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2005-04-19 - 7:10 p.m.
It had to happen eventually...but somehow, a part of me was hoping that Lance would keep riding for a couple more years. I mean, this is a guy I've been following since he started racing triathlons when he was 16, back in 1987. Putting aside all the cancer stuff, he was and still is an inspiration in the way he trains, races, and wins. I use him when I need to conjure up an image of dominance or aggression, when I need to know that there are people out there who believe in themselves and are able to make it happen because of that belief. We need more of that in this day and age when what we're surrounded with are images of day-to-day mediocrity, with settling-for-what-there-is instead of fighting-for-what-could-be. OK maybe the whole Lance-mania got a little OTT in a typically American sorta way, what with Oprah, and Letterman and Leno and the rock-star girlfriend and the Nike deals. But so what? He wanted it, believed in it and himself, and went out and got it. It doesn't matter if "it" is a million-dollar contract, a record-breaking 6th or 7th, or living through cancer. He did it. And when I see people doing it, I want to do it too. Maybe I will, maybe I won't. But right now, I need to believe that I can. And his career gives me hope. Yes he is human. He has marital problems. He gets tired and bored and misses his kids. He gets angry and throws tantrums and is spiteful and mean and selfish and petty. Just like you and I. And that's just fine cuz no one said he was "Saint Lance". He's just Lance, pro bike racer, probably the best in the world. And he deserves his rest, and time with his children, time off the bike to rest his body, which I'm sure is complaining a bit, having been put through hell and back. And I will remember him winning US Sprint Tris. Coming second to Dave Scott at a Coke Grand Prix event. Winning worlds at Oslo in '93. Winning at USPRO that same year, giving him that million bucks. At San Sebastian. At Fleche. At Pau. At Limoges. In Paris. Six times. In life. What a guy. When I want to complain about fatigue and pain and boredom and general sien-ness, I try to remind myself to stop being a big baby and get on with it. It's the least I can do. Thanks Lance.
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