Tour de France '04

Siji · Post by **Siji** » July 22, 2004, 12:03 pm

Grats Lance on the yellow jersey again. wh00p.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » July 22, 2004, 12:42 pm

Siji wrote:
Kilmoll the Sexy wrote:They could definitely do a game and sell it with a stationary set of pedals....or even a stand of some sort you can hook up to your own bike and track the speed. Who wouldn't love a game you could play and get in shape at the same time? (not counting the fat bastards who sit and play games all day inside when they could be out playing them IRL)
I'd be interested in a video game I could hook up to my bike.. although, I'd guess that the audience would be fairly limited.. but I could be wrong.

There's a (very expensive) trainer that plugs into your PC's USB port. The software tracks your distance, cadence, time and other variables, and can vary the resistance to simulate hills. I believe you can attach a few of these to have a "race" with friends, or race a computer simulated challenger...

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » July 22, 2004, 12:48 pm

I really wanted Floyd to get the win today. He put in one hell of an effort for Lance on the climb. Floyd is looking like Lance's top domestic this year, another great development effort thanks to Johan.

I had to laugh at Lance beating Kloden in the final sprint. Nobody is going to deny him anything this year.

There will certainly be some discussion on the T-Mobile team this evening. Ullrich was just getting angrier and angrier today and I'm sure that Kloden's final attack was the icing on the cake for him.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 22, 2004, 2:23 pm

I felt bad for Floyd, but the tactics dictated the finish. Ullrich wanted to suck Floyd's wheel down the hill, and Lance was having none of it. He told him as much if you watched the stage. When Kloden attacked, Phil Liggett and I had the same thought... Fuck, he's gone! I knew Floyd wouldn't have the legs to beat him (though he came damn close), but Lance punked him like a bitch in the last 200 meters or so. Wasn't the ending I was looking for, but I think you really just have to tip your hat to Lance. That was an incredible win.

It's the story of the Tour. Lance has made zero mistakes, while his rivals have. Lance has taken time on his rivals at every possible opportunity. Remember the uphill sprint finish where he took 7 seconds? Today he took 1 second plus the 20 second time bonus. I'm not sure I've ever seen him look this good, and that's saying a lot.

Props to Virenque and Kloden for pushing annoying fans the hell away from them.

More interesting info:

Satellite-grade carbon fibre used for Lance's L'Alpe d'Huez climbing bike

Trek's Brand Manager Zapata Espinoza shared first with Cyclingnews details on the new 55 GSM OCLV carbon fibre material used in Lance Armstrong's one-of-a-kind Trek Madone SSL, built specifically for today's TT stage to L'Alpe d'Huez.

By using unique carbon fibre material normally used for satellite construction, Trek found a way to bring their OCLV frame technology to a new level to meet the challenge of a super-light yet strong uphill TT and climbing bike. 55 GSM OCLV uses a carbon fibre lay-up process that, according to Trek's Espinoza, "is far more meticulous and challenging than that we use for any other OCLV frame we build".

If the stress tests on the Madone SSL showed that OCLV 55 GSM wasn't the optimum material, Trek used OCLV 110 to enhance durability.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 22, 2004, 4:00 pm

eh I know I will be in the minority here but.. I thought the finish was lame by Lance. He has already won, winning today did nothing for his TdF win. Imho it would have been pretty sportsmanlike to not go full out sprint to deny a team that has been fighting a LOT a stage win, since that is all they are going to get.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » July 22, 2004, 4:04 pm

22 seconds is nice though

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » July 22, 2004, 4:20 pm

...Trek's Brand Manager Zapata Espinoza shared first with Cyclingnews details on the new 55 GSM OCLV carbon fibre material used in Lance Armstrong's one-of-a-kind Trek Madone SSL, built specifically for today's TT stage to L'Alpe d'Huez...

