Lance Armstrong’s Radioshack teammate and South Africa’s Daryl Impey will be blogging exclusively for Bicycling for the duration of the Tour de France.
>> 2 more sleeps till we see the start of this years 2010 Tour de France. It’s going to be a special tour not only because of the rivalry between the top contenders (Lance, Contador, Schlecks, Evans, Basso, Menchov, Kloeden, Leipheimer, Wiggens) but Lance has also announced that this will be his final year racing the Tour de France.
Many people question if he is able to win an 8th time and the answer is pretty easy, “Yes he can”. I think that Lance has proven himself enough times since his return to pro cycling and recently finishing 2nd overall at the Tour de Suisse has definitely washed away any doubt whether he is ready or not. Alberto is definitely hard to beat but Team Radioshack is more than ready to take on the challenge from all the favourites. Remember the Tour can be lost in the first week on the cobbles and Lance proved this year at the Tour of Flanders he can handle the pave.
South Africa has Robbie Hunter in the mix this year again (he won a stage in 2007) and is itching to win again. I spoke to Robbie this week and he said he feels strong ahead of the Tour and let’s hold thumbs he can pull something out the bag. He is not the only South African there though. We have 2 soigneurs (masseurs) at the race namely Graeme McCullum (BMC) and Hanlie Fouche( SKY).
Yesterday, I know that our team was busy doing recon of stage 3 so today I am sure they will just head out for a few hours and get a nice massage in the afternoon before the Tour presentation gets underway. One thing is for sure, the press will be all over Team Radioshack and Lance and the team is ready to take whatever is thrown at them.
While many of us are watching the Tour de France from the comfort of our homes or offices, remember it is not as easy at it looks. Cruising through beautiful scenery will hardly be noticed by the riders, every rider has given their all to be on the start list and most riders will have given up on eating junk food in preparation of the Tour. I am sure most of the riders are not looking forward to the normal routine of waking up, breakfast, bus transfer, race, bus transfer, massage, dinner and bed but that’s what it’s about. Timing is important and an extra 10min recovery time over 3 weeks can make the difference at the end of the Tour. I can’t wait to watch it unfold and I’m sure you can’t either. May everyone have a safe Tour and I’m personally hoping Lance can make it number 8!
Great inside stuff from our own Saffey. Why is Daryl not riding? anyone know. would be great to have another saffy in le tour.
Daryl has no option but to say that Lance can win – he is his boss now. I am afraid Contador has age on his side and his competitors will come from the same age bracket.