15 Reasons To Quit Cigarette Smoking

I am completely against smoking tobacco.
Cigarettes are a weapon, they kill and destroy lives. Cigarettes consume the smoker's lungs and make them non-functional.

Cigarettes:

1. Make the teeth and nails yellow,
2. Wrinkle the skin faster, so smokers give the appearance of being 10-20 years older than they really are
3. Make your cloth, body, hair and breath smell pretty bad.
4. Cigarettes decrease the oxygen flow to the brain causing brain embolism.
5. Cause you to walk with difficulty, because it's harder to breath,
6. Impossible to become well fit athlete because it's difficult to run, bicycle, swim or to do any kind of sport or physical activity because it feels like the lungs just can't expand anymore and the gasping for air starts.
7. Cause a decrease of taste
8. Reduce the sense of smell.
9. Cause lung emphysema or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: chronic bronchitis or emphysema)
10. Could develop cancer of the lips. mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, lungs, stomach, kidney, bladder, and more.
11. Cigarettes could cause premature osteoporosis.
12. Smoking could be an important risk factor to develop Macular Degeneration (of the eyes)
Male smokers could notice an important decrease in sexual potency.
13. Increases the risk of infertility or delay in conception
14. The risk for a heart attack increases immensely.
15. Morbidity and mortality rates are severe.

It is hard to quit smoking, no doubt about it, but it's not impossible. If I quit, believe me, anyone can do it. I've been cigarette free for 9 1/2 years, and the improvement I've noticed in my health is remarkably positive.
I am now an avid fanatic cyclist. I bike around 14-16 hrs. a week (not counting my commuting time -only training). I'm in my power zone about 9 to 12 hrs a week. And I feel fantastic.

There are approximately 5 million deaths a year due to cigarette smoking. That means that someone dies to smoking addiction every seconds somewhere in the world. If you are smoking right now, I strongly advice you to put the cigarette away and make a decision to quit. Look for help and support.

NOTE: If you feel like adding more reasons to the list, please, feel free to do so.

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Serious Cyclists Should Not Drink Alcohol

I have been asked why I think that cyclists should not drink alcohol, and this was my response:

Although alcohol contains more energy per gram (7 Cal/gram) than carbohydrates, and it is rapidly absorbed from the intestinal tract, the available evidence suggests these calories are not utilized to any significant extent during exercise. Thus its negative effects outweigh any theoretical positive ones. These include:

1) It's a diuretic and contributes to dehydration
2) Alcohol lowers your blood pressure while drinking it
3) After the alcohol is metabolized in the liver and excreted trough the kidneys the body reacts defensively increasing the blood pressure to compensate the dehydration, so the body tries to retain water doing this which causes not only temporary hypertension and in some people heart palpitations especially if they are athletes who climb in any way, like runner, hikers and cyclists.
4) It slows down glucose production, causing hypoglycemia
5) It metabolizes in the liver and destroys hepatic cells
6) It damages the pancreatic cells as well.
7) It disturbs motor skills including balance and coordination.

These two videos show that these two bikers are no serious cyclists, but nonetheless the first biker did not deserve to be put under terrible humiliation, in my personal opinion.

Watch the 2 videos and notice the difference between two cultures. The first video shows a drunk biker who is being ridiculed by a group of guys who are having "fun" on the bikers misfortune.
The second video shows a biker who is also too drunk to ride his bike and finally falls to the ground. But in this video nobody is making fun of him. Instead, a car driver goes by and kindly pulls over and runs to him to help him.
What a difference, no?


There was a study from Pennsylvania State where 10 women were given a mixed alcohol drink. Then they made them ride stationary bikes for 30 minutes at 70-75% of their maximum heart rate. Compared to their own baseline performance off alcohol, cycling after alcohol required more energy, produced a higher heart rate, and stimulated a higher cardiovascular demand. Even moderate drinking while exercising placed increased demands on the cardiovascular system.
The bottom line is a definite negative influence on cycling performance.
Now, you would probably want to ask me: but what's wrong when drinking few glasses of alcohol and not riding until the next day when the alcohol has been excreted from your body?
Alcohol intake affects the brain. The next day the brain is dead half the day because of blood sugar spikes. This doesn't mean they can't ride hard, but it does mean that they can't do much except lay around the rest of the day after a ride. Plus they seem to get injured a lot.
I would say a glass of red wine a week with one's dinner is OK, and it also depends how serious the cyclist is about cycling.