LOL Zap is a product manager with Trek now? Being a crappy opinionated editor qualifies him for that job? Hopefully he's keeping his political rants to himself, although he was one of the few things that made Mountain Bike magazine enjoyable.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 22, 2004, 4:55 pm

Kelshara wrote:eh I know I will be in the minority here but.. I thought the finish was lame by Lance. He has already won, winning today did nothing for his TdF win. Imho it would have been pretty sportsmanlike to not go full out sprint to deny a team that has been fighting a LOT a stage win, since that is all they are going to get.

Well, we don't know what was said on the way down the hill, and I have a feeling Lance was pretty pissed off that Floyd wouldn't get the stage win. Sure as hell didn't look like they planned that. If Kloden and Ullrich wanted to win so bad, maybe they should have attacked like normal cyclists with a desire to win do. It's kind of funny that Lance gets criticized for being too nice at times (notably '00 tour on Mont Ventoux with Pantani), and when he dominates the way he can, he gets criticized.

Bernard Hinault seemed to like it:

After the stage, Armstrong explained why he brought back Klöden's last kilometre attack with such a concerted effort. "As I stepped up to the top of the podium, Bernard Hinault met me at the top of the steps and said 'perfect.'

Floyd Landis seemed to like it too:

Landis explained that, "Lance tried to let me win today but Ullrich didn't want me to win, so Lance won. Ha! Which is better anyway...whatever. Lance let me go on the descent he wanted to try and let me win the stage, but Ullrich was having none of it."

The (International) cycling forums that I read are pretty much saying that Telekom's tactics sucked and that Kloden got what he deserved for not finishing.

I think that was Lance's way of saying, 'If you're just going to sit on my teammate's wheel to the finish and expect us to let you have the win, you're high.' Neither Ullrich or Kloden deserved to win.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 22, 2004, 7:18 pm

Eh duh? Of COURSE you will sit on his wheel and try to make him wear out so Lance would be alone. Only way you will have any chance of winning against Team Postal is to let them wear themself out, and even that seems difficult. Ullrich would have attacked but you can't lead an attack against your own teammate (aka: The two times Kloden went, Ullrich had to sit back and wait). The big question however is: Was Kloden meant to win or was Ullrich? Because if Ullrich was supposed to go for the win then I don't want to be Kloden at the hotel tonight... Telekom was in a strategically very difficult situation with their two top riders. Not a situation you want to be in whatsoever.

Sometimes I really wish TdF was without teams with all cyclists being solo..

noel · Post by **noel** » July 22, 2004, 7:33 pm

There's a lot of discussion about this possibly being Lance's last tour, and him wanting to stamp his dominance on it. Rumor has it, he'll either focus on the classics or the other grand tours next year. Personally, I think it's bullshit, but we'll see. Chris Carmichael said Lance is competitive, and if he thinks there's a chance for him to win, he'll take it.

I agree with your comments about the hotel room tonight.

T-mobile doesn't seem to know what the hell they want to do in this Tour and it shows in their tactics. I almost think it would be worse if Vino was in it.

Then again, at least none of T-mobile have quit because things weren't going their way. In the most recent days of the tour I've gained a lot of respect for Simoni, and lost a lot for Heras and Mayo.

Sueven · Post by **Sueven** » July 22, 2004, 8:49 pm

Was it Michael Jordan who once said that he would cheat at cards to beat his grandmother? To be the best, you need to have an incredible competitive drive. When it comes down to it, one of the primary motivating factors in sports is a desire for victory. I can't see how you could possibly fault an athlete for taking advantage of an opportunity.

Drolgin Steingrinder · Post by **Drolgin Steingrinder** » July 22, 2004, 9:20 pm

Yet at the same time, Lance is one of the first people to rail on someone for not following the 'unspoken rules'. One of these is that it's bad form to take a win if you don't need it - he's got the yellow jersey, he'll keep it barring a crash - graciously sharing a little of the glory would have taken nothing from him. Shrug.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 22, 2004, 9:43 pm

I am kind of wondering if he would have let Ullrich win, but since it was Kloden he would not. They have been bitter competitors but I think they have a high degree of respect for eachother.. and honestly.. if Ullrich was on TP instead of Lance he would have been the winner year after year as well.. he is that good.

