Knock, Knock, Who’s There? It’s Me, Lance Armstrong, And I’m Back!

The title of this piece may well be alienating to some of the population of France en masse. With the Tour De France about to start this weekend on Saturday, the 4th July , in the principality of Monaco. It can be said that the re-entrance of former seven time champion Lance Armstrong may not be all that welcoming a sight for the throngs of fans who’ll be in attendance for the 96th running of the world’s most prestigious cycle race. Well especially amongst the native French fans.

Lance Armstrong on his way to victory having been assured of having achieved the unprecedented feat of winning his seventh consecutive Tour De France. This victory Armstrong's last was achieved in 2005. picture appears courtesy of afp/bongarts/ Rene Marchand ............

And as much as Armstrong is admired for his heroic exploits here in North America. He’s treated with absolute disdain and contempt by the French purists of the sport and especially by the often irascible press within the country of France. And though nothing has ever been proved despite the unending and continued allegations of doping made against the rider. It has to be said that Armstrong’s reintroduction the sport and re-entry into the event has been met with some opposition. Albeit that there’ve been several other high profiled riders that’ve been found guilty or have been caught up in the doping scandal surrounding the sport.

Armstrong seen here (second from the front) as part of the US Postal team participating in the team trial during the 2003 Tour De France. From 1999 through to 2005 Armstrong would prevail with 7 consecutive wins of cylcing's most prestigious event the Tour De France. picture appears courtesy of bongarts/ getty images/ Christian Broussard .............. @ copyrighted material . All rights reserved .............

Cycling’s legitimacy as it now stands , lies somewhere between that of the recent Presidential elections in Iran and that of the integrity of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford. Let’s just say that being pure of heart . Much less having integrity isn’t how one would view that of Sanford and his antics, or the unwinding events now taking place in Iran .

Armstrong cycling his way to victory at the Tour De France in 2004. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Beth Schneider .....................

The fact of the matter is that the sport of cycling and how in particular the French press and L’Equipe , the organizers of the event have conducted themselves with regard to Armstrong and the allegations that’ve arisen over the years. It has to be said that their’s is a view that Armstrong could not have achieved those results by legitimate endeavors. In their mind he had to have cheated and that it was blatant.

And whilst the history behind the Tour De France is indeed filled with a great deal of nostalgia and heroism. It has to be said that in recent times there has been more controversy surrounding the race than one would really care to discuss. And that it has happened both within the event and away from the event itself. Such has been the plethora of allegations, accusations and the earnest amongst the sport’s governing body and that of L’Equipe to try and rid itself of all the bad remnants within the sport. And this falls squarely on the shoulders that they’ve either caught cheating . Or who’ve ran afoul of UCI through other means . Such as failing to turn up for mandatory drug test appointments.

This year’s event we’ve been told will be the most stringent conducted in terms of testing. And with the event’s organizers L’Equipe said to be working in close conjunction with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) and the International Cycling Union (UCI) . A clear message it’d appear is being sent across the length and breath of the sport that cheating and in particular those who cheat by doping will not be tolerated. Zero tolerance will now become the norm and any violation will be met with swift punishment meted out by the appropriate body.

Armstrong victorious celebrates a mountain stage victory from Le Grand Bornand in France to Siestre, Italy, during the 1999 Tour De France. The event would be won by Armstrong and would be the first of his 7 consecutive Tour De France's won by the American. He leads all riders in the category in terms of the number of times the event has been won. And also for the number of consecutive victories. picture appears courtesy of reuters/ Jacky Naegelen .................

As much as the sport has been trying to clean up its image and bring back a sense of nobility to what is viewed by many as being one of the most physically demanding sporting events on the planet. Wherein over the course of some 21 days and 3,500 kms (2200 miles). The body will have to endure the pain of climbing up some of the most treacherous peaks and undulating roads set in some of the idyllic settings in the country of France. Nevermind the physical and mental toll it will take on the riders over the course of the event. We can be sure that along the way we will see our fair share of crashes , collisions and injuries sustained. But that if anything would be far more pleasant to bear. Than once again having The Tour engulfed in controversy by way of another doping scandal during the event. And there remains a vague possibility that the event itself will not go unscathed by another recurring scandal by way of another failed dope test. The significance of this all hasn’t been lost on the sport’s governning body. Or that of the fans of the sport. As we’ve seen it become ridiculed the butt of so many jokes. It’s not hard to see what this’d now do to the sport and the event itself as a whole.

While Armstrong has maintained his innocence all along as to the fact that he’s never cheated or has he failed a drug test. His success in the event has been tinged with a great deal of jealousy and suspicion. Much much of it has been raised by the French press and one publication in particular , L’Equipe. And L’Equipe as the main organizer of the event has not been slow in casting the allegations aimed directly at Armstrong, himself. Be it French pride or just sheer jealousy. The dye had been cast and it left a very unsavory stench across the sport of cycling . And thereby leading others , as well as the fans and many of Armstrong’s own peers to question the veracity of his achievements in The Tour De France.

