He's definitely still got it. And perhaps he's still got a chip on his shoulders from the critics, as Pat McQuaid says .

Maybe he won't win the Tour de France, but he could probably do pretty well at the Tours of California and Georgia. But why join Astana and rain on Contador and Leipheimer's parade? I know Lance and Johan Bruyneel are best buds, but I don't think it benefits American cycling all that much except through generating exposure.

If Lance really wanted to make a difference in cycling here in the U.S., he'd bail out a team like Toyota-United, which is losing its sponsor, or create his own continental Livestrong team and race mainly in North America. Sure, he wouldn't be consistently competing against the world's best, but he'd be doing more to inspire and encourage the future of American cycling.

I can not see him coming back with any other team than Astana. The most important reason why is that not only is he a spokesperson for Trek but also has part ownership in the company if I remember right. Secondly I think ASO would have a hard time denying ASTANA a TDF bid next year as the global outcry would be unprecedented. Third if you want to win the TDF the most successful brain trust was Bruyneel/Armstrong enough said. Yes it would put a squeeze on Alberto but he is young and will have many years to win. Lance's own words are this will be about global cancer awareness and I know he would like to prove he is a CLEAN competitive cyclist. As far as a team like Toyota United they do not have the fire power for a grand tour and would not get a bid to the TDF or any of the other European races.

This will not only bring awareness to cancer but rekindle interest in cycling world wide. It may even help bring the fight between the Pro Tour and ASO to a close. One thing I hope can be acheived  is a uniformed testing criteria for all testing labs with set standards that are the same in all labs. All labs should have the same test equipment and the labs themselves should be independently tested for competency and accuracy on a random but regular basis. If a lab fails it is shut down until such a time it can prove it is up to par. After all their test can and have ruined athletes careers why shouldnt they be tested with failing labs exposed to the public.

The man can do it. His drive and focus is unsurpassed and his goal of sparking an awareness of the need for a cure for cancer is commendable. My only issue is personal.  Over the seven seasons he was winning the tour, and even before that, I'd watch the coverage and be nervous and preoccupied with his results. I'd watch the coverage several times a day as if going to an empty refrigerator repeatedly that you know is empty and somehow wishing food to magically appear would cause  it to be so.  So long to the days of watching the race with a relaxing disposition!   I'm so nerve wracked that he might take a spill or be toppled over by a musette bag or something that I'm just a mess.  I watch the race on the edge of my seat.  What a relief when the day's events are over and he's still in the lead!!!   I'm glad he's back. I hope he wins but I'm just not sure I can tolerate the strain of anticipation!!!

I thought seven was enough and it was a relief to me when he retired. Now I have to regain my focus!!  I just don't know if I can tolerate the stress!  Go LANCE GO!

EJ LEVY

Jovan,

I dont know what your comment about Levi meant but we all know that Levi and the team were not allowed to race the TDF. As of today Levi is second behind the selected captain of the team Alberto at the Vuelta and it appears that may be where he might finish. We dont know what might have been in this years TDF had Astana been there but it obviously was a bigger blow to Levi than the others on the team who are younger. Levi deserves a lot more credit than what he gets.

I meant, why wasnt he in the TDF? He's a good rider, I like Levi.

Yes,

Levi was on the Postal team and though it is premature that Lance will be on Astana with a lifetime endorsement contract with Trek it would seem a slam dunk. We also know how well the formula worked in the past and that Contador has already said it would be a priviledge to ride with Lance. The other option would be Lance possibly signing with another team with Trek also being the supplier of bikes, a second team. maybe Columbia?