Armstrong is coming back
Discussion
I must admit that when I heard the rumour at the weekend I was very suprised and didn't think it would happen.
Then the statement from Lance was released. I feel that he would only come back if he knew he was capable of winning, already had the approval of the UCI and ASO and had a sponsor and team in place.
His previous team was build around him so I wonder which team he will join. Astana would be the obvious choice due to team management,sponsors and a few riders mostly all ex US Postal/Discovery.
Or will he start a new team - Team Livestrong. The problem with this route is that most of the good riders have already signed contracts with other teams for next year.
Columbia? an American team so could be possible but I don't think it will happen due to the team management at that team.
Whatever happens, it is good publicity for road racing, for Lance and the Livestrong organisation. I am sure it will be a huge challenge, and will make next years Tour unmissable.
Pro cycling certainly needs something good to happen to distract everyone from the political moves of the ASO and UCI.
My money is on a Livestrong branded team with Johan Bruyneel in charge. Usual long time Lance sponsors of Nike, Trek etc.
Next annoucement by Lance will be on 24th September.
Then the statement from Lance was released. I feel that he would only come back if he knew he was capable of winning, already had the approval of the UCI and ASO and had a sponsor and team in place.
His previous team was build around him so I wonder which team he will join. Astana would be the obvious choice due to team management,sponsors and a few riders mostly all ex US Postal/Discovery.
Or will he start a new team - Team Livestrong. The problem with this route is that most of the good riders have already signed contracts with other teams for next year.
Columbia? an American team so could be possible but I don't think it will happen due to the team management at that team.
Whatever happens, it is good publicity for road racing, for Lance and the Livestrong organisation. I am sure it will be a huge challenge, and will make next years Tour unmissable.
Pro cycling certainly needs something good to happen to distract everyone from the political moves of the ASO and UCI.
My money is on a Livestrong branded team with Johan Bruyneel in charge. Usual long time Lance sponsors of Nike, Trek etc.
Next annoucement by Lance will be on 24th September.
NitroNick said:
I'll be surspised if it ever happens.
At the moment he misses the excitement and attention he got when racing, but as soon as he has to cut out all the Hollywood partying and go focus on training he'll soon retire again.
IMHO he's a boring rider.
and to be fair 2008 was a boring TdF with very few real contenders, without Contador Evans had it far too easy and 2008 was not a patch on some of the battles of recent years. as i said in another thread, given Riis was dragged round France to victory by Ulrich in 98(?), there is no reason why a team of young upstarts hoping to catch the eye of a team manager can not drag round Armstrong...At the moment he misses the excitement and attention he got when racing, but as soon as he has to cut out all the Hollywood partying and go focus on training he'll soon retire again.
IMHO he's a boring rider.
Phoenix said:
My money is on a Livestrong branded team with Johan Bruyneel in charge. Usual long time Lance sponsors of Nike, Trek etc.
Do you think Bruyneel will give up the reins at Astana though? Next year Contador will be the man to beat and I can't see Lance doing it.To win, Lance will need an incredibly strong team, I don't think he can win it alone. Given the past, getting Hincapie in would be important but I can't see him leaving Columbia, although I guess every man has his price.
And ...
Disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis is planning to make a return to the sport when his two-year doping ban ends at the start of next year.
Landis planning cycling comeback
Disgraced cyclist Floyd Landis is planning to make a return to the sport when his two-year doping ban ends at the start of next year.
Landis planning cycling comeback
CooperS said:
What ever happens lets hope its far more interesting than this years tour.
Really? I thought it was a great Tour this year. Went pretty much to the wire, with Sastre having to ride the TT of his life to win.Would things have been different had Menchov not fallen when he made his break in the mountains?
The strength and tactics of CSC was also a joy to behold.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff