What happen to the French?
2006-07-22 04:34:33 · 10 answers · asked by Mobidus Lee 3 in Sports ➔ Cycling
There are lots of reasons that might explain, but remember the Tour is just one race and the pro season goes year-round... don't worry, French guys win plenty of races.
The Tour has a history of being dominated by one guy for years at a time - Armstrong, Indurain, Lemond (minus his recovery years), Hinault, Merckx, etc etc.
In the transition years between the legends, you get guys like Bjarne Riis, Landis, Fignon, Ullrich etc.
So my take is, the French just havent' grown a superstar lately.
The reasons why not? Here's some speculation:
- their amateur scene discourages travel to other countries to race
- it's possible to make a comfy living as a 3rd level pro, and not have to travel all the time
- the junior programs tend to identify talent early, then burn them out by the time they hit age 21.
- their dope controls are a lot stricter than even the ProTour.
As for the Americans, it's "self-selection" - meaning it's so difficult for an American kid to:
- get started in bike racing
- get enough racing experience
- get sponsors
- get to Europe, live in a dump and starve while you get your butt handed to you by the Euro's, eventually get results and get picked up by a team... etc.
So that the few Americans that make it through that gauntlet are some real tough committed dudes - guys like Bob Roll, Landis, Leipheimer, Julich, etc. I left Armstrong out because he was already a star when he came to Europe.
2006-07-22 07:22:03 · answer #1 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's pretty incredible. Floyd's comeback is one of the greatest performances in professional sports. Considering he's riding on one leg, it's even more compelling. I was glued to the televison this morning when Floyd left the gate, couldn't leave to go to the bank even until he was finished his ride.
The French have not won their own tour in a significant period of time, but they had several stage winners this year which has been not the case in previous years. So, hopefully they'll begin a resurgence. It would, after all, be nice to see a Frenchman win the mallot jean for the tour at least once in a decade.
As for now, I can't think of a more deserving man to have won it this year. I am happy the title will stay across the pond, here in America.
2006-07-22 22:06:10 · answer #2 · answered by trc_6111 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't necessarily think there's anything wrong with the French - the best rider has been an American lately, I guess. Landis just has to avoid crashes, etc. to continue American dominance of the event.
2006-07-22 11:39:59 · answer #3 · answered by wheezer_april_4th_1966 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go Floyd!
Go Levi!
French can go put up the white flag again!!!
2006-07-22 18:59:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great
2006-07-22 12:00:09 · answer #5 · answered by GUK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the french suck period, just comes to show that america can still kick butt in sports.
2006-07-22 11:37:35 · answer #6 · answered by Sweet Dreams 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, what else did u expect......who cares about the french
2006-07-22 11:38:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that's AWESOME! congrats floyd landis.
2006-07-22 13:02:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I LOVE IT!!! AMERICANS DOMINATING IN FRANCE..IT KILLS THEM!!
2006-07-22 11:48:57 · answer #9 · answered by wizzer2g 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no idea
2006-07-22 22:45:50 · answer #10 · answered by tanweiqiang1e5 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