This will turn out to be the best Lance interview on record.
06-06-23, 05:38 AM
#26
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I have less of an issue with the doping than I do with him being an a-hole to the people around him. He played the game that was being played, and played it better than everyone else.
19991. Lance Armstrong
2. Alex Zülle (‘98 busted for EPO)
3. Fernando Escartín (Systematic team doping exposed in ‘04)
4. Laurent Dufaux (‘98 busted for EPO)
5. Ángel Casero (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2000
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Joseba Beloki (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
4. Christophe Moreau (‘98 busted for EPO)
5. Roberto Heras (‘05 busted for EPO)
2001
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Joseba Beloki (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
4. Andrei Kivilev
5. Igor González de Galdeano (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2002
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Joseba Beloki (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Raimondas Rumšas (Suspended in ‘03 for doping)
4. Santiago Botero (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
5. Igor González de Galdeano (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2003
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Alexander Vinokourov (Suspended in ‘07 for CERA)
4. Tyler Hamilton (Suspended ‘04 for blood doping)
5. Haimar Zubeldia
2004
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Andreas Kloden (Named in doping case in ‘08)
3. Ivan Basso (Suspended in ‘07 for Operacion Puerto ties)
4. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
5. Jose Azevedo (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2005
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Ivan Basso (Suspended in ‘07 for Operacion Puerto ties)
3. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
4. Fransico Mancebo (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
5. Alexander Vinokourov (Suspended in ‘07 for CERA)
19991. Lance Armstrong
2. Alex Zülle (‘98 busted for EPO)
3. Fernando Escartín (Systematic team doping exposed in ‘04)
4. Laurent Dufaux (‘98 busted for EPO)
5. Ángel Casero (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2000
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Joseba Beloki (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
4. Christophe Moreau (‘98 busted for EPO)
5. Roberto Heras (‘05 busted for EPO)
2001
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Joseba Beloki (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
4. Andrei Kivilev
5. Igor González de Galdeano (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2002
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Joseba Beloki (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Raimondas Rumšas (Suspended in ‘03 for doping)
4. Santiago Botero (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
5. Igor González de Galdeano (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2003
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
3. Alexander Vinokourov (Suspended in ‘07 for CERA)
4. Tyler Hamilton (Suspended ‘04 for blood doping)
5. Haimar Zubeldia
2004
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Andreas Kloden (Named in doping case in ‘08)
3. Ivan Basso (Suspended in ‘07 for Operacion Puerto ties)
4. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
5. Jose Azevedo (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
2005
1. Lance Armstrong
2. Ivan Basso (Suspended in ‘07 for Operacion Puerto ties)
3. Jan Ullrich (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
4. Fransico Mancebo (‘06 implicated in Operacion Puerto)
5. Alexander Vinokourov (Suspended in ‘07 for CERA)
Again, what this doesn't account for is his role in setting the "rules" of the cheating game. As much as anything, what's documented here is just how much better his medical/legal team was at being able to bury test results that clearly revealed the extent of his cheating.
UCI has wiped these records, and it was the right thing to do.
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06-06-23, 06:02 AM
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In before the cement truck backs up and starts pouring. 
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06-06-23, 06:08 AM
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Armstrong and the rest of the Motorola team rode by me as I was attending to a mechanical on the side of a bike trail the day before the U.S. Pro Championship road race.
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06-06-23, 06:23 AM
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaGLfau1tRs
Please do not comment unless you've completed listening to the podcast episode.
This may be the best Lance interview on record.
Attia is a medical researcher and a huge bike nerd, etc.
These are questions that are technical as hell, and Lance remembers details and numbers even from the 80s and 90s.
A must listen for any bike (history) nerd.
For those who can't read so good:
Please do not comment unless you've completed listening to the podcast episode.
Please do not comment unless you've completed listening to the podcast episode.
This may be the best Lance interview on record.
Attia is a medical researcher and a huge bike nerd, etc.
