Editor
Wall Street Journal
New York, NY
Re: Reed Albergotti Article dated June 10, 2009
Dear Sirs:
I am writing in response to the article written by Reed Albergotti which inaccurately and ineptly described what Mr. Albergotti perceived as an
ongoing feud between Greg LeMond and me. In general, the article fell far short of minimum journalistic standards on many levels. The article was egregiously one-sided, omitted essential material facts and contained many facts which Mr. Albergotti knew, or should have known, were either false or highly questionable.
As reflected in the LeMond sworn testimony I furnished you, the conversation of August 1, 2001, described by Albergotti was not during LeMond's bike ride with George Mount. Both LeMond and his wife who claims she took notes of the conversation, testified that they were in their car on the way home from the Minneapolis airport during the call. During the call itself, LeMond told me he was on a lake somewhere in Minnesota. While LeMond's whereabouts is of no concern to me or presumably anyone else, it is illustrative of the absurdity of LeMond's claims in a wide range of matters.
Initially, I cannot overemphasize the fact that there is no feud between LeMond and me. I have had no contact with him and certainly have much more productive work to do than to feud with Greg LeMond. His lawsuit concerns a business relationship with Trek, not me. The "battle" has not been "playing out in federal court"; to the contrary, I have not been involved in any such proceedings because I know nothing about his relationship or dispute with Trek other than some initial press reports when he filed his case some time ago.
Had I been responsible for Trek's conduct, I would be a defendant in the case; had I "maliciously interfered" with any of his business interests or done anything to injure LeMond, his brand or his reputation, I would be a defendant in the case. I am not. The "explosive charges" in LeMond's court papers were obviously included purely for effect, as there is no basis to anything he has said about me in some time. Why he chooses to write and talk about me is anybody¹s guess.
In short, Greg LeMond is involved in several "feuds" - primarily with business relationships which have gone sour. He was sued by LifeFitness just last week in an effort to terminate a contract for his exercise bicycle, which has proven defective and apparently caused LifeFitness a great deal of money and inconvenience. He has also been involved in lawsuits to terminate relationships with his long-time manager and other partnership entities. He may be in a feud with me, but I am not involved in a feud with him; I am focused on cancer survivors, their families, and my return to cycling.
Very truly yours,
Lance Armstrong
Member Comments
by 42day on June 19, 2009 at 11:06 AM
LeMond is an ass....bitter man. He should focus his energies in a more positive way; life is too short.
by mrnurse on June 19, 2009 at 11:13 AM
When will people stop trying to bring you down. I hope that people can see this "feud" for the garbage that it is. One can only hope that more people follow in Lances' foot steps. He is an inspiration for us all.
by Cyclintom on June 19, 2009 at 1:29 PM
Let's stop criticizing what LeMond has been saying. He is a man that won the Tour de France three times and that is certainly a respectable accomplishment.
I don't care for what I hear he has supposed to have said and surely since he is in several legal actions perhaps they are things he's said without presence of mind. But when I actually hear him speak he hasn't said any of the things I hear that he has been saying. So it is difficult for me to know whether he has said these things or they're simply rumors and exaggerations of things he as said. That's why we should leave this to the court of law and not public opinion.
by jakerome on June 19, 2009 at 1:40 PM
Do you have a link to the letter *as printed* in the Journal?
by kbayne5900 on June 22, 2009 at 11:54 AM
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459634335000647.html
by davstrong on June 19, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Im not sure but i think this is very much an "ALL AMERICAN" thing,so all i can say been a keen cycling fan is that both GREG and LANCE are the best thing to happen to PRO-CYCLING from the U.S.A.!!!!!!!
by steadfastgirl on June 19, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Thats frustrating I am sorry I know what its like to get no where with the media and I know all to much about lawsuits and how people take there own problems and issues and thrust them on others trying to make them selves look better I will be praying that God will give you the strength to be a light through this situation to this man and every one else involved ... as a man of true character.. in many ways you have been a hero to me during my own struggles over this last year and a shining example of " get up ... and get it done "
THANK YOU !!!
by jonasQuinn23 on June 19, 2009 at 2:57 PM
i wish you guys stop feuding because you are both legends and heroes.
and i wish you both address each other by the first name.
by ddknightmare on June 19, 2009 at 3:00 PM
This is an interesting example of the power of twitter specifically and social media in general. Lance Armstrong's post will reach far more readers, far more quickly than it would had the WSJ chosen to publish it. The 'right of reply' is upheld by the power of tweet!
by davidjohnston on June 19, 2009 at 3:02 PM
Well done. LeMond's brand and legacy are at stake here. Lance, you've done well to defend your's by taking the high road (no pun intended). Now focus your best effort on the fight that truly matters.
by issakov on June 19, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Here is a link to Albergotti's piece in the WSJ:
/>
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124459634335000647.html
He provides his email address at the bottom of the article:
reed.albergotti@wsj.com
In case anyone has comments...
