It's not over yet. At least according to Johan Bruyneel, coach of Lance Armstrong's team RadioShack, who announced in the press conferences during Wednesday's rest day that Armstrong had not given up on his final goal.
Lance Armstrong's Final Goal
“It’s not yet finished,” said Johan Bruyneel, manager of Armstrong’s RadioShack team, “There’s a single (mountain) stage left on Thursday … we’re going to try again.”
Those words might not strike fear into the hearts of his opponents like it did a few years ago when Lance was the unquestioned Master of the Climb, but it was still sure to set off alarm bells in the camps of many opposing teams.
Bruyneel has long been known as a master motivator, and whether this is just another ploy to get his aged ace motivated one more time or an attempt to psych out the opposition on some level. But it was a challenge, and the wily old fox Bruyneel has thrown down the glove for the rest of the Tour.
Armstrong's Valiant Effort Tuesday
Armstrong showed he is still the King of the Mountains in Tuesday's tough mountain stage 16 with a strong ride all the way to the final bunch sprint won by France’s Pierrick Fedrigo, who edged Armstrong and five others by a bike length.
“It was full-gas all day,” said Armstrong. “It’s been awhile since I sprinted … Just not quick enough. I’m not the best guy in the race but I still have the spirit of a fighter.”
Current Tour de France 2010 Standings
With just three stages to go Alberto Contador of Spain holds the yellow jersey and leads Andy Schleck of Luxembourg by a mere eights seconds going into Thursday's critical Stage 17., the final mountain stage of the Tour.
Contador and Schleck had a spat on Monday caused by Contador's breach of etiquette (but not rule) in passing then current yellow jersey holder Schleck who was dealing with a mechanical problem. However, the defending champion Contador said he and Schleck were able to patch things up after Contador apologized on YouTube.
Other possible contenders are Samuel Sanchez of Spain in third, 2 minutes behind his compatriot, and then Denis Menchov of Russia—2:13 back in fourth.
After the 16th Stage Lance Armstrong is now 33:46 back, up to 25th place.
For more on Lance Armstrong and the Tour de France see:
Tour de France 2010 - Alberto Contador Claims 3rd Tour Title
Tour de France 2010-Cavendish Wins 18th Stage; Contador Nears Win
Tour de France 2010 – Lance Armstrong and Austin, Texas!
Tour de France 2010 - Contador 1st, Lance Armstrong Seeks Stage
Clayton Browne - Clayton Browne has a BA and an MS in Anthropology, and has been writing professionally since 1994. He worked for many years in both ...
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