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Watching American cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong cross the finish line at the end of the Tour de France's 10th stage to re-take the leader's yellow jersey last week made it hard to tell this was a man approaching the end of his professional career. However, that's just what the greatest Tour rider in history intends to do July 24 - hang up his wheels for good.
Cycling is in many ways an anomalous sport, and not just because its participants clad themselves in form-fitting Lycra; the 32-year-old Armstrong will walk away considered an old athlete in a sport dominated by those in their late 20s. The Texan has become a symbol of hope to the cancer community for his 1997 battle with testicular cancer. His Livestrong foundation, formed to advocate increased cancer research and awareness, sparked the colored wristband surge with their now ubiquitous yellow bangles seen on Hollywood stars and Olympians. But what is the future of American cycling after Lance's shadow has receded into the background - will the sport simply fade back into obscurity except on the Continent?
Greenville resident George Hincapie, Lance's lieutenant in the tour and teammate for more than a decade, won this year's 15th Tour stage. While George might not have the qualities of a Tour contender, it was a signal that an oh-so-American run at domination in yet another sport wouldn't fold like a stack of cards come next year.
Two other Americans on different European teams built around them for Le Tour are its top 10 - Gerolsteiner's Levi Leipheimer and Phonak's Floyd Landis, a former teammate of Lance. Another American, Tyler Hamilton managed fourth place overall in 2003, and Leipheimer was ninth last year.
With so many riders in their prime turning in continually improving performances, the future of American competition in Europe is bright. Big results where it matters, like France in July, coupled with a thriving domestic scene means you should give the next cyclist you see out training a wide berth and a friendly wave - he might just be the next Armstrong.
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