Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (07/07/2009 @ 4:41 pm)
Since returning from retirement, Lance Armstrong hasn’t been able to reach the level of dominance he displayed during his entire career. That’s expected, obviously, but he’s currently showing signs of his past ability at this favorite race, the Tour de France. Earlier today, Armstrong jumped from 10th to third place.
Britain’s Mark Cavendish won his second straight stage. He and Armstrong and overall leader Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland kept up with a breakaway group that bolted from the pack with 18 miles left in the 122-mile third stage.
Armstrong, a seven-time champion coming out of retirement, is 40 seconds behind. He was able to make his big jump because riders in front of him at the start of the day got trapped in the main pack.
The race is set for a shakeout featuring Cancellara, Armstrong and Germany’s Tony Martin in Tuesday’s team time trial. Each team is strong in the 24-mile event, which starts and finishes in Montpellier. If Astana wins, Armstrong could take the yellow jersey. The race ends July 26 in Paris.
Like Roger Federer, Lance Armstrong is an institution in his sport. It’s nice to watch the “old guys” succeed, though neither is old in general by any means. As far as spectator sports are concerned in America, cycling is about as popular rugby. Nevertheless, Armstrong’s story is both interesting an inspiring. The fact that he’s won 7 times is proof enough that he’s both a phenomenal athlete and the greatest cyclist of all time. That he’s come back is a product of his determination and frustration with the minutia of everyday life. There’s only so much one can do before they need to partake in the things they love.
A new case of Twitter becoming more powerful than we can possibly imagine (especially for those of you who imagine The Wall Street Journal Board of Directors as possible Sith Lords). Deadspin has the scoop:
Last month, Lance Armstrong boycotted the media, speaking directly to his fans in 140-character chunks. He tried to break the ban by writing a letter to The WSJ, but they “butchered it,” and instead, he printed it on his blog.
The Wall Street Journal ran a story June 10 about an alleged feud between Armstrong and Greg LeMond. Armstrong called the piece “sensational,” and not in the good way. He wrote a letter to the editor. The editor made some edits. Armstrong didn’t like the edits. He said the editor “removed the pertinent and topical parts. Frustrating.” I bet!
It’s interesting that Armstrong was able to post his own rebuttal of a major international newspaper using a form of communication as easily (if not more so) available as a newspaper. Power to the people on this one. It’s important everybody gets checked, and possibly called out, when things get a bit fudged. Of course, if The WSJ merits Lance Armstrong getting involved. My previous post may get me a gang of 200 pound 7th graders out for blood. Yeesh.
Posted by Christopher Glotfelty (04/12/2009 @ 6:10 pm)
- The WILL LEITCH EXPERIENCE has transcribed the magnificent Vin Scully’s words concerning Nick Adenhart’s death. Watch the man work as he mixes in the commentary while announcing the Dodgers-Padres game.
- Apparently, Dustin Pedroia’s statements toward his hometown of Woodland, CA haven’t gone over too well with its inhabitants. DEADSPIN has the story.
- SPORTSBYBROOKS reports that France really doesn’t want Lance Armstrong winning their historic cycling competition ever again.
- Who are the scrappiest players in baseball? Head on over to THE LOVE SPORTS to get their opinion.
Okay, normally we don’t use this blog to promote stuff the way that the publicists would like us to, but this one seemed too cool to pass up. and we’re not even Supercross guys at heart. Amp’d Mobile is giving away two Chad Reed motorcycles (full disclosure: I have no idea who Chad Reed is), along with some other stuff. And as daredevil Lance Murdoch said on “The Simpsons,” bones heal, chicks dig scars, and the US has the highest nurse-to-patient ratio in the world. You’d be crazy not to enter this contest. Just don’t tell your wife until after you’ve won.