This year’s event will be filled with the usual aspirants looking to have their names mentioned alongside such greats as Bernard Hinault, Greg Lemond, Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil and Laurent Fignon. All of whom have been winners of the event ,hold legendary status within the sport and in the annals of the Tour De France history.

It may well be far too much for Lance Armstrong to win this year’s event . Given what little preparation that he’s had. But whilst he does harbor the anticipation of winning an unprecedented eight victory. He realistically knows that it may well prove to be too much for him. He’s stated that he’s prepared to give as much as support to his Astana teammate Alberto Contador should he be in a position to win the event overall.

Armstrong and his teammates seen here competing in the Milan to San Remo Classic cycle race earlier on in March of this year. picture appears courtesy of afp / Giles Murphy……..

Contador was unable to defend his title in 2008 ,as his Astana team was caught up the doping scandal and they were not allowed to compete in the event. And with the notoriety attained from their suspension from the event that has now carried over into this year. It’s understandable to some extent as to the deep seated feelings still being aroused. That being said Armstrong has never failed a mandatory test instituted by UCI or the event’s organizers.

Alberto Contador of Spain seen here triumphant in winning the 2007 Tour De France. picture appears courtesy of si.com/ Paul Murphy ……….

And whilst we all know that there are ways to circumvent many of the rigid test regimens carried out by the medical staff carrying out these tests. Until it’s proven that Armstrong did indeed flout the rules. Then he and his teammates ought to be allowed to compete in the event without there continuing to be any reproach or unfounded allegations or accusations towards the team or Armstrong. But such as been the venom directed towards Armstrong that it’s hard to envisage how he’ll be able to compete without the scrutiny forthcoming from the local press and fans alike. He , much like his teammates will be under an intense amount of pressure. And whilst winning doesn’t appear to be his main goal in the event. It may well be about the only thing that he can use as a weapon to once again silence his critics. Albeit that they mightn’t be fully accepting of the result were that to happen. Their contempt for Armstrong still knows no boundaries. Armstrong hasn’t reciprocated in his demeanor towards his critics and has merely denied ever taking anything deemed illegal in order to enhance his performance.

Having considered the medical problems undergone by Armstrong. And there’s the undeniable fact that having overcome testicular as well as brain cancer. It is quite understandable to have some resvervations as to his monumental exploits in the event. But you cannot hide the fact that his feats of endurance are in-fact what legends are made of.

Members of Astana (AST) team go out for a practice ride on the streets of Monte Carlo in the principality of Monaco. Monte Carlo will be the starting point for the commencement of the race. picture appeaers courtesy of afp/getty images/ Patrick Hertzog .....................

Those who doubt his feats are legitimate are most certainly entitled to their own opinion. As is their very right . But when those opinions border on vitriol and sheer hatred. Then one has to question also the veracity of the very argument that’s being put forth by Armstrong’s opponents. They’ve nothing to substatiantiate their claims, other than mere speculation. And while we’re of the opinion that until there’s specific proof of wrong-doing by Arrmstrong. There is indeed very little that can be done to repudiate his claims of innocence.

Armstrong (right) seen here alongside his Astana teammate Alberto Contador of Spain. Contador was the winner of the event in 2007 but was unable to defend his crown. There was a controversy raised as to the Astana's team involvement in the rampant and widespread use of illecit substances by the team's riders. L'Equipe as the organizers of the event banned the team from entering the race last year. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Lionel Bonaventure ........................

While I understand that he had to overcome testicular as well brain cancer. The treatment and medication that was prescribed in order for him to overcome his illness. It had to have done more harm to his body initially before it could do good. And if there’s proof of any illecit act by Armstrong . Then there’s yet to be any tangible evidence provided to suggest otherwise. We’ve heard hearsay evidence of vials of testosterone , HGH, discarded syringes and other such evidence. And even several books that lay claim to Armstrong’s prolific use of banned substances. None of it proven and as such nothing that could be bordered on being factual. Once again it is just mere supposition and speculation.

Seven time Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong seen here in the principality of Monaco in preparation for the 96th running of the Tour De France. The race itself starts this Saturday , 4th July and will take place over 21 days and a grueling 3500 kms (2200 miles) ending in Paris on the 26th July in the Champs-Elysees in Paris. picture appears courtesy of afp/getty images/ Patrick Hertzog .............

For L’Equipe , UCI and WADA, their’s is a task that in this event and the sport in general. They will have to go about smoking out the cheaters in the sport. If they are indeed to bring back any type of integrity and goodwill that has been lost. So far it’d appear that apart from placing Armstrong within their cross-hairs. There’s been little if anything done to really curtail the rampant and widespread use of illegal substances within the sport of professional cycling. So once in a while we may well hear of cyclist receiving a suspension or a complete ban. If they really want to be proactive and show that they really mean business. Then there ought to be serious financial ramifications for those riders who contravene the rules and regulations of the sport. That if anything would also be enough of a deterrent to completely stop them in their tracks. Because the war being waged against the widespread use of illecit substances within the sport is being lost. And at the same time only the thin veneer of the surface has been scratched as to what has been taking place within the sport.

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