Lance Armstrong has done the impossible. Once again he’s hauled himself back on the leader podium of the TDF. He sits third now after a great ride in the individual time trial that was 40.5 kilometers. But for Lance, it was a real challenge to match the pace of the younger athletes that had a lot more to lose in this Tour de France.
Lance started out even; he was behind in the first time check and considerably more behind in the second time check. But a lot of the younger riders, not having the experience of lance and went out too fast. Lance continued to grind away at the pedals at the same tempo all the way to the finish line. Eventually pulling himself in the 3rd place overall ahead of Frank Schleck who started 30 seconds ahead today.
Andy Schlek had the time trial of his life to keep him self in second, but he only has a few second cushion on lance Armstrong. Tomorrow is a very difficult stage, lance might try to go on the attack and get time on Andy Schleck, but I think he will wait until the dreaded Mont Ventoux. Saturday’s stage is the last strategic rendezvous of this year’s tour. And it is going to be a battle royal between 7 people for the final podium in Paris:
Armstrong, Kloden, Wiggens, Nibali, and the Schlek brothers all have a chance for the coveted 2nd and 3rd spot. For the most part, Contador appears to be untouchable in the yellow and can expect the full support of Team Astana. It seems that Contador has been riding his own race. He seems a little paranoid about his teammates having attacked Andreas Kloden on the col de la colombier. And distancing himself from his own teammates maybe not easily the most intelligent thing to do but the results speak for them selves, with 4 minutes and 11 seconds ahead of Andy Schleck secures him in a very good position.
Frank Schleck had a disastrous time trial leaving him in 6th place, 6 minutes behind Contador. For Lance Armstrong to move up a spot against Andy Schleck will be a tall order on Mont Ventoux, but he is only 1:42 behind so the lanky Luxemburger. Wiggens is looking for a podium spot as well. Those dreams may not come to fruition. I have a feeling that Wiggens is really going to struggle on the giant slopes of Mont Ventoux. Wiggens is 4th on the overall standings, just 11 seconds behind lance.
Lance has to be considered one of the greatest athletes of any sport of all time. If he gets on the podium in this year’s Tour de France it would be something remarkable and something that is talked about for years to come. A ride for the ages for lance, and he only needs on long climb left to finish. Everyone has got to tune in. if you’re a fan of cycling or just sports, you got to see lance ascend Ventoux.
If Contador starts to feel the pressure and is nervous, watch for lance Armstrong to win his 8th TDF. It’s not very likely, but it could happen. In any case, if lance is indeed in the top three at the end of this year’s Tour de France. It would be a remarkable accomplishment. He will have to be considered one the greatest athletes in all of sports. With his 37 years of age and 4 years away from the sport, it is amazing what he had been able to accomplish. Lance also announced that he will be leading a new American team sponsored by RadioShack next year. That is a news flash that is hot off the press, just came out in the papers. Good luck to lance on Mont Ventoux, Which will be followed by a triumphant march into the city of lights.
