Dekker out of Tour Jul 3, 2009
MONACO: Dutchman Thomas Dekker has been ruled out of the Tour de France after a positive test for the banned blood-booster EPO, his Silence-Lotto team said. We have learnt on Wednesday morning that new tests. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Looking back at his victories Jul 3, 2009
Armstrong's Tour De France victories. Article:Armstrong's Tour De France victories:/c/a/2009/07/02/SPR318I6S0 ... DTL Article:Armstrong's Tour De France victories:/c/a/2009/07/02/SPR318I6S0. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Armstrong has not drawn French ire Jul 3, 2009
MONACO - For all of Lance Armstrong s Tour de France victories, he still hasn t won the hearts of the French. That may be about to change. (Boston Globe)
On the air TV and radio Jul 3, 2009
9:30 a.m. Tour de France, stage 1, at Monaco, VERSUS. 2:30 p.m. Tour de France, stage 1, at Monaco (same-day tape), VERSUS ... 8 p.m. Tour de France, stage 1, at Monaco (same-day tape), VERSUS. (News & Observer -- Sports)
This weekend on TV, radio Jul 3, 2009
CYCLING 9:30 a.m. - Tour de France (Stage 1), Versus ... CYCLING 8:30 a.m. - Tour de France (Stage 2), Versus. (Boston Globe)
The Shaq Show arrives in Cleveland Jul 3, 2009
Cycling's governing body says all 180 riders expected to start the Tour de France -- plus one -- have undergone planned pre-race blood tests. The UCI said nine riders from each of the 20 teams were tested Thursday along with Quick Step sprint star Tom Boonen. (News & Observer -- Sports)
HotelTravel.com's Guide to Lance Armstrong's Tour de France Comeback Jul 3, 2009
com's Guide to Lance Armstrong's Tour de France Comeback - Yahoo ... com's Guide to Lance Armstrong's Tour de France Comeback ... American cycling champion Lance Armstrong puts his legacy on the line for a chance to win a record eighth Tour de France. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Tour de Lance: Seven time champion returns to famed cycling race this week Jul 2, 2009
Lance Armstrong holds the trophy after winning the 2005 Tour de France ... Lance Armstrong holds the trophy after winning the 2005 Tour de France ... PARIS Lance Armstrong believes he can win an eighth Tour de France title, well aware his aging legs are not as strong as they used to be. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
TdF rivals line up Jul 2, 2009
Carlos Sastres flies into Paris to take the 2008 Tour de France ... Spanish ace Carlos Sastre faces the race of his life over the next 21 days if he is to become the first rider since seven-time champion Lance Armstrong to successfuly defend a Tour de France crown ... "He's worked very hard during his comeback season and I know he is extremely motivated for the Tour de France.". (iAfrica.com)
Armstrong looks vulnerable heading into Tour de France Jul 2, 2009
He will ride the Tour like no one else because he has the experience of seven Tour de France wins, he said. He will go like a beast, added the 2006 Giro d Italia champion. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
THE CAMERAS: ESPN sees all, tells all Jul 2, 2009
Previously, McEachern had called everything from martial arts to Tour de France cycling. In 2002, he'd shifted focus to work as a mortgage loan consultant. (USA Today -- Sports)
Yellow jersey? Jul 2, 2009
Armstrong aims to return as leader of Tour de France pack - USATODAY.com ... The seven-time Tour de France winner finished 12th overall in the Italian race ... Armstrong aims to return as leader of Tour de France pack. (USA Today -- Sports)
Federal judge rejects Clemens bid Jul 2, 2009
Dutch cyclist Thomas Dekker will not take part in the Tour de France after testing positive for the illegal blood-booster EPO. Bates College crushed Trinity College of Dublin by 3 lengths in the Temple Cup for student eights at the Henley Royal Regatta in Henley, England. (Boston Globe)
Boonen appeals Tour ban to French sports chiefs Jul 1, 2009
Tom Boonen takes Tour de Franceappeal to French sports chiefs - More Sports - SI.com ... PARIS (AP) -- Banned Belgian rider Tom Boonen is appealing to French sports authorities for permission to ride in the Tour de France after a court said it didn't have jurisdiction in the case. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Sastre out to prove a point Jul 1, 2009
PARIS: Last years surprise Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre exudes confidence going into the stage race even though he quit a top team to ride for debutants Cervelo. The 34-year-old Sastre built his Tour triumph in the ascent of the Alpe dHuez, going solo as CSC team-mate Frank Schleck was wearing the yellow jersey. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Cory McCartneyINSIDE COLLEGE FOOTBALL Jul 1, 2009
The program Leavitt built from scratch has tried to keep pace, but has wound up approaching the Tour de France on a three-speed bike. "We're just kind of skirting [being a real contender] right now, kind of teasing people a little bit," Leavitt said. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
Armstrong says he can win again Jul 1, 2009
