Quote:
Originally posted by kutulu
It amazes me that after some 1500 km on a freaking bike that a 1st and 2nd place can be decided by a mere 22 seconds.
|
Yeah, its pretty crazy--you look at these guys, and clearly, some are in better shape than others, but the fact is, these 188 riders (now less because some have dropped out) are the 188 best riders in the world, and are in better aerobic shape than probably *anyone* in the world.
The sport is about pushing yourself until you break, and then keeping on going. And then getting up the next morning and doing it again. A few other sports surpass it in intensity (think Ironman Triathalon), but none match it for intensity and duration. Its completely awe inspiring, and is why Europe has a love affair with it. Im just saddened that the US doesnt seem to grasp it, although Armstrong's domination seems to have changed that a bit--everyone likes seeing an ass-whooping every now and then, especially when its a fellow countryman doing the ass-whooping.