Okay, I read all the posts thus far. Drugs? Remember the UCI (governing body of cycling) has a list of banned substances. Lance isn’t taking any of these, I’m sure. But I’m sure he’s taking SOMETHING. And I’m sure we all would in his place. It’s a matter of legality, not being totally natural. I’ve been a competetive cyclist, and I’ve done multi-day races (with no chemical help other than normal vitamins and Cytomax, which is pretty nasty tasting stuff). The results are a culmination of teamwork, the ability of the team leader to pull out great performances when time can be made, genetic ability (mainly recovery ability), and the mental chess game between the key players. Lance was a triathlete before going full time into cycling. After his cancer, he lost his upper body (just look at the pictures of him from his Olympic debut vs now) which helped his climbing A LOT. He’s had a lot of winnd tunnel work to perfect his time trial position. Also, many female marathon runners come back stronger (mentally) after child bearing, due to breaking through a mental pain threshold. I’d imagine that cancer treatment could do the same thing. Hopefully this has been at least somewhat coherent.
to those who claim he either does not use anything period or he does not use anything thats “banned” come on, are you for real? thats NOT why he wins, he wins because he wants it more than the others w/similar talent, but ALL on that level are ON. didn’t he loose one or both testy’s? so is he allowed to take “therapy” to restore natural levels of test? how could you ever test him then? just a thought. peace hetyey225
Some of the main things putting him on the podium, are his incredible birthrite- he was tested at age 15 at the Cooper Clinic and recorded the highest VO2max they’ve done there to date and my advisor in grad school assisted in some of his tests at the OTC, and verified many of the genetic gift stories such as an unbelievable AT to go with the VO2; a rare desire to work harder than anyone else despite the fact that his “gift” could allow him to soft pedal through his career and still be relatively successful; he is a survivor against incredible odds and is able to keep the Tour in perspective; he has one of the best team directors and team in the sport right now (and their complete devotion it seems); and he has matched his training/riding style to his strengths and moved away from hammering the big gears.
Jeff: You brought up a thought. In High School, I can remember guys with unbelivable raw, “genetic” talent and skills who could party, smoke dope and eat like crap all week and still win on the track, field or court. But they (unlike Armstrong) had no desire to either work hard NOR did they have that “fire” to be a champion. Athletics was just a way to the honey’s and prestige. So today, many of those guys are hanging out doing (or TRYING to do!)the same stuff that they did in High School. From what you posted it seems that yes, Armstrong has some genetic gifts…but that Heart of a Champion is something that is real and tangible…
It’s great seeing the T-heads get into cycling. While cycling is one of the dirtist sports, please assume that Lance is innocent until proven guiltly. An association with a shady doctor isn’t real proof. So far the man has passed every drug test (blood not urine). Yes there may be ways to beat the test, but none of us are in his shoes or know for sure. So why speculate when the avaiable evidence proves otherwise.
Cycling is not a bodybuilding friendly sport (unless it’s track cycling) the extra wt even if it is muscle slows you down on the Mts. (where the Tour De France is won or lost). The reason Armstrong(who is a good 15-20 pds lighter than Urllick) blasted past Urllick in the climb is that he can produce more power per pd of bodywt then our German friend.
Armstrong is most likely the best prepared athlete on the planet. He is amazing careful with his diet (He wts and measures everything he eats). His training program is so detailed that even Coach Davis or King would be impressed. Having a family member who went though cancer treatment, I can tell you the Tour De France is just a ride in the park in comparison and maybe that’s what gives Lance his biggest edge.
Just Curious: Is Armstong’s diet and training regimen documented anywhere? As I understand, his book is more on the inspirational side? (Hey…after looking at this guy, I am never going to discount the “Will to Win” again)!
I don’t know about the diet, but Armstrong’s training program can be found on ridefast.com or his website lancearmstrong.com. Good reading.