Serge
by quilthug on June 19, 2009 at 5:33 PM
HAHA Conveniently, that page is no longer valid. ;)
by quilthug on June 19, 2009 at 5:34 PM
HAHA Conveniently, that page is no longer valid. ;)
by quilthug on June 19, 2009 at 5:34 PM
HAHA Conveniently, that page is no longer valid. ;)
by quilthug on June 19, 2009 at 5:34 PM
HAHA Conveniently, that page is no longer valid. ;)
by quilthug on June 19, 2009 at 5:34 PM
HAHA Conveniently, that page is no longer valid. ;)
by quilthug on June 19, 2009 at 5:34 PM
opps
by krenoir on June 19, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Well said Lance! LeMond should just get over himself and move on. If he put as much effort into his personal life as he has in his attacks on you, he would be in better shape and of more use to society. When he can claim to have done something for society that's worthwhile, maybe the world would take him a little more seriously!
by Ryango on June 19, 2009 at 3:49 PM
WSJ did you a favor, you kind of contradict yourself saying there is no feud in this vitriolic letter. I look forward to watching you truly ignore Greg in the future.
by ericbikeco on June 19, 2009 at 3:59 PM
There is a difference between "utter indifference" and "feud". If Mr. LeMond would shut his has-been pie hole, Mr. Armstrong would never have anything to say to him or about him from what I gather ... having read everything cycling for 20 years.
by lowerlip on June 19, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Lemond is a pos, so are his sad ass bikes imho!
by pjd2000 on June 19, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Sorry for the longwindedness but enough is enough.
According to Mr. Mount's quote: "Guys are supposed to get over this stuff and move on with their lives." Well, it appears that only one guy has gotten over this and moved on with his life. It's amazing how Lemond crawls out of his hole just in time for the Tour. Incredible timing. For someone (Lemond) to, just recently, say that he was walking away from cycling just shows you that you can't believe anything Lemond says.
Lemond knows that if he subpoenas Lance in his Trek case Lance will eat him alive with all the right answers (because the truth will out) and his case will probably be dismissed as a result so instead he subpoenas Kristin Armstrong instead, probably figuring that he can intimidate a woman but he can't intimidate Lance. What a pig. No one cares about Lemond anymore and he can't stand it (meglomaniac) so what better way to get his name and face all over the media then by poking Lance at every turn. How sad. Mr. Lemond, you have tarnished your reputation because you're not smart enough to accept that Lance has won 7 Tours de France titles to your 3 titles, that he is more popular with the fans than you EVER were or ever will be and that he has more class in one thigh muscle than you will ever have. Lemond -- God don't like ugly.
Lance, you're a class act and you shouldn't have to defend every breath you take to any crockpot who takes a shot at you. Your fans know where you heart lies and it certainly isn't in games of tit for tat. Lemond's just a gnat, there are more important things, enjoy you new baby and your other 3 little ones this weekendm and have a wonderful Father's day.
by howalsh on June 19, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Feud - new to me - hope not. Two of my heroes bickering? Please no. Greg - live off your accomplishments, not off others.
Lance - another enemy? - Worth another crank on the pedals?
by triplej on June 19, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Wow ... fascinating to read this story after it has gone through WSJ, Lance's Twitter, LS.com and now these comments.
by OldCyclist on June 19, 2009 at 4:39 PM
The time I met with LeMond he did not seem to be the jealous type. I think that LeMond wants to see cycling become a clean sport, and he isn't afraid to speak his mind, even if it may ruffle some feathers. From the articles that I've read, he hasn't directly accused anyone of doping, but would rather see people come clean if they are guilty, and not to associate with people (like Dr. Ferrari) who are linked to doping.