When Laughter Is The ONLY Medicine

I came across with this interesting Website that specializes in photoshop contests. The participants have to choose an article recently published in the latest news world of any topic of his/her choice and photoshop it. It could be a serious topic but the photoshop work of the participant can be serious, funny, artistic or simply freaky.
Most of the work there is hilarious, especially when the photo-shopping is related to political or financial issues, as in the most recent controversial health care reform that President Barack Obama wants Congress to pass.
I had a good time watching these photoshop pictures, and sometimes my friends, laughter is the BEST medicine.

"Melissa B. Wanzer, EdD, professor of communication studies at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, did a research on how humor helps medical professionals cope with their difficult jobs. She also looked at how humor affects the elderly and how it can increase communication in the workplace and in the classroom."

"She wondered, how do health care providers care for terminally ill people and manage to come back to work each day? So she asked them, in large-scale studies. Their answer? Humor. Wanzer has found humor to be beneficial in other areas as well."

"Wanzer also found that aging adults who used humor more frequently reported greater coping efficacy, which led to greater life satisfaction."

Complete article

Wanzer’s findings have been published in multiple journals, including Communication Quarterly, Communication Research Reports, Communication Education, Health Communication and Journal of Health Communication.

Armstrong Third Cavendish Sprinting King

This year's Tour de France was exhilarating, as well as the Giro d'Italia was and I can't wait for La Vuelta of Spain to come!
Lance Armstrong performed with excellency, like always. You all might know by now that I am a die hard fan of Lance, and as much as I love and admire him, I did not expect him doing so well this year. I really thought that he was going to finish in the top ten, but most probably not in the podium. Four years away from professional racing can make any cyclist not to perform as well in his first come back to cycling competition. For all the effort and love that you put into cycling and supporting the LIVINGSTRONG Foundation, thank you very much.
Well done, Lance! We all were pulling for ya.

Lance Armstrong told reporters:

"I came here to do my best and I came across some guys who were clearly better than me," he said. I don't have any regrets, I got put outa couple of times, but considering my age and recent racing, it's not a bad performance overall."

"I am ready to go home, it's been a long three weeks as usual," he said. It's stressful and there are a lot of commitments outside of riding the bike race. I am ready to go on vacation for sure."

Have a good one, Lance!

In the news:

1. Astana will no longer be managed by Johan Bruynneel next year nor Lance Armstrong will be there.

2. It seems that Vinokourov is coming back and he will be the team leader of Astana in 2010. ESPN reported:

"I want to announce that I will return to competitive cycling on July 24," Vinokourov said during a news conference in Monaco, where the Tour de France starts on Saturday.

"I do not see myself anywhere else than Astana. This team was created in 2006 with the Kazakh cycling federation; it is our baby," he said.

He said negotiations were underway with the Kazakh cycling federation and team manager Johan Bruyneel.

"This team has been created for me, I do not see how an agreement could not be reached," Vinokourov said. "If there is no deal, Johan will have to leave the team."

3. Lance will have his own new pro cycling team with Radio Shack

4. Mark Cavendish gets his 6th final sprinting victory in the Champs-Elysees. Cavendish is victorious, amazingly fast right before the finish line, nobody can catch up with him, not even Thor Hushovd who has shown in past races that he is one excellent sprinter. Mark proves that he is in fact the King of sprinting!

"It's amazing you know. All along I said I wanted to go all the way to Paris and my team was so great in helping me do it," Cavendish told reporters.

"Six victories including the Champs-Elysees. All my dreams come true," he said.

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Mexico Wins Gold Cup 2009

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Mexico won its fifth Gold Cup title few minutes ago in New Jersey, against United States by an outstanding number of goals, 5 to 0. What an exciting game this was!

By Dylan Butler

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey - Halftime substitute Carlos Vela scored a goal and set up two others to lift Mexico to a 5-0 win against the United States to win the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup in front of a sellout crowd of 79,156 at Giants Stadium Sunday afternoon.

It was Mexico's record fifth Gold Cup title and first since 2003. and El Tri's first win against the Americans outside of Mexico since 1999, ending a 15-game winless streak. The United States also saw its 58-game home unbeaten streak against CONCACAF opponents snapped as five different Mexicans scored in the second half.

