Tour de France

Almost as amazing are the 70+ yr olds living life at RAMROD every year.  But ya, try doing RAMROD 20 times in July at 27 mph.  Riders lose 20 to 30% of their spinal bone mass during the three weeks.<br><br>Most memorable stage - July 20, 1995.  Two days after Italian teammate Fabio Casartellis fatal crash a 23 year old attacked from the top of a small climb and soloed 20 minutes while chased closely by a pace line.  Its not possible for a single rider to hold off a charging pace line but every kilometer marker Phil L would stutter, Armstrong is .. GAINING time!   You knew that despite this most inspired effort that eventually he would be caught, but instead, after pointing and looking to the sky while crossing the finish line out of sight of the pursuit, Lance stopped in front of Italian TV cameras and in Italian said, Today I rode with the strength of two men, then climbed into his team bus.

I have a short video clip of the 2003 Beloki crash and Lance's amazing off-road jaunt. I still can't believe he didn't flat out crossing that field! It's about a 5mb file--and I can email it if anyone wants to host it for viewing.<br>-Aaron

Here is the link to the video. Aaron, I assume that was you in the background with the comments.... Give it a look..<br><br> hyak.net/tour/lance.html

Yep, that's me and my wife blabbin' away. If you listen carefully in the last 2 or 3 seconds, you can hear Beloki's painful wail.<br>Thanks for posting the video.

George Hincapie, a great guy and not known as a climber, winning yesterday's stage in the Pyrennees was probably the best moment of the Tour so far this year . . . he couldn't believe it himself!

Congratulations to Lance and team for win #7. Thanks for the memories .