Still the best??

Lance Armstrong finished the Tour De France today in third place proving one thing, he is the greatest cyclist of all time. After three plus years off, Lance was in striking distance of the yellow jersey entering the final week. I think the most impressive thing is that Armstrong is already looking ahead to next year, including securing Radio Shack to sponsor his 2010 team. With a full year to prepare you can bet that Lance Armstrong will be the odds on favorite to win the world's most grueling athletic competition.

Some things will have to change for Armstrong though. Due to his age the explosion he once showed in the rugged climbs seems to be gone. In 2010 he will definitely have to be a more consistent rider than he has had to be in the past. I am not convinced that it was just his time off that took the pop out of his legs, he is closing in on 40 so he will have to re-evaluate his riding style to stay on top. He and Alberto Contador, this year's winner, share the same strengths but Contador is older and obviously stronger. Armstrong will need a different approach to the sprints as well as the climbs. But he can definitely do it, he proved that by placing a strong third after long lay off.

We have watched Armstrong defy odds throughout his long illustrious career. He has beat cancer and put together an amazing streak of victories. He never ceases to amaze the sports world with his iron will and stiff determination. I am already looking forward to a race that I watched for the first time in three years again this year. Live like no one is watching and, just so you know the Cubs are in first place!