Thumbing Our Collective Noses At The Frogs

Lance Armstrong Wins His 6th Consecutive Tour de France

Armstrong's record-breaking sixth Tour de France win Sunday was not a real surprise to many although there were times during this monstrous race that some had their doubts.

Poor, poor France, I mean think about it...

Not only has the US had to bail them out of two world wars and billions in debt and reconstruction costs but also an American has bested them at their own race, for the 6th time (and to be honest one of the very few things that Americans track when it comes to France).

Here are Lance's highlights from his unprecedented 6 Tour de France wins.

Lance Armstrong's highlights from six Tour wins:

1999

`Winning my first yellow jersey.'

Armstrong, declared cancer-free in 1997, wins his first Tour de France 2 ½ years later. He won the prologue, two time trials and the ninth stage.

2000

`Winning the Hautacam stage. That was the year everybody said I couldn't do it.'

Tour winners Jan Ullrich and Marco Pantani were back, and favorites, after sitting out in 1999. On the day of the Pyrenees stage, Armstrong started in 16th place, but by the end of the climb he was first.

2001

`I remember L'Alpe d'Huez.'

Early in the 21-switchback, 9.6-mile climb, Armstrong passed Ullrich like he was standing still and gave his rival the famous look.

2002

`No highlights. That's just my honest answer.'

He became the fifth man to win four Tours, joining Bernard Hinault, Eddie Merckx, Miguel Indurain and Jacques Anquetil.

2003

`Luz Ardiden.'

Armstrong had a bad crash before the Tour, was ill at the start, was badly dehydrated in the time trial, barely averted a crash when Joseba Beloki wiped out in front of him. Then, while breaking away on a climb up the Luz Ardiden, his handlebars caught in the strap of a fan's bag, which threw him to the ground. The pack waited for Armstrong to get up after Tyler Hamilton reminded them of proper Tour etiquette. Armstrong went on the win the stage.

2004

`Wearing the yellow jersey and climbing the top step and making history will be the moment I carry forever.'

At 32, Armstrong won five individual stages and the team time trial for a record sixth title. He also beat several past tour winners in this race as well.

Congratulations Mr. Armstrong!!!

SlagleRock Out

Posted by SlagleRock at July 26, 2004 07:45 AM