Vela, who came on at the start of the second half for Alberto Medina, immediately changed Mexico's fortunes. He played a ball inside the box to Giovani Dos Santos, who had his back to goal. Dos Santos and Jay Heaps both went down and Jamaican referee Courtney Campbell pointed to the penalty spot.

Mexican captain Gerardo Torrado stepped up and beat U.S. goalkeeper Troy Perkins with the penalty kick in the 56th minute to give El Tri the lead.

In the 62nd minute, Dos Santos scored on a rebound after Miguel Sabbah's shot was saved by Perkins to make it 2-0 and five minutes later, Dos Santos slipped Vela through and he chipped Perkins to give Mexico a commanding 3-0 lead.

In the 79th minute, Vela fed Jose Antonio Castro, who got behind the United States backline and beat Perkins for a fourth goal. The Americans gave up more goals in the second half than they had in their previous five games.

Things went from bad to worse for the United States two minutes from full time when Jay Heaps was sent off with his second yellow card.

Two minutes later, Fausto Pinto found an open Guillermo Franco, who struck for the fifth goal.

Stuart Holden had the first quality scoring chance of the match, taking a pass from Robbie Rogers, but he fired wide to Guillermo Ochoa's left from the right edge of the penalty area in the 28th minute.

Two minutes later Mexico had its first corner kick, but Sabah headed Medina's corner wide from 10 meters.

Medina had an active first half. In the 45th minute he found himself open on the left side, but Chad Marshall recovered nicely and Medina was unable to attempt a shot.

Moments later, the longtime Chivas de Guadalajara midfielder was cautioned for delaying a restart by Campbell, one of three yellow cards handed out in the opening 45 minutes.

Also in first-half stoppage time, Dos Santos had room to run and slipped a pass to Medina, but after taking one touch, he rolled the ball wide of the far post.

But after a scoreless and even first half, Mexico seized control of the game, mounting a sustained attack in the final third for a historic and lopsided victory. El Tri avenged a 2-1 loss in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. Mexico also defeated the United States 4-0 in the 1993 final and 1-0 in the 1998 title game.

Lance And Cancer Survivors Live Strong

Maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow, but in the meantime, I'm not ready to die, so I want to continue to living strong for many many years to come.
This song is simply beautiful and it was created to support the LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION and all those who fight so courageously everyday against cancer, patients and their loved ones.
But we can all apply the wonderful lyrics of this song to our own everyday life battle. It could be diabetes mellitus, malignant hypertension, emphysema, any degenerative disease or maybe, we just happen to feel lonely and scared. This song will lift your spirit.

Which Cyclist Will Conquer Mont Ventoux?

Tomorrow's Tour de France stage will end at the top of Le Mont Ventoux, the hardest climb in France. This beautiful mountain has witnessed the glory, the pain, the suffering, the courage, the sweating and puffing of many cyclists through out the years, and tomorrow it will again!

If you haven't been following the Tour de France this year, I kindly advice you not to miss tomorrow's stage. This mountain is waiting anxious for the cyclists to climb it tomorrow, and I am too.

The beginning of the stage promises to be a little hectic since some riders will try to attack, along the way we could have many surprises, more attacks, falls, fatigue, quitting and even danger when the riders descend. The end, the top, who will get there first? Who will conquer the climax of Le Tour de France 2009?

Alberto Contador, Lance Armstrong, Andy Schleck, Wiggins, Kloden, Carlos Sastre? I don't think that Cadel Evans will win this stage. Who knows. We will see in few hours. Now sleep tight because tomorrow is going to be an exhilarating day for all of us who are absolutely in love with cycling.

In this video (year 2000) you can see a controversial move by Lance Armstrong who practically gifted the stage win to his breakaway companion, Italian climber Marco Pantani (RIP).

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Alberto Contador Being Asked About Doping

Alberto Contador was asked by reporters of the AFT on Thursday about his thoughts in regards to some doubts being raised by Greg LeMond and others about possible doping after his performance in stage 15. But he refused to answer.
This report was published in the Australian Online Newspaper and released by the AFP:

But asked to react to doubts expressed by former Tour de France winner Greg Lemond, present at the race Thursday, on his performances Contador refused to answer. “I won't answer this question,” Contador said through his translator when asked to explain his impressive climbing performance to Verbier.

Last Sunday Contador attacked a small group of favourites containing teammate Lance Armstrong 5.6km from the summit of the 8.8km climb to the summit finish of Verbier to win the stage and take command of the yellow jersey.