These are questions that are technical as hell, and Lance remembers details and numbers even from the 80s and 90s.
A must listen for any bike (history) nerd.
For those who can't read so good:
Please do not comment unless you've completed listening to the podcast episode.
Theodore John Kaczynski was smart and had a good memory, too.
Lance is a criminal, who hurt a lot of people. Nothing about him belongs in General Cycling.
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06-06-23, 06:25 AM
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I had cracked by Colnago Dream Plus within the warranty period. While I was waiting for a replacement frame, the US distributor sent me a loner Master Lite. A LBS switched over the parts and didn't tighten the bottom bracket cups sufficiently. The drive side one was coming un-screwed. I was on the side of the trail tightening it with my fingers.
Over a decade before I got to ride behind both 7-11 and Coors Light. Funny scene. The teams were spinning along on the flats around 23 mph, stretching the legs before the big race the next day and chatting as they did so.. Behind them was a rag tag group of locals including myself, working at the edges of their abilities trying to keep up. I didn't even own a jersey back then. I think I was wearing a tank top of some sort. But I did have a Trek 660 with Campy Nuovo and black Modolo brakes with *gasp* aero levers. I knew I was destined to become a serious cyclist.
Over a decade before I got to ride behind both 7-11 and Coors Light. Funny scene. The teams were spinning along on the flats around 23 mph, stretching the legs before the big race the next day and chatting as they did so.. Behind them was a rag tag group of locals including myself, working at the edges of their abilities trying to keep up. I didn't even own a jersey back then. I think I was wearing a tank top of some sort. But I did have a Trek 660 with Campy Nuovo and black Modolo brakes with *gasp* aero levers. I knew I was destined to become a serious cyclist.
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06-06-23, 06:27 AM
#33
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I had cracked by Colnago Dream Plus within the warranty period. While I was waiting for a replacement frame, the US distributor sent me a loner Master Lite. A LBS switched over the parts and didn't tighten the bottom bracket cups sufficiently. The drive side one was coming un-screwed. I was on the side of the trail tightening it with my fingers.
Over a decade before I got to ride behind both 7-11 and Coors Light. Funny scene. The teams were spinning along on the flats around 23 mph, stretching the legs before the big race the next day and chatting as they did so.. Behind them was a rag tag group of locals including myself, working at the edges of their abilities trying to keep up. I didn't even own a jersey back then. I think I was wearing a tank top of some sort. But I did have a Trek 660 with Campy Nuovo and black Modolo brakes with *gasp* aero levers. I knew I was destined to become a serious cyclist.
Over a decade before I got to ride behind both 7-11 and Coors Light. Funny scene. The teams were spinning along on the flats around 23 mph, stretching the legs before the big race the next day and chatting as they did so.. Behind them was a rag tag group of locals including myself, working at the edges of their abilities trying to keep up. I didn't even own a jersey back then. I think I was wearing a tank top of some sort. But I did have a Trek 660 with Campy Nuovo and black Modolo brakes with *gasp* aero levers. I knew I was destined to become a serious cyclist.
06-06-23, 06:32 AM
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I was riding up from Colorado Springs on my touring bike and the Italian National team passed, they waved me onto their paceline. Was pretty special feeling sucking air full blast whilst they chatted and moved their hands the way only Italians can (wife is 1st generation and the older ones are off the boat)
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06-06-23, 06:35 AM
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Before one mountain stage in 1986 TdF, I watched Greg Lemond sign autographs for a really, really long time. The pack rolled out of town and he was still signing. The team was like, Greg.....we have to go. Greg says, don't worry we'll catch them as he signs away.
In terms of knowing physiology, Greg nailed Lance's ass to the wall. He knew that level of improvement was impossible. (sans drugs)
In terms of knowing physiology, Greg nailed Lance's ass to the wall. He knew that level of improvement was impossible. (sans drugs)
06-06-23, 06:47 AM
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Nissan sponsored our club's annual century ride for several years and sent pros to participate. Lance, Levi, Chechu, Jens and more. All were very professional, accessible, patiently signing jerseys and t shirts, posing for pics and endangering themselves by riding amongst the locals. Fun while it lasted.