PARIS - Lance Armstrong believes he can win an eighth Tour de France title, well aware his aging legs are not as strong as they used to be ... The pairing raises an intriguing question: Can the two Tour de France champions ride together or will their fierce individual agendas divide them. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Forever Young? Jul 1, 2009
Lance Armstrong believes he can win eighth Tour de France - More Sports - SI.com ... Lance Armstrong says he believes he can win an eighth Tour de France ... PARIS (AP) -- Lance Armstrong believes he can win an eighth Tour de France title, well aware his aging legs are not as strong as they used to be. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Cycling boss plans testing Jun 30, 2009
PARIS - When the Tour de France starts Saturday, some cyclists may as well wear targets on their backs. Pat McQuaid, the head of the International Cycling Union, says the race will be the most rigorously tested sports event in history. (Athens Banner-Herald)
THE TO-DO LIST: 10 things you should check out this week Jun 30, 2009
Tour de France Can 37-year-old Lance Armstrong become the oldest Tour de France winner in history, topping the record set by Firmin Lambot in 1922. Versus kicks off its ninth year of Tour coverage Saturday morning with 13 hours of race action and an expanded primetime show. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Lance Armstrong and Nike "Driven" TV Commercial to Premiere Tonight at 8pm EST Jun 29, 2009
While the campaign will run throughout the Tour de France, tonight and tomorrow, the TV ad is expected to appear on the following stations. -- ABC, CBS, Comedy Central, ESPN, FOX, MTV and NBC 8pm 6/28. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
* Spiced-up Tour gets ready to roll Jun 29, 2009
Must be about time for the Tour de France ... Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong leads the pack through the streets on his way to winning the 49th annual Nevada City Classic in Nevada City, California, on June 21. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Tour de France Jun 29, 2009
More news and other features. Images of Lance Armstrong outside of cycling. (MSNBC -- Sports)
McEwan set to sprint to recovery Jun 28, 2009
ROBBIE McEWEN believes Lance Armstrong will be "an absolute beast" and possibly win the Tour de France, but Australia's king of sprint will be contesting his own private tour throughout July ... The 37-year-old accepts he might never again reach the level that earned him three Tour de France green jerseys and the title of world's best sprinter ... " When he's not working on his recovery next month, McEwen will be watching the Tour de France, the first time since 2001 that he isn't involved. He... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Armstrong, old-school racing highlight '09 Tour Jun 28, 2009
Lance Armstrong, old-school racing on tap at 2009 Tour de France - More Sports - SI.com ... Armstrong, old-school racing on tap at 2009 Tour de France ... Lance Armstrong to compete in 2009 Tour de France, which begins July 4. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Chicago 2016 bid features 'Horribly Hilly' cycling Jun 27, 2009
While the hills of Wisconsin certainly can't match the steep sustained climbs found in mountain stages of the Tour de France, Ventura compared the proposed finishing loop's succession of brief, intense climbs to the famed Paris-Nice one-day classic. "A pure sprinter is not going to win this event,'' Ventura said.The decision by Chicago 2016 bid organizers to move the proposed road race to Wisconsin eventually blossomed into a bigger idea: Make bike-mad Madison the hub for Olympic cycling.The... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Armstrong, old-school racing on tap at Tour Jun 27, 2009
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong is back from retirement ... Must be about time for the Tour de France. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Armstrong says he'll kick ass after last year's 'joke' of a Tour Jun 27, 2009
Lance Armstrong is convinced he can win his eighth Tour de France ... SEVEN-TIME Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong says last year's race was a "a bit of a joke" and has revealed that watching it unfold helped convince him he could win it again ... "The Tour was a bit of a joke this year. I've got nothing against Sastre or Christian Vande Velde. Christian's a nice guy, but finishing fifth in the Tour de France? Come on!". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Piafs fiery love letters to cyclist sold in Paris Jun 26, 2009
Gerardin himself reportedly said of his mistress: "Forty eight hours with Piaf are more tiring than a lap in the Tour de France.". More book news. (MSNBC -- Lifestyle)
Azinger feels sting of disqualification Jun 26, 2009
Getting carried away In recognition of the upcoming Tour de France, some Nike-sponsored players this week have yellow LIVESTRONG golf bags, which will be auctioned off following the tournament, with proceeds benefiting the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Brett Quigley, who competed with his uncle, Dana, in the CVS Caremark Charity Classic at Rhode Island Country Club earlier this week, withdrew before the first round, citing a knee injury. (Boston Globe)
