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Readers write on: Armstrong, Armstrong and Armstrong
Do you want to contribute to Mailbag, a regular feature of VeloNews.com? Here's how:
Armstrong and publicity
Editor,
So Bob Crowley thinks that Lance wants to avoid publicity? Hah! It's becoming increasingly apparent that personal publicity is the primary motivator in everything he does, and is surely the overriding factor in wanting to come to the Tour again.
The French don't like him, Tour organizers can't stomach the mere thought of him, the peloton doesn't trust him, he's old news, and even some fair portion of Americans groan at the mere mention of his name. This isn't a cancer awareness endeavor; it's a personal mission to feed his ego. To some controversy is more valuable than being ignored or irrelevant.
And there are an awful lot of folks who can't wait for it all to blow up in his face.
Mark Steven,
Salt Lake City, Utah
Armstrong and publicity, part 2
Editor,
Can you explain to me how Lance Armstrong winning an eighth Tour de France will bring more international recognition to the fight against cancer than his first seven victories did? I don't think there is anyone in the cycling world today who doesn't already know his story.
If he wants to make a long-term difference for the cancer community, put his dedication and effort into a "Ride Strong" cycling team, with sponsors from the cancer drug manufacturers, and a percentage of the team profit going to cancer research. They can start domestic, then, like Garmin, prove their way into the international realm. Then, in 10 years, Lance can have a team that is STILL making a difference for the cancer community.
Plus, he can still be in front of the camera and get all the press coverage that he so obviously craves, even when he has stopped winning races personally. If it's really about cancer, he should do something for cancer, not for own ego.
Mary Kathryn Fritz
Santa Clara, California
What about Leipheimer?
Editor,
When Lance Armstrong was an active, serious racer, I was a big fan, like many others. But that was then, and this is now. With Contador and Bruyneel, Astana could build a cycling dynasty to equal or exceed what Armstrong did previously.
Leipheimer, riding better than ever, also deserves serious consideration, but he’s nearing the end of his run. Astana is apparently willing to risk that possibility of a long run in the limelight in exchange
for a one-hit wonder, Lance Armstrong.
Who could blame Contador for shopping other teams? Certainly he has earned the status of a team leader. And what are the odds that Leipheimer would enjoy towing Lance over the Alps, given their past relationship?
In the long run, Astana and Bruyneel will be the losers … but then certainly they must know that.
Bruce Williams,
Durango, Colorado
What do the Euros know?
Editor,
As I read more and more about Lance’s return, I’m struck by the number of references (mostly by Europeans) about the drug accusations that have dogged him!. I try to keep up with my cycling news, but have to admit I never really saw that side of it during his tenure in the peloton. I know he’s been hounded by French writers and a book or two has been written with accusations, but I pretty much just considered them to be out of the norm …
Reading all the statements of late, it seems like everyone in Europe thought he cheated? Hmmmm, guess he was pretty good at it, or perhaps they’re just disgruntled? Chances are we’ll never know at this point … ONLY that he never tested positive and received a sanction, sooooooo …
Anyhow, I know one thing … if Lance comes back, we should have vastly improved VS. TV coverage … the Tour seems to be a staple, but if Lance does events like the Tour Down Under (never seen on TV) and maybe the Giro … woo hoo, we’ll have the Giro every night again, instead of those couple of lame recaps of a great grand tour played out in Italy!
One way or another Lance WILL have an impact, love him, hate him, trust him or not … the guy can make people stand up and take notice … whether he’s returning for the right or wrong reasons, he’ll have an effect!
With so many ex-athletes pulling the plug after retirement and packing on 20+ lbs. I think it’s cool that Lance has remained an “athlete” of distinction, and if he thinks he can do it. Good luck to him, I’ll be programming my DVR for O/T in 2009!
Ken Hamel,
Coventry, Rhode Island
Armstrong and the elephant
Editor,
We keep getting lot's of minute inside tidbits like weight and "artist communities," but not much about the elephant in the room, Astana team mate Alberto Contador, who has now won the three major tours in the shortest time to date (14 months) and at 25 is presently considered the best stage racer in the world.
Will he just become a super-domestique for Lance at the Tour de France? I don't think so, but you are the experts so what say you?
Also, if one looks at the New York Times article "It's Not About The Bike," you get the impression that Armstrong's unretirement also seems designed to rehab. his standing with deep pocketed contributors as relates to his cancer foundation because of his extensive tabloid lady friend encounters.
It should be also expanded upon that Armstrong's master plan here has obviously been cleverly crafted for all around "corporate" and "foundation" success no matter what the outcome of his bike races, it's 100 percent win/win with everyone eager to jump on-board.
Sal Garcia,
Seattle, Washington
Road Rage 101
Editor,
Bob Mionske’s latest column on road rage, and the recap of Dr. Leon James’ description of the specific anti-social behaviors and personality types involved, is a primer for anyone who should know what is really going on when cars and bikes meet in anger on the road. If you read this article carefully, there is little left to say except that there are a lot of jerks in cars, and a lot of jerks on bikes who are ready to mix it up.
I think almost every competitive cyclist starts out from a personality type that predisposes us to act out when confronted with jerks in cars. The personality type may not be as common in drivers, but there are a lot more of them. And at the risk of stating the obvious, they have cars and some of them are psycho.
All of us need to become more aware of what is going on and learn to act like grown-ups, no matter what we’re doing out there on the road. States should start campaigns along the lines of Dr. James teachings aimed at educating travelers about road rage. And law enforcement needs to wake up to what is going on, and start using bicycle officers as a way to get the really dangerous types off the road.
If it sparks an increased awareness of the problem and leads to solutions that make the roads safer and friendlier, the Summer of Rage will have been a great benefit for all of us. Thanks, Bob, for sharing those insights and bringing the complex and scary phenomenon that is road rage home in such a concise and compelling article.
Lawrence Witherspoon Dickey
Seattle, Washington
