Gary Hayduk has a passion for web research, building communities with web technology, and generally cool stuff that makes life fun. Some favorite web resources include:
Tour de France schedule & history
Photo sharing for free
List of things to do in
The years since 2000 have seen Lance Armstrong achieve a record breaking total of seven victories in the Tour de France - the most victories ever by a single rider, and he did them seven-in-a-row to boot. Despite many setbacks, Armstrong shows that focus and precision pay off.
During the 2000 Tour de France all eyes are on Lance Armstrong as he goes about attempting his second consecutive win. He rides with the taint of doping scandals chasing him. If 1999 was the year of the comeback, then 2000 would be the year of vindication. This would also be, very sadly, the year a 12 year old boys dies after being hit by a publicity vehicle during the race. Despite a public lack of confidence in his abilities, Armstrong wins again.
In 2001 Armstrong is seeking the "pantheon" of Tour De France as he rides for his third straight win. Only four others have gone before him– Louison Bobet (1953-1954-1955), Jacques Anquetil (1961-1962-1963), Eddy Merckx (1969-1970-1971-1972) and Miguel Indurain (1991-1992-1993-1994-1995). The odds are definitely against him. But overcoming enormous hurdles has become a way of life for Armstrong. His fight against testicular cancer is known throughout the world. Will this be the year that Jan Ullrich dominates? Three consecutive mountain stages with three mountaintop stage finishes present a difficult challenge for both the defenders of and the pretenders to le Maillot Jaune.
In 2001, Armstrong begins by truly destroying Jan Ullrich in the Alps. Then he wins the mountain time trial. When Lance Armstrong does win his third straight victory in 2001 he says it was his best win so far.
And now with the focus and precision he is so well known for, Armstrong sets his sight on a fourth win. He says, "The Tour de France is the most beautiful, the biggest, and most special race in the world for me, and for the United States."
Basking in the radiance of being King for the Day, Armstrong ends the race nearly seven minutes ahead of Jan Ullrich. He clearly enjoys his win. And he is now America's best Tour rider. He's definitely on a roll and in no time he's focused on a fifth Tour victory. Only Miguel Indurain has won five times straight.
Oddly enough it is the wife of a rider that dominates the 2002 race. Lithuanian cyclist Raimondas Rumas is suspended because his wife is found with doping paraphernalia. Suspicion is first raised when Rumas won the 2000 Tour of Lombardy. "It's true that he won the Tour of Lombardy but he didn't have the reputation as a rider capable of challenging in the biggest races, capable of a podium finish in the Tour de France," Leblanc said. In the midst of this controversy, Armstrong wins again. Armstrong continues stronger than ever, winning in 2003, and 2004.
In 2005 Armstrong now cycles for an unheard of seventh win. His only challengers are the German team of Jan Ullrich, Andreas Klöden and Alexandre Vinokourov. There is no doubt that Ullrich will be a formidable opponent. This year, 2005, will go down in cycling history no matter who wins as this race will mark the end of Armstrong's shining career. And Armstrong pulls it off with an astounding cycling victory– seven Tours de France wins, eighty-three yellow jerseys, and twenty-one stage victories.
The Post Lance Era
In 2006 the Tour de France has the most open field in memory, after some leading contenders are disqualified just weeks prior due to doping allegations. Another American, Flolyd Landis, wins the 2006 Tour with incredible efforts, only to have the honor removed a day later due to failing a doping test. Floyd vigorously disputes the doping test and is continuing to dispute it to this day.
If you liked this article, you'll find more Tour de France history articles and this year's Tour schedule at:
Tour de France schedule
2007 Tour de France stage, route & history
Tour de France stage details
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Best athletes of 2009
By: Christina Pomoni | 01/12/2009Kim Clijsters, Usain Bolt, Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods have achieved incomparable performances in 2009 and really stood out for their courage, strength, stamina and passion for what they're doing.
How to choose your gym?