by Phiru on June 19, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Winning the TdF 3 times doesn't absolve you from being a douche! Did I spell douche right?
by freakinutz on June 19, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Well, as I ask every Lemond bike rider "Did you get a discount when you purchased that bike because lemon is spelled incorrectly?"
by louschiavone on June 19, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Well written Lance. I was a huge Lamond fan when he was competitive. In Reno, where I live he is a legend, and rightfully so. He inspired me to ride, and a lot of others. I'm disappointment in the way he has conducted himself in his life after cycling. Business is business as they say and who knows what went on with the Trek deal...but when it comes to the reputations of others... mind your own business Greg! Good luck in Nevada City Lance...my daughter and I will be there to root you on.
by bikezilla on June 19, 2009 at 5:53 PM
pjd2000 had a great commeny and I couldn't agree more. Lemond is a gnat and a miserable old, fat, bitter man. It's no wonder everyone is suing him.
Anyway, Lance forget lemond and have a great Father's day and good luck in Nevada City.
by calinanc on June 19, 2009 at 5:56 PM
Ya know, sometimes we choose to be above those who have anger so deeply rooted we cannot help. We let them seethe in it so that we can go about the truly great things we are about. The WSJ has a history of this kind of manipulation-thus it's the power of the twit to inform, change, and empower the lives of those who are truly concerned about changing lives for the best possible outcomes. Ride on my friend and remain above the fray--have a great DAD's Day!!!
by dgreg on June 19, 2009 at 5:59 PM
On a side note, I find it interesting many of LeMond's Tour rivals have admitted to doping. If you follow the same logic he uses to characterize certain modern cyclists he would have much to answer for.
by num-1-supporter on June 19, 2009 at 6:42 PM
I respect you greatly on many levels and yet I can't quite understand what it is about the WSJ, the journalist, Lemond and the story that got you so upset and had you twitt about it over and over.
If you really have nothing to do w/them, or if you really don't respect the level of journalism, being the person that you are I would expect to hear nothing from you. After all, you keep things to yourself more than talk about them....what is it about this story? Why is this, of all the thousands of stories and lies written about you that got you so raddled? I suspect that there's more than meets the eye and it remains to be seen.
by vigilma on June 19, 2009 at 7:24 PM
I was recently at a conference WSSC in Miami. One presenter who is an exercisde physiologist was speaking on SUB v02 max and one participant stated wow Lance Armsrong's Sub VO2 max must be really high he is such a perfect anthlete. The presenter stated "yes assumably with enhancement I spend a lot of time with Greg Lemond and that is what he says" I stood up and walked out No body dawgs Lance. I went to ride in the tour of tucson one year and Lemond was there I have never seen anyone as full of himself. I also went to ride of the Roses and Lance treats eveyone well and takes time to shake hands or say hello. His inspiration as a cancer survivor and adocate is amazing. We will pray for unhappy people like greg the butterface :) happy pappa day lance your number one fan in SF NM
by Belllap on June 19, 2009 at 8:37 PM
News Flash. Trek and Lemond have reached an out of court settlement. As part of the settlement, Trek will market one last Lemond bicycle. This new model will be called "The Winer" and will only come in cry-baby blue.
by Kingstonwheeler on June 19, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I feel it is a great shame that two highly successful cyclists have to conduct themselves in such a manner. Whilst such arrogance as displayed may be an essential attribute within the pro peleton to acheive that success, when displayed outside that arena it denegrates those very acheivements.
We all appreciate that the two of you do not like each other, a shame, but that's just life.Surely the sign of any man's greatness would be his ability to rise above this and let their actions speak for themselves.
by feedbackdestroy on June 20, 2009 at 3:01 AM
LeMonde's sanity must be in question. It was seriously ugly and inappropriate when he involved himself in the Floyd Landis defense and he seems to follow a self riteous path of systematically attacking all of his successful peers. He wants us to think that he is the only one out there who was clean - but he only gets away with it because his peers have the decency not to subject him to the same treatment. I totally disagree with "Kingstonwheeler" and find no fault in Lance's conduct - but I do agree that the best way to deal with LeMonde is to totally ignore him.
by pjd2000 on June 20, 2009 at 4:49 AM
If you would like to read the full article that started this debate go to http://online.wsj.com/home-page and search for Lemond.
