End of an era"It's a dream podium I'm standing on here," Armstrong said. "Jan is a special person and a special rival."
"Ivan, well you are just tough to race against. You're too much of a friend but maybe you're the future of the race for the years to come."
Turning to both, Armstrong added: "Ivan, maybe it's your turn next year, or Jan, maybe it will be yours."
After briefly criticizing the doubters who claim that his exploits have been achieved through illicit means - he has faced accusations of doping in the past - Armstrong had only one thing to say:
"Vive le Tour. Forever."
8 comments:
Nice blog, great pics. Makes me miss europe.
What I would give to be in Paris right now. I too miss Europe. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.
That's awesome that he got #7. Now he can retire and enjoy the benifits of years and years of his hard work. Great picture of him enjoying it!
Neuro
Neuro, having been a Michael Jordan fan, I am so excited to see Lance retire on top. From everything I've read and heard him say, there is zero chance he changes his mind.
Been wrong before, but I think today was his last professional ride.
So many great memories since 1993 when I first started following his career. A good friend of mine got me an autographed jersey from Lance in his pre-cancer days from the Tour dePont. My friend got two of them--kept one and gave me the other. I put mine away and he wore his to the point the signature wore off.
Who would have ever known back then what was to come. Amazing story on so many levels and I've heard them all both positive and negative.
They gave him the mike on the podium today, something never done before for a Tour winner. I thought he was going to cry at the playing of the Anthem. Moving stuff. History made. Finish on top. Incredible.
Nothing like going out at the top. Always the way to do it. The Police, Wham! (though I never liked them personally). If only Status Quo would take the concept on board...
ship creak, that is so true and so funny. Few of us know when to say when. I take my hat off to Lance for knowing when but for going all out till the end. Say what you want, the man dominated this race like no one has ever done and is leaving on his own terms--a rare thing indeed.
I met Lance once here in Austin! Great guy and I'm thrilled for him! Now he'll be able to enjoy the "fruit of his labor." Great blog Tree.... :)
yemanja, thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. So glad to see you drop by. :)
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