Lance Armstrong Fails to Win Any Stage in Tour de France ,Finishes 3rd

Sports Betting News - July 27th, 2009 - Written by Bruce

Lance Armstrong's return after a three year hiatus from professional cycling came to an end with him finishing third at the 2009 Tour de France. At 38 years old this was a remarkable achievement for Armstrong but he is unquestionably disappointed as he failed to win a single stage during this year's competition. Armstrong amazingly won the Tour de France seven straight years from 1999-2005. This was a much different feeling for Armstrong as he stood on the podium being recognized for his third place finish. His family and friends were in attendance all cheering for his great performance. After a few years away Armstrong competed bravely, but being the ultimate competitor he had to be bothered a bit since a rival of his became this year's champion.

Spain's Alberto Contador won this year's Tour De France to go along with his 2007 title to give him his second victory in the prestigious race. Him and Armstrong both raced for team Astana at this year's tour but it was no secret that the two did not get along at all. Contador had publicly criticised Armstong for ignoring team orders during this year's race. When he returned home after winning this year, Contador said of Armstrong, "He is a great rider and has completed a great race but it is another thing on a personal level, where I have never had great admiration for him and I never will." Armstrong also made it clear that he and Contador were far from best friends. It was easy to see that the two did not like each other much when they were both on the podium giving half hearted handshakes to one another. The second place finisher was Luxembourg's Andy Schlek. 

Armstrong has proven himself over the years as being arguably the greatest cyclist in history. His seven Tour De France titles give him two more victories than anyone else in history. Even though he fell short of winning his 8th Tour de France this year, for Armstrong to return after three years away from competitive cycling and make the podium is an improbable achievement even for such a great rider. Armstrong is undoubtedly looking forward to next year's competition already stating that he plans on competing in the 2010 Tour de France.