Armstrong in back seat in Astana's Tour lineup Jun 26, 2009
PARIS -- Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong will return to the Tour de France in the unfamiliar role of support rider after his Astana team chose 2007 winner Alberto Contador as its leader for the race. Although the American will be given a secondary role at the July 4 start, Tour and Armstrong fans know that anything could happen during the three-week race that starts in Monaco. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Armstrong in unfamiliar role at Tour de France Jun 26, 2009
Alberto Contador, Lance Armstrong to lead at Tour de France - More Sports - SI.com ... Armstrong returns to Tour de France as Contador's support rider ... PARIS (AP) -- Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong will return to the Tour de France in the unfamiliar role of support rider after his Astana team chose 2007 winner Alberto Contador as its leader for the race. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Everest: Two local climbers topped the highest peak in the world this year, achieving longtime dreams Jun 26, 2009
He said he is thinking about going to France to watch some of the stages of the Tour de France and then climb Mont Blanc. For Parker, completing the Mount Everest climb marked the end of his 10-year goal of climbing the highest peak on each continent. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Climb to Kaiser an endurance test Jun 26, 2009
SAINT-BRIEUC, France - With villagers calling out to him as he sped through the countryside, Alejandro Valverde kept his lead Sunday in the Tour de France and basked in the honor of wearing the yellow jersey ... By comparison, the legendary L'Alpe d'Huez climb from the Tour de France tops out at 13. (Fresno Bee -- Sports)
Gerrans and supporters see red after Tour de France snub Jun 26, 2009
SUCCESSFUL Australian Simon Gerrans is mystified as to why he has been left out of the Cervelo Test Team for next month's Tour de France, a decision slammed as "outrageous" by one of his former coaches ... The powerful nine-man Cervelo squad contains Spain's defend 00004000 ing Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre and Norway's sprint star and 2005 Tour de France Green Jersey winner, Thor Hushovd ... Victorian Gerrans, a 2008 Olympic road race representative, switched to CTT this year after... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Fedex Inc posts huge turnover but tiny profit for loyal shareholder Jun 26, 2009
50," Sullivan said. Lance comes in Betting on the Tour De France is heating up with Eskander's Betstar operating on who will win each of the jerseys on offer. In the yellow jersey winner market, Alan Eskander said money had arrived for seven-time winner Lance Armstrong who has firmed from $8 to $6. "Punters love champions and this guy is alongside Roger Federer and Tiger Woods in terms of achievement, so it's no surprise they come for him," he said. "[Alberto] Contador heads the market and has... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Astana name Contador as leader ahead of Armstrong Jun 26, 2009
Astana have named former yellow jersey champion Alberto Contador as their leader for the Tour de France, which begins in Monaco and will run from July 4-26. Contador, who won the 2007 Tour de France but did not compete last year, is the pre-race favourite to succeed Spaniard Carlos Sastre ... Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong will be one of the key riders in the Kazakhstan-sponsored team, making his return to the race since he retired in the wake of his seventh consecutive victory... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Bend's Horner doesn't make cut on Astana Tour de France team Jun 26, 2009
PARIS Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong will return to the Tour de France in the unfamiliar role of support rider a fter his Astana team chose 2007 winner Alberto Contador as its leader for the race ... "I know he is extremely motivated for the Tour de France," he said ... The goals is for the team to take home the yellow jersey of the Tour de France leader. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Sports)
Armstrong's chain catcher now set for Tour Jun 26, 2009
In this year's Tour de France, at least one team, U.S.-based Garmin-Slipstream, will use a "chain catcher" first employed by former world champion Kristin Armstrong when she won the gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics time trial. In a sport where components like Armstrong's "K-Edge Chain Catcher" are traditionally tested in professional cycling's macho male peloton, this elegant innovation was put through the paces by a woman who pays attention to the tiniest details of bike racing. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
Gerrans out as Lancaster named to help Sastre defend title Jun 25, 2009
Australian cyclist Brett Lancaster has been named in an experienced Cervelo team for this year's Tour de France ... Cervelo team for the Tour de France: Inigo Cuesta (ESP), Volodymyr Gustov (UKR), Heinrich Haussler (GER), Thor Hushovd (NOR), Andreas Klier (GER), Brett Lancaster (AUS), Jose Angel Gomez Marchante (ESP), Hayden Roulston (NZL), Carlos Sastre (ESP). (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Doctor in dramatic South Pole rescue Jun 25, 2009
