Sunday, February 25, 2007

ToC Stage 6 - Awe and Respect

Nicknames and jokes about comic superheroes are fun, but when you see George Hincapie put in a performance like he did today, that all seems silly. All you can do is have a quiet moment of awe and respect for the utterly unbelievable sacrifice, guts, and endurance of this very special athlete. He crashed around mile 3, and there was that dreaded picture of a rider sitting on the road, holding a crooked wrist - the kind of picture that invariably ends with the rider making his way to a team car or medical car, out of the race. But the attacks were already coming, and the day was too important, and George's team needed him. So he got back on the bike.

He got back on the bike and completed an extraordinary 100 miles of hard racing. With a broken wrist. And it's not like he just sat on to stay in the race. He drove hard for nearly four hours - first to bridge back up to the peloton that had broken in two, and then right up to the front of the pack, where he took long and vital pulls to set the brutal pace to catch the breakaway. And it's not like it was a flat stage. He was out of the saddle, muscling up the climbs. Can you imagine what kind of pain he was in? I don't think I want to. Just look at the picture from right after the finish, where his arm looks like a dead, useless appendage, and what he gave today starts to sink in.

I remember being quite moved by this passage written by photographer Graham Watson back in 2005, and it came to mind immediately this evening. He and others may write something equally eloquent tomorrow about George's incredible display today, but for now I think this still works rather nicely:

It's fascinating watching the way Discovery rotates its riders' working roles to defend Lance's race-lead. Yesterday it was Hincapie and Popovych providing the quality pace, today it was Hincapie and Savoldelli - tomorrow it will probably be Noval and Hincapie - it's always Hincapie with someone! But the team is carefully deploying its riders according to their strengths and weaknesses on any given day. For sure their weakest man at the moment is 'Triki' Beltran, who goes to work at an early stage each day and is the first to drop back, his face a mask of pain or at best discomfort. But whatever his malady is now, Beltran will come into his own in the Pyrenees, be assured of that. He is a hard man, a real old-fashioned cyclist who doesn't know the meaning of 'an easy day'. It is a philosophy that could be applied to Hincapie as well - it was he who dug the deepest on the Galibier when Discovery did up the pace just a little bit to keep Vinokourov's lead within reason.

Hincapie enjoys what is virtually a brotherly relationship with Lance, and he is determined to provide, one last time, that extra tender loving care to a teamate and friend who he values so much. I saw that look in his eyes today as he bent his back to the cause and dragged Lance and the group almost up the entire ascent of the Galibier. And even when he was dropped in the last two-kilometres, he gritted his teeth and regained contact on the long and rapid descent, taking his place again at the front of the Discovery train that reduced Vinokourov's lead even further on the fast run-in to Briancon. In the absence of Viatcheslav Ekimov, and the defection of Landis to Phonak, there is even more reliance on Hincapie to keep Lance out of trouble and keep the Austinite a happy man. George can amuse Lance more than anyone else, but it is his physical presence that Lance most appreciates, I'm sure. There's precious little time for them to have a laugh and a chat on this race, but words are not necessary when Lance tucks in behind gentle George - he's been there for almost seven Tours de France now, and has been very much the spiritual backbone of the team's success.

It was a great day of racing all around - CSC with the relentless attacks and selfless team spirit, Jens and Levi hopping up to an early breakaway, Stuart O'Grady's relentless pulling in the one that finally stuck, the entire Discovery team turning themselves inside out for their man, and JJ Haedo bursting out for the win. But I have to agree with Phil and Paul as they gave the HealthNet Move of the Day to Big George. And it appears that was even before they knew he had done all that with a broken wrist.

Levi and the boys will surely miss George dearly on tomorrow's nervous circuits, and if they make it through with victory intact, will be very sad he is not alongside as they cross the line. Here's wishing George a speedy recovery and a successful season, because the peloton is better for him being in it. And pssst…UCI and ASO - this is what unselfish, team-oriented love of the sport looks like. Get over yourselves and show some respect for days like today.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

As The Floyd Turns

There's still a long, long way to go in the Floyd Landis case, but just seeing headlines like "Gee, I guess maybe we completely hosed this guy for no good reason" (I'm paraphrasing ;) has got to be encouraging. A word of caution to the Landis camp - stay ahead of the "on a technicality" slant. Don't let the press run away with it like they did with the "elevated testosterone" canard. If this becomes a huge story again, we know how quickly the ignorati rush in with their sweeping generalizations and proclamations that have little to do with the facts at hand. God help us if we have Ron Rappaport back on the NewsHour waxing incoherently about how "Norris" dodged a bullet. (If you happened to catch the NewsHour last July, you know what I'm talking about. And if you did, tell me, what objects did you choose to throw at the screen?)