As for Simoni.. if he skipped the Giro d'Italia for once he would be dangerous in Tour de France.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » July 22, 2004, 10:17 pm

As for lance's Last tour, he told The Discovery Channel (the new team sponsor next year) that he would race for them in the Tour next year. I'm not sure if it was contingent on the endorsement being completed, but i think it certainly was a major subject of conversation before pen went to paper =)

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » July 22, 2004, 10:27 pm

Voronwë wrote:As for lance's Last tour, he told The Discovery Channel (the new team sponsor next year) that he would race for them in the Tour next year. I'm not sure if it was contingent on the endorsement being completed, but i think it certainly was a major subject of conversation before pen went to paper =)

Discovery Channel? Would they broadcast the tour? It'd be nice if it was on a channel I get. I think the Outdoor channel is only on the higher DTV package which I dont want to get as there aren't any worthwhile channels that im not getting now.

Better yet, put in on a HD channel.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » July 23, 2004, 9:43 am

Voronwë wrote:As for lance's Last tour, he told The Discovery Channel (the new team sponsor next year) that he would race for them in the Tour next year. I'm not sure if it was contingent on the endorsement being completed, but i think it certainly was a major subject of conversation before pen went to paper =)

They were saying in the pre-race show that it was reported by a "French Official" that he wasn't returning next year. Would be funny if it was just another misquote like what surrounds Lance and the tour alreaady. I could see him stopping, but at the same time I don't think he can stop.

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » July 23, 2004, 10:28 am

i heard from a 2nd independent source today that it was part of his contract with the Discovery Channel that he would race one more Tour de France. so yeah that "French official" is full of shit

Siji · Post by **Siji** » July 23, 2004, 10:49 am

Live coverage (I believe the page is the same each stage)

http://www.velonews.com/live/text/159.html

Trek · Post by **Trek** » July 23, 2004, 11:27 am

If your into cycling I suggest a trip to Lake Tahoe, a ride around the lake is outstanding.

Carry on

Siji · Post by **Siji** » July 23, 2004, 11:31 am

Now this is perhaps an entry we could have skipped.. heh

3:35 p.m. - Not much to report - aside from the fact that the yellow jersey has stopped to water the French countryside - as the gap has bumped up to 8:00.

Pee freely Lance! I wonder if he whispers Viva Le France! as he takes a whiz.

--
BTW:

Associated Press -- Lance Armstrong might not ride in next year's Tour de France and instead concentrate on other races.
"It's 50-50. There is a chance he won't come back," Jogi Mueller, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service team, said Friday. "There is no decision yet."

"He will definitely race next year," Mueller added. "He just needs to decide which races."

The Tour's top three officials said they had not discussed Armstrong's 2005 plans with the five-time champion, who is on track to become the only six-time winner of the 101-year-old race.

"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."

Dan Osipow, a spokesman for Tailwind Sports, which owns the team, said: "To say he's out right now is way too speculative. He is going to race a full season, we just can't say what events they will be."

"The team will be racing in the Tour de France," Osipow said. "Right now we can't tell you who will be the team leader," though he suggested it may be hard for Armstrong to turn his back on the race.

"He's clearly insatiable. This race means more to him than anything (else) in sport," Osipow said. But, he added, "it too early to say whether he'll be on the line" next year.

Osipow said the team's schedule would probably be drawn up in December.

Armstrong has outclassed his rivals as the race heads to ward the finish Sunday in Paris. He has won three consecutive stages for the first time and a total of four in this Tour, matching his best showing since he first won cycling's showcase race in 1999.

Before the Tour, when his team signed a new, three-year, multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with the Discovery Network, the 32-year-old Texan had said he would race in the Tour in 2005.

Armstrong also told reporters this month he would be competing in 2005, although he didn't specify whether that would include the Tour.