Miller said Nielsen's advocacy helped cancer patients much like that of Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and actress Christina Applegate. "It's easy to underestimate the importance of those public messages," Miller said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Endurance test Jun 25, 2009
By comparison, the legendary L'Alpe d'Huez climb from the Tour de France tops out at 13. "It's the hardest climb either of us has ever 00000B4B experienced," said Moccio, who is riding with her husband, Jay. (Fresno Bee)
Multichannel Newswire Jun 25, 2009
Versus, the exclusive U.S. television home of the Tour de France, is gearing up for its ninth year of pedal-to-pedal coverage, which in 2009 will feature each stage produced in high-definition for the first time. Ad:MCN_2006_Q4_pos5. (Multichannel News)
Versus On Course For Armstrong's Tour De France Ride Jun 25, 2009
Versus, the exclusive U.S. television home of the Tour de France, is gearing up for its ninth year of pedal-to-pedal coverage, which in 2009 will feature each stage produced in high-definition for the first time ... This year, the last four Tour de France champions-Lance Armstrong (1999-2005), Oscar Pereiro (2006), Alberto Contador (2007) and Carlos Sastre (2008)-will all be competing against each other for their chance to once again wear the yellow jersey in Paris. (Multichannel News)
Valverde ruled out of Tour de France Jun 25, 2009
PARIS: Spaniard Alejandro Val-verde (pic) will miss the Tour de France as a result of the two-year suspension imposed on him in Italy, his Caisse d Epargne team said on Tuesday. The world s top-ranked rider was banned by Italy s Olympic Committee (CONI) last month but the punishment only applies within their borders. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
Sutter hires brother as coach Jun 24, 2009
Top-ranked cyclist Alejandro Valverde of Spain will not compete in the Tour de France because of a doping ban in Italy. The Caisse d'Epargne team said that Valverde met with his lawyers and was told he would have no recourse against the ban before the three-week Tour starts in Monaco July 4. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Surgery shelves KC's Crisp for season Jun 24, 2009
MISCELLANY Valverde will bypass Tour de France Top-ranked Alejandro Valverde will not compete in the Tour de France because his appeal of a two-year doping ban in Italy will not be heard before the race starts July 4. Valverde s Caisse d Epargne team said lawyers told the Spanish cyclist a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport would not come early enough for him to start the Tour, which dips into Italy July 21. (Boston Globe)
Armstrong's team in turmoil as Tour looms Jun 24, 2009
Lance Armstrong's 10 greatest moments at the Tour de France ... Lance Armstrong's 10 greatest moments at the Tour de France ... Some of the more memorable crashes in Tour de France history. (MSNBC -- Sports)
* Cancellara storms to home-town victory Jun 23, 2009
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong leads the pack through the streets on his way to winning the 49th annual Nevada City Classic in Nevada City, California, on Sunday ... Cancellaras next objective is the opening time trial stage at the Tour de France which he has won twice previously ... Id love to try and win the Tour de France one day, but Im not ready yet and this years race is very hilly, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Cycling: Armstrong wins 1-day race as Tour looms Jun 22, 2009
More than 15,000 cheer on 7-time Tour de France winner in California ... Lance Armstrong's 10 greatest moments at the Tour de France ... More than 15,000 fans cheered on the seven-time Tour de France winner on Sunday. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Lance wins Tour tune-up Jun 22, 2009
US cyclist Lance Armstrong have won the Nevada City Classic, a modest one-day race set in the hills of northern California, to continue his build-up to the Tour de France ... 7km loop in the historic gold mining town of Nevada City, and were treated to the sight of seven-time Tour de France champion Armstrong claiming his first race victory since coming out of retirement in January after an absence of three and a half years ... Armstrong's next race is the Tour de France, which starts July 4 in... (iAfrica.com)
Weekend Sports In Brief Jun 22, 2009
More than 15,000 fans cheered on the seven-time Tour de France winner on Sunday. Armstrong only committed to the Nevada City Classic five days earlier as he prepares for another run at the Tour de France after a 3 1/2-year absence from cycling. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Bend rider's place in Tour de France in Limbo Jun 21, 2009
MONACO -- Oregon bicycle racer Chris Horner's role in the Tour de France is still uncertain ... The Tour de France starts July 4th in Monaco. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Sports)
Hot on Heatley's trail Jun 21, 2009
