From the website for the 2nd Annual Garrett Lemire Memorial Grand Prix, in Ojai, CA:
A surprise pro race entry by six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong (Discovery) boosted this year’s race excitement level over the top! In the area, Lance called long time friend, Dave Lettieri wondering if there was a race in the area he could do. “I know of a race that would be perfect…” said Lettieri, and the rest is history. Riding without the benefit of teammates, Lance managed a 15th place finish, but revved up the action several times with monster pulls at the front to reel in breakaways. The man can absolutely fly, and all this after a three hour training ride!
This is a rece in memory of Garrett Lemire, killed in March 2003 in a bike race accident in March 2003. (Lance donated his prize money to the foundation set up in his memory.)
I’m curious as to what he was saying to the guy from the Monex Team. He seems to be gesturing to the guy,“how 'bout taking your turn at pulling” or “get the hell off my wheel you bum”. Just some guesses though.
Then they were probably saying, “Damn this race is going to be a lot harder than usual since that dude showed up”.
I would imagine when you have that type of talent show up that you just want to prove yourself that much more. Hell, the guy is the quasi director of Discovery anyways, maybe he could find some talent in that group.
I did, and no I was not one of the 14 that beat him. He was mucho visable before the race though, so it wasn’t like he just rolled up to the line out of nowhere. I’ll be telling my kids about this one.
As riders ego’s go, Mr. Monex is in a tight spot if he is being chastized by the likes of Lance, but would mumble something about Lance being an Ahole under his breath. Maybe Lance missed a back hand to the head. I would say the picture would be something he would rather not have had taken. Or Lance is running “no chain” and this guy couldn’t pull through if his contract depended on it. Course the hanger oners maybe wouldn’t give this guy too much help.