Au Revoir Le Tour De Lance
It's the first day after the previous twenty three and I'm at a loss. No more Lance in the tour and no more tour until next July. Watching le Tour de France is a tradition in my home and my daily schedule was forced to change since this year's tour concluded yesterday in Paris.
Discovery Channel team member, George Hincapie, rode one helluva ride on stage 15 in which he won. It was a real thrill to see him win his first stage in a tour considering the many tours he's ridden. I was happy for him and his accomplishment.
This year's tour was filled with upsets and surprises. I was most proud of Michael Rasmussen and the effort he put forth on the day when everything went to hell for him. Two crashes and four bikes... he demonstrated determination and deserved the King of the Mountain jersey hands down. There's no denying that he earned that title and the recognition that goes along with it. Kudos to the King!
I suppose it could have been a really cool thing to see a French rider win the final stage, stage 21, in Paris. But I must say, I was delighted to see that it wasn't and that Alexandre Vinokourov was the first to cross the final finish line first. He's a fighter on two wheels and would amaze viewers with his ability to burst into action after drifting back into the peloton. I look forward to watching him race in future tours.
It was downright heartwarming to see Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich on the podium on day #23 at the end of the tour. Although they are Lance's enemies while on their bikes, they are friends otherwise. Both riders have proven themselves as worthy competitors and as honorable sportsmen. The top riders in the tour never cease to set an example for good sportsmanship even when a decision change could have a positive impact on their position.
I don't give a poo what people think of Lance. I believe most of the folks making negative comments like "I can't believe he dumped his wife after all the support she provided while he was sick" don't have their facts straight. Do some Googling and learn a thing or two is what I say to those folks. Oh, and SHUT UP! People never know what goes on in people's personal lives and for some reason, so many think they do.
Lance is a man with what seems to be super-hero ability. His body and the way it works has been monitored for years and his consistent championing has become a science. He's unique in his physiology and is a remarkable example for believing in one's self and one's abilities. He has faith and commitment, determination and heart.
Best wishes in your days ahead.... and congratulations on achieving what many have thought was impossible.
Oh--one other thing... I'll miss the OLN commentators, especially Bob Roll. The man is a maniac and I love him!
This year's tour was filled with upsets and surprises. I was most proud of Michael Rasmussen and the effort he put forth on the day when everything went to hell for him. Two crashes and four bikes... he demonstrated determination and deserved the King of the Mountain jersey hands down. There's no denying that he earned that title and the recognition that goes along with it. Kudos to the King!
I suppose it could have been a really cool thing to see a French rider win the final stage, stage 21, in Paris. But I must say, I was delighted to see that it wasn't and that Alexandre Vinokourov was the first to cross the final finish line first. He's a fighter on two wheels and would amaze viewers with his ability to burst into action after drifting back into the peloton. I look forward to watching him race in future tours.
It was downright heartwarming to see Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich on the podium on day #23 at the end of the tour. Although they are Lance's enemies while on their bikes, they are friends otherwise. Both riders have proven themselves as worthy competitors and as honorable sportsmen. The top riders in the tour never cease to set an example for good sportsmanship even when a decision change could have a positive impact on their position.
I don't give a poo what people think of Lance. I believe most of the folks making negative comments like "I can't believe he dumped his wife after all the support she provided while he was sick" don't have their facts straight. Do some Googling and learn a thing or two is what I say to those folks. Oh, and SHUT UP! People never know what goes on in people's personal lives and for some reason, so many think they do.
Lance is a man with what seems to be super-hero ability. His body and the way it works has been monitored for years and his consistent championing has become a science. He's unique in his physiology and is a remarkable example for believing in one's self and one's abilities. He has faith and commitment, determination and heart.
Thank you Lance for: 1) showing people that we all have choices on the life-path we choose; 2) sharing your struggle and your strength through a life-threatening disease; 3) encouraging kindness and contribution; 4) wanting to be a part of your children's lives, not just their provider; 5) your determination to be the very best you could be as an athlete.
Best wishes in your days ahead.... and congratulations on achieving what many have thought was impossible.
Oh--one other thing... I'll miss the OLN commentators, especially Bob Roll. The man is a maniac and I love him!
posted by Juli at 10:40 PM
1 Comments:
It's hard not to admire someone who has risen to the heights of his (or her) profession with grace, dignity and style. I consider it an honor to be able to witness the making of history Lance-style.
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