Scott Aiello pointed out that mainstream media outlets in the United States have picked up on the interview that Lance Armstrong gave the French newspaper L’Equipe where he said that he was uncertain whether he would be riding in the 2005 Tour de France because he wants to participate in other major cycling events. In the interview, he cited Spring Classics such as Paris-Roubaix, the Vuelta a Espana, and the so-called hour record as events he would like to try before he retires.
These statements should not surprise Operation Gadget readers and others who are following early news about the Tour de France. Late last week, we pointed out that Discovery Communications Cycling Team Directeur Sportif Johan Bruyneel put 50-50 odds on Armstrong’s participation in the Tour de France. Lance’s statements to L’Equipe square with Bruyneel’s pretty well.