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Home , Cadel Evans, Georg Totschnig, Jan Ullrich, Johan Bruyneel, Lance Armstrong, Miguel Indurain

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[ Tour 2005 ride

42 lance ] ridemedia.com.au i n i shed” enough even for him to consider a comeback. comeback. considera to him even for enough was thinking of retirement. champion seven- over.The was career his that L I n ance P aris on the final day of the 2005 Tour2005de the of day final the on aris A rmstrong stood on the podium and declared declared and podium the on stoodrmstrong A lot has unfolded since… F rance rance GW x2 GW “ hard work wins i I To t young to push his body to the level required for the three week week three the for required level the to body his push to young Armstrong. than slower 14 home seconds bunch the leading after seventh was Cipollini world Mario the in man fastest self-declared The Roche. Stephen Tour 1987 was winner place sixth in Verdun and in was It win. the for Pensec Ronan and Alcala Raul outsprinted he champion, national US of the stripes and stars the wearing While year. debut his in victory 1999. since achievements of his because it’s happened And estate. real of sporting piece large of avery boss the He’s become numbers. record in radio and internet the television, on coverage the to in tune people compels what is Lance wide. and far from visitors brings what is presence His cycling. about talking and singing drinking, park acar in Lance. is race the controls who person butthe event the for responsible men the are These Prudhomme. Christian man media and commentator television former is successor his 1989. since Tour heights the new to taken has who man aproud is he issues, other as well as past the in selections wild-card nationalistic for press the in mocked Sometimes director. race as tenure his during politician amaster become has Leblanc Jean-Marie calendar. cycling the on most matters that race the see to get people that ensure to for catered is Everything be. should event amajor what for standard the sets which organisation aprofessional by run is politicians. and stars movie visiting or world, the around audience television the or cheer, to roadside the on gather who millions the from interest attracting and together alities nation away of bringing has Tour the de But weeks. three arduous an and day of along end at the agathering was It function. no official was This races. of ASO’s one hosts also that nation African the in they’d learned songs sang Tour staff other while Faso Burkina from drums on played Bezault Laurent as along clapped He bodyguards. without he’d been election the since time first the it was admitted interesting.” more it even made has he before, about Tour all the was what appreciate Idid although and panache with rides anyway. He that before career but I’d his followed Tour. of the Friday final the on St-Etienne in of ahotel park car the in gathering informal at an said he reasons,” many so for guy the admire “I history. witness to Tour to the trip the made who elections presidential US last style. trial time of his display afine with off sign to end the until waited buthe won astage, he July. course Of this France around trip all-yellow way of an the in get to able were team, CSC the from both riders, two only But effort. of acompatriot’s outbecause butmissed start the from right to lead motivated was He career. of his race seven! now is beat to tally the and again bar the raised has Armstrong before. titles six win to able been had rider No race. of the history 102 year the in entrenched firmly now is name his and Tour phenomenon why he’s is aglobal The recently. only until ignored largely was countries some in which a to sport attention world close now pays the that cycling in aforce such become has who aman for surprising L ’ll beafan of t ance He retired after 11 stages as planned. He was 21, too 21, was too He planned. as 11 stages after retired He early, astage success tasted Lance it say all. statistics The stands Kerry Senator like aguy reason the is Armstrong and race year’s of next end at the to retire due is Jean-Marie It Tour of France. the de control in be to thing It’s agood and cup a plastic from champagne sipped Kerry Senator book the read story. I’ve cancer the there’s course “Of at the acandidate Kerry, John sat followed that car the In final the throughout command in was he of 34 age the At