The story is called: Feud Sends Cycling World Spinning
Alot of you think it's not on the website but it is, indeed, on the website, I was just there.
by piper09 on June 20, 2009 at 5:23 AM
Lemond is a bitter man with a chip on his shoulder the size of the Rocky Mountains. This man needs some serious therapy. He is seriously giving this sport a bad name. It's very telling that he has been having so many issues and needs to take it out on someone else. He needs to get a life and grow up.
Lance, good luck with the tour. I lost my husband, Tim, during the Tour last year. You and Big George were his heroes. It will be bittersweet to watch. But I will root you on every step of the way. Thanks for all you do. Congrats on Max!
by piper09 on June 20, 2009 at 5:23 AM
Lemond is a bitter man with a chip on his shoulder the size of the Rocky Mountains. This man needs some serious therapy. He is seriously giving this sport a bad name. It's very telling that he has been having so many issues and needs to take it out on someone else. He needs to get a life and grow up.
Lance, good luck with the tour. I lost my husband, Tim, during the Tour last year. You and Big George were his heroes. It will be bittersweet to watch. But I will root you on every step of the way. Thanks for all you do. Congrats on Max!
by piper09 on June 20, 2009 at 5:23 AM
Lemond is a bitter man with a chip on his shoulder the size of the Rocky Mountains. This man needs some serious therapy. He is seriously giving this sport a bad name. It's very telling that he has been having so many issues and needs to take it out on someone else. He needs to get a life and grow up.
Lance, good luck with the tour. I lost my husband, Tim, during the Tour last year. You and Big George were his heroes. It will be bittersweet to watch. But I will root you on every step of the way. Thanks for all you do. Congrats on Max!
by piper09 on June 20, 2009 at 5:24 AM
Lemond is a bitter man with a chip on his shoulder the size of the Rocky Mountains. This man needs some serious therapy. He is seriously giving this sport a bad name. It's very telling that he has been having so many issues and needs to take it out on someone else. He needs to get a life and grow up.
Lance, good luck with the tour. I lost my husband, Tim, during the Tour last year. You and Big George were his heroes. It will be bittersweet to watch. But I will root you on every step of the way. Thanks for all you do. Congrats on Max!
by piper09 on June 20, 2009 at 5:24 AM
Lemond is a bitter man with a chip on his shoulder the size of the Rocky Mountains. This man needs some serious therapy. He is seriously giving this sport a bad name. It's very telling that he has been having so many issues and needs to take it out on someone else. He needs to get a life and grow up.
Lance, good luck with the tour. I lost my husband, Tim, during the Tour last year. You and Big George were his heroes. It will be bittersweet to watch. But I will root you on every step of the way. Thanks for all you do. Congrats on Max!
by vitamin on June 20, 2009 at 7:27 AM
BS. I don't buy that Lemond is bitter, crazy or out for attention. None of his actions as a cyclist, businessman, or emissary suggest that he possesses this kind of personality. As I see it, this whole brouhaha started years ago when Greg, perhaps ill-advisedly, questioned why someone with as much popularity and endorsement as Lance Armstrong would continue to associate with Dr. Ferrari, if not for the wrong reason. Lance's response was to give a scarcely credible explanation of his association with Ferrari, and then to attack Lemond's credibility. We saw exactly the same response from Floyd Landis, but fortunately for Greg, Floyd's credibility tumbled first.
People, get over your sycophantic support for Lance. He was a great cyclist. The best Tour rider in history. He was also, in all likelihood, using--just like everyone else at the top. Instead of choosing between him and Lemond, let's see if we can choose the future, and better, more honest sport.
by Livestrong07 on June 20, 2009 at 11:47 AM
"He was also, in all likelihood, using--just like everyone else at the top."
If that's the best proof you can offer in route to accusing someone of cheating...you probably shouldn't go there!
Sounds a bit like Lemond's standard for judging people.
Maybe I'm naive and idealistic but if we've reach a point in cycling where anyone who wins...is "assumed" to have had to cheat to get there...that is TRULY SAD!
Yes, I'm a huge LANCE fan and respect him on a number of levels...but my support and respect for him isn't blind. Want me to believe he CHEATED and DOPED? Well you have to come up with something better than...."Hey, he won 7 TDF's and others were doing it, so he was probably doing it to."
That's 2nd grade logic!
by Livestrong07 on June 20, 2009 at 11:47 AM
"He was also, in all likelihood, using--just like everyone else at the top."
