Chasing Lance on FitTV

FitTV (I didn't even know there was such a channel) is running a 5-part series called "Chacing Lance". Tonight was the first episode. It wasn't really compelling television, but I enjoyed it. This episode was called "100 Days to the Tour" and started with training camp in Solvang.

As they say, "Check your local listings"...

http://fittv.discovery.com/convergen.../episodes.html

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FitTV takes an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team and reveals what it takes to build the best cycling team in the world in this five-part series. Witness the evolution of a young, driven team as they fight for a position among the elite. These riders have just 100 days to prove they belong in the ultimate race — the Tour de France. Lance Armstrong leads his team to France one last time, but the finish line for Lance is a new opportunity for the world-class riders at his side. Get to know the seasoned cyclists and the riders to watch. Meet the forces behind them — the unheralded crew of coaches, managers, cooks and even bus drivers who play a critical role in the team's success. Explore the technology that has turned bicycles into sophisticated racing machines, custom designed for every rider and every race. Watch finely-tuned strategy unfold as coaches plot the best way to maximize team strength and exhaust the competition.

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Adventuregirl, thank you so much for the info. On Monday we switched from cable to DirectTV so I could get the OLN channel and see as much as I can of the tour. While scrolling through channels, I think I get fittv. Now at least I will have something good to watch on Wed nights. thanks again

~JoAnn

OK, so I don't have this channel over here, but will keep an eye open for that doco, cause SKY (our version of "57 channels and nothing on") will hopefully run it before too long.

Anyone else who can't make it to France going to sit their trainer in front of telly and cycle some of the legs with Lance and all the other lads?

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Originally Posted by RoadRaven

Anyone else who can't make it to France going to sit their trainer in front of telly and cycle some of the legs with Lance and all the other lads?

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That's a neat idea, only I don't have a trainer. In Texas you can pretty much ride year around and I figured a trainer would be another piece of useless indoor exercise equipment taking up space. Wonder if I can rent one from my LBS?

Incidently, I stayed up until about 2 a.m. this morning reading Outside (July 2005) magazine articles about Lance. There was a good section (from Daniel Coyle's new book, see below) about how US Postal just annihilated the rest of teams on Stage 13 last year (remember when Tyler had to drop out and Iban Mayo? Stage 13). Not only is Lance superiorly gifted he just absolutely out rides everyone else psychologically. It was very interesting. Pretty much this whole month's' issue is about cycling. The doping article is interesting (especially since I am taking micro and thinking about finishing up my degree in bio and going into lab work rather than nursing). And a great article about this up and coming 20 year old, Craig Lewis, who is George Hincappie's protege that they 'think' is the next Lance. (I initially thought no way, but this kid is awesome, even after being hit by an SUV and breaking a ton of bones in his body he is back at it)

The book by Daniel Coyle called "Lance Armstrongs War: One Man's Battle Against Fate, Fame, Love, Death, Scandal, and a Few Other Rivals on the Road o the Tour de France"

Thanks KkAllez for more reading material.

I read both of Lance's biography's and just finished his mothers. It seems she also is a pretty amazing person with such wonderful morals on how to live life even though she was married a few times. One always learns from such mistakes.

I will head for B&N during lunch and see if they carry the Outside magazine and check out the Daniel Coyle book.

~ JoAnn

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Originally Posted by KkAllez

That's a neat idea, only I don't have a trainer. In Texas you can pretty much ride year around and I figured a trainer would be another piece of useless indoor exercise equipment taking up space. Wonder if I can rent one from my LBS?

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Its a great motivator, those of us that ride in this house have all done it to various stages of national and international races

And yes - Lance's psychology around racing, his ability to crack his opponents by sheer will-power and non-defeatist attitude - I am learning alot about strategy from this athelete. Just an amazing person.

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Originally Posted by KkAllez

Incidently, I stayed up until about 2 a.m. this morning reading Outside (July 2005) magazine articles about Lance.

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I also read the July edition of Outside magazine and thought the entire pub was a great read. The interview with Lance was one of the better one's that I've seen/read ... I especially enjoyed that there was not one question posed to Lance asking him to respond to allegations that he is involved in doping.

I bought Daniel Coyle's book this weekend and am about 3/4 way through. It is very interesting and certainly has cleared up for me how these professional races work and the differences in how athletes train. What little I know about professional racing I've picked up from watching the Tour on OLN and reading a Velo mag every now and then.

If it weren't for OLN and Lance my husband probably wouldn't be riding. What happened was last year I had OLN on while I studied. Then first thing in the morning I'd turn it on to get a live update. He got interested in cycling and the rest is history!