By: Medimanage | 01/12/2009You want to start going to a gym but don’t know which one to opt for. Among the growing number of gyms in your vicinity, all of which boast of the best equipments, facilities and services that promise the entire world, which one do you zero-in on?
Hire a Limousine For Your Next Tailgating Party
By: Stephen A Daniels | 01/12/2009Half the fun of attending any sports event is the pre-game tailgating activities. When the weather turns cold, tailgating parties can become more challenging. Some sports enthusiasts end up paying a fortune for a Sky box, battling cold and windy weather, or foregoing pre-game tailgating altogether. It is true that...
Increasing your Slum Dunk Potential with Schematic Jumping
By: Laura Tran | 01/12/2009Aside from height, basketball players need higher vertical jumps to obtain advantage in a sport that requires reach and high leaps. But what if your jump seems to be all that it is? Well, that question may not exactly require you to jump more often to produce higher jumps. As a matter of fact, a schematic jumping workout can help you jump higher more effectively.
JUMPING EXERCISE: Increasing Your Vertical Jumps Has Never Been Simpler
By: Laura Tran | 01/12/2009Basketball players, aside from height, do need higher vertical jumps to gain advantage in a sport that requires reach and high leaps. But what if your jump seems to be all that it is? Well, that problem may not just require you to jump more often to make higher jumps. In fact, a systematic jumping exercise can help you jump higher more effectively.
All About Trampolines
By: Leah Myers | 01/12/2009The trampolines have become very in the recent times. Hence they are available in the market abundantly. It has been noted that trampolines are the best way for relaxation. Many people have fun and enjoy their day with their trampolines at home.
Advantages of High-End Fitness Walkers (Rollators)
By: Mike Hopper | 01/12/2009Another major advantage is that with a collapsible design, a Fitness Walker can also be folded and stored in a car's trunk or rear seat.
Football Fans Wear Their Pride With Football T-Shirts
By: PeterWitz | 01/12/2009Many football fans own at least one football t-shirt. The shirt may be a replica of their favorite team's jersey, it may simply display the team's logo or colors, or it may be a generic shirt that shows support for the sport itself. Football fans are passionate about their sport,...
The Smartest Investment Advice You'll Ever Receive
By: Gary Hayduk | 02/11/2007 | InvestingThe simple, stress-free way to create wealth and retire early.
Wealth Creation Through the One Rule You'll Ever Need
By: Gary Hayduk | 02/11/2007 | InvestingCreate wealth using the one rule that trumps all other investing advice. Want a hint? Warren Buffet uses this rule to make billions.
Top Travel Packing Tips – Bring What you Need But Travel Lighttop Travel Packing Tips – Bring What you Need But Travel Light
By: Gary Hayduk | 29/10/2007 | Travel TipsUse a great travel packing list as a key to a low-stress and happy vacation or business travel trip.
Sexy Grocery Shopping is Quick and Easy With an Internet Grocery Shopping List
By: Gary Hayduk | 29/10/2007 | Home & FamilyWant more time for the fun things in life? Use an Internet grocery list to streamline your grocery shopping, saving dollars and hours every week.
Honey I Forgot the Matches – Four Easy Ways to Use Camping Supply Lists
By: Gary Hayduk | 29/10/2007 | CampingBefore your next camping trip make sure that you 'forget proof' the trip by having a great camping supply list in hand.
Cleaning Checklists Save Hundreds of Dollars When Moving Apartments
By: Gary Hayduk | 29/10/2007 | Home & FamilyUse a printable cleaning checklist to make cleaning your apartment easy and complete – you'll remove stress from the apartment moving process and, better yet, save hundreds in potential cleaning fees from your landlord.
Ten Top Tips for a Low-stress Thanksgiving Holiday
By: Gary Hayduk | 18/10/2007 | Home & FamilyHelp ensure this year's Thanksgiving holiday is low on the stress and high on the enjoyment and thanks-giving by using these simple tips.