If that's the best proof you can offer in route to accusing someone of cheating...you probably shouldn't go there!
Sounds a bit like Lemond's standard for judging people.
Maybe I'm naive and idealistic but if we've reach a point in cycling where anyone who wins...is "assumed" to have had to cheat to get there...that is TRULY SAD!
Yes, I'm a huge LANCE fan and respect him on a number of levels...but my support and respect for him isn't blind. Want me to believe he CHEATED and DOPED? Well you have to come up with something better than...."Hey, he won 7 TDF's and others were doing it, so he was probably doing it to."
That's 2nd grade logic!
by Livestrong07 on June 20, 2009 at 11:48 AM
"He was also, in all likelihood, using--just like everyone else at the top."
If that's the best proof you can offer in route to accusing someone of cheating...you probably shouldn't go there!
Sounds a bit like Lemond's standard for judging people.
Maybe I'm naive and idealistic but if we've reach a point in cycling where anyone who wins...is "assumed" to have had to cheat to get there...that is TRULY SAD!
Yes, I'm a huge LANCE fan and respect him on a number of levels...but my support and respect for him isn't blind. Want me to believe he CHEATED and DOPED? Well you have to come up with something better than...."Hey, he won 7 TDF's and others were doing it, so he was probably doing it to."
That's 2nd grade logic!
by Livestrong07 on June 20, 2009 at 11:48 AM
"He was also, in all likelihood, using--just like everyone else at the top."
If that's the best proof you can offer in route to accusing someone of cheating...you probably shouldn't go there!
Sounds a bit like Lemond's standard for judging people.
Maybe I'm naive and idealistic but if we've reach a point in cycling where anyone who wins...is "assumed" to have had to cheat to get there...that is TRULY SAD!
Yes, I'm a huge LANCE fan and respect him on a number of levels...but my support and respect for him isn't blind. Want me to believe he CHEATED and DOPED? Well you have to come up with something better than...."Hey, he won 7 TDF's and others were doing it, so he was probably doing it to."
That's 2nd grade logic!
by dutcher on June 21, 2009 at 7:01 AM
what would COPPI do?
by dutcher on June 21, 2009 at 7:01 AM
what would COPPI do?
by dutcher on June 21, 2009 at 7:01 AM
what would COPPI do?
by bermudahope on June 20, 2009 at 7:34 AM
READ THIS LANCE
Keep going buddy - keep it up - but also be careful that you don't allow other people's crazy issues to affect you - this is a primary example and you said it best when "somebody has been drinking too much haterade and eating too many hater-tots" - just listen to him in that speech he gave to that British sport forum - he couldn't even handle himself and collect his thoughts up on a podium delivering a message that he believed to be extremely important - so if that is how he is rolling in public at his best - can you even begin to imagine how he is rolling in private? Shrug it all off homey - just focus on what you want like you finished in your e-mail - and all will take care of itself,
I've said it before and I will say it again - we need positive, enthusiastic and ambitious people in this world to push themselves to their limits and in turn to inspire other to believe what is possible based on treating people right and pushing your limits.
It goes without saying that the world needs the demonstration of what is possible more than it needs any preaching - currently you are achieving the demonstration part beautifully - keep on achieving, keep on living and keep on being Lance Armstrong,
All the best,
One of your fellow humans doing my part to make this world a better place ;)
by eddymike on June 20, 2009 at 7:50 AM
Actually, I like both Armstrong and Lemond. Both are great champions. I respect Armstrong for his amazing TdF victories and cancer campaign, and I respect Lemond for proving Americans can race at the front of the pack and for attempting to create a level playing field in cycling by reducing the use of performance enhancing drugs. Both came back from great hardships to return to cycling. Lemond still walks around with shotgun pellets in his heart.
Of course, it's absurd and disrespectful for a former champion to accuse the current champion of using drugs simply because others have pointed fingers at him. Nor do I care, really, what Armstrong did or didn't do. We all know he one because if his determination and talent no matter what he did or didn't take. The whole peloton at the time took what their doctors told them to in order to survive a horribly difficult sport.
Even Eddy Merckx has admitted he took a stimulant. Do did everyone else. That was the sport. Indeed, many former champions took something to help them through the race. They still a great champions. Are we going to condemn former riders like Merckx and Antequil for the standards of their time. Armstrong is still a great champion no matter what accusations are made regarding his past. Lemond is a great champion (no matter how many "vitamins" the doctors squirted into his ass during that final time trial of the TdF).
