Opinion: Armstrong's new role just too hard to believe

Alberto Contador reigns as lead rider of the Astana cycling team. If that doesn't interest you, please consider this fact:
Lance Armstrong rides for the team, too.

I've tried but can't get my mind around the idea of Armstrong, the ultimate leader, serving as an Astana underling. Cycling's greatest winner has been reduced to a mere sidekick.

Americans adore Armstrong. Europeans tend to despise this Yank who invaded their territory and dominated their sport while earning a ridiculous mountain of cash.

This explains why Contador, a native of Spain, recently described Armstrong as "just another member of the team."

What's next? Will Contador describe van Gogh as just another painter?

These are strange days in the cycling world as we watch the twilight of Armstrong's era. The Tour de France, for so long Armstrong's glorious stage, begins Saturday.

He persuaded Americans to follow a sport many didn't know existed. As a ruthless, matchless leader, he pedaled to seven straight Tour de France victories.

But his last victory was nearly four years ago. Armstrong is 37, an ancient man by the standards of competitive cycling.

"I would love to be eternally young," Armstrong told the Associated Press this week. "But I'm not."

He's nursing a recently fractured collarbone and seemed weirdly satisfied with a 12th-place finish at the Giro d'Italia.

Chris Carmichael smiled as he considered his friend's situation. Carmichael, who lives in Colorado Springs, works as Armstrong's trainer. He's watched the Armstrong show for more than 20 years.

While relaxing in his office near downtown, Carmichael considered his favored highlight of Armstrong's Tour de France dominance.

In 