Lance

[Todd S]

Surprised no one's been all over this....

http://velonews.com/article/82892/sources-lance-armstrong-coming-back

[megale3]

I was there at lunch and saw it. I had been wondering why he was training while he was here in July. Then When Jen mentioned his Mt Biking placement. I thought "no, that training would have been different than what he was doing. So I figured this is why. Astie Boys here we go again.
M<

[like2bike]

The dude was born to ride. It will be fun to watch him again.

[megale3]

Or may be it was also to help put the sponsership back in the Tour De Georgia???

[sandy]

I was on cyclingnews this morning didn't see this...

[Funhog]

oooooooooooooooooooooooh! I like this! I so hope it's true! This can really help fill my tours to the Tour de France! May even sell out quickly! cooooooool! ;)

[yvonne]

I never thought i'd see myself type this but .... yyyyyaaaaawwwwnnnnnn.

I adored Lance and admired every finish, victorious or not. I've always been a true lance supporter; even standing by his acertations of being "clean".

But this is pure ego --- enough already; the sport is not suffering because of his departure, in fact it's paved the way for so many young talented cyclists to get their chance to become stars in thier own right -- particularly American cyclists and teams.

I'm really sorry that he can't stay in the spotlight long enough with his crazy personal life --- which i've got to say has damaged his mainstream appeal with a lot of his (former) fans.

I am glad, however that Jennifer's business opportunities will blossom --

[Funhog]

I never thought i'd see myself type this but .... yyyyyaaaaawwwwnnnnnn.

I adored Lance and admired every finish, victorious or not. I've always been a true lance supporter; even standing by his acertations of being "clean".

But this is pure ego --- enough already; the sport is not suffering because of his departure, in fact it's paved the way for so many young talented cyclists to get their chance to become stars in thier own right -- particularly American cyclists and teams.

I'm really sorry that he can't stay in the spotlight long enough with his crazy personal life --- which i've got to say has damaged his mainstream appeal with a lot of his (former) fans.

I am glad, however that Jennifer's business opportunities will blossom --

You know Yvonne, you're so right. I'm only excited for the opportunity that it presents to me (heh, heh, heh!) because for whatever reason, it will make Americans want to go back, no question about that (my inquiries to the TDF divebombed in 2006). But really, his time is past, and it's time for the Van de Veldes, Schlecks and other young riders to have their day.

[sandy]

The news today is reporting its a rumour.

[megale3]

But Velonews is not backing down from their sources take on it.

[Funhog]

I subscribe to the idea that it is a PR ploy by Vanity Fair to get people all excited for an upcoming issue. Whether his "return" will be revealed or not in that interview, imagine how many issues they'll sell.

But I don't think Lance can escape the media until then.....he better fess up!

[NJspin]

Come on now Mrs. Sage :) He can just find a new love interest and then all bets are off with the revelation of the True News. :o The Media will be hounding him in other ways then

[sandy]

I cant imagine Vanity Fair readers to be all hopped up on a big "Lance reveal".

[Funhog]

I cant imagine Vanity Fair readers to be all hopped up on a big "Lance reveal".

That's just the thing...what a perfect way to increase your readership! (and sales)

[megale3]

Forbes said ,at one time, that anything that He touched was Midasized.

[yvonne]

Forbes said ,at one time, that anything that He touched was Midasized.

eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ...

oh sorry,i was thinking about that olsen twin thing.

[like2bike]

eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ...

oh sorry,i was thinking about that olsen twin thing.

SPEW! :D:D:D

[megale3]

eeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww ...

oh sorry,i was thinking about that olsen twin thing.
OH MY GOD Yvonne!~:D

[Todd S]

http://www.livestrong.com/lance2009/

[sandy]

Whoaa! Thanks for link Todd.

[Funhog]

I repeat what Sandy said. Whoaa!

Pretty cool goal.

Whatever you think about him, or whatever his chances are for doing well, I do think this will have a great affect on cycling, on travel to Europe to the Tour by Americans (woo hoo!), and also, on raising awareness for cancer. Not that cancer itself needs more awareness, but finding ways to overcome it, on a global basis.

I'll be paying attention to that announcement on the 24th!

[AC]

I'm glad he's back, but as Charles Barkley reminds us, "Athletes don't get better after they retire".

I'm surprised there isn't more discussion about Cancer from him in regards to pressing the candidates. During both party's primaries, he held debates in which candidates were asked specific questions about this issue.

[sandy]

I'm glad he's back, but as Charles Barkley reminds us, "Athletes don't get better after they retire".

I'm surprised there isn't more discussion about Cancer from him in regards to pressing the candidates. During both party's primaries, he held debates in which candidates were asked specific questions about this issue.

If you caught Stand Up to Cancer Friday night, he asked the question to both canidates and their responses were on videotape. IMO, McCains answer was more broadbased, less specific.

