Lance Armstrong: “I Am Ready”
This comes from an exclusive interview that Lance Armstrong gave to Eurosport just prior to the start of the Tour de France. I’ve done my best to adjust and tweak the machine translation. I put my changes in parentheses.
In an exclusive interview granted to Eurosport, Lance Armstrong made that point before the start of the Tour de France. Four years after his last appearance, the American has returned to the Grande Boucle. He said he was both excited and nervous. But above all, the Texan feels ready. Everyone is warned.
ES: How did you feel (on your) return to Tour de France, three years later?
Lance ARMSTRONG: I feel various emotions. I’m excited and nervous, but happy, I’m ready. I think I’m well prepared. I know the Tour, I know what it means and what it takes to be in front or to win. There is no question mark for me. But it’s been a long time (since I have) come here, and it will be a very special moment for me in the first kilometers.
For many, Alberto Contador is the favorite of the Tour de France. Is this also your view?
LA : I think it’s fair to say that, if it is based on this season and the previous one, with his victories in the Giro and the Vuelta. He has also improved (in time trials). We can not let go in the mountains and it is almost to rival the best in against the clock. It’s therefore logical that you make (him) the favorite of the race.
What is your role within the Astana team?
LA : It is not yet clearly defined. Even Johan (Bruyneel), for me or for Alberto. Nobody knows yet exactly how it will happen. We will know a little more Saturday, I suppose. And once in Andorra, we will be set on what I can do. All I can say is that I led as hard and as long as in my previous (races).
Do you think that Saturday’s time trial will give important indications …?
LA : Yes, I think. This is not a little time trial. It is not short, not flat and it is not a usual prologue of the Tour de France. It’s a real race against the clock with 400-500 meters in altitude gain. There is enough rise to cause differences. So, everyone will draw conclusions, within the team and outside, and (within themselves).
Are you worried that your enemies (will) take advantage of any tension between you and Alberto?
LA : We must be careful here and keep a good spirit in the team. Cohesion is crucial. You can not afford to be divided. If so, riders like Sastre, Menchov, Evans and Schleck will benefit. The important thing is to focus on our work. Let’s be pros, let’s be teammates. Our situation is delicate because it’s not just Alberto and myself. There is also Levi Leipheimer. We have a very strong team, but it does involve some complications.
Where and when will (this Tour) be played?
LA : The mountains (will) make the difference. After the time (trial in)Monaco, there will be no time trials before the last week. The first week is difficult, hilly, windy. Arriving in Arcalis is also difficult. But I still believe that we should not get carried away too much on the first 15 days. Everything will be decided in the last week of racing, which is terrible.
You have (ridden) several (of the) mountain stages. (What have you gained)?
LA : The stage of the Grand-Bornand is a typical mountain stage of the Tour, with a concatenation of several passes, the Roselend, seizures, and the Colombière adding Romme neck which is a very difficult climb: 9 km to 9%. In addition, it was very hot during the day when I came. But anyway, nothing will be decided before the Ventoux. That is what the organizers wanted – the suspense to the end. The Ventoux will be an event even bigger and stronger than before.
Outside the Astana riders, who may seek to bring the yellow jersey in Paris?
LA : I think Carlos Sastre. For three reasons. First, because he won it last year. Then I found it very hard in the Giro. Finally, and most importantly for me, it is still very strong in the third week running and this year, last week is really terrible. As there are more relatively few times, it has a good chance of victory. For me it is really one of the big favorites. But you can not rule out Menchov or Evans.
Do you expect to suffer during the next three weeks?
LA : You always (suffer) in this sport. In cycling, there is always pain and suffering. This is the hardest sport in the world. You can not compare with any other discipline. Normally, if you are on top of your condition it is a quite pleasant form of suffering. But we’ll see …
What is your relationship with the French public?
LA : Let’s say it is very variable. But right now it is pretty good. I’ve been here for a week and I have not had one negative reaction in the streets, either here in Monaco or in Montpellier when we rode the team time trial course. I think we have a mutual respect. I respect this country and for the event that the Tour de France. And I think people respect the rider that I am. We do not always love, but our relationship has evolved and I am optimistic for the next three weeks.
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Tags: alberto contador·America·astana·Carlos Sastre·Eurosport·France·Lance Armstrong·Levi Leipheimer·Monaco·Paris·team time trial
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