Once again, he ll hook up with a couple of bicycling pals for a few days of following the Tour de France. Can t wait to get on my new bike, said Chara, ready to try out a model used by the Astana racing team. (Boston Globe)
* Kirchen wins stage, Slovenias Valjavec retains overall lead Jun 21, 2009
Cyclists in next months Tour de France are to be banned from wearing radio-link headphones as an experimental safety measure, event organizers said on Friday ... This measure is not being imposed by the Tour de France, but represents the application of the Highway Code, Tour sporting director Jean-Francois Pescheux said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Financial collapse of luxury-resort owners Jun 21, 2009
As do Bill Frist, the former Senate majority leader; Todd Thomson, the former head of Citigroup's private banking unit; Robert Greenhill, founder of the investment bank Greenhill Greg LeMond, a Tour de France winner; Annika Sorenstam, the Swedish golf star; Frank McCourt, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers; and about 250 other low-key rich folks. Membership has its price: a minimum of $250,000 to join, plus the cost of a $5 million to $35 million mountainside home, plus annual dues of about... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
TRUMPETING THE CAUSE Jun 20, 2009
He never imagined his "goofy" trumpet would become a small piece in the large fight to treat and possibly cure cancer spearheaded by seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong ... The connection between Armstrong and Thibodaux's trumpet began during the 2005 Tour de France. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Banned Boonen to take Tour de France organizers to court on Monday Jun 20, 2009
Tom Boonen is set to take Tour de France organizers to court in Paris on Monday over their refusal to let him compete in next month's race due to the Belgian rider testing positive for cocaine for the second time in less than year ... Quick Step is all the more angry because France Sports Minister Bernard Laporte has gotten involved in the issue by saying "the ASO decision is very, very good," calling it "a measure that will show that the Tour de France has a positive image." - AP. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Sports)
* Sports Briefs Jun 20, 2009
Lance Armstrong will be on Astana Cyclings final nine-rider roster for the Tour de France next month ... The 24-year-old Manxman X winner of four stages in last years Tour de France X won in a sprint finish ahead of Spains three-time world road race champion Oscar Freire. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Boonen to fight his Tour de France ban in court Jun 20, 2009
Tom Boonen to take Tour de France organizers to court - More Sports - SI.com ... Boonen to sue Tour de France organizers ... Cyclist Tom Boonen plans to take Tour de France organizers to court over their refusal to let him compete because of a second positive test for cocaine in less than year. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Top court to hear Valverde appeal on doping ban Jun 20, 2009
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) - Sport's highest court says it will hear Alejandro Valverde's appeal to overturn a doping ban that stops the star cyclist from riding in the Tour de France. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Friday it will try to schedule the case as soon as possible. (FindLaw News)
Howard, Zeier will call Georgia games Jun 20, 2009
Cyclist Tom Boonen plans to take Tour de France organizers to court over their refusal to let him compete because of a second positive test for cocaine in less than year ... - The Court of Arbitration for Sport said it will hear Alejandro Valverde 's appeal to overturn a doping ban that stops the star cyclist from riding in the Tour de France. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Belgian rider Boonen banned from Tour de France Jun 19, 2009
PARIS - Tour de France organizers banned former world champion Tom Boonen from next month's race after the Belgian rider tested positive for cocaine for the second time in less than year ... "Following Tom Boonen's recent test, after a first test in 2008, the Tour de France, after meeting Quick Step team representatives, can only state that the image and behavior of Tom Boonen do not match the Tour de France's image or the one that should be promoted by such an exceptional champion," the Amaury... (MSNBC -- Sports)
REGION: New coastal route may persuade bike race to return next year Jun 19, 2009
The 97-mile race, which included seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong and many other top cyclists, drew estimated crowds of 300,000 to downtown Escondido in February. "Now that people have seen how great the race is, it will be easier to get them behind it," said Pfeiler. (North County Times)
ARMSTRONG, CONTADOR: Head Astana team for Tour de France Jun 19, 2009
Armstrong, Contador head Astana team for Tour de France - USATODAY.com ... Armstrong, Contador head Astana team for Tour de France ... The Associated Press Lance Armstrong will be on Astana Cycling's final nine-rider roster for the Tour de France next month. (USA Today -- Sports)