Although it's probably more useful to look ahead, as TBV has, the Nancy Kerrigan Chorus (why, why, why) continues to beckon. However the UCI may have encouraged or exploited the shaky results, one has to think they didn't imagine they would be ruining an innocent man (and thus, one who would fight back to the death). I've already speculated on their lack of love for the sport they claim to represent, and so I think it probably went something like this: They are of the cynical camp that assumes everyone is doping. So, they assume whoever it is they're going to crucify will be guilty of something, and appropriately slink away in fear, so they (the UCI) can have their fun with the ASO. Needless to say, they picked the wrong guy. And how.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Tour of California - Stage 3

Note to Lance: don't try to be humble, dear. It's not you, and you just end up putting your foot in your mouth. Bobke asked him about the great crowds in California this year, and Lance says something like, "yeah, it's great, you know, people thought that when…an American stopped winning the Tour de France, people would stop being interested in cycling." Uh, Lance, as of this moment, that first part hasn't happened yet. It's okay, you can say "when I stopped competing."
Speaking of Americans still winning the Tour, how happy did Floyd Landis look in his little chat, getting to talk strictly racing for a minute? Makes me smile, but also breaks my heart. Even more so today, with Dugard's comments ringing in my ears. I knew there were politics going on throughout this case, but if it's gone to the level he suggests, that just turns my stomach. A man is dead, a career in ruins, and for what? So they can play their little power games? Disgusting. (I know, that first part is more complicated than that, I've been suicidal myself, but still - a man is dead.) No one deserves to be that kind of pawn, but especially guys like Floyd - he just wants to ride his bike, do his job. He didn't work his butt off for 15 years to get some flowers or be on Letterman, or to be a Big Man in front of a microphone. He did it so he could challenge himself to the toughest race and conquer it, ride at the top of a sport he loves. Looks like some others have long forgotten their love of cycling, if they ever had it in the first place. What a miserable life they must lead.

Enough misery - speaking of guys who just love to ride - how outstanding was that stage today? I finished a workout right before the show started, but I think I burned more calories watching the race than I did the previous hour! All class on the final stretch, Jens, Levi, and Chris all taking their pulls, gutsy professionals all. Great to see Jens pull out the win, does anyone have a more infectious grin? And Levi, man, he continues to impress. Discovery signing Basso had to be a huge blow, but if this is what it inspires Levi to show, maybe it's not so bad after all! It was disconcerting to see him alone until he bridged up to Jason McCartney, but I guess the boys did a heck of a job getting him to that point. And bless McCartney, going cross-eyed to hang in there at the end of the climb and then help them fly on the descent. Those little captions Versus added this evening cracked me up. Hey, whatever helps bring the folks in. The more the merrier, just as long as you're in it for the love, people.

P.S. The photos for the name-the-legs contest at The Paceline are just plain freakadelic!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Tour of California - Captain America

Captain America indeed. Big George Hincapie is filling out the suit nicely, right out of the chute. He already had it made, with the chiseled features and his status as elder road captain. But today he threw in the hero part with the way he took care of Levi, and it nearly got me teary. Yeah, I'm all cynic on the outside, but with a soft, gooey center. ;-)

It's just one of the things I love most about cycling, the teamwork. Everyone's down in a mess, and Captain America is right there, making sure Levi is all set, then taking him home like a speed demon. Turns out the great effort wasn't vital in the end, but don't ruin my fun! Levi's show of appreciation to George after the finish was touching, not yet knowing about the neutralization, probably thinking his overall chances may have been lost, but recognizing George did his job well.

Not to take anything away from his one-day classic efforts or individual stage wins, but after last year's unwieldy expectations in the Tour, it's nice to see George back where he belongs in a big stage race - First Lieutenant, er, Captain, protecting his guy.

I'm happy to spread the love, big Jens Voigt also had me cheering with delight as he powered down the road in lead out for his guy. Gotta love his attitude - don't talk to me about all this peripheral nonsense in cycling, just let me get on my bike and show them how it's done. Rock on, Jens.

