands:

1. Lance Armstrong (US Postal) 2,802.1km in 67h53'24" (41.265km/h)
2. Ivan Basso (CSC) at 3'48"
3. Andreas Kloden (T-Mobile) at 5'03"
4. Jan Ullrich (T-Mobile) at 7'55"
5. Jose Azevedo (US Postal) at 9'19"
6. Francisco Mancebo (Illes Balears) at 9'20"
7. Georg Totschnig (Gerolsteiner) at 11'34"
8. Carlos Sastre (CSC) at 13'52"
9. Pietro Caucchioli (Alessio) 14'08"
10. Levi Leipheimer (Rabobank) at 15'04"


Only this left:

Stage 17 Bourg d'Oisans-Le Grand Bornand July 22 131.7mi/212km
Stage 18 Annemasse-Lons-le-Saunier July 23 103.1mi/166km
Stage 19 Besancon-Besancon July 24 37.2mi/60km
Stage 20 Paris Champs_É'lysées July 25 102.5mi/165km

Not much chance he'll lose now.

Here are a few photos:

http://www.tourdefrancenews.com/images/cma/gal0721_auger.jpg

http://www.tourdefrancenews.com/images/cma/tour04sp16_main.jpg

hank

[WolverineBlue]

Armstong complained about the behavior of German fans -- anyone know what happened?

[budanski]

I dig this commericial (http://www.nike.com/wearyellow/seelanceride/main.html).

[hank]

Armstong complained about the behavior of German fans -- anyone know what happened?

Got a link? I watched the post race conference and he said that some fans had had too much beer and that the severity of the grade, combined with the proximity of the fans made the stage unsafe. He actually said that in his opinion the L' Alpe de Huez was unfit for a time trial unless the fans were behind barricades. I did not hear him mention Germans fans by name.

I'll look around a little.

hank

[Beowulf]

Armstong complained about the behavior of German fans -- anyone know what happened?

found this..but that's all....


"There were lots of fans, and it was a little scary. To me, sincerely, it was not a good idea to have a time trial at l'Alpe d'Huez. It's over now but a lot of German fans were just disgusting. C'est la vie...

"The crowds are always close on the climbs but I was lucky to get through today."

http://sports.yahoo.com/sc/news?slug=reu-dc&prov=*******&type=lgns

[hank]

Yeah B, here's another version of that quote. I heard him say this, I just missed the German reference.


"I don't think it's a good idea to have a time trial on the Alpe," he said to French television at the finish. "It was scary. There were too many people, a lot of Germans, a lot of Belgians who weren't being too nice." Armstrong's dominance has not sat well with some fans, who also added anti-Lance graffiti to the road. But with the time trial safely over, Armstrong can tick off one more day's ride to Paris as complete

Oh well, some people always hate the guy on top no matter what.

Rock on brother

hank

[WolverineBlue]

Just saw "**** Lance" written in grafitti on the road near the end of the time-trial -- how unfortunate.

[WolverineBlue]

But then again, there was a nice "rip their balls off, Lance" too :oops:

[rob]

Just saw "f*** Lance" written in grafitti on the road near the end of the time-trial -- how unfortunate.

they were just butt hurt because of the last 5 years.

[PCarola]

they were just butt hurt because of the last 5 years.

After today you can make that 6 years now!

[Ria]

I dig this commericial (http://www.nike.com/wearyellow/seelanceride/main.html).

Oh, I love that commercial. Thanks for the link :)

[rob]

they were just butt hurt because of the last 5 years.

After today you can make that 6 years now!

is today the last day?

[hank]

they were just butt hurt because of the last 5 years.

After today you can make that 6 years now!

is today the last day?

I put the schedule on page three of this thread including the days and lenghths of the stages

hank

[PCarola]

is today the last day?

No, but with the time he posted today it would take something miraculous or disastrous for anyone to catch him

[WolverineBlue]

BlackRain posted this in the general topics forum.

Tour director says fans spat at Armstrong
Wed 21 July, 2004 19:44

L'ALPE D'HUEZ, France (*******) - Tour de France director Jean-Marie Leblanc has admitted he had seen fans spit at five-times champion Lance Armstrong during the 15.5-km time trial to L'Alpe d'Huez.

Leblanc also said the swarming crowds on the twisting climb on Wednesday had frightened him as riders, including Armstrong, were forced to weave through excited fans who jumped out on to the road.

"I was scared too and I felt relieved when we reached the section with barriers," Leblanc told ******* after stage winner Armstrong described the stage as a "bad idea" and hit out at some German fans.

"Until this morning, everybody thought this time trial was a good idea and now we realised it was not so.

"There were lots of aggressive fans surrounding the riders and I even saw two idiots spit at Lance Armstrong."

"Unfortunately I doubt you can put barriers on the 14 kilometres of the climb," he added.

Armstrong, who stormed to victory nearly a minute ahead of his closest challenger Jan Ullrich and now looks set for a record sixth Tour win, urged organisers to think seriously about holding another time trial at the ski resort.

"I don't know if that's such a good thing for the Tour de France. I don't think it's safe. I think organisers should watch out," said the American.

[WolverineBlue]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg

Not from today (since Lance had the maillot jaune), but you get the picture. Apparently the guys in orange, believe it or not, aren't Dutch, but Basque supporters of some chump who got dusted sumptin' fierce by Armstrong.

[Zarathustra]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg

Not from today (since Lance had the maillot jaune), but you get the picture. Apparently the guys in orange, believe it or not, aren't Dutch, but Basque supporters of some chump who got dusted sumptin' fierce by Armstrong.