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44 >> reappeared on the scene. Since the prologue in 1999, Lance has has 1999, Lance in prologue the Since scene. the on reappeared Armstrong when that’s and required was Redemption . room. ahotel in dead found was Pantani Tour triumph, his after years over five a little and addiction an developed 1999. in He victory d’Italia Giro asecond been have should of what eve the on control adoping failed having after tatters in was career his stages, more wontwo even and race the to returned he although and a recluse became He success. his by created pressure the with cope didn’t Italian The Pantani. Tour. problem-plagued infamous, the for rights naming earn did squad Andorran-registered the if even implicated, team only the not was that revealed raids police Subsequent products. of doping a cache carrying be to found was car ateam after halt agrinding to came nearly very which race 1998 of the because suspicion now under were cyclists All it. with rife was peloton the and exposed been had EPO race. Affair post-Festina first the with coincided cancer from return buthis sport in scandals biggest of the one Tour. in involved the not was from He absent was friendship had become a feud. a become had friendship The aggression. of sign a showed he whenever down him chasing of point a such made not Lance had ninth than higher finished have might Theson of conservative Mennonites Armstrong. impress didn’t year last of end the at to defection his but leader team former his of side. his on exactly not is time if even winner future a be to tenacity the has he that proved he 32 of age the at but day final the on sixth to PostalService squad’s roster. US the on years several after wings the U. ( Leipheimer Levi and Landis Floyd champion. seven-time the of mates team- former were two other The overall. 10 top the in Atlantic the across from riders three were there 2005 In over. also is Tour the at meanthat theinfluence American asacyclistcompetitive notdoes days Armstrong’s Lance of end The right ]

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GW JS kind had already begun. begun. already had kind of adifferent abattle July 24 on Paris in atmosphere a party was there while And time. same at the analysed and lauded often are of sport era modern the in Triumphs suspicion. arouse also they But name. Armstrong’s chanting of fans thousands with aday for astadium becomes Champs-Elysées control. complete in still was he and race farewell his slower. was It seconds forty and minutes four was rival nearest his world buteven the in athletes best of the some by on spurred was of 41.654kph! He average at an Paris to onward and over mountains wind, and rain in 3,595.5km rode He record. anew to speed the lifted year this time winning His 2004. and 2003 2001, in again and 1999 in this achieved He 40kph. than higher speed average an Bruyneel. Johan , from rider aformer from guidance and team-mates committed focus, single-minded approach, apragmatic Tour the with racing for standard anew set He everywhere. of fans hearts the and stages 22 titles, won seven sporting event and hard work wins it.” work wins hard and event sporting a hard is this no secrets; are there And I live. as long as for Tour of the France de a fan be I’ll people. these in believe you should and athletes, these in Yourace… believe should of a ahell is this “But avenue. Parisian famous the on stage centre from said he miracles,” in you don’t believe I’m sorry sceptics… the “To it. cynics, the win to it takes what and event the on views his explain and career competitive his of day last the on podium the on stand to Lance inspired that sentiment this was It welcome. so been never had retirement athlete’s an that declaring article an published A writer for the French sports newspaper L’Equipe newspaper sports French the for A writer It’s why the celebration. for cause are victories Dominant with race three-week the finish to winner first the was He GW had had JS GW JS “ t one real a The days of a I just as he and his CSC colleagues were about to win the team time trial, disaster struck when the 26-year-old crashed ( crashed 26-year-old the when struck disaster trial, time team the win to about were colleagues CSC his and he as just race organisers insisted that he swap his top at the start ( start the at top Channel Discovery his swap he that insisted organisers race the positive samples were Armstrong’s. He insisted he would would he insisted He Armstrong’s. were samples positive the controls. future of improving interests the in purely performed were tests the as released to have been meant were only. names No purposes scientific for it was and Health for Ministry French of the request at the performed had Châtenay-Malabry in lab testing drug the which analysis Tour. 1999 aretrospective the was It in rider the by provided samples urine of the six in of EPO traces revealed apparently that tests to relating claims dramatic with victory his after L’Equipe But event. the revive helped race of agood hell one ride and back come to him For n and o and n hen Imigh After some investigation, journalist Damien Ressiot claimed claimed Ressiot Damien journalist investigation, some After amiracle. was cancer survived American the that fact The u t of yellow… yellow… of t tt Dave Zabriskie’s tenure in the the in tenure Zabriskie’s Dave t no ack and Ididn’ tt t even need [ acking every day in t responded to Lance a month amonth Lance to responded maillot jaune jaune maillot t know when i t o do t lasted three days. Yet another American who was a former team-mate of Armstrong claimed the opening stage at a record speed and and speed record a at stage opening the claimed Armstrong of team-mate former a was who American another Yet days. three lasted centre left centre with the president on his ranch in Crawford, . Texas. Crawford, in ranch his on president the with ride bike amountain for went and Bush George visited even he and attend to functions charity visit, to sponsors were There demand. high in He’s aperson rest. much get didn’t Lance retirement his in Early victories. significant most his achieved he where nation the in loathed and loved both is who rider the and T press conference during his reign. “Prove it!” “Prove reign. his during conference press at a journalists asked Armstrong I’mdoped?” you think “Do past. rider’s the from up information dig to him challenged claimed Ressiot who Lance butit was were, they who confirm could he when implicated riders other of the names the publish here ha he moun ). ( Voigt Jens ). t

