Le Tour anybody?

**WMBG_GM** · 07-12-2005, 08:13 PM

Wow! Anybody else watch Lance Armstrong & his team completely destroy all of the "names" in international cycling today?

Was truly an awesome sight to see.

Ben Loyall

**NLane** · 07-12-2005, 08:30 PM

I knew he'd kick butt in the mountains...he always does. I just can't figure out how any of you bike riders do it. I have parts that just go to sleep while I'm riding and it makes me crazy! Just a few miles is my limit.And NO HILLS!!

**RichardGraham** · 07-13-2005, 03:51 PM

Hey Ben,

Just a thought: What would happen if there were no teams at the Tour de France? What if every rider rode for himself? How would the Tour change?

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

**WMBG_GM** · 07-15-2005, 05:02 PM

hehe, perish the thought! I guess it would be much like this year's Giro. Tons of talent there, but nobody had a team to dominate with. Almost daily lead changes. While it makes for good TV, it also makes it dangerous as all heck.

I'm sure if it went totally teamless the speeds would come way down. Plus, there would be no more bunch sprints as nobody would tow the fast guys to the line. The mountain stages would be kinda interesting, but, they already are.

And, just like happened before they had "official" teams, you would still get teams, but they wouldn't wear the same color. You know there is a historical precedent as to why the "winner" gives all his winnings to his team, right?

Overall, I think it would look an awful lot like a mountain bike race with a different winner every day.

Me, I kinda like the way the teams work. I really think the Team Time Trial is cool. I also really love it when one teams wants to spend the energy to just take over the race as Discovery did going in to Courchevel Tues. Just like seeing that "Welcome to the bigs, rookie!" hip check get thrown, it is a beautiful site

Ben Loyall

**WMBG_GM** · 07-15-2005, 05:04 PM

Well, as to the numbness, if you watch closely, you will see these guys change hand positions, slide forward or back on the seat, stand, etc etc to keep themselves from getting numb.

The hills are the fun part

Ben Loyall

**RichardGraham** · 07-26-2005, 05:22 AM

Hi Ben,

Sorry for the slow reply. Thanks for the education. I appreciate it. I'm very happy for Lance; I hope Sheryl Crow will help him mellow out in his retirement. [img]/wtimages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I'll always remember him as a friendly and cocky 16-year-old kid triathlete -- he seemed more approachable and real back then.

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

**WMBG_GM** · 07-27-2005, 09:00 AM

I kinda think Sheryl Crow might not be that "mellow"

At least I like to think that! hehe

From what I understand from a few friends who managed to meet & chat with Lance in Georgia, he is a pretty good guy. 100% Type A, but ok. Takes time and actually listens as you talk. Apparently the hard part is getting to him as his handlers do a good job of keeping folks away. Hopefully that will change as he is no longer racing.

My biggest hope for the guy is that he resists the temptation and stays out of politics. His story is so huge and moves so many people that I would hate to see it come under attack as it would in the political arena. This guy is such an idol to so many people that I hope that is never tarnished.

Ben Loyall