OK, I’m watching stage 16 of the Tour de France live and I’m on the edge of my seat pumping my fist, cheering on Armstrong. Yelling at the TV. What a blistering acceleration by Lance!
With a few kilometers to the top of the Cat 1 Col du Petit Saint Bernard, Andy Schleck, his brother Frank, Contador and a few others launch an attack shattering the main field. Armstrong is left behind with Sastre, Evans and others. Lance seems to be playing the team card, which is is job. I must admit, I was dissappointed to see Lance hanging back, but I understood.
All of a sudden Lance takes off so hard that no one is able to stay on his wheel. A few riders eventually latch back on but Lance’s quick tempo proves too difficult to follow and everyone becomes dislodged from his rear wheel again. It was absolutely beautiful to watch Lance storm up to the chase group. He bridged that gap so quickly, I dare say his acceleration matched that of Contador.
I teach indoor cycling classes at a number of health clubs in the Boston area. We have been doing indoor TDF stages for the last few weeks and I have been fielding questions about the race and, of course, Lance Armstrong. For those of you who were a little worried after Sundays, stage 15, don’t count Lance out yet. I feel Contador is presently the best rider and at the top of his game. Come on, he won the Tour de France, Giro and Vuelta in little over a year. That’s impressive. However, I believe Lance has something Contador does not – mental toughness.
I don’t know what is going on inside of Lance’s head. I’m sure we will find out over the next few stages. Personally, I’m waiting for Saturday’s HC climb up Mont Vonteux.