For Lemond the point should not be about the past, but about the future. He should focus on current and future use of drugs in the sport instead of his petty accusations regarding Armstrong.
by nvnvgirl on June 20, 2009 at 10:07 AM
RIGHT ON, Lance! Well said. Happy Father's Day!
by Livestrong07 on June 20, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Lemond is a poor, pathetic, paranoid, shell of a man...if he wasn't such a prick, I'd probably be tempted to feel sorry for him. Yeah, He's a 3 time TDF winner, a very respectable accomplishment, no doubt. However, respect for the accomplishment doesn't automatically transfer to respect for the man...people shouldn't confuse the two.
by Searchof on June 20, 2009 at 12:21 PM
F Lemond and Reed Albergotti. Both seem to have to use Lance to get in print these days. Neither one really has a reason to be in the news at all except maybe that they are both cancer. I guess that is why want to be part of Lance's scene so badly.
by DC2Light on June 20, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Folks just remember, it's really a business first and sport second. Two issues going on here and we are led to believe that it is really one. Both Lance and Greg are not dummies and they have plenty of people around them that are even smarter. Things are not what they always appear to be but then again so is most of life.
by num-1-supporter on June 20, 2009 at 4:11 PM
With all due respect to Mr Armstrong he is not a journalist but a cyclist. Let's not forget that he's putting his side of the story and using Twitter as a media outlet.The WSJ is not Star magazine. Every story is triple checked so I respectfully challenge this one-sided story which greatly respect this amazing athlete.
by vitamin on June 20, 2009 at 11:24 PM
"Want me to believe he CHEATED and DOPED? Well you have to come up with something better than...."Hey, he won 7 TDF's and others were doing it, so he was probably doing it to."
I don't want you to believe anything at all. As for me, I simply don't trust the relationship with Ferrari. Something stinks about it. And mind you, I still give huge props to Lance for what he's achieved. Indeed, given the context of widespread substance abuse in cycling his achievements are extraordinary, no matter what you believe. Suppose you did believe the worst about him--that he is a consummate liar and serial abuser of performance enhancers--you would still have to be impressed with his ability to game the system better than anyone else.
All I would ask is that you interrogate your own assumptions about Greg and Lance. When a politics of personal attacks crops up, it's unwise to choose sides quickly.
by Livestrong07 on June 21, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Vitamin-
To answer your hypothetical;
"Suppose you did believe the worst about him--that he is a consummate liar and serial abuser of performance enhancers--you would still have to be impressed with his ability to game the system better than anyone else."
YOU COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG! If PROOF and EVIDENCE (as opposed to your and Lemond's assumptions and suspicions) showed that Lance was a "consummate liar and serial abuser of performance enhancers"....I would not, as you say "be impressed with his ability to game the system better than anyone else."...I would be extremely disappointed in him and acknowledge him as a liar and cheat...and pretty much nothing more!
Your suggestion that someone who "CHEATS AND WINS" is somehow more admirable than someone who "cheats and gets caught" truly baffles me. As if , "good cheater" wasn't an oxymoron but somehow a "admirable" achievement. Think you need to check your moral compass on this one!
Concerning your last bit of advice:
"All I would ask is that you interrogate your own assumptions about Greg and Lance. When a politics of personal attacks crops up, it's unwise to choose sides quickly."
This "back and forth" between Lemond and Lance has been going on since 2001, To the best of my knowledge, I've followed everything reported in the media exchanged between the two of them since that time (about 8 years). Not sure how you think I might be guilty of being "unwise" and choosing sides "quickly".
Lastly, you say in your original post that the whole thing is about Lemond questioning Lance's relationship with Ferrari. While this was Lemond's original statement, he's made quite a few others....Much more incendiary and accusatory since then!
by Livestrong07 on June 21, 2009 at 10:12 AM
...Now open your mind and "SUPPOSE" Lance is completely innocent...he's accomplished 7 TDF wins with nothing but God given ability, hard work, cycling smarts, a little luck, and dedication!
After all this, Lemond...someone Lance admired and looked up to coming into the sport...makes MANY derogatory comments.
It's my opinion Lance been extremely restrained and professional in his handling of the situation.
