I can't believe it's already here. Today is the prologue for Lance's first race back on U.S. soil in four years! I can still remember being glued to the TV years ago everyday after work watching him win his 7th TdF in a row. Now, I will finally get to see him in person this week as I hit the road to watch the madness that is California cycling.
Why am I doing this? Simple answer...he is one of the most inspirational and hard working honest figures that we have in the U.S. He beat the odds of surviving testicular cancer and then proceeded to dominate the sport of professional cycling. So many people told him that it would be impossible, and that only fueled his fire more.
Sure he has incredible genetics, with a VO2max of 83.8 mL/kg/min, lactate threshold heart rate of 178 bpm, and resting heart rate of 32 - 34 bpm. But other cyclists come close, and some even beat these stats. So why is he the best? Simply put he works harder and trains smarter than anyone else. He'll spend hours in a wind tunnel, fine tuning to the millimeter his position on the bike. He'll weigh his food to the ounce to insure he is getting all the calories and nutrition he needs. And he will ride however long Chris Carmichael says to, and then some.
So who wouldn't want to see one of the greatest athletes of all time in action again? Will he return to the throne, or is he too old? I predict the former, as all of the naysayers and critics are what Mr. Armstrong feeds off of. I can imagine such thoughts running through his mind when he is climbing and his legs are burning. That is passion. That is what separates the good from the great.
So what does the route look like? It's eight days of heavy mileage starting in Sacramento and finishing in Escondido. With the exception of the prologue and time trial, each stage is 100+ miles. Below is the route:
Not sure how much net access I'll have on the road, but will be posting my whereabouts on Twitter...oh such genius is the iPhone :)
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