[AC]

If you caught Stand Up to Cancer Friday night, he asked the question to both canidates and their responses were on videotape. IMO, McCains answer was more broadbased, less specific.

I did miss that..TY.

[lriggin]

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/8543856?MSNHPHCP&gt1=39002

Good points, I think.

[megale3]

I definitely hated to see MJ in a Wizards uniform (I appriciated him while in Chicago da Bulls attire) But part of me remembering the times that Portland got to the finals in the 90's and the battle between he and Drexler made it clear to me that some, even with respect on their lips, have bitter tastes on their tongues. Lance could be more hurt by this than help ... I mean its the French Cycling Union man...........:o

[AC]

I definitely hated to see MJ in a Wizards uniform (I appriciated him while in Chicago da Bulls attire) But part of me remembering the times that Portland got to the finals in the 90's and the battle between he and Drexler made it clear to me that some, even with respect on their lips, have bitter tastes on their tongues. Lance could be more hurt by this than help ... I mean its the French Cycling Union man...........:o

Dude...MJ retired...played some awful minor league baseball...unretired back to the Bulls...retired...got a piece of the Wizards to own and be GM (which he was horrible at). Retired from that...now has a piece of the Carolina franchise.

Now, his first retirement was due in part to some serious gambling debts he ran up and basically was "asked" to retire for a while until that was settled. The second one was to get into the ownership business. And to launch his line of stuff for Nike.

Lance had/has the LAF and his work for this has to be admired...so if his reasons for unretiring are to promote Cancer awareness and add money for research, this has no comparison to Jordan, who went from one ATM to another.

[Todd S]

Dude...MJ retired...played some awful minor league baseball...unretired back to the Bulls...retired...got a piece of the Wizards to own and be GM (which he was horrible at). Retired from that...now has a piece of the Carolina franchise.

Now, his first retirement was due in part to some serious gambling debts he ran up and basically was "asked" to retire for a while until that was settled.

I think it was more the related questionable associations he made in running up his debt. I don't think there was ever any chance he couldn't cover his credit line.

[AC]

I think it was more the related questionable associations he made in running up his debt. I don't think there was ever any chance he couldn't cover his credit line.

It was both...huge side bets on golf courses...and some bad association choices.

[Funhog]

Takes a while to read this, but it says it all. And only now after reading this, am I thinking, "Hmmmm. I like the sound of this comeback!"*
http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/09/armstrong200809



*outside of the benefit to my bike tour company!! That I always liked! ;)

[megale3]

Dude...MJ retired...played some awful minor league baseball...unretired back to the Bulls...retired...got a piece of the Wizards to own and be GM (which he was horrible at). Retired from that...now has a piece of the Carolina franchise.

He also played for the Wizards and by then lost 2 steps and it took alot of his "greatest" appeal away. There are plenty of people that would like to show that he was a tainted champion much like you are talking about with MJ whom lost his father to gambling debts too (some would say).
M

[sandy]

Wow. All I can say is, wow. Oh and thanks Jenn, now I don't have to buy the magazine.

[AC]

He also played for the Wizards and by then lost 2 steps and it took alot of his "greatest" appeal away. There are plenty of people that would like to show that he was a tainted champion much like you are talking about with MJ whom lost his father to gambling debts too (some would say).
M

The only comparison of Jordan to Lance is in that in the sport they competed, they were the best at what they did for the time they did it. In retirement, Lance is much more admirable for his work for LAF than MJ is for just going out and earning for himself. Jordan's retirements were manipulated events designed to position him for the next piece of business. When Lance retired, he became an advocate for LAF and the cause and he walked that walk. So if he unretires for the reasons he states, I tend to believe him.

[amybatt]

Can I just ask honestly here, do you think Lance will return to his former level of ability? A friend of mine and I have been debating this via email for two days and he insists Lance is going to be nothing but be embarrassed/surpassed by the younger guys. Personally I think that he 1) is too cocky to let himself be embarassed and 2) if he's doing this for cancer awareness, he knows that no one is paying attention to the guy who comes in 97th place with the yellow wristband on. I just don't think he'd do this if he didn't think he could deliver, but maybe I'm naive.

Thoughts???

Oh and to be honest, if he does ride, this is my incentive to head to Paris for the last weekend in July, after YEARS of saying I'm going to...

[AC]

I believe Lance, if what he says is the reason, really is the reason, will approach the event differently. In the past, his team and him were known for being totally secretive and very closed. If he is approaching the Tour, in addition to trying to win, is to be sure he does get noticed for finishing 97th. More media access. More interviews. More causal (not casual) coverage as well as competitive coverage.

My hope is that he is really going to use this ride as a triumphant tour for his cause, not just another Lance vs. the French press and more BS about PED's and who's guilty and who isn't. If he's going with the LAF as the winner, we all should go and root him on.