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theoverall leader ( and Menchov Denis Evans, Cadel of ahead pace the sets Julich Bobby Tour. 2005 the of stages mountain early the in rivals his on eye close a kept Armstrong Lance leade A of their reach again this year. this again reach their of out was jersey yellow the but had… Lance what wanted all and stars of line-up a was It Rogers. Michael and Basso Ivan Mayo, Ibàn Garzelli, Stefano Mancebo, Francisco Landis, Vinokourov,Brad McGee, Floyd Alexandre were Schlucht la de Col the of top the at pack elite this in he 2005 Tour. p r r epa o have hough r ed to follow… to ed above #30 | spring 2005 spring | #30 ” ). Also t

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Tour 2005 The usual suspects… The Col du Galibier has the potential to significantly alter the order at the top of the I have no idea what those tactics are… one moment ‘vino’ goes away and Klöden Tour’s general classification but the highest pass this year didn’t have a huge impact. Alexandre Vinokourov did gain time on his way to victory after descending into Briançon, but Armstrong’s crew (right) included all

chases him down with ullrich on his wheel. We all sort of sat back and said, the other riders who would eventually finish in the top 10. “I was riding within my limits,” said of the 2,645m climb, “but there’s no point attempting to escape when there’s a long, technical descent to the ‘What the heck is that?’ Armstrong on T-mobile’s tactics during stage 15 finish. The risks outweigh the benefits of a move like…” Cadel was seventh, one place behind Lance. Tour 2005 Tour 2005

An attacking opportunity… , Mickael Rasmussen and took every chance “they could to attack the rider in the yellow jersey. Even on the final hors category climb this year they tried ” their luck but Armstrong was equal to every move on the Col d’Aubisque (right). The German would once again reach the final podium of the Tour, albeit as third-best in the general classification. Many observers believe Jan could have been a lot closer to first place had he utilised his power with more sensible strategy. Even Lance was bemused by a bizarre display from the T-Mobile team on the road to Ax-3 Domaines in stage 14. “I knew it’s time to stop because I have no idea what those tactics are,” said

