"People often ask me what separates Lance Armstrong from the rest of the peloton, even though the answer is right in front of them all year long. Go and find Lance Armstrong in October, then again in December, January, March, etc. He'll be thinking about the Tour de France, and he'll be doing the training necessary to reach his absolute best level of performance in July. That's the sort of commitment it takes to win here, and if you're unwilling to put in the work required, don't expect to win the Tour de France anytime soon."

--Chris Carmichael

Usually I cheer for the underdog. One wouldn't naturally think of Lance Armstrong, six time winner of the Tour de France, as an underdog. But I've felt drawn to this year's tour and to the performance of Lance Armstrong. Paul Sherwen tells of organizing a 1996 press conference to tell the world of Armstrong's cancer. Sherwen also tells of visiting Lance in the hospital a few months later. Armstrong was bald and looked bad. Sherwen was certain that this was the last time he would see the man. How wrong he was!

I guess that when doctors give a man three months to live, that makes him an underdog. I'm amazed at the focus and work that Lance Armstrong has shown in winning six straight. At worst, 2100 miles on a bike over a 22 day period is an amazing accomplishment. It takes great athletic ability and physical stamina just to finish. To win six times with the world watching and many openly hoping for failure. That's special.

I appreciated having OLN and watching most days to see the events unfold. I gained even greater appreciation as I rode my bike many of those days and realized that my longest ride (51 miles yesterday) wasn't even close to the length or speed of most tour stages.

So, today is special. I woke up early and watched until Armstrong crossed the finish line in Paris. And I quietly cheered the victor...........
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