For Now, Armstrong “Bulletproof” For Battle With “Court Of Public Opinion”

Although Armstrong himself, bicycling fans, and federal investigators are all taking Landis’ claims about Lance Armstrong’s doping seriously, indications are that Armstrong is essentially unassailably popular in the eyes of the public.

His triumph over cancer, his amazing athletic achievements, and the amount of money he’s given to cancer research are all factors in his durable popularity.  Sales of his merchandise are consistient and guesses put Armstrong’s personal income at about $20 million this last year.

All that could change, though, according to a USA Today article, if the doping allegations were found to have merit. Experts predict his fall would be “epic”, “legendary”, and potentially worse than that of Tiger Woods.  Armstrong continues to 100% deny any direct or indirect involvement with doping, and it is clear that the public would prefer that to be the case.

For the full run-down of Armstrong’s predicament and the public’s reaction, visit USA Today’s online article here.

Contador Wins Tour de France 2010 (Plus Stage 20 Updates)

By now it is all over the airwaves, computer screens, and Internet…Contador has won his 3rd Tour de France.  Even though Schleck and Contador looked friendly and relaxed during the final stage–joking with each other and smiling for the camera, theirs is a rivalry that is bound to make the next few TDF races exciting for spectators.

In what must have seemed insult on top of injury, Armstrong’s team was made to remove their LIVESTRONG jerseys before the finish line, though.  Team RadioShack had donned the “LIVESTRONG 28″ jerseys in a attempt to call attention to the 28 million people who die of cancer each year.  (You can read more about it at the Christian Science Monitor by clicking here)

For an interactive (and exhaustive!) rundown of the entire TDF standings this year, you can visit the “standing” page on the official Tour de France website.

Happy TDF 2010, everybody.  Ride safe and see you soon!

Tour de France Stage 16: Bagnères-de-Luchon

If any day was going to be Lance Armstrong’s day, this was it.  Armstrong, who had spoke about one last stage win in his career, was one of the stage’s leaders up until the very end. Alas, he was bested by France’s Fedrigo, but he gave this grueling stage as much as he could until the end.

There were no changes in the overall standing.

LeMond Subpoenaed In Government Probe Into Armstrong’s Alleged Doping

The New York Daily News reports that Greg LeMond, has been subpoenaed by the government for the FDA case against Armsgrong.  FDA criminal investigator Jeff Novitzky, who is famous for uncovering the BALCO doping ring, is investigating allegations of doping in Armsgrong and the 4 teams with which the bicyclist has been associated since 1998 (Astana, National Geographic, RadioShack, and U.S. Postal Service)

This news couldn’t come at a worse time for Armstrong–he’s had terrible luck in the TDF this year, and trades on the currency of his good name for his cancer-fighting charity LIVESTRONG.  Armstrong’s lawyer isn’t enjoying the free publicity though, and has sent a letter to the prosecutor complaining about the disastrous leaks to the public.

Whether the allegations are unfounded or legitimate remains to be seen–but it is becoming increasingly clear that the FDA is taking them seriously.  Stay tuned for updates in the case.

Behind The Scenes On Stage 3: Team RadioShack Pictures

Check these awesome action shots out, courtesy of Mr. Lance Armstrong himself, via Twitter (@lancearmstrong):

Armstrong Plagued With Flat Tire, Falls To 18th Overall

Armstrong, bruised and bloodied from yesterday’s spills, had another day of bad luck as an “ill-timed flat tire” left him alone, behind the pack, and “pedaling furiously.”  By the time this 3rd stage was done, Armstrong had dropped from 5th to 18 place overall, and was 50 seconds behind Contador.

Armstrong, when asked about today’s ride, was grim but circumspect:

“We’re not going home but it’s very frustrating. I’m not going to make any excuses. We came in here today in good position. First there was a crash that split the group, we hung tough, and then got the flat tire right at the wrong moment. It’s the nature of the sport. Sometimes you’re the hammer, sometimes you’re the nail. Today I was the nail.”

Armstrong and his team, which include Levi Leipheimer, had hoped to make up critical time on the cobblestones before the hilly stages start, but didn’t get the chance.

Will bad luck end Armstrong’s final bid for the TDF 2010 title?  Stay tuned…

For the full details, see the official TDF website and this Los Angeles Times article.