***Let me preface this by saying I like Nibali, his racing style, his respect for the sport of cycling, his understanding of proper etiquette and his attitude on and off the bike.*** With that said: it pains me that my first reaction to 18 straight great performances on a bike, is what is he on?. I was never a fan of Armstrong for all the reasons I am a fan of Nibali. And Ive seen the numbers and justification. Nibali is 2kg lighter than hes ever been. Hes pushing the same watts as last year, not higher. Add the two and it equals better performances. But 18 straight where hes never once been in trouble? Never once looked worried? Even The Great Texan Deceiver, when more EPO was in his veins than blood, was smart enough to sometimes look beat, sometimes finish in the middle of the pack, have just enough great days to win. Im not a pro. Dont you dare diminish the work pro cyclists do by mistaking me for one. But 18 straight great days? On the second toughest course ever laid out for the Tour? 18 straight great days when every other top cyclist in the world has faltered severely at least a couple times? Dont tell me, its because his two top competitors crashed out. Guess what? That means they had at least one bad day. But Eric, if the Seahawks went undefeated and won the Super Bowl youd be ecstatic and theyd be 19-0. Yes, yes they would. And Ill bet you now that if they did that the QB throws interceptions, the running backs fumble, the defense allows touchdowns. Nibali: no fumbles, no interceptions, and in the context of cycling, has not allowed a score. My emotions are conflicted as I watch a great performance, by a great athlete, play out in front of me.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 22:21:40 +0000
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