Moments later the determined reporter repeated his question. “Otra pregunta (next question),” said the 26-year-old Contador.

When asked to reveal his V02 max, his maximum capacity to transport and use oxygen while racing, the Spaniard was evasive. “Otra pregunta (next question),” said Contador again.

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Is Contador Riding His Own Race?

Yes he is.
Alberto Contador did not win stage 17 but he ruined it again for his own cycling team by not behaving ethically . What is his problem? Either he is a selfish traitor or he just doesn't THINK.

He didn't have to attack today to win the Tour de France, by doing so -attacking- he helped the Schleck brothers to go up in the General Classification and potentially put in danger the possibility for Kloden and Lance Armstrong to be both in the podium.

"Astana team boss Johan Bruyneel was none too pleased with his young pupil, suggesting that Contador’s aggression might have cost the team a chance to sweep the final podium in Paris." ~Andrew Hood said.

“I told him you don’t have to attack to win the Tour de France today, because the difference was there to Wiggins,” Bruyneel said after the stage. “It’s a bit of a pity that Andreas couldn’t hang on, because I think we could have been first, second and third on GC, and instead, we are first, fourth and fifth.”

Bruyneel also said "Contador’s punch played into the hands of the Schleck brothers, upping the tempo and leaving Klöden isolated for the final two kilometers to the summit."

“I had advised him not to do so. He didn’t need to go,” Bruyneel said. “It was clear that the Schleck brothers would go full gas to the summit."

Anyways, I don't think that Contador has what it takes to be in a professional cycling team. By the way, I totally dislike his hand-gun shooting sign. Cycling racing celebrates life. What does he celebrate when he "shoots"?

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

Rank	Dossard	Name	Country	Team	Time	Gap
1	021	Alberto CONTADOR		AST	72h27'09''	00''
2	031	Andy SCHLECK		SAX	72h29'35''	2'26''
3	036	Frank SCHLECK		SAX	72h30'34''	3'25''
4	022	Lance ARMSTRONG		AST	72h31'04''	3'55''
5	023	Andréas KLÖDEN		AST	72h31'53''	4'44''
6	058	Bradley WIGGINS		GRM	72h32'02''	4'53''
7	095	Vincenzo NIBALI		LIQ	72h32'18''	5'09''
8	051	Christian VANDE VELDE		GRM	72h35'17''	8'08''
9	106	Christophe LE MEVEL		FDJ	72h36'28''	9'19''
10	061	Mikel ASTARLOZA		EUS	72h37'59''	10'50''

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Armstronganator Says "I Will Be Back"

Yes, sir, Lance Armstrong says "I'll be back".
And this is the best news I have read in a long time. Lance Armstrong announced to 10 reporters of the AFP ( Agence France Presse ), just 3 hours after finishing today's stage 16, that he is planning to come back to race the 2010 Tour de France, with a new cycling team, new sponsor but with the same team manager and mentor, Johan Bruyneel.

He also told reporters that "most probably winning this year's tour is out of the question"

However, about winning next year 2010 he said: “I don’t think it’s out of the question … “Next year is a different story.”

General Classification after stage 16

1. CONTADOR Alberto 67h 33' 15"
2. ARMSTRONG Lance at 01' 37"
3. WIGGINS Bradley 01' 46"
4. KLÖDEN Andréas 02' 17"
5. SCHLECK Andy 02' 26"
6. NIBALI Vincenzo 02' 51"
7. LE MEVEL Christophe 03' 09"
8. SCHLECK Frank 03' 25"
9. SASTRE Carlos 03' 52"
10. VANDE VELDE Christian 03' 59"

Tour De France OFF, Economy ON

The stock market opened today, rallying its "greed" shoots up to the sky, based on...hum, based on...oh well, I really have no idea why they rallied all day. Could it be that the increasing unemployment figures, CIT Group being rescued by bondholders, house and retail foreclosures rising and banks being closed -83 banks closed by the FDIC - are lagging indicators and that there is a recovery on the way?

There have been 83 banks closed since January 2008 to date. There were 26 banks closed in 2008 and 57 banks in 2009 so far. And it's only July! This is the Complete Failed Bank List

Does it make sense what I just wrote? Please, tell me the truth. Because I don't think that what I wrote up above is logical at all.

What I think it's going on is that Wall Street investors are happy that:

1. There is a new bailout coming to rescue companies and banks that are completely bankrupt and financially insolvent, but "they are too big too fail". Right.