06-06-23, 06:48 AM
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In '95 I did a Breaking Away tour built around the last week or so of the Giro. On maybe the 3rd day, I was riding with 3 other people to the day's stage finish at the Bianchi factory. Who should come spinning by in the opposite direction? None other than Marco Pantani. There was no missing those ears. Hoe was sitting out the race due to injury so he could get healthy for the TdF.
A few days later I got a great shot of "El Diavolo" in Sampeyer, at the start of the Col D'Angel. The riders never made it into France that day. An avalanche at the summit blocked the road with a meter of snow, so they had to shorten the stage. I will try to find and post a copy before this thread gets locked.
A few days later I got a great shot of "El Diavolo" in Sampeyer, at the start of the Col D'Angel. The riders never made it into France that day. An avalanche at the summit blocked the road with a meter of snow, so they had to shorten the stage. I will try to find and post a copy before this thread gets locked.
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06-06-23, 06:49 AM
#38
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I heard that Barry Bonds fellow was a pretty good baseball player and all-around great guy too.
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06-06-23, 06:56 AM
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Vicenzo Nibali in rosa at the start of the final stage of the 2013 Grio. The stage started at an industrial park. The riders emerged from a pasta factory and rolled to the start line.
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06-06-23, 07:12 AM
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During the weeks leading up to the cycling championships in Richmond VA, the whole area was loaded with teams out riding throughout the days. I'd be going to/coming home from work and get to interact with teams/riders at various stoplights/intersections.
06-06-23, 07:13 AM
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06-06-23, 08:25 AM
#43
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In '95 I did a Breaking Away tour built around the last week or so of the Giro. On maybe the 3rd day, I was riding with 3 other people to the day's stage finish at the Bianchi factory. Who should come spinning by in the opposite direction? None other than Marco Pantani. There was no missing those ears. Hoe was sitting out the race due to injury so he could get healthy for the TdF.
A few days later I got a great shot of "El Diavolo" in Sampeyer, at the start of the Col D'Angel. The riders never made it into France that day. An avalanche at the summit blocked the road with a meter of snow, so they had to shorten the stage. I will try to find and post a copy before this thread gets locked.
A few days later I got a great shot of "El Diavolo" in Sampeyer, at the start of the Col D'Angel. The riders never made it into France that day. An avalanche at the summit blocked the road with a meter of snow, so they had to shorten the stage. I will try to find and post a copy before this thread gets locked.
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06-06-23, 08:38 AM
#44
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06-06-23, 08:49 AM
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Meh - take just about any GOAT or GOATish person in any sport - you will find many of the same personality traits as Lance. Win at all cost, drive to win, win win win - that's what it takes to win. Some, like MJ, are completely ruthless to anyone involved or in the way of them reaching their goals. People that strive for that level of outright success are a different breed. Both physically and mentally. Something is different in their mental makeup that drives them to win at all cost.
Like them personally or not, they sure are fun to watch.
Cycling was, and IMHO still is, a dirty sport. Guys before Lance were flat using Coke and Speed, roids - whatever it took to win. And everyone around them was onboard with what was going on. And you have to be naive to think the UCI didn't know what was going on. Just like its naive to think NFL players, or NBA players are "natural". Hell, an NFL running back just admitted to playing every game high on weed. Weed stays in your system for 30+ days - drug testing you say?
Like them personally or not, they sure are fun to watch.
Cycling was, and IMHO still is, a dirty sport. Guys before Lance were flat using Coke and Speed, roids - whatever it took to win. And everyone around them was onboard with what was going on. And you have to be naive to think the UCI didn't know what was going on. Just like its naive to think NFL players, or NBA players are "natural". Hell, an NFL running back just admitted to playing every game high on weed. Weed stays in your system for 30+ days - drug testing you say?
06-06-23, 08:50 AM
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You have to give LA some credit cause he does his best to live up to his last name. Dude's a big time wanker. That's all I have to say.
06-06-23, 09:03 AM
#47
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1) I agree completely. That interview absolutely is worth the watch in my opinion.
2) I'm glad that you initiated this as I've been wanting to discuss it myself. It takes balls to start another LA thread these days though. Kudos.
3) I think that two things make the interview more than just a rehash of old news:
a) Attia absolutely crushes it as an interviewer, especially in his being non-judgmental in a way that almost no LA interviewers ever are. And the technical bent as you mentioned.
b) I think that a critical mass of time had to elapse before the whole LA issue could, truly, be discussed in rational and dispassionate way. I wouldn't have guessed that ten years would be required but that seems to be the case.
4) I thought that the latest LA documentary, by 30 for 30 was a good complement to this podcast. The podcast prompted me to watch, listen, and read pretty much everything available on LA. I didn't track the original story so it's mostly new to me.
5) Bizarre as this may sound, I consider Lance a role model of sorts. Put in the same position, with the same opportunities, I suspect that I would have done the same or worse.
6) Other than the obvious exceptions, I feel that Lance is actually more honest than most humans. He doesn't fake much of the contrition that a) everyone wants from him and b) would surely improve his situation.
I did watch the entire video. Twice actually. I'd love to discuss it with you or anyone else.
2) I'm glad that you initiated this as I've been wanting to discuss it myself. It takes balls to start another LA thread these days though. Kudos.
3) I think that two things make the interview more than just a rehash of old news:
a) Attia absolutely crushes it as an interviewer, especially in his being non-judgmental in a way that almost no LA interviewers ever are. And the technical bent as you mentioned.
b) I think that a critical mass of time had to elapse before the whole LA issue could, truly, be discussed in rational and dispassionate way. I wouldn't have guessed that ten years would be required but that seems to be the case.
4) I thought that the latest LA documentary, by 30 for 30 was a good complement to this podcast. The podcast prompted me to watch, listen, and read pretty much everything available on LA. I didn't track the original story so it's mostly new to me.
5) Bizarre as this may sound, I consider Lance a role model of sorts. Put in the same position, with the same opportunities, I suspect that I would have done the same or worse.
6) Other than the obvious exceptions, I feel that Lance is actually more honest than most humans. He doesn't fake much of the contrition that a) everyone wants from him and b) would surely improve his situation.
I did watch the entire video. Twice actually. I'd love to discuss it with you or anyone else.
06-06-23, 09:10 AM
#48
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Yeah lots of top guys like this. But they are not ALL like this. The current crop of superstar cyclists actually come across as decent human beings e.g. Pogacar, Vingegaard, WvA, MvdP, GT etc. Maybe it's a generational thing, but some of the old heroes seem okay too e.g. Indurain, Lemond, Sean Kelly.
Last edited by PeteHski; 06-06-23 at 10:15 AM.
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06-06-23, 09:19 AM
#49
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I also believe that it is possible to dictate the terms of a discussion. Not just possible but productive. That's how a lot of important conversations evolve in science, business, and politics with respect to panel discussions etc. It's just not a practical goal on internet forums because it requires the civilized cooperation of too many unwilling participants. Tragedy of the commons basically.
06-06-23, 09:36 AM
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I seem to recall that years ago there came to be a kind of 'rule' around here: no Armstrong/doping discussion, at least not in 'General.'
Don't know whether that rule was informal or formal (instituted by our mods), but as with at least a couple other topics I can think of, discussion on this one inevitably turns pointlessly toxic.
Don't know whether that rule was informal or formal (instituted by our mods), but as with at least a couple other topics I can think of, discussion on this one inevitably turns pointlessly toxic.
But pro cycling topics are no longer banned in Road or General and I'm happy to see this one regardless the mixed reception.
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