American Society

[dwertman]

People criticise Armstrong because he hasn't won any other major cycling tournaments since 1999 besides the Tour. They argue he can't be considered great if he doesn't challenge himself in different situations against other opposition.

2000

- 1st GP Eddy Merckx

- 1st GP des Nations

2001

- 1st Tour of Switzerland

2002

- 1st Midi Libre

- 1st Dauphiné Libéré

2003

- 1st Dauphiné Libéré

2004

- 1st Tour de Georgia

Those are all major cycling tours... I have to agree though that he oriented his preparation for the Tour de France. He's won major events in Europe, but as you all say, Americans don't really care about cycling, that's why you never heard of all he's accomplished.

As someone in the US who actually followed this sport since before Armstrong arrived,I can tell ya that when the Cycling Pundits,talk major tours there talking the Tours of Italy,France and Spain.

As far as my opinion on Lance,i dont think he is the greatest racer ever.I would say that hes prolly in the top 3,and he was certainly very good at building his whole calender around those 3 weeks in July.But for my money the greatest bike racer ever was Eddy Merckx.