2. They are propping up the markets to bring the price of crude oil up. Today it closed at 64.34

3. Devalue the US dollar to increase all international trading profits (exportation in this case). But, what about the GDP? Allow me to laugh.

Anyways, since there is not Tour de France today (professional cyclists need their beauty rest too, you know) I decided to blog about the economy.

Here, there is video for you to watch. It comes in 6 parts. Very interesting, educational and informative. It's about the Great Depression in 1929. Let's learn, grow in wisdom and protect ourselves so we can come out of this financial mess stronger and healthier than ever.

Mark Cavendish Did Not Help Today

The title of this post is not one that I would have liked to ever have written. I admired Cavendish for long time and supported him as well. But he didn't behave ethically today at all, and that is a shame.

I have followed George Hincapie's career for quite long time now. He is one great professional cyclist who, in my personal opinion, has behaved in the most admirable and loyal way I have seen. He is not only a good cyclist but an awesome teammate and kind to his fans. But I don't think that he has the support he deserves from his teammates nor from his Columbia directours.

It's my opinion that George Hincapie deserved the yellow jersey at the end of today's stage 14. But 'selfish' Cavendish did not help Hincapie to get it. Instead, he -Cav- accelerated to the finish line trying to get some few points ahead of Thor Hushovd just to get the green jersey back. In his intent to do so he pulled the peloton forward making Nocentini gain seconds in the total results causing George Hincapie to lose the opportunity of wearing the malliot jaune. Pathetic.

I never thought I would say something like this about Mark Cavendish.

"Cavendish, who crossed the line in 13th ahead of the Norwegian-Thor Hushovd-, was then disqualified from the stage and placed last, allowing Hushovd to increase his lead in the points race to 18." ~BBC SPORT reported

"He just tried to push me in the barriers. I could pass him and when he saw me coming he tried to push me into the barriers, and that's not fair game," ~ said Hushovd.

"If he's faster than me then I can accept it but when you don't follow the rules of fair game, then that's no good."~Thor said.

Race jury director Martin Bruin backed up Hushovd's stance, explaining: "Mark Cavendish was disqualified because he did not stay on his line while he was next to Thor Hushovd."

What happened to you, Mark? You seemed to be a cool guy.
I hope that he apologizes and behaves differently next time. He is young and still is a fantastic cyclist.

Cyclists Shot By Pellet Gun In Tour De France

This is unbelievable. What kind of garbage humanity has come to, really! For long time I've been wanting to rant my heart off and scream to the world how upsetting all this killing, abusing and hating is for me.
Why is it that we hate so much? Why do we have to frigging bring pellet guns to a cycling race that celebrates life and triumph???!!!! WHY? Are we completely mad? Have we evolved into these kind of half living monsters that have forgotten to love and respect one another?

For crying out loud, STOP THE VIOLENCE, people! Stop the hate!

"Police have launched an investigation after two riders suffered light injuries when hit by shots fired from an airgun on the 13th stage of the Tour de France on Friday.

New Zealander Julian Dean of Garmin-Slipstream and Spaniard Oscar Freire of Rabobank were hit with pellets near the 165km mark of the 200km stage in the hilly Vosges region.

Freire, a three-time world road race champion, had to have a pellet removed from his leg by his team doctor after finishing the stage.

"He's got a bit of bruising but he will be able to start on Saturday," said his team boss.

Dean, the main lead-out man for American sprinter Tyler Farrar, was hit on a finger of his left hand, according to his Garmin team.

Police working on the stage were immediately alerted by the teams.

"Julian was shot by an air rifle or BB gun (pellet gun) at the top of a climb during the stage. He has a minor injury on his finger but he was able to finish," Garmin-Slipstream spokeswoman Marya Pongrace confirmed.

"(Tour organisers) ASO have asked police to open an investigation."

A spokesman for Rabobank said: "Oscar heard three shots and then felt a sting. A small shot was removed."

Tour organisers have confirmed an investigation had been opened and said both riders had given statements to the police." ~VeloNews reported

My personal message to ALL the Tour de France riders:

Please, take care of yourselves. My heart and thoughts are always with you guys.
I know there's gotta be a winner (and it will be Lance Armstrong, I'm sure. ---sorry, but I'm die hard fan of his), but to me you are ALL winners already.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and please, please, take care.

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Perfect Rainy Weather For Heinrich Haussler

Long stage today but perfect wet and rainy weather for Heinrich Haussler to win stage 13. Yes, Haussler is one of the few cyclists that actually performs better in this type of weather. He loves it and he knows it:

“I love this type of weather," said Haussler.

Once entering the wet descending road, Chavannel took precautions and went down more slowly than Haussler.

"I thought he was just playing with me," Haussler said of Chavanel. “If I would have waited, I don’t know what would have happened. So I just went. I went like crazy." ~Haussler commented in regards to him noticing Chavannel staying behind.

No changes in the General Classification: (Levi Leipheimer left, so Wiggins went up to 4th place)

Picture credit Steephill

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Last KM Tour De France Stage 12 (VIDEO)

Mark Cavendish Is A Racist?

Mark Cavendish did it again today. He won stage 11 of the Tour de France 2009. He just keeps on rocking and doing what he knows how to do best: sprint and win.
But now he's been accused of being...a racist!

Well, haven't we seen this kind of hate and jealousy towards a winner already before. This happens all the time. You win, you show courage, strength and uniqueness, then some people who are terribly insecure of themselves can't wait to accuse you of anything untrue just to try to make your life impossible.

Lance Armstrong is one example. He has been living strong through out his fight against cancer, he has been an extraordinary cyclist, and some people love to hate him just because they can't accomplish what he has. Pure jealousy.

See, when someone wins and succeeds over and over, s/he is viewed as being arrogant only by the ones who feel inferior.

Let's read what was said today to the press:

"The Columbia rider’s morning also started off on the wrong foot with an article published in French sports paper L’Equipe quoting an anonymous French rider who claimed that Cavendish had used derogatory terms towards French riders in the race, and that
 his arrogance was getting on their nerves.
" ~VeloNews reported

“Cavendish is racist, he's anti-French,” the anonymous rider reportedly said.
 “He should be careful. We're not going to put up with his attitude much 
longer.”

“It was an anonymous French rider and an anonymous author,” Cavendish said. “I just had to laugh at that. I’ve got to take it as a compliment that they keep on criticizing my riding. They are trying to make shit for something else. You know, I have a lot of friends who are French. I made an effort this winter to learn French so I could do interviews. I’m still not confident to speak it, but I can understand it perfectly to answer the questions."

“I just have to laugh about this,” he continued. “I don’t know where it’s come from. I don’t know why it’s come about. What can I do but let people read it how they want to read it? You can’t stop it. I can’t apologize for something I haven’t said. If they want to make shit up, at least have the decency to have the name of the rider who said it, and the author of the article. I just brush it off.”

“I get a little hotheaded sometimes, but it's irrelevant the nationality
 of the rider when you get arsey at someone,” Cavendish said. “When you're a rider with a public profile, you can't be friends with
 everybody, it's going to be like that. For sure
 I'm going to get arsey at some lad, because I'm an asshole. But their nationality, and what they look like or where they come from, is 
irrelevant.”

Cavendish, one thing: GO CAV!

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Mark Cavendish Rocks

You gotta love Mark Cavendish. He is a professional, funny, down to earth cyclist and so cute in his unique style when crossing the finish line. On the picture above he was actually honoring Columbia's phones, but nobody was expecting him to do that, not his teammates not his bosses at Columbia. He said "it was just something he thought of doing 1 km before the finish"

I personally think that he's a fantastic sprinter who gets his way to the triumph whenever a good finish sprint waits for him at the finish of a stage or any cycling race.

Keep up with your good humor, Cavendish. You always make my day and bring a smile to my face.



BTW, the stage today was kind of boring in general. No radio phones were allowed for communication between the cyclists and their team cars. Reason: the Tour de France organizers and the UCI wanted to bring back a little bit of the past ol' times when radios were not being used in professional cycling yet, expecting to make today's stage "more exciting with un-expected winners and full of surprises".....well, well, well....ha-ha-ha...I guess it did not work at all. In fact, it was boring, except for Cavendish at the end, the rest of the stage was not exciting at all.

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The King Of The Road, Lance Armstrong

I'm not missing any second of the next stages of the Tour de France.
It already is exciting, but I think that it's promising to be even more interesting after reading what Lance Armstrong told the press on Sunday:

"We'll have more moments, we'll see who's really the strongest," ~ Lance Armstrong said

"I wouldn't say that I could have easily followed Contador because it was an impressive attack, but I probably could have gone. But it wouldn't have been correct for me to go across," added Armstrong.