If he's just trying to win another trophy, he'll go back into his usual mode and see if it still works. And everyone will write books afterward.

[Julibird]

Just got word that I have a "nodule" in my boob and blah blah blah, probably nothing - but now I am all on board for Lance to champion the Livestrong cause again. I hope he wins. Suddenly personal again.

[Pink]

Just got word that I have a "nodule" in my boob and blah blah blah, probably nothing - but now I am all on board for Lance to champion the Livestrong cause again. I hope he wins. Suddenly personal again.


Julie, I am sorry to hear this. I've been there. Had surgery & got a clean bill of health, but the emotional roller coaster is no fun. Open your windows, I'm transmitting good vibes.

[sandy]

Praying for the best for you. I too have been there and know the anxiety runs high. Good positive thoughts!

[Funhog]

Just got word that I have a "nodule" in my boob and blah blah blah, probably nothing - but now I am all on board for Lance to champion the Livestrong cause again. I hope he wins. Suddenly personal again.

Julie, I had something similar a few years ago, had a biopsy and it was nothing other than a very fibrous boob. Other women I know who experienced the same lived their lives in deep worry and concern in the days preceding the test. This includes my sister who chastised me for being so glib about it (she almost got an ulcer with worry about hers). Why go through that?? I chose to dismiss it, and to think positive, uplifting thoughts and filled my days with gratitude instead of worry. I knew in my heart it was nothing.

you too have that choice! We all have that choice!

On to Lance...
This man does not have the word failure in his vocabulary. I personally think that he will be in the top 10, maybe even top 5. Not sure if he can win, but there is no one on this earth quite as driven as he is. And I also think a top 5 placing (or even top 10) will be seen as extremely respectable, especially since he plans to do it in a very transparent way by publishing all his drug tests, with (paraphrasing his words) no "opportunity to cheat".

But he's not after a top 5 or 10 finish....

Yes, I think he will be ready!

Lance just bought a home in downtown Aspen, so he can train at altitude. There is a fantastic new bike path from Glenwood Springs to Aspen (about 50 miles) and my personal training client went out there this past weekend to ride part of it, and saw Lance with about 5 others training! Maybe I'll head out there this weekend...it's a lovely ride!

[tracik]

Julie...
Sorry you have to deal with this! Hope it turns out to be nothing! Sending good vibes your way...

[AC]

On to Lance...
This man does not have the word failure in his vocabulary. I personally think that he will be in the top 10, maybe even top 5. Not sure if he can win, but there is no one on this earth quite as driven as he is. And I also think a top 5 placing (or even top 10) will be seen as extremely respectable, especially since he plans to do it in a very transparent way by publishing all his drug tests, with (paraphrasing his words) no "opportunity to cheat".

But he's not after a top 5 or 10 finish....

Yes, I think he will be ready!


If he enters, draws attention to the LAF and it's work, and doesn't fall off a mountain, he can't possibly fail at all.

[BikeFL]

I happened upon an article in a July 14, 2008 ESPN magazine while sitting in a doctor's office waiting on my father this afternoon.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3471355

This is mainstream america's attitude! Lance is on a bigger mission than just winning another TDF!

Love the qoute: "Brett Favre becoming a cyclist-that's what it would take to the save the sport (cycling)."

Looks like Floyd is launching a possible return as well.

[Julibird]

Pink, Tracik, Sandy, Jen: if positive vibes and goodwill were a banned substance - you made me a doper! I got a boost from you and went out on my bike and grabbed some life and sunshine - no worries.

[SpinBob]

Julie,

Add my positive vibes and well wishes to the list of banned substances ... don't worry about the specimen jar ...

[BFSpin]

If he enters, draws attention to the LAF and it's work, and doesn't fall off a mountain, he can't possibly fail at all.

Correct.

He's already accomplished more positive press just in his comeback announcement than anything he's done since '05 (not to diminish anything he's done since, of course).

Beth

[megale3]

If he enters, draws attention to the LAF and it's work, and doesn't fall off a mountain, he can't possibly fail at all.
TAX write off!!!! :D

[AC]

TAX write off!!!! :D

Very Krameresque...I don't know what writeoffs are but I know they're writing it off.:wink:

[megale3]

Well someone’s withholding something!

[Pink]

Here (http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27161420/) you go. :confused:

[NJspin]

Mens Fitness CoverBoy (http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=motivation&conitem=3f9f85b80422e110VgnVCM10000013281eac____)

[jsejt]

Mens Fitness CoverBoy (http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=fitness&category=motivation&conitem=3f9f85b80422e110VgnVCM10000013281eac____)

I'd rather look at your facebook pictures. ;)

[like2bike]

I'd rather look at your facebook pictures. ;)

Me too!