As he closes in on a record sixth win, Armstrong might not see any point in trying for a seventh. He has long been criticized within the cycling world for concentrating almost solely on the Tour de France, neglecting classic races that form an important part of cycling tradition.

He said Thursday he is considering competing in some classics and wants to go for the hour record, where cyclists try to ride as far as possible in the space of one hour on a circuit.

On Thursday, after winning his third stage in three days, Armstrong suggested he was looking beyond the Tour de France.

"I think at some point, I have to start to look at other races in cycling. There's still a lot of things I want to do in cycling," Armstrong said.

Armstrong, the father of three children, also has acknowledged that the huge demands of training for the Tour have taken him away from his family.

He announced two weeks ago that he would not be taking part of the Olympics in Athens because he wanted to spend more time with his children. He has been accompanied in this year's Tour by singer Sheryl Crow, following his divorce last year.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 23, 2004, 2:43 pm

More on Lance next year from cyclingnews.com:

Will Lance Armstrong stop at six Tours de France and concentrate on other races in what could be his last year in cycling in 2006? An article by Sam Abt in today's New York Times entitled, "Armstrong Will Not Return to Tour de France, Official Says" suggests that this could be the case, quoting a "high-ranking official among the organizers of the Tour de France."

The New York Times wrote, "If he wins for a record sixth consecutive year Sunday, as seems certain, Armstrong will not return next year, the official said, but will focus instead on at least one of the two other big Tours, the Giro d'Italia in May and the Vuelta a España in September, and several one-day classics...Armstrong, the defending champion, had already informed the Tour organizers of his plan, said the official, who did not want to be identified."

The rumour has been denied by Armstrong's team management, who have said that nothing has been decided yet. Nevertheless, none of them were able to give assurances that Armstrong will definitely be at the start of the Tour next year, suggesting that the outcome of this year's race may play a role.

Armstrong will be part of the new Discovery Channel cycling team next year, which has signed a three year deal to sponsor the team and will be part of the UCI's new Pro Tour. But the 32 year old, who is also looking to life after cycling, said that while he is still competing, "At some point I have to look at other races. There's still a lot of things I want to do in cycling."

US Postal team director Johan Bruyneel spoke to Cyclingnews before the start of today's 18th stage in Annemasse about the reports that Armstrong wouldn't be coming back. "Let's put it this way, we just haven't decided on a 2005 program yet," said Bruyneel. "We're still finalising the team and program, talking to our sponsors about what we're going to do next year. We do know that in the Pro Tour we'll be doing the three big tours but that's all we know now. We really haven't made any plans yet; we're just focusing right now on this Tour and getting to Paris. In August and September we'll sit down, finalise the team and look at the program for next year. So those reports are not accurate. We simply don't know yet."

However, as Angelo Zomegnan, La Gazzetta dell Sport's former cycling journalist, will take over the direction of the Giro d'Italia this September, his long time friendship with Lance Armstrong may seduce Lance to ride the Giro d'Italia next year. Italy is the country where Armstrong won his first pro race in Marostica 12 years ago.

I read somewhere yesterday that Discovery had plans to work with and support Lance even after he stopped riding the tour, but I'm also under the impression that he's contractually obligated to ride in the '05 tour, so I guess we'll see.

More on Lance riding up to the break today:

The peloton allowed a six-man group to escape early in the stage, but when Italian Filippo Simeoni (Domina Vacanze) leapt the gap to catch the break, Armstrong followed. The two are involved in a legal battle, with the Italian suing Armstrong for defamation, and the race leader's marking him seemed more a personal matter than a professional concern.

"It surely had something to do with what has happened," said Postal director Johan Bruyneel. "Nobody was expecting it, and it wasn't planned, either."

Spaniard Vicente Garcia-Acosta (Illes Baleares) spoke to Armstrong, asking him to do the breakaway a favor and leave them to fight for the stage victory. Armstrong accepted, but only if Simeoni left the break as well. The break then asked Simeoni to leave, according to Sebastien Joly (Crédit Agricole). "When he let go, Lance had the kindness to do the same thing," Joly said.