"I waited for the other guys -referring to the rivals-, I expected them to pull it back and they didn't but ... that's life, that's cycling. I had to do the right thing."~Armstrong

I've said it before: The King of road cycling, Lance Armstrong, is full of surprises. The best thing of all is that his surprises are not a little 1 km cycling bluff -I'm making reference to Contador's treason-, his surprises are usually long, hard, fast and deadly!

HA! Come on Lance, give it to Contador, show him who's the King of the road!

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Tour Of Missouri 2009 Might Be Cancelled

Tough financial times for United States of America are affecting several cycling races. Some already have been being cancelled and others are facing cancellation like the Tour of Missouri 2009.

The State of Missouri faces severe budget cuts with a total of $430 million dollars budget reduction plan and restriction of several programs. $1.5 million dollars were destined for the September 7-13 Tour of Missouri, but the tour organizers were notified by state officials that the money was frozen due to the financial crisis the state faces.

“We are very surprised and shocked that this has happened,” said Chris Aaronholt, managing partner of Medalist Sports, which runs the Tour of Missouri. “We have a signed contract. This is the third year of a three-year commitment.”

“The governor is concerned that we get ahead of these fiscal measures, so we don’t end up in the situation like California or other states,” Cardetti said. “We don’t want to be forced to do things like close schools or prisons. So we’ll look at all these measures across the board and see which ones we will implement.”

"The race has a budget of approximately $3.5 million" according to Steve Brunner, president of KOM Sports, the marketing arm of Medalist. “We need that $1.5 million to drive the heart of what we’re doing, and we make up the rest on sponsorship.

A letter from Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder...

Friends,

By now, some of you may have heard rumors regarding Gov. Nixon freezing state funds for the 2009 Tour of Missouri. I would like to share with you the details that we currently have:

On Wednesday, at the close of business, I was informed by the Division of Tourism that the money set aside for the Tour of Missouri was frozen by Gov. Nixon’s administration. The state’s commitment for the 2009 Tour of Missouri was $1.5 million. Without these funds, which are available and approved by the Tourism Commission, the Tour of Missouri will cease to exist.

At this time, I have requested a special meeting of the Missouri Tourism Commission to evaluate our options and decide what our next step should be.

As you know, we are very close to putting the final touches on the race this year. Our sponsors have invested and we are on track with our fundraising goals. Teams from across the world, the same teams now racing in the Tour de France, have been invited to our state, and communities across Missouri are making great preparations for the race. Contracts have been signed by the state, cities, sponsors and vendors and cutting this funding will leave the state susceptible to wasteful litigation.

Right now, I am urging cycling fans across our great state, and around the world to contact Gov. Jay Nixon at 573-751-3222 and tell him to release the funding for the largest sporting event ever held in our state.

I am grateful for the supporters, sponsors, volunteers and spectators who in the past two years have helped generate nearly $60 million in economic impact for our state, and brought over 800,000 visitors to the race.

With your help, I truly believe we can ensure the survival and success of the 2009 Tour of Missouri.

Sincerely,

PETER D. KINDER
Lt. Governor, Chairman of the Missouri Tourism Commission

Call Gov. Jay Nixon at 573-751-3222 and tell him to save our race!

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Rant Off, Life Is Good

In the past few weeks I had been feeling quite disappointed at the human race and the way we all handle social, political, financial, ethical and moral issues in the world, and I wanted to make a post about all these feelings and thoughts that were making me angry and wanted to rant and rave here.
But yesterday I woke up, watched the Tour de France on TV5 Monde, watched Lance Armstrong give his best, the rest of the cyclists were out there also giving their best and enjoying the tour, the fans were screaming of happiness watching their heroes go by and taking pictures.
Then I saw one of my neighbors feeding some stray cats and realized that my neighbors are kind people. They love their pets and several of them feed stray dogs and cats on a regular basis.
My family and pets are healthy, they love me and I love them back. I am in good health. Life is good.
I remembered how amazing my bike rides are. A few days ago, after watching the Tour de France I went out for my bike ride around the city and saw wild flowers opening and pointing their petals towards the wind and sky like telling me: "Look at us, we are here, making the road beautiful for you, Livingstrong, for you to enjoy your bike ride and recover faith in humanity". And I did. I took some pictures of the wild flowers while the cars were passing, and I thought to myself: "Life is good. Humanity is good. Goodness in the world HAS to outweigh the badness, otherwise I don't think that the human race would have survived this long."

