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Armstrong’s new ride: The 6-series Madone
Back before Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France he lived in Nice, France. In 1998, he, like many pros in the area, started using the Col de la Madone to test his fitness. At 10 kilometers, the climb has been described by Armstrong as not easy, but not too hard, a perfect road to gauge fitness. Armstrong’s most magical moment on the Madone came in 1999. He went there by himself, on a normal training ride, and did the climb on his own. He recalls the time as 30:45, “with a lot of watts,” adding that he’s never gone any faster.
Armstrong on training for the Leadville 100 and Taylor Phinney
It’s hard to believe that during his record-breaking run from 1999-2005, Lance Armstrong suffered nary a mishap on the way to seven Tour de France titles. But the Texan hasn’t enjoyed quite the same charmed life since returning to the sport in 2009. He’s crashed, suffered, and, at times, appeared fairly mortal. In the final installments of our exclusive interview with Armstrong, VeloCenter host Jason Sumner talks to him about his year of firsts. First Giro. First time “in the ditch.” First time on “a team with such strong guys that can win races at anytime.”
Boonen gets green light
Tom Boonen was granted an eleventh-hour reprieve, allowing him to compete in the Tour de France when it starts on Saturday, Tour organizers confirmed on Friday. The reigning Belgian national champion had been barred from the Tour following a positive test for cocaine in April, but the French Olympic Committee's arbitration panel upheld his appeal against the ban. The Quick Step rider missed last year's Tour after testing positive for cocaine for the first time. Tour organizers acknowledged the decision in a statement issued soon after the ruling was made.
A BC Bike beat down
The fifth day of the 2009 BC Bike Race saw a sizable line of riders queue up outside the Obsession Bikes bike maintenance tent at the finish line in Langdale. After five days of racing, the wrenches-for-hire had seen just about every mechanical calamity known in the world of mountain bike maintenance. Since day one, the business has attacked between 60-70 bikes a night, often times working on the rigs into the wee hours of the morning.
Powers, Zirbell take Fitchburg TT
Bissell’s Tom Zirbel and Alison Powers (Team Type 1) won the first stage of the 2009 Fitchburg Longsjo Stage Race in central Massachusetts on Thursday, with each taking a damp and foggy 14.3 kilometer time trial win. The first stage of the four-day NRC race, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, began with a deluge. While the early-morning Category 4 riders and Juniors faced the TT course in pounding rain, the water backed off to a gentle mist by the time the first Pro women started at 12:45 pm.
Tour de France Tech Gallery—Readying for le Tour
The 2009 Tour de France begins Saturday, but by Thursday the giant show had already overwhelmed the small streets surrounding Monaco’s Port Hercule. Spectacular yachts and sailboats pack the docks in the port, and now, a row of trucks and buses belonging to the 20 teams contesting the Tour can be counted in the mix.
Vittoria Tires: A factory tour photo gallery
The term “handmade” is a rarity in today’s age of automated production. Fewer brands are holding onto their heritage, and are increasingly seeking cheaper, quicker and less labor-intensive production options.
Boonen decision expected Friday
Tom Boonen will find out on Friday whether he has been granted a last minute reprieve to compete in the Tour de France which starts in Monaco on Saturday. The former world road race champion, and current Belgian national champion, was barred from the Tour following a positive test for cocaine in April. Boonen's fate is being decided by the French Olympic Committee's arbitration panel. The Quick Step rider missed last year's Tour for the same reason.
Exclusive video interview: Lance Armstrong on cycling’s PR challenges
Despite reaping the benefits of worldwide fame and spectacular fortune, even Lance Armstrong admits his chosen career is not 100 percent healthy. Doping scandals, contentious leadership battles, and an oftentimes tepid sponsorship climate have all conspired against cycling. But even in the face of such scrutiny, the seven-time Tour de France winner is certain of one thing — bike racing is here to stay.
Saxo Bank meets the press: Jens Voight ponders a question about racing without radios
Jens Voight ponders a question about racing without radios, and then suggests, "Why don't we race for two days with our brake cables cut?"