More on Simeoni:

Fact: Simeoni has testified twice regarding Dr Ferrari.
Fact: One time he swore that Ferrari had nothing to do with doping.
Fact: One time he swore that Ferrari helped him dope.
Fact: One of those sworn statements is a lie.
Fact: Simeoni is a liar.

So he whines about it and sues Lance for calling him a liar. Though he clearly lied under oath.

I'm sure the rest of the peloton got a kick out of the whole thing. A little whiny rider takes on the patron of the Tour. And when he gets called on it in the race, goes straight to the back of the pack and pouts for the rest of the day. Seems to me if other riders had any sympathy for him he'd have been sheltered off someplace. Nope. Nobody respects him, so it's "get to the back of the bus for you".

That's pretty damn funny.

Siji · Post by **Siji** » July 23, 2004, 2:55 pm

I know of no other sport where if someone asked the better athlete to lose, he/she would do so.. even if it is just a battle and not the whole war. And to think it's an American that's willing to do so..

noel · Post by **noel** » July 23, 2004, 3:09 pm

But Lance wasn't trying to win the stage, he was trying to punk Simeoni. Lance had no desire to win the stage or even be in the break.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 23, 2004, 5:41 pm

The aftermath:

cyclingnews.com wrote:Earlier in the day, a strange incident that will certainly go down in the annals of Tour de France history enlivened Stage 18, when Domina Vacanze rider Filippo Simeoni bridged across to the day's winning break on the first climb of the day after 32km. Suddenly, surprisingly, maillot jaune Lance Armstrong went in pursuit of Simeoni and soon both riders had bridged across to the break together. The other riders in the break were dumbfounded to see the maillot jaune there among them, taking his pulls and participating in the escape. But they soon realized that if Armstrong remained up front, their breakaway was doomed. Cente Garcia asked Armstrong to drop back after the gap reached 2'00 on the chasing peloton, led by a heaving mass of magenta T-Mobile jerseys. Armstrong told Garcia Acosta that he would drop off, but only if Simeoni would do so as well. Reluctantly the Italian agreed to do so and both he and Armstrong spoke after the stage today.

On his way to an unprecedented sixth Tour win, Armstrong's action today is hard to interpret. He explained that "I was protecting the interests of the peloton" to French TV after the stage and continued by saying, "The story of Simeoni is not a fair story...there's a long history there. All (journalists) want to write about is parts of the story. It's a long history...a guy like (Simeoni), all he wants to do is to destroy cycling...and for me, that's not correct. And I when I went back to the group they said 'chapeau'...thank you very much. Because they understand that (cycling) is their job and that they absolutely love it and they're committed to it and don't somebody within their sport destroying it. So...for me it's no problem to go on the wheel, to follow the wheel."

For his part, Simeoni, who's currently suing Armstrong in an Italian court for defamation of character had harsh words for the man who perhaps spoiled his chance to be in the winning break today. "Today Armstrong showed the whole world what kind of person he is...I've suffered another big injustice from him with the whole world watching. A big champion like him can't possibly do something like that to a small rider like me and the other riders in the break who are looking for a moment of glory in the Tour de France. I was good today in the stage and made a good move to get up to the front group, but Armstrong followed me up to the break. It was a real shame."

Simeoni explained further that "When I bridged up to the break with Armstrong, the other riders got upset; it was normal that a break with the maillot jaune wouldn't stay away so for the respect of the other riders, I decided to drop back. If I was up there by myself with Armstrong, I wouldn't have dropped back."

How it unfolded
Suddenly, maillot jaune Lance Armstrong went in pursuit of Simeoni and soon both riders had bridged across to the break together. The eight front riders, including Armstrong quickly began to gain time on the peloton and after 40km, the gap was 2'00! Jan Ullrich's T-Mobile team went to the front to chase.

