12 September 2008

Lance Armstrong Is Back! OMG!!1

*Note: For those of you who don't know me, or l33t speak I have a disclaimer. I am a bit of a nerd. Bikes, computers, whatever. I meant to do "OMG!!1" (Oh My Gosh!! and the final is "1". An exclamation after accidentally dropping the shift key... but I dropped it intentionally. OK, now on to the post.

In case you haven't heard, Lance Armstrong is once again taking the bull by the horns. Doug Ulman, LAF President released the following on Tuesday, September 9th.

We wanted you to be the first to know – it's true.

There are times in life when the game changes, when you look at the world differently and you know you must do what's right.

So, once again, Lance is changing the game. Today, it's still not about the bike. It's about people, their families and friends fighting the greatest fight of their lives – both in the U.S. and around the world. It's about straight and open talk about cancer, breaking the silence and eliminating the stigma and discrimination survivors experience. It's about a moral obligation to fight this disease no matter who or where it strikes with everything we've got.

The LIVESTRONG Army's commitment and dedication has started a movement to change cancer policy, research funding and access to care – a fight we must all commit to continue. We cannot stop now. We must increase our efforts and work to make cancer not only a national priority, but a global priority as well. Together, we can help inspire and empower the millions of people affected by cancer worldwide.

Now more than ever, we need you to join us. Whether you make a gift, join the LIVESTRONG Army or consider the presidential candidates' cancer plans before you vote, you will make an important impact on the future of cancer.

Read the official statement or watch a video message to the LIVESTRONG Army from Lance in his own words.

Thank you for all you do to support our efforts.


So there is a reason that I didn't jump all over the chance to write something first thing Tuesday night to post for Wednesday morning. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the news. That's to say, I'm not sure I'm excited that Lance has gone back to racing. He's won the Tour de France a brain melting SEVEN times. No one in history has ever done it before, AND he did it after he was diagnosed and treated with brain, lung, liver and testicular cancer! I'd argue that the guy must be bionic, superhuman even. With that said, I wonder what he could do to top it. He went out so on top of his game he has come to, in my opinion, a scary place. From here one of two things happens. You rocket right back to the top and blow everybody's mind, or you crash and burn in a painful ball of fire.

I have to believe being away from his passion, racing, is just killing him. We've seen how it can be when he is out of his element, ie: Leadville. I just hope he can make it happen once again. The alternative would just be such a huge disappointment.

I'm anxious to here what you guys have to say about it.

4 comments:

Bluenoser said...

I wonder if he being part owner of the team that couldn't get into the TDF has anything to do with it?

Pretty hard to say no to a team with the 7 time winner in it.

Just wondering.

-B

Cycling Phun said...

Hmmmm, very good point, Blue.
Hope all is well with you!
-D

Judi said...

I am really happy and excited and will actually watch the TdF with him in it. I have the most respect for the guy. D calls him a genetic freak. I love watching Lance on the old TdF viseos while I am riding my bike on the trainer in the winter. He rocks. You guys know he was a triathlete first? I wish so badly he'd do an Ironman. He's an awesome swimmer.

Groover said...

I'm like you. I'm not sure, yet, how I feel about it. Curious if he will really start next year.

P.S. Just found you blog via Betty over at Itchy Bits. Sparked my interest when I saw that we are in the same profession. Will be back to read more. :-)