Lance Armstrong afraid French fans might attack

Lance Armstrong said in an interview in San Diego two weeks ago that he had been wary of some angry fans at the Tour de France during his last two appearances, when he won his record-setting sixth and seventh consecutive titles. He underscored the 2004 time trial up L'Alpe d'Huez, where boisterous fans were close enough to touch cyclists as they climbed the famed 21 switchbacks.

Armstrong also told the London newspaper the Guardian that were he to ride in the Tour de France again after a three-year break, he'd be even more cautious.

But Armstrong should be able to handle the trip, even if there are detractors. The U.S. News Media Group, in conjunction with Harvard's Center for Public Leadership, has named the cyclist -- who's known for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which funds cancer research -- as one of America's Best Leaders.

Also on the list were David Baltimore, a Ph.D and former president of the California Institute of Technology and a Nobel laureate; Robert Gates, the U.S. secretary of Defense; and film director Steven Spielberg. They, presumably, will not be chased by angry French cycling crowds. Though Gates probably would know how to stop them.

-- Diane Pucin

Photo: Lance Armstrong.  Credit: Evan Agostini / file photo /Associated Press

Comments

[Michael Mitchell]

Lance Armstrong has the ability to make the right decision at the right point in time...I believe the decision to protect a figure head as noticable as Armstrong is should be cradled and embrassed by the French. The protection should come from the hosting city and country, all parties stand to benefit so all sides should work together on this. The cycling community is obviously excited to watch, I know if I had the chance at an upclose look at Lance Armstrong I would take it.

[David Martin]

L'Alpe d'Huez is CRAZY...fans running all over the place...a path between the fans about 2-feet wide for the riders. I've seen fans get run over by the motorcycles that try to flank (and protect) the riders, and I've seen fans get run over by bikes when they don't get out of the way as expected, which of course takes the riders down too. I dunno, maybe there's a way to protect the riders, but fans are an integral part of this stage.

[Sean Clegg]

L'Alpe D'Huez is a "LEGENDARY" ascent in the cycling world, you only have to watch one of the tours climbs up it to know that there is no way you can OR should 'protect' any of the cyclist involved......whoever they may be !
I have followed Lances tour career and I have no doubt that he will again be victorious in the tour and I aim to be on the "Ventoux" to see him doing it.
'Vive le Lance !!!"