“It’s going to be Ali-Frazier come early July”. This statement, made recently by Lance Armstrong, makes cycling fans around the world begin to get giddy with excitement. The rivalry between Armstrong and Alberto Contador was so palpable during last year’s Tour de France that it kept fans glued to their TV’s, watching to see who would make the next move. In the end, Lance maintained his support role for Contador and helped Contador take the Maillot Jaune.
In December, Lance released a statement saying that he would not be Team RadioShack’s main rider. He stated that it would be “irresponsible” to build the team around him when Team RadioShack has such high caliber riders as Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Klöden. Many wondered if the Armstrong-Contador battle would ever come to fruition.
Now, according to Armstrong, he “will be ready” for the challenge to take on Alberto Contador. While Armstrong may have publically stated he will not be the main rider for Team RadioShack, if his aim is to beat Contador, then what other role would he be taking on?
In addition to the desire to beat Contador in this year’s Tour de France, Armstrong has recently stated “I’m more excited than I was 12 months ago today. I feel good about it, I really believe I can (win the Tour de France).”
Cycling fans and Lance Armstrong supporters across the global must be rejoicing, seeing the will and determination to win coming alive again in Lance. Win or not, watching a battle between Armstrong and Contador could be historic for the cycling world. This battle could easily culminate into a media frenzy that will be one of the most anticipated Tour de France’s in decades.
By Fitzalan Gorman, staff writer
The only way Lance really has a chance is if his team rips Astana a new one strategically and isolates Alberto a lot. Then it will get interesting. As much as I support Lance, I just can’t see him winning a clear one on one battle with AC. Years ago, no problem, but he’s going to need some help in 2010.
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I agree with DB. I whole heartedly support Lance, but as great a cyclist as he is, I’m afraid he has his age fighting against him. Contador is a strong rider, and as much as I dislike the guy’s personality and cycling ethics, he stands a strong chance of winning in 2010.
Taking all this in to account, I’ll be pulling for Andy Schleck. I think he’s the next guy to walk in Lance’s footsteps.
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Not really into boxing, I;m into cycling, but how about the a UFC match. Oh, by the way who’s playing Ali and who’s playing frazier?
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I do like to hear his enthusiasm. This Tour in Australia should provide for some early season drama. I,personally, can not wait for July. Go Team Radioshack.
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I agree with C Smith about Andy Schleck. Lance was the greatest. WAS.
Now he is old, Contador was last years champ, now Astana appears to be in shambles.
This is the best time for Andy Schleck.
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It might be more like ‘The thriller in Manilla’. Lance softens AC up by taking all the early punishment,hoping AC will ‘punch himself out’, then the sting in the tail, releases fresher teammates for the knockout punch. Doesn’t beat AC one on one, but beats him in the end. Ali was a brilliant tactician as well.
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I think Lance will take it.
AC is very good. But so are the Schlecks and others. I think this is going to be one of those defining moments for AC and Lance on how bad they really want it. For that, my money is on Lance.
From what I recall, Lance’s real competition in the past was Ulrich and AC hasn’t really been tested as Lance has in the prior tours.
All I know, this season is going to be the one to watch. Stock up on the Blue Moon and Kettle Corn folks this one is gonna rock.
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DB is right; AC will need some help fending off the strategically minded RadioShack. Even old, LA is still a master tactician. (When did 39 become “old” anyway?) Personally, I think this is all hype for the ‘10 TdF. Perhaps we all get lucky and Andy Schleck indeed plays spoiler in July…Could this be the dawn of a new era?
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I think Lance is, has been, and will be awesome for the Sport, and the RS Team MAY win the Overall come June, but I don’t see ANY TRS Cyclists on the Podium, come June.
….however I will cheer on ANYONE, not just “our Guys”, vs. the Prima Donna!!!
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I think this years TDF is going to be very tactical – The strength on Radioshack means that we can start breaks all the time, AC is probably going to have to cover them as he won’t know who the team leader is ( we have at least 3 GC contenders if they are all fully fit). The other factor is the tactical brilliance of JB and LA.
As much as i want LA to win the Tour – i just not ready to bet the house on it (yet!!)
Brad Wiggins and team Sky are possibly the main threat out side of the Shleick bros rather than Astana.
On paper Astana is a mess and no major contenders but June/July is a long time away.
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its all about tactic’s my friends. and guess who holds the cards. if you are counting out lance, just remember he did get third at the TOF. and that was after a broken shoulder. besides, don’t forget that they have levi and andreas setting in the wings. no matter what, it’s going to be an interesting fight between lance, alberto, andy, levi, andreas, bradley, and a host of others. My money is on LANCE.
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I hope LA can pull it off. But if LA and AC go at it. AS might just pop in there without any notice to take the win? But then LA will show AC why you don’t p$ss him off. I think AC put more FIRE in the belly of the beast who is LA. And I also think LA will make all the other in the race race a new way? I just want to see a great tour. like 03 when it was attack after attack!!!?
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I too am a loyal supporter of Lance. I do hope however if Lance determines he is not in position to beat AC he steps aside and lets Andy have his shot. As much as I would love to see Lance win (and I will be there personally in July) I think “time” is not on his side and youth may be served…..having said that, Lance has the advantage of having suffered like no one else in the TdF; on or off the road.
I am a football fan as well and Alberto has become the equivalent of the Dallas Cowboys to me; I will root for “anyone” playing against them!
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You can never count out a champion like Lance. He has a great team and most importantly strategic experience. Go Lance!!
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I’m just happy to have the sport of cycling back again. It was in a doping free fall for a few years there.. and now we have some great competition shaping up for a very exciting and professional season.
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Contador can beat Armstrong unless Astana blows up. If Pereiro, Vino and Noval keep it together, then (in theory) they should be able to shepherd Contador through the mountains. That said, I look to Wiggins as a spoiler.
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C´mon people, Lance won 3d place last´s years tour de france, did you guys watch it? Out of the blue te man takes a podioum, over many great riders. Maybe he had lost the “feel” of the race, but a year later I think he´ll do best!!!!!
Go Lance!!!!If some one can do it, that´s you!!!!!
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Permit me to draw on some parallels with the current LA v. AC rivalry…
For those of us Aussies who still remember another famous rivalry in Australian swimming a few years back (I’m talking about Kieren Perkins v. Grant Hackett), this current rivalry in pro cycling is hauntingly familiar.
You see, the Aussie press was all over the “older” Kieren Perkins, declaring him all washed-up, finished, out!
When it came to the big race – the one that counted (I forget which one now) the result made national headlines in Australia – for weeks. You see, Kieren Perkins wasn’t finished, washed-up. He won. In fact, he beat Grant Hackett in record time and by 1 pool length. It was unbelieveable. Hackett was stunned, as was all of Australia.
The point I’m making is: don’t count Lance out because he is older or past his prime. He may yet surprise us all!
Cheers.
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I have no doubts. Kick that skinny, little, disrespectful, punks butt Lance!!!
chris Jacobsen colorado USA!
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