Fofonov won the sprint points in St-Jean-de-Gonville from the break, while Armstrong and Simeoni had stopped riding. Armstrong reportedly told the other riders in the break that he would send his team to chase the break down if they ride with Simeoni, and Cente Garcia appeared tell the Italian, who currently has a lawsuit pending in Italy against Armstrong for defamation of character, to stop riding in the break and go back to the peloton. Simeoni got the message and slowed down, as did Armstrong. Simeoni complained to Armstrong, who didn't appear to respond, but a few kilometres later, both riders returned to the peloton and the gap in front jumped quickly.

Once back in the bunch, Simeoni got some verbal abuse from Italian riders and went to hide at the back of the peloton, while Armstrong was applauded by many riders and made the cryptic sign of a zipper across his lips. Once the fun and frolicking were over, the Tour de France got down to the business of racing again. At the base of the long, steady ascent of the Cat. 2 Col de la Faucille after 62km, the break's lead had jumped to 5'10 over the USPS led peloton.

velonews.com wrote:The 32-year-old U.S. Postal captain, who leads the race by more than four minutes and has won four stages - five if you count his team time trial win - chased down the 32-year-old Domina Vacanze rider as he sought to join a break of six riders, hoping for a stage win.

For those unaware of the history between the Texan and the Italian, there seemed to be absolutely no reason why the yellow jersey would bother to chase down a rider placed 142nd, at 2:42.55.

Simeoni - who has given testimony against Dr. Michele Ferrari in the ongoing investigation into the controversial Italian sports doctor - has sued Armstrong for defamation for comments the Texan allegedly made questioning Simeoni's honesty and good name.

And ever since the French newspaper L'Equipe published an interview with Simeoni in the first week of the Tour, in which the Italian voiced his ill feelings about Ferrari, a flare-up between the two riders was expected.

It finally came Friday, soon after Simeoni's wheel went to the front of the pack at 32km and sped off in pursuit of an early break that included the two Spaniard's who would fight out the stage, eventual winner Juan Miguel Mercado (Quick Step) and Vicente Garcia Acosta (Illes Balears).

Armstrong saw what Simeoni was doing, jumped onto his wheel and stayed there up until the pair joined the breakaway at 36km. Once there, they contributed to the pace setting and helped the break accrue a 1:50 lead at 40km.

Unwelcome company
Mercado said the arrival of the yellow jersey in the break was "bizarre" and he didn't understand what was going on. It has been reported that at one point one of the breakaways, Spanish rider Juan Antonio Flecha (Fassa Bortolo) said to Simeoni: "What the hell are you doing? You know we won't stay away with you."

Spaniard Vicente Garcia-Acosta (Illes Baleares) spoke to Armstrong, asking him to do the breakaway a favor and leave them to fight for the stage victory. Armstrong accepted, but only if Simeoni left the break as well.

Several men in the break then asked Simeoni to leave, according to Sebastien Joly (Crédit Agricole), and the Italian had no choice but to forget his victory ambitions, and drop back to wait for the bunch.

"When he let go, Lance had the kindness to do the same thing," Joly said.

Armstrong and Simeoni stayed with the break until the first sprint at 43km where the lead was 2:20. That was when Armstrong and Simeoni agreed to sit up and let the break race on to the finish.

As they dropped off the back, it was clear that Armstrong and Simeoni shared some words, with the Texan even placing his right hand on the Italian's left shoulder.

With 120km to go, attention for the remaining hours of racing was on what would be the fall-out of the incident: correctly, a bitter one.

Even U.S. Postal directeur sportif Johan Bruyneel, while aware of the reasons behind it, said he was unprepared for Armstrong's antics. "It was something to do with what happened in the past. It was a surprise. It wasn't planned," he said on French television.

...

Photos snapped and a stage winner determined, the press quickly turned its attention to the bigger story of the day, and that wasn't to see who would win the bunch sprint for seventh place; but for Armstrong and Simeoni to explain their scrap.

