Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

That is the name of the look that describes Lance Armstrong as he is about to crack. Not many people have seen it, but there are many that hope to see it this coming July. Lance is about to do something that all of the other Tour greats have not done, besides win 6 in a row, and that is to leave on top. Many say that is the last taboo, but Lance is different.

Armstrong has taken the art of winning the Tour down to a science. Chris Carmichael of Carmichael Training Systems writes several articles each year detailing (as much as they are willing to let us in on the details) how Lance’s test results show that he is in form and that the numbers say that he will win. A recent article written this year says that his numbers are up and where they should be, in fact he is more fit than before.

Lance has mentioned in previous interviews that they have the training down to a science so he either has it, or he does not. They do not leave anything up to chance, and when they did (in 2003) Lance still won the race. Add to this the meticoulous attention to detail on equipment and the recon of courses ad nauseum and you have the formula for success. Lance and Co are doing all they can to ensure that they win, and why not? It is a multi million dollar corporation that is now built around Lance. None of this would be possible without the Tour wins.

The comeback story would be dramatic and inspiring if Lance quit after racing in the Ruta de Sol in 1998. But there would be no staying power. Lance is now embedded in the American sports psyche and is a superstar for his incredible story that transcends sport. But to keep it alive he needs to win. That is a greater motivation than any of the past Tour champions have ever had and more than most of his competitors have now.

Read more about the dead elvis grin