Understand, for people like you and Lemond...Lance is faced with the IMPOSSIBLE task of trying to prove a NEGATIVE. It is truly IMPOSSIBLE to prove he hasn't doped.
For an innocent man, think how frustrating that must be!!!
by dutcher on June 21, 2009 at 6:57 AM
i concur with VITAMIN'S comments...most of these bloggers (pardon my use of the over-wrought inane bromidic catch-phrase) "should GIT over themselves & move on" and just f**king ride!
by finnam on June 21, 2009 at 12:46 PM
A very legal yet professional and mature response! Well done Lance.
by vitamin on June 21, 2009 at 1:15 PM
So how *do* you explain Lance's relationship with Dr. Ferrari? Do you find his own explanation credible? Do you think he is hiding nothing? Honestly, I want to know what you think. For me, I just can't see a reasonable explanation for it. No matter how good Ferrari may be at the legit stuff (nutrition, muscle recovery, etc.) he is far too great a liability to Lance's public image and credibility. Yet the relationship persists.
Believe me, I've tried to be open-minded about this. I started out by giving Lance all of the benefit of the doubt and Greg as little as necessary. The picture just doesn't look natural to me. Lemond strikes me as guileless--he doesn't fit the profile of the mudslinging cur, no matter how many times you try to paint him that way. Lance, on the other hand, strikes me as a profoundly *intense* person, and I daresay he let nothing stand in his way in the pursuit of victory. I'm not ashamed to say I admire that.
by vitamin on June 21, 2009 at 1:15 PM
So how *do* you explain Lance's relationship with Dr. Ferrari? Do you find his own explanation credible? Do you think he is hiding nothing? Honestly, I want to know what you think. For me, I just can't see a reasonable explanation for it. No matter how good Ferrari may be at the legit stuff (nutrition, muscle recovery, etc.) he is far too great a liability to Lance's public image and credibility. Yet the relationship persists.
Believe me, I've tried to be open-minded about this. I started out by giving Lance all of the benefit of the doubt and Greg as little as necessary. The picture just doesn't look natural to me. Lemond strikes me as guileless--he doesn't fit the profile of the mudslinging cur, no matter how many times you try to paint him that way. Lance, on the other hand, strikes me as a profoundly *intense* person, and I daresay he let nothing stand in his way in the pursuit of victory. I'm not ashamed to say I admire that.
But if I'm forced to choose between the two, I must say I that Lemond's testimony is more convincing. He speaks of specific conversations and remarks while Armstrong makes generic, ad hominen attacks. He speaks directly while Lance uses carefully non-commital statements ("I have never tested positive"..."no evidence has ever been brought," etc.) It is plausible that Lemond is honest but delusional, but the consistency of his actions (as applied to cyclists other than Lance and to Cycling as a sport) suggest otherwise.
So it's unfair for Lance to have to prove a negative? Fine, the burden of proof is on others. But when Lance obstructs a drug test for twenty minutes while he "takes a shower", you should at least wonder at his actions..or is it just those *French labs* out to get him again? (Lance likes to remind us that they're *French*, as if we were still under the spell of Freedom Fries) Or is it the pressure of being falsely accused all the time?
by vitamin on June 21, 2009 at 1:15 PM
Hmmm... Or maybe, just maybe, he's using--like most everyone else in the sport. Maybe, just maybe, he didn't defeat an entire peloton saturated with performance-enhancing drugs armed with nothing more than "God-given ability, hard work and a little luck". Maybe he didn't do this seven times in a row. Maybe he just did what Floyd Landis, Jan Ullrich, Bjarne Riis, Marco Pantani and an unknowable multitude of others have done in pursuit of the Yellow Jersey.
Not such a stretch when you think about it.
by Livestrong07 on June 21, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Hmmm...Or maybe NOT, just maybe NOT!
by Livestrong07 on June 21, 2009 at 8:50 PM
Hmmm...Or maybe NOT, just maybe NOT!
by davstrong on June 22, 2009 at 3:39 PM
ALL AMERICAN NO.8(USA STYLE),heres a silly comment:1)supposing 8 year fued btw GREG & LANCE i.e the wall street journal 2)GREG LEMOND winning the 1989 tdf by only 8 sec. after his return from his hunting accident beating FIGNON in the final time-trial introducing the TRIATHLON BARS to the bike GREG used 3)LANCE been an EX-TRIATHLETE before his PRO-CYCLING career and is now bidding for a 8 tdf win after a no. of years retirement,and this years tdf will start on 4th july(INDEPENDANCE DAY)can someone out there help me,i thing i've just turned 8STRONG(USA STYLE)!!!!!!!!