Later reports said that Armstrong was "thanked" by many riders for his stand and that Simeoni was abused by some and left to slip to the back of the peloton for a lonely day in the saddle that left him on the verge of tears and quitting.

Both openly stated their cases after they crossed the finish line with the peloton 11:29 behind Mercado.

Armstrong arrived in 74th place with teammates George Hincapie and Pavel Padrnos around him in support, while Simeoni was third last to finish the day in 145th.

Armstrong stood by his actions, claiming it was on behalf of all riders. "I was protecting the interests of the peloton. The other riders were very grateful," he said.

"I followed Simeoni. He is not a rider the peloton wants to be in the front group. All he does is attack the peloton, says bad things about the other riders and group in general. When I came back I had a lot of people patting me on the back.

"Simeoni ... it is a long history and (with) a guy like that, all he wants to do is to destroy cycling ... to destroy the sport that pays him.

"For me that is not correct. And when back with the group I cannot say how many riders said: ‘Hey, chapeau ... thank you very much.'

"They understand this is their job, they absolutely love it and are committed to it. And they don't want somebody within their sport destroying it. For me it is no problem to go on the wheel, to follow the wheel. So...."

Simeoni must feel thankful that the Tour is nearly over. But the last two days will surely seem a lifetime as he takes on his life as an outcast. But he was clearly not afraid to say what he felt of Armstrong today.

"He showed the whole world what type of person he is. I was the victim of a big injustice," he said. "How can a champion like Armstrong not let a little rider like me get a little piece of the glory in the Tour de France. It is a sin."

Wall of silence
Vincenzo Santoni, team manager of Simeoni's Domina Vacanze team, was furious at the way his rider has been treated not only by Armstrong but other prominent members of the peloton.

Santoni told RAI TV: "The American (Armstrong) went to catch him and told him and the six leaders that if he (Simeoni) did not stop he would not let the breakaway continue.

"What is even worse was the insults that Simeoni had to take when he was rejoined by the peloton."

Santoni said that Italian Daniele Nardello (T-Mobile) was among those who directed verbal abuse at Simeoni.

He also said that the team's star sprinter, Mario Cipollini, who pulled out of the Tour early in the race, did not even want Simeoni on the squad.

"Simeoni wanted to quit," said Santoni. "We had to plead with to stay in the race: he is someone who makes sacrifices for the team and that Cipollini, who joined the Tour run down and not bothered about the team, did not want on the team. Frankly, I wish Cipollini just stops riding - he has taken the team and the sponsors for a ride."

Nardello denied insulting Simeoni although he conceded that the two had spoken.

"I have never insulted anyone in my whole career and I don't think I have today," he told RAI TV. "If I have today, then I am sorry."

Gildan · Post by **Gildan** » July 23, 2004, 6:18 pm

Well, seems Lance showed his true colors... I don't care what kind of beef they have outside the race, you leave it outside.

edit: I know.. it's almost impossible to "forget" what's happening outside the race itself, just got a bit upset with the childish behavior of several riders in todays stage.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 23, 2004, 6:25 pm

Gildan wrote:Well, seems Lance showed his true colors... I don't care what kind of beef they have outside the race, you leave it outside.

I find that comment odd given that it was clear the rest of the peloton supported Lance's actions...

Gildan · Post by **Gildan** » July 23, 2004, 6:28 pm

So what if they did? Doesn't make it right you know.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » July 23, 2004, 7:11 pm

Originally I thought it wasn't right either...but then I thought about if I had the "dirtiest" of people in a sport I played on the court/field/course with me. It would be hard as hell to show that person any respect at all. I am only guessing that this would be the way that Armstrong and the others felt about him today. Sure it seems childish, but in the same situation I think it would be hard for anyone to truly set aside their feelings for the person.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » July 23, 2004, 11:14 pm

Dr Ferrari is probably one of the foremost experts on the physiology of cyclists in the world. He has helped many past and present pros in Italy and abroad reach their potential -- and not via doping. If any of you read his column in cyclingnews.com you'd realize this is a guy that completely understands the physiology of cycling.

