Contador and Armstrong from teammates
to rivals. (AP)
The Tour de France came to a close yesterday in Paris with Lance Armstrong on the podium again after a four year absence. OK it was a third place finish and he stood beside his Astana teammate Alberto Contador but what a return to the Tour it was for the Texan.
Versus broadcaster Phil Liggett was there calling every moment of the race and he thinks what Armstrong did was amazing but that next year at age 38 he could actually return to France and win.
I spoke to Liggett in France Friday as he was getting ready for the wild finish to the Tour and we talked about his observations of this year’s race.
Liggett on the 2009 Tour de France:”This was a wonderful race with Contador, Armstrong, the Schleck brothers (Andy and Frank), Bradley Wiggins,Mark Cavendish and so many young riders doing so well it was cycling at its best. The race drew amazing crowds, no matter where we were from day one in Monte Carlo to the amazing crowd on Mont Ventoux people were to see Armstrong and also to watch one of the most entertaining races that we have seen in years.”
Liggett on the return of Armstrong to the Tour:”The ratings in the United States, the U.K., South Africa, Australia, Asia, and pretty much the rest of the world embraced the return of Armstrong to the Tour. You really can’t go anywhere in France and not hear people talking in a positive way about him. As a matter of fact I went out to dinner and my waiter saw my yellow Lance Armstrong Foundation bracelet and he told me he tried to get one and couldn’t so I gave him mine. He wouldn’t take it for free and wanted to give me some money to give to the foundation. There is a genuine love from the French people for him. We saw French, Texas and US flags all standing together along the route.”
Liggett on Armstrong 2010:”After four years of being away from the race he was a legitimate contender for title this year at 37 years of age. But I really don’t think he was in race shape by his standards. I think that with the ability to pick his own team sponsored by Radio Shack. What a great race it will be in 2010 with Armstrong facing Contatdor plus all those other young superstars returning next year. I have to say the 2010 edition of the Tour de France could even be better than this year's race and that is saying something."
Another great job done by the entire Versus crew, Liggett, Paul Sherwen Craig Hummer and Bob Roll were once again at the top of their game for three weeks. The shows were even better in high definition.
If you were new to cycling I would suggest that you checkout the Versus website because they offer plenty of quality action throughout the year.
The highlight of the Tour one day from Paris and Armstrong secures third place
For more info:Twin Cities Area Travel Examiner,
Comments
Armstrong will not be a contender in the 2010 tour de france. He was absolutely destroyed in the time trials and did nothing worthwhile in the mountains. Contador and A. Schleck would have destroyed him on Mont Ventoux but for the fact that Andy Schleck was trying to pull his brother Frank Schleck onto the podium and Contador was riding conservatively and in fact was assisting Armstrong keep his podium position.
Armstrong held back as a loyal teammate to Contador. He possibly gave us 2nd place while playing the team card. With four years since his last TDF, a third place was amazing. He'll build off of this year and will be contending for the top spot next year. Contador will have his hands full defending his #1 number tag.
first of all there is no dispute that armstrong is amazing. However if he had the engine, he would go for the kill. Many instances he was just hopelessly dropped! I believe he realized after stage 17 that he had zero chance to win, then naturally he should conceed to playing the teammate card. Contador did help pace armstrong bridge up to the schlecks when they launched the last more effective attack on ventoux. well think ok Amstrong's going to improve, so are Contador and schleck, both being climb specialists, it is going to be very tough for Armstrong to keep up. also there are many riders that will return in 2010, so only focusing on contador and armstrong is just naive.
Johan Bruyneel is Lance Armstrong's "Little Fetch it Boy", he lies for Lance and makes excuses for him all the time. We in the USA are sick of it. Lance should stop hiding behind the cancer crap he says he loves and just come out and say "I came back because my ego wouldn't let me quit" be honest for once!
R Sanchez
Boulder Co.
yes. I agree - not on the podium this year.
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