2010 Le Tour: an 8th for Lance?

dd74 · 06-28-2010, 10:17 PM

That's my prediction. The man's in animal form. How he came back from 33rd in the The Tour of Switzerland to second in only two stages shows he's still a contender...at 40 years old.

I think he's going to out-think and out-race Contador, IMO.

What do you guys think?

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I was surprised how good the Schleck brothers didn't look in Switzerland...

dd74 · 06-29-2010, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

I was surprised how good the Schleck brothers didn't look in Switzerland...

Ur...you're half correct, mate.

One of the Schleck boys did okay. He won.

Willem Fick · 06-29-2010, 01:33 AM

Not sure if I think he still has what it takes. I'll support anyone but Contador though.

nikita76 · 06-29-2010, 03:04 AM

The Tour de Suisse is usually a barometer of how Lance will do in the tour. I think the fact that he DIDN'T win, should put everyone on notice that this will be a very tactical Tour de France probably with some intetion of humiliating Contador. I just hope that all the major players pass the first piss test. I would really like to enjoy the race this year without alot of the top contenders pulling out or being pulled.

ND
Allez...Allez...Allez...Allez...ALLEZ!!!!!!

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I know, but overall they didn't look as commanding as I thought they might.

Also, winning in Switzerland isn't necessarily a good thing - could be peaking too early.

Then again if I had those two blondes on me, I'd probably be "peaking early" too!

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Same concern about L.A. incidentally. He was right in the mix.

I just didn't get the sense that either Andy or Frank was a powerhouse - I guess we'll see.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

How is his team, if they are strong, he may do well

Jeff Higgins · 06-29-2010, 05:22 AM

What if this is the year he finally gets busted for doping, and his entire legacy is tarnished?

dd74 · 06-29-2010, 09:51 AM

CNN reports Armstrong posted on his Twitter page that this will be his last Tour. Tactic or not?

Talewinds · Talewinds's Garage

I don't think he's got it anymore. I wish he did but there's something missing. There was always a difference between outriding your opponents and what Lance USED to do. Annihilating his opponents would be a gross understatement I believe. There was always something supernatural in his abilities to exert power over his rivals.
Today, well, he just looks like pack-fodder to me. It's so sad when I see it I just wish he'd have stayed retired.

It'll take a team that knows how to obey and they'll have to lean heavily on tactics rather than brute force.

HardDrive · 06-29-2010, 10:15 AM

Speaking as a 40 year old, my answer is 'No'. You only lose a small percentage of your ability at this point, but that percentage could be all the difference. Could he make it up in tactics? Perhaps, but I still vote no.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Key factors for Lance are his climbing (can he maintain contact - or stay close) and the strength of his team (TT and chasing). Strictly based on age I don't see LA making the top 3 but then I've not followed closely followed the sport for a long time.

flatbutt · 06-29-2010, 10:45 AM

Can he humble his opponents on the uphill? That's how he used to break their hearts. It would be amazing if he did but someone would no doubt spike his water with dope.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

As an old guy, would love to see it but don't think it'll happen unless his team is stellar and he gets very lucky. He probably will have the best tactical plans but at 40 there often are a lot of checks being written by your brain that your body just can't cash.

look 171 · 06-29-2010, 01:07 PM

I haven't been following the sports like I use to. I do know this, it really depends on who the mountain goats he has hired to do the donky work. Still, he has to climb the thing himself. The Schleck brothers are out for blood. I hope they do well and like to see they get one and two on the podium. Why did Lance come back to do anymore slapping, hasn't he done enough?

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by nostatic

As an old guy, would love to see it but don't think it'll happen unless his team is stellar and he gets very lucky. He probably will have the best tactical plans but at 40 there often are a lot of checks being written by your brain that your body just can't cash.

Too true, don't ask me how I know

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

Too true, don't ask me how I know

yeah, don't get me started. Yesterday my left knee started stiffening up and hurting. I don't remember doing anything to it (well, recently...of course a couple years ago I ground it into hamburger on the freeway). I got through tai chi class and it felt slightly better but this morning is was like someone poured quickset concrete into my joint. Arrgghhh...

herr_oberst · 06-29-2010, 02:02 PM

I'd like to see Lance win one more for the Gipper.

It will take a supernatural effort. He has had a lot of distractions already this season; injuries, Contador, Landis, old age, plus he's a daddy again.

The thing in his favor is his team. Can tactics overcome youthful exuberance?

We'll know soon.

enzo1 · 06-29-2010, 02:33 PM

I'm for him, either way.... go Lance, to even try it is supernatural