Tyler Hamilton Seeks to Dethrone Lance Armstrong in Tour de France

Strategic Insights -

Tyler Hamilton, 33-year-old cyclist from Marblehead, Massachusetts, is determined to win the Tour de France this year, surpassing his longtime friend and rival Lance Armstrong. Hamilton, who was once a loyal accomplice to Armstrong, riding shotgun in the Tour to block the wind and test road conditions, has given himself permission to beat Armstrong. Hamilton's gesture of sportsmanship last year, when he rode with a broken collarbone to remind the leaders of the importance of reforming after a disruption, may have kept Jan Ullrich from running away with the Tour. Hamilton's new team, Phonak of Switzerland, has assured him that they will support him in his bid to dethrone Armstrong.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tyler Hamilton, a 33-year-old cyclist from Marblehead, Massachusetts, is seeking to win the Tour de France this year.
  • Hamilton has given himself permission to beat his friend and rival Lance Armstrong.
  • Hamilton's gesture of sportsmanship last year, riding with a broken collarbone to reform the pack after a disruption, may have kept Jan Ullrich from winning the Tour.
  • Hamilton's new team, Phonak of Switzerland, has assured him that they will clear the way for him in the Tour.
  • Hamilton has been choosing his bikes and riders, and will have to make cold-blooded decisions on the course.
  • Lance Armstrong is not going to give up easily, and it may take even more willpower for Hamilton to dethrone him.
  • Armstrong has shown signs that he will not retire casually, and Hamilton may have to defeat him with his cleats still on.
  • Armstrong's margin of victory dropped from 7:17 to 1:01 from 2002 to 2003, making him more vulnerable this year.

Statistics:

  • Lance Armstrong's age: 33 years old this year.
  • Jan Ullrich's fitness at the start of this year's Tour: fitter than ever before.
  • Iban Mayo's climbing ability: can flat-out climb.
  • Lance Armstrong's winning streak: seeking his sixth consecutive Tour de France victory.
  • Hamilton's break in last year's Tour: despite a broken collarbone, he finished fourth.
  • Hamilton's time on the CSC team before joining Phonak: three years.
  • Hamilton's time living and training in the Catalan mountain town of Girona: part of the year, away from his family in Texas.

Sources:

  • "Tyler Hamilton Takes on Lance Armstrong in Tour de France" - The New York Times (exact date not provided)
  • US Postal (exact date not provided)
  • Lance Armstrong (exact date not provided)
  • CSC (exact date not provided)
  • Phonak (exact date not provided)