ADELAIDE – Lance Armstrong’s participation at the Tour Down Under this week may have stolen the limelight from the local challengers, but he has also proved a welcome distraction.
Armstrong’s arrival in Australia following his decision in September to come out of a three-year retirement has prompted huge media interest across the country.
The 37-year-old seven-time Tour de France winner will saddle up with 132 other riders for the first stage race of the season tomorrow.
Australian Stuart O’Grady is enjoying seeing cycling’s biggest star of the past 20 years attracting all the attention.
‘Lance who? – is Lance here?’ joked O’Grady yesterday at the pre-race media conference.
‘It’s been phenomenal, having Lance come to Adelaide … every time I look at the newspaper, he’s front, back, middle page,’ he said.
‘It’s certainly taken a bit of pressure off me, but at the same time I don’t think everyone’s objective is to come here and beat Lance.
‘Everyone has a general interest in how he’s going to come back.
‘Hopefully I will be able to be competitive and be up there, we’ll see what happens,’ he said.
Armstrong has said his first aim is to get comfortable again among the professional peloton, but O’Grady believes the ‘super-freak’ American will be keen to put some of his formidable riding talents on display.
Willunga Hill is usually one of the highlights of the race, which has been toughened up by organisers this year following Andre Greipel’s overall victory – complete with four stage wins – last year. – Nampa-AFP
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