He unfortunately some time ago made a comment that, given adequate oversight and monitoring, erythropoeitin (EPO) was as safe as orange juice. That one quote taken out of context has had the UCI and other cycling authorities label him as a "Dr Feelgood" pro doping doctor. Now here comes Simeoni, jumping on the bandwagon and completely reversing his previously publicly stated opinion of Dr Ferrari, probably just to get some attention in La Gazzetta Della' Sport.

IMHO it's only fair that the peloton should shun and despise such a dishonorable person as Simeoni. I'd be surprised if he were to ever win another race again.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 24, 2004, 6:06 pm

61 seconds AGAIN?

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 24, 2004, 7:41 pm

eh didn't bother watching today, there was nothing exciting to watch really. Only exiting thing tomorrow will be the sprinters and hopefully either Zabel or Hushovd can knock off (or out!) McEwen.

Truant · Post by **Truant** » July 24, 2004, 9:33 pm

noel wrote:61 seconds AGAIN?

my sentiments exactly

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » July 25, 2004, 12:10 am

heh Lance is showing some cracks though in his personality. The crap he did with Simeoni was childish no matter wether riders in general applauded it. And now the comments at the press conference basically complaining about being booed. It is quite common for people to boo their competitors, if that is all he has to deal with (and no I know it isn't, and nobody supports what the German fans did) then he trusly should STFU about it.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » July 25, 2004, 12:53 pm

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » July 25, 2004, 2:01 pm

Great race, congratulations Lance!

noel · Post by **noel** » July 26, 2004, 2:51 am

Hell yes!

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » July 26, 2004, 9:04 am

I am happy he won...but didn't last year seem a bit more exciting? Or is it just me....

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » July 26, 2004, 10:01 am

Lots of falls and a close finish last year. That can be exciting, but it was also cool to watch him seem to dismantle whatever came his way this year.

noel · Post by **noel** » July 26, 2004, 12:30 pm

Last year he came to the Tour having just crashed in the Dauphine Libere, with tendonitis in his hips, and with a virus he'd gotten from his kids that was affecting his digestive system. His marriage was also on the rocks at the time. Basically last year he started out extremely weak, and got better as the tour went on. He was extremely lucky to win, and he wasn't able to explosively attack the way he had in the past. Watching him match attack after attack last year until he couldn't do it anymore was hard to watch. Stage 10 to Gap where Beloki crashed in front of him and he rode through the field... That was just amazing, and the stage on Luz Ardiden was as nervous as I've ever been watching a bike race.

For anyone that's checked out that cyclinghalloffame.com website I've linked before. Lance moved up 3 places on the all time list from 10th to 7th. That said, he'd have to win the tour about 10 more times to equal the point that Eddie Merckx has.

Kluden · Post by **Kluden** » July 26, 2004, 12:47 pm

You know, thinking back, that's exactly it: adversity. He had so much more going against him last year, that's what made it better...to me atleast. There was intrigue, and other crazy shit going on, crashes, bad weather, arguments on tape that you could download on the internet...I like those (although I couldn't understand the languages), etc...seemed to be missing those this year.

Anyways, I am glad it is over for one main reason: Now all the Lance Fucken' wannabes can go back to sitting on their coaches, and get the hell out of my way. I would love to see the Spandex sales marks for this past month...I swear, people on bikes here now think you *have* to wear spandex to be on a bike. It is bloody disturbing!!!

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » July 26, 2004, 4:08 pm

Kluden wrote:...I swear, people on bikes here now think you *have* to wear spandex to be on a bike. It is bloody disturbing!!!

Friends don't let fat friends wear spandex.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » August 5, 2004, 3:16 am

Lance may lose his 6th Tour De France Victory.

The french found three substances in Lance Armstrongs hotel room that are illegal in their country:

toothpaste, soap and deodorant!

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » August 5, 2004, 9:51 am

lol
I read that word for word Winnow, and it had me wondering 'til I saw the items