by joninfinity on June 24, 2009 at 7:00 AM
Life is too short for all of this. I have heard other things regarding Lemond, that leads me to believe he's turning bitter in his old age. Dude, just get on your bike and ride. Enjoy life, and as Lance would say, "Livestrong........"
by VAUGHNZY on June 26, 2009 at 8:04 AM
Lemond was a whiner back when he was racing, so nothing has changed.
He just doesn't have the class, that Lance has! Lemon hasn't contributed to society, except design crappy bikes!!
by hikingdrew on June 26, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Lance,
Given the fact that you took the time to respond, continues to show your well grounded character and commitment to providing the truth. I commend you in your daily efforts into those areas you devote your life's pursuits to. Best of luck in all your endeavors.
by BenjaminsEO on June 27, 2009 at 2:35 PM
I met Lemond at the El Tour de Tucson in November of 2008. He and Marty Jemison were standing in the middle of the convention ctr floor, where all the displays and vendors are, talking. Of course Lemond wash LA bashing. But, I had to prove to myself if he truly was the a-hole I presumed he had become. Jemison was the consumate gentleman, Lemond was an arrogant prick. I don't care if he did win 3. He's a jerk.
by Antonio1976 on June 27, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Lance, no worry about the fight. Just make the tour. Get the France plane, do some rest get ready. You fine Lance.
by sfeder on June 28, 2009 at 1:11 PM
I think this letter was OK until your concluding paragraph. Why bring up LifeFitness at all? This is of no concern of yours or material to your main point that there is no feud. Having dredged up this news, it in fact does appear that you are in a feud.
by tourdefrance09 on June 29, 2009 at 3:54 AM
Well whatever it is! whether there's a problem or none, it should not affect your return in cycling. Way to go! July is coming so tour de france is on the way! I wanna see you dance in the pedal in the tour de france once more and I wanna see you at the stage at the final day.
by srhamy on June 30, 2009 at 8:53 AM
Not quite on topic, or maybe it is....Funny nevertheless
http://velochimp.com/2006/08/02/lemond-is-like-al-bundy/
by feedbackdestroy on June 30, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Vitamin just doesn't get it.
If you do not respect the moral and social code of "innocent unitl proven guilty" then you do everyone a fundamental disservice. The name for this is "witch hunting" and in Europe not all that long ago in history over a million "witches" were tortured to death - every single one being innocent and not a single one able to prove their innocence. Perhaps Lance will never prove his innocence to your satisfaction or to Lemonde's, but the point is that no civilization that has grown beyond witch hunting would ever require him to. Do yourself a favour Vitamin and grow beyond it too.
by vitamin on July 1, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Huge difference between a medieval witchhunt and harboring healthy doubts about a modern, commercialized sport bound up in a code of silence about performance enhancements. The same thing happened with Baseball a few years back, when Canseco wrote a tell-all book about what he'd seen and was excoriated for it. "Why is Jose saying these things?" they all asked. "Is he bitter in his retirement, wanting publicity, trying to sell books, etc?" Oh the hand-wringing that occurred when Mark McGwire was implicated! It couldn't be true!
Nobody on this forum knows for certain whether Lance is using, but given the statements and testimony of former teammates and the circumstances of the sport, you would have to be the thrall of hero worship to compare this to a witch hunt. Good luck with that.
by Livestrong07 on July 5, 2009 at 2:30 PM
feedbackdestroy, Well said!
Especially your opening observation, "Vitamin just doesn't get it."
That pretty much covers it!
by GorgeousGeorge on July 6, 2009 at 2:02 PM
The right thing to do is often the most unpopular and truth is often hard to bear.
Kudos to Greg LeMond for having the courage to express the unpopular opinion. LeMond, like myself, loves the sport of cycling and obviously detests the effect that performance enhancing drugs have had on what was formerly one of the most pure and beautiful sports. Until the cycling community makes a genuine and concerted effort to level the playing field and clean up what is arguably the dirtiest of all commercialized sports today, we should all exhibit a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to heaping praise on our current cycling "heros."