the Texan of the day he finished GW second behind an early escapee, . “Days like that in a vast range of colours supporting every cause from anti- when one [from the T-Mobile team] racism to the quest to “make poverty history”, the yellow would attack and another would ones are the originals and arguably the most popular. chase them down… we all sat back and said, ‘What the heck is that?’” All this is important to Armstrong especially now that he With Alexandre Vinokourov and no longer has to spend his days training. But as early as six Andreas Klöden on his side, Ullrich weeks into his retirement he stated that he was back on the had plenty of fire-power but it was bike and even contemplating a return to the Tour. Ressiot’s used in an ineffective manner. At the base of the final ascent of the article – and the subsequent reactions of everyone from Jean- first day in the , ‘Vino’ Marie Leblanc to WADA’s chairman and the caught up with the yellow jersey’s IOC’s president Jacques Rogge – infuriated Lance to such an pack after having been dropped on extent that he hinted at a comeback as early as next July. the previous mountain. Instead of being patient, the Kazakh charged “I’m thinking about it,” said Armstrong about his threat ahead with a ferocious turn of speed to try for an eighth title in an Austin Daily Statesman article that quickly netted him a gain of the same day he announced his engagement. “I’m thinking it’s over 100 metres. the best way to piss [the French] off.” Watch the stage again on DVD because you’ll see what Armstrong Only days later he dismissed his comments, promising that was referring to: nonsensical tactics. he was finished with competitive cycling as a participant. Vino understood the reason for He’s been known to be a little hot-headed at times. Why his move. It was to tease a reaction else would he have reacted to an attack by a lowly-ranked rider from one of the team’s rivals. If guys like Lance, Ivan, Levi, Floyd only two days before sealing his historic sixth victory at the and Cadel didn’t instigate a chase end of the 2004 Tour? This behaviour was part of a vendetta chances are the winner in Briançon against because of the Italian’s comments would win again. about a doctor both riders had consulted during their careers. The impetus was on the other teams to respond. If they did then Lance didn’t agree with what had been said and intended on Ullrich and Klöden could follow their making an example of Filippo by publicly chastising him. lead and, with fresher legs from being in the slipstream, mount a On the bike Armstrong had the power to control almost counter move later on. As the TV cameras pan back from every circumstance. His legs would spin the cranks at a rapid Vino who had scampered up the rate and while others would follow they eventually dropped road, the two figures seen leading by the wayside because they just weren’t able to continue with the chase are none other than his the effort. There are many places where Lance has stamped colleagues… it made no sense! his authority on the peloton with a fine display of climbing Logic is sometimes lost on the GW riders in the magenta colours. YS or time trialling. The names of these towns and ski stations Perhaps the fact that Vinokourov >> Republican or Democrat, it doesn’t matter what political are now recognised by all of us. Some have become the title was in the blue and yellow outfit persuasion they represent, Armstrong has enough charm to of products that are now part of the Armstrong catalogue. of the Kazakh national champion confused the German duo. Whatever be able to associate with both parties. As Hurricane Katrina Sestrières. . Alpe d’Huez. … the reason, they were never capable approached New Orleans, the US president was riding with They are all sites of great conquests. There are French of finishing ahead of Armstrong on Lance. “That old boy can go,” Armstrong said afterwards. “I towns which we have heard about but perhaps would not have the crucial days. At the summit of didn’t think he’d punish himself that much, but he did.” seen had it not been for cycling. On the last day of his career, Courchevel, Ullrich lost 2:14; at The ability to offer compliments is part of the repertoire of Armstrong narrowly escaped crashing into three team-mates Ax-3 Domaines — 0:20; at Pla d’Adet — 1:24… even a phenomenal most successful politicians and Lance was playing the game who had fallen on slippery roads just after the first interme- time trial in St-Etienne wouldn’t put as he lobbied Bush for cancer research funding. “I’ve never diate sprint on the way to Paris. It was yet another example of him near the yellow jersey. asked someone for so much money before,” said the ex-rider. the luck this man has experienced at the Tour over the years. Just to drive the point home, Fundraising is something Armstrong is very good at. The On the tarmac lay the Best Young Rider, , Lance added another 23 seconds to his advantage over the 1997 yellow ‘LiveStrong’ wristbands have raised millions of dollars but Lance missed riding into him more by chance than champion in the penultimate stage. to help the cancer community and although there are rip-offs anything else. The accident was in Châtenay-Malabray… >>

Discovery Recovery… Stage eight boasted the first category-one climb of the 92nd Tour. The Col de la Schlucht prompted a bout of attacking action by riders like Alexandre Vinokourov and . Armstrong matched them all but his team-mates were not able to respond. It’s one of the few occasions since 1999 when we’ve seen the American isolated and unable to call on his colleagues for help at a crucial moment. Lance labelled it “un jour de merde”. The Discovery Channel boys recovered well and ensured they had strength of numbers the next day (left).

ride rideride [[ 4646 ]] ridemedia.com.au ridemedia. #30#30 | spring | SPR 2005ING [2005 4747 ]

Tour 2005 Tour 2005

signs of appreciation… Hordes of American fans visited France this July to cheer on their hero (right). The Tour’s director Jean-Marie Leblanc (far right) has been very supportive of Armstrong during his career. Since the 2005 edition, however, the two ‘bosses’ of the race haven’t been the best of friends. “I asked him to put himself in my position,” said Lance after the allegations of EPO use in 1999 were raised. “We all know the history… it has been a witch hunt.” to say that I’ve fooled the fans is preposterous. I’ve been doing this a long time. We have not just one year of only ‘B’ samples… we have seven years of ‘A’ and ‘B’ [and] There’s never been EPO in there. Armstrong responds to L’equipe’s claims