How frustrating for Dave Z. Here's hoping he's not too badly hurt, and Floyd can take him out for a beer. Still waiting to hear on Basso's knee; I'm sure that's a collective holding of the breath in the Disco camp this evening.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Look at me, I'm Floyd Landis

I imagine Floyd has some good help crafting his statements, but I also imagine they are exactly what he wants to say, and the help is only technical. Whatever the case, they're good, and generally quite satisfying. They are so stark, unequivocal, and look-you-straight-in-the-eye, you'd think even the diehard doubters would start getting a clue. Some of the doubters are just nut-crusted Pound cake, and some are protecting their own interests, but I also fear that some are falling into the "unthinkable alternative" trap.

A concept I take from a line in the movie Awakenings - when Robin Williams asks how the experts know the "frozen" patients aren't aware, the answer is a haunting, "because, the alternative would be unthinkable." In this case the unthinkable alternative for McQuaid and his ilk is this - Floyd was right all along, he is innocent, and your actions and statements all these months, that have caused such damage to the sport, were all for nothing. And I don't mean saving face or PR problems, I mean just within themselves, in their own minds, I think they have a mental block to seeing the other side, because the enormity of the mistake in that case is too overwhelming.

Kind of like how Bush got reelected, but continuing with that comparison would be unseemly, so I'll stop there.

There's been talk recently about how belief in Floyd is about how you feel about the science, or because he seems like a nice guy. That's never been it for me. It's always been the simple fact that Floyd is Floyd. I'm not a groupie, and I don't have blind faith in anything, but what I've always felt, and what you hear time and time again from those in the know, is this - just look at him, listen to him, he is as straightforward as it gets. That's why I adore the FFF poster - it says it all - I'm not hiding, I will meet your gaze and I will not flinch. If only the other side would bother to open their eyes and look back.

Tour of California Prologue

Love/hate with VS. continues - thanks for the much-improved coverage over last year, but an hour of pre-game was a bit much. They could have at least thrown in Basso and the other early guys between features. I still can't get it in my head that Basso is a Disco boy now, even after all the pictures and stories from camp. Today's five seconds didn't help, maybe tomorrow will.

Likewise with Levi - even when I'm reading about him at The Paceline, I have to remind myself he's on their team again. But today did help on that score - what a win! He hasn't always pulled it off in the past, but today he looked the part of a true champion - they find a way to win, even if it's by the slimmest of margins, they find a way. Even more impressive after hearing about the wind shift against the later starters.

Phil and Paul are the best in the business, no doubt, but they went rather overboard on the shock and dismay that the top TT guys weren't ripping it up - with that climb at the end, was it really a surprise? Taking nothing away from Levi's tremendous effort, there's simple math in the result - he had the magic combo of the day - a top pro's heart and mind, and a tiny body to carry up the climb. Makes sense to me.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Not Ready To Sit Up

Blame it on Dugard, his blog entry title the other day got my mind swirling with Johnny Cash, Rick Rubin, the Dixie Chicks (the Grammys helped of course), and Floyd Landis. My thoughts settled on the Chicks and Floyd, and it came to me, plain as day: at the next FFF event, I think Floyd, Dave Z. and Robbie V. should toss on some wigs and high heels and belt this one out:


Not Ready To Sit Up

No Tour, this year
Next time, I'll just skip the beer
They say truth will always out
But I've got my doubts

My hip is healed
All I want is a level playing field
I've paid a price
And I'll keep paying

I'm not ready to sit up
I'm not ready to take blame
'Cause that lab is bad and
They f***ed it up you know time and time again
I will not give up this fight
Tho Pound would love it if I would
But I'm mad as hell
My innocence is true and it must be understood

You're through they said
Why don't you just go away
Like I'd let them tear me down
I guess they don't know me

I won it clean and I made it to Sunday
With one dead hip and a whole lotta pain but
It's a short-lived glory when they call you a cheater
Lawyers and the voyeurs come to make you suffer

And how can the press make a guess at the facts
When they don't know a hole from their ass
What gets lost in the chatter
The fact of the matter: lab results show
That my level was normal

I'm not ready to sit up
I'm not ready to take blame
'Cause that lab is bad and
They f***ed it up you know time and time again
I will not give up this fight
Tho Pound would love it if I would
But I'm mad as hell
My innocence is true and it must be understood

No Tour, this year
Next time, I'll just skip the beer
They say truth will always out
But I've got my doubts

-----

I know I'd pay good money to see that. ;-)