Glibbertysmidgeon

This is the final week of this year’s Tour de France, and it’s the only thing I have watched on TV for a month. In an email, my sister-in-law cheered for Lance Armstrong, and then asked, “Is that like cheering for Goliath?”

I confess, I do tend to cheer for the underdog, but in this case, I’m cheering for the top dog.

Lance may be the big fish among the cyclists on the road today. He probably has the best team, the best legs, and the best bike. He definitely has the fiercest mental focus and the most rigourous training routine- cycling through the winter when the other cyclists are resting, and riding all of the climbs in each years’ route in advance of the race .

But what Lance is chasing is something bigger than a victory over this particular group of cyclists. in 103 years, only five men have ever won the Tour de France five times. Two have won five consecutively, and only one has ever had the chance to win seven. In his bid for his 7th consecutive Tour de France victory, Lance is competing against the entire history of cycling. He is attempting to achieve a record that will stand, probably, for my lifetime.

In the seven years that Lance has worn the Yellow Jersey, he has exhibited a level of integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship one doesn’t often get to witness in the world of professional sports. I can enjoy watching him race without the stain of steroids, drug addiction, or ear biting that have dulled some of our other passtimes.

And as if all of that isn’t enough, one look at his life story, and you’ll realize that we are witnessing one of the greatest moments in sports history.

I’m for great moments in history. I wish we had more like this one.

Go Lance!