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Add LIVESTRONG Wristband to Twitter Avatar

Do you have a Twitter account yet and a Twitter avatar? If so, look at what you can do to support the LIVESTRONG Foundation, Lance Armtrong and 28 million people living with cancer. And the best thing of all...IT'S FREE and fun!

All you have to do is CLICK HERE and then follow directions. It's really easy and fast. It will only take you 5 seconds!

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Lance Talks About Stage 4 (VIDEO)

Nice video you should enjoy about Lance's opinion on how the Team Time Trial went. He looks happy and radiant. Well done, Astana!

Lance Armstrong ALMOST Gets Yellow Jersey

By a fraction of a millisecond Lance Armstrong is not wearing the maillot jaune -yellow jersey- today.
The team trial stage was absolutely exhilarating. I was doing my daily bike ride while the Astana team was on fire with Armstrong in it. Some of my family members kept on calling me on my cellular to tell me that Lance and his team were practically flying on their bikes. They also told me that ESPN sport commentators were saying that if Astana won this stage then there was a great possibility that Lance was going to be wearing the yellow jersey tomorrow.
So, there I was pedaling, working out, sweating, my heart monitor was marking 164 bpm before the cell-phone call about Lance, after the call it jumped to 185 bpm, and I wasn't racing, I was just excited for my hero!

Ah, I love cycling, love Lance, love Astana, love ALL cyclists, and I definitely love the Tour de France!


GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1. Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank in 10:38:07
2. Lance Armstrong Astana
3. Alberto Contador Astana at 00:19
4. Andréas KlÖden Astana at 00:23
5. Levi Leipheimer Astana at 00:31
6. Bradley Wiggins Garmin - Slipstream at 00:38
7. Haimar Zubeldia Astana at 00:51
8. Tony Martin Team Columbia - Htc at 00:52
9. David Zabriskie Garmin - Slipstream at 01:06
10. David Millar Garmin - Slipstream at 01:07

12. Christian Vande Velde Garmin - Slipstream at 01:16
15. Roman Kreuziger Liquigas at 01:31
16. Michael Rogers Team Columbia - Htc in 10:39:39 at 01:32
17. George Hincapie Team Columbia - Htc in 10:39:43 at 01:36
20. Andy Schleck Team Saxo Bank in 10:39:48 at 01:41
22. Jens Voigt Team Saxo Bank in 10:40:10 at 02:03
24. Kim Kirchen Team Columbia - Htc in 10:40:23 at 02:16
25. Frank Schleck Team Saxo Bank in 10:40:24 at 02:17
29. Carlos Sastre Cervelo Test Team in 10:40:51 at 02:44
35. Cadel Evans Silence - Lotto in 10:41:06 at 02:59
37. Thor Hushovd Cervelo Test Team in 10:41:06 at 02:59
38. Stuart O’grady Team Saxo Bank in 10:41:07 at 03:00
40. Oscar Pereiro Sio Caisse D’epargne in 10:41:10 at 03:03
52. Filippo Pozzato Team Katusha in 10:41:25 at 03:18
55. Sylvain Chavanel Quick Step in 10:41:30 at 03:23
60. Mark Cavendish Team Columbia - Htc in 10:41:40 at 03:33
72. Denis Menchov Rabobank in 10:41:59 at 03:52
74. Carlos Barredo Quick Step in 10:42:02 at 03:55
81. David Arroyo Caisse D’epargne in 10:42:17 at 04:10
88. Tom Boonen Quick Step in 10:42:32 at 04:25

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Lance Armstrong 3rd Cavendish Wins Stage 3

Lance Armstrong moves up to 3rd place today! He was unstoppable, he was D' MAN and the King of the road! Love you and admire you Lance so much. Thanks for this wonderful stage.
Cavendish was definitely amazing, winning wearing his green jersey and didn't let the big pack of teta de la course get ahead of him. Mark Cavendish...RESPECT!

This is just preliminary results. Keep posted for later photos, comments and more results.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1. Cancellara
2. Martin at 0:33
3. Armstrong at 0:40
4. Contador at 0:59
5. Wiggins
6. Kloden
7. Gerdeman
8. Evans
9. Maxime Monfort
10.Leipheimer at 01:11
11.Rogers at 01:13
12.Kreuziger at 01:13
13.Hincapie at 01:17

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