>> A non-descript town on the outskirts of the French capital, Armstrong has learned a lot over the past seven years, and this place would return to haunt him a month later. Had not all of it relates to how to win the Tour de France. Other “Armstrong’s good fortune run out at last? riders have been quick to try and imitate his approach but “Truth is on my side,” announced Armstrong in a one thing is certain: there will never be another athlete like ” statement released the day after L’Equipe ran Ressiot’s him. With his victory over cancer he became a role model exposé. “They talk about six samples being positive… there for millions. Through his conquests at the Tour he has left a were more samples given than that. Where did they all go? lasting legacy in the sport. He believes in miracles and helps And who are the other athletes? Why is it just me? Doesn’t others do likewise. that sound fishy?” Armstrong has the power to inspire fans, frustrate his The Tour had been won but the victor was preparing for rivals and taunt the media. He is usually in control and that’s another battle, a bureaucratic one which looks likely to drag on the way he likes it. When asked of his political aspirations for many more months. The UCI has appointed Dutch lawyer on the eve of the 2005 Tour, he conceded that although he’s Emile Vrijman to investigate the newspaper’s claims. His considered the notion it’s not the life for him… but then initial comments about this task related mainly to questions again, it could be worth a small wager. about how retrospective analysis should be handled. “A short while ago a bookmaker offered me 100 to one Others think the issues are broader because they infringe on for you to make it to the White House and become president a person’s rights. “According to the world code, that laboratory of the ,” said an English reporter at the pre-race A lucky victory or more…? should have ensured the anonymity of the samples used in their interview. “I stuck 100 pounds on. Have I wasted my money?” When Armstrong won the Tour in research, or asked the athletes concerned for permission to With a broad grin Armstrong offered his response. 1999, the rider in second place overall was Alex Zülle (in the 10th perform analyses,” said Denis Oswald of the IOC. “It’s not a “You’re a rich reporter, you can afford that… you never stage, below). The Swiss rider question of protecting anyone, but of applying the rules.” know. Actually I shouldn’t say that. It’s true that things like crashed on the Passage du Gois in Virtually everyone has an opinion on the allegations that politics and the good of a country interest me but I don’t stage two and lost six minutes and put Lance’s name back in the news for all the wrong reasons. know if I’m cut out for politics. I need a few years to just relax three seconds. The deficit between first and second after 20 stages was They received mainstream coverage. Such headlines attract and re-evaluate what I want to do with my life. If that’s a life 7:37… this is one example of the luck attention, sell newspapers and deliver ratings. But no one in the public eye or not, I’m not sure. There will be things enjoyed by the American at the Tour knows all the facts except the man involved. that keep me busy but I have no dreams of the White House.” since his comeback from cancer. Former soigneurs and personal assistants have made claims Then he reconsidered. “Oh, I’ll split it with you.” The last As always, Lance was in complete control all the way around France about Armstrong’s association with doping products. It’s as thing Lance Armstrong would want is to relinquish some but seven years later his efforts that though a micro-industry has developed around speculation control and for a journalist to make money out of him. n summer are back in the spotlight. about him being a clean rider or a cheat. Books have been written on the topic and court orders have been issued to retract their content in some countries. One thing is clear about Armstrong and doping, and he brings up this point time and time again: he’s one of the most tested athletes in the history of sport and never has he returned a positive result. This is more than dumb luck. Perhaps Vrijman’s investigation will offer a conclusion to the brouhaha. Until then the speculation and accusations will no doubt continue. The rider will use media such as the talkback show Larry King Live to convince the public that he’s always been clean and other theories are bound to emerge. The last time a media outlet prompted an investigation, that dragged on for 18 months and ended when a public prosecutor dismissed claims by a French television network that Lance’s team had been dumping ‘suspicious’ packages during the 2000 Tour.

One more time… Armstrong’s final stage win was achieved in the time trial around St-Etienne (left). In the car that followed was his team JS director and Senator John Kerry. ride ride [ 48 ] ridemedia.com.au #30 | spring 2005 [ 49 ]