True, these guys were in the pyrenees mountain the last week and they are basque, not dutch...what a gang of wankers, they never heard of respect... :fork:

[Deuterium]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg

Not from today (since Lance had the maillot jaune), but you get the picture. Apparently the guys in orange, believe it or not, aren't Dutch, but Basque supporters of some chump who got dusted sumptin' fierce by Armstrong.


True, these guys were in the pyrenees mountain the last week and they are basque, not dutch...what a gang of wankers, they never heard of respect... :fork:

Then again you have to wonder if this helped him at all. If it was me it sure would have added some ol adrenaline to stomp the competition and show this punk who's #1.

[Midav]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg

Badass mofo. Like, wow man. He can flip someone off. Someone to be afraid of. :roll:

[Deuterium]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg

Badass mofo. Like, wow man. He can flip someone off. Someone to be afraid of. :roll:

Yep the joke was on him as Lance rode by.....

[Fintin]

gotta give lance a hand...the man is getting spit on screamed at and he is kicking ass

[Midav]

gotta give lance a hand...the man is getting spit on screamed at and he is kicking ass

Amen!

[budanski]

gotta give lance a hand...the man is getting spit on screamed at and he is kicking ass
All part of being an american on foreign soil. ;)

[hank]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg

Not from today (since Lance had the maillot jaune), but you get the picture. Apparently the guys in orange, believe it or not, aren't Dutch, but Basque supporters of some chump who got dusted sumptin' fierce by Armstrong.

Yeah, these are Iban Mayo's supporters. The day this picture was taken Iban quit for about 5 minutes. This was the same day that Tyler bailed. Mayo's coach and three or four rides physically put him back on his bike and MADE him finish.

I think we all need to rememebr that the great majority of this behavior is alcohol related, as is usually the case in spectator misbehavior even here in the US.

I think somebody else nailed it, this is GOOD for Lance, fuel for his enormous furnace.

It is a shame about Mayo, Hamilton. It is also a testament to just how dominant Lance is. Its kind of like Jordan. Lance [and his team] is so good at dictating the physical aspects of the Tour that his dominance begins to convince men who COULD win that they cannot. He simply beats them down and mentally whips them into submission. Quite impressive.

The Tour is so fun to watch.

It looks like Jan did not make a move yet today [Thursday] and I just don't see anybody catchin our boy.

Also, looks like Lance may let Floyd Landers win. That would be a fine gesture and maybe convinve Floyd to stay with US Postal. Lance will need Floyd if he's going to get 7 next year. ;)

hank

[Zarathustra]

ARMSTRONG !!! woot

[hank]

Oh MY GOD. If you are interested in the Tour at all, do whatever you have to to see the end of the race today. That is the most incredible thing I have ever seen.

Kloden burst away ahead of Floyd with about 500 meters to go. Lance got really pissed b/c he wanted Floyd to win but Kloden had caught them by surprise and got a huge lead. Lance kicked it up and caught Kloden at the tape. You really have to see it.

There will bea broadcast again this evening on OLN here in the states.

Check it out.

hank

[Zarathustra]

this guy is incredible... ;) :)

[hank]

Greatest cyclist ever.

Ummm...............no

http://www.kings5.freeserve.co.uk/merckxpalmares.htm


Here's the long version.

While who is the best is a matter of opinion and everybody is entitled to their own, I thought this quote was funny. Who is the best in the history of hte Tour de France is not quite as settled as you might think. This is from ESPN.com:


The Tour's top three officials said they had not discussed Armstrong's 2005 plans with the five-time champion.

"He is doubtless the greatest rider ever in the Tour de France. He is proving that," said Patrice Clerc, president of the Tour. "Now does he want a seventh, or an eighth? I have no idea."

Mercxx, Hinault, Indurain, and now Lance. Who is best in the history of the Tour de France is hard to say. Incredible cyclists all. But only Lance will have six if he wins Sunday.

hank

[Jehuty]

When i see what Armstrong did to Filippo Simeoni yesterday, i seriously hope he will lose this Tour.

[Zarathustra]

When i see what Armstrong did to Filippo Simeoni yesterday, i seriously hope he will lose this Tour.


Actually I dont see how can he lost the tour de france...maybe a bad accident but I hope not for him..

[shorty]

Wooopeeee!!! He's got the 19th TT licked woot Nobody will catch him now.....Might as well call him the winner now!! woot

[hank]

When i see what Armstrong did to Filippo Simeoni yesterday, i seriously hope he will lose this Tour.

Well you always have hope, becasue it springs eternal but I wouldn't do anything rash like hold my breath. Of course the other way of looking at it is that when I think about what Simeoni did I can't believe that Saeco would still sign him to ride, but I guess that is all a matter of perspective.

hank

[Vance]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg

Not from today (since Lance had the maillot jaune), but you get the picture. Apparently the guys in orange, believe it or not, aren't Dutch, but Basque supporters of some chump who got dusted sumptin' fierce by Armstrong.
Woah, he's like the Jesus of the Tour De France. ...Except without the whipping and the cross and stuff. :|

[Zarathustra]

ARMSTRONG JUST WON THE TOUR DE FRANCE woot
Congratulations ;)

[Seraphim]

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040725/capt.tdf15607251751.cycling_tour_de_france_tdf156.jpg

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040725/capt.tdf15707251756.cycling_tour_de_france_tdf157.jpg

[SeanAshi]

http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/551_1090472153_lance-and-basque.jpg
Lance got the last laugh. woot Way to stain the Tour de France Frenchie

[Seraphim]

Eh, one dumbass in the crowd of how many in that picture. The guy draped in the flag next to him probably gave him a firm talking to after...who knows.

[kutter]

Nice! He's broken the curse by being the first 6 time champion. Congrats to Lance!