Lance is doing TDF 2009!!!

[obie]

I'm glad he's doing it for cancer and all that, but I still can't stand what I've heard about him personally. And, the Tour was really boring when he was winning, except for 2003.

[wackyjacky1]

Am I alone in being a fan of Armstrong?

[Aggie_Ama]

Am I alone in being a fan of Armstrong?

No but those of us who don't like him or find him to be a bore aren't alone either. His cancer initiatives are admirable for sure but when he was riding and dominated it was boring and mechanical. Contador was a shock in 2007 to fly onto the podium and what about Levi?

[wackyjacky1]

but when he was riding and dominated it was boring and mechanical

I know what you mean. I was never a fan of Pete Sampras for the very same reasons when he was dominating the tennis world...or the Patriots of the NFL. But for some reason I have always rooted for Lance.

[Pedal Wench]

Am I alone in being a fan of Armstrong?

Not at all. Cancer survivor who didn't give up, who is raising awareness and fighting it head on, all the while dominating in a sport that I love. What's wrong with that? Personality be damned -- I love watching him ride.

[Veronica]

I find it hard to believe that he was racing clean given that nearly all of his close compeitors have been implicated in drug scandals. Yes, I know he has never tested positive.

Veronica

[squirrell]

Having just become a cyclist this year, I never followed Lance's career (or any cycling news) prior to this April. I'm excited about now being to get a chance to see him ride again. I've read stories about what a jerk he is, etc. etc. but I don't watch for his personality. I watch to be inspired! It was watching the Tour de France this year that really got me hooked on cycling. Until then, I was just "riding a bike for exercise." After watching the Tour, it became a passion. I WANTED to get out and ride!!! Ride far, ride fast, push myself as hard as I could!! So, I'm really looking forward to the Tour now!

As for Lance himself--I know the struggles I have riding with my medical problems: Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, overweight. It's been a very hard struggle to juggle all this while cycling. And, I've "just got" Diabetes--this guy had the "Big C"! I admire anyone who has overcome medical issues to ride. To me, it just shows a passion for a sport that I, too, have come to love.

[Kalidurga]

It's official, alright, according to VeloNews.

I have mixed feelings about this announcement. I've always enjoyed watching Lance ride. His intensity on the bike is what got me into watching the Tour a few years ago. But all the "will he/won't he" hoopla over the last several weeks really became tiresome. And, honestly, the concerns he voiced over the possibility of someone attacking him on the roadside sounded like he was looking for excuses not to do it. So I'm not terribly excited right now, but I'm sure I will be when July 2009 rolls around.

[DebTX]

Big Lance fan here - both as a cyclist and a political activist.

I reached out to the Lance Armstrong Foundation after my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and they are a HUGE part of our survival story.

I'm new to cycling and watched my first TdF last year (loved it!) I have no insights about the allegations and gossip that surround him.

But I admire him for giving back.

[spindizzy]

But all the "will he/won't he" hoopla over the last several weeks really became tiresome.

It's the media which has a HUGE role in why we get tired of all of the speculation......

[maillotpois]

Urg. We pretty much just decided we can't afford to go this year. We'd put down deposits on a trip with Backroads. (We did that in 2003 and it was amazing.) Anyway with the economy and our jobs and mortgage and etc. (oh and the new motorcycle ) we have almost decided to back out.

almost.

Urg.

Thanks for spreading the news, though. It will be interesting and fun regardless of whether we're there. It always is. (I swear I should just take the month of July off.)

[arielmoon]

Am I alone in being a fan of Armstrong?

I am a big fan. He's human- he's not perfect but I believe he has done some very positive things. I will be rooting for him.

[KeepingUp]

i like him! i dont know much about his history but I think hes a good role model for people to look up to. His perseverance to never give up is something very commendable in itself!

[Zen]

I watch to be inspired!

Look no further.
There are plenty of inspirational women right here on this forum.

I find everyday people more inspiring than someone who has, in effect, become a rock star. I know he's overcome a lot and it takes a strong determined person to do that but there comes a time to retire with grace and dignity.

[redrhodie]

I know he's overcome a lot and it takes a strong determined person to do that but there comes a time to retire with grace and dignity.

I wonder how much this has to do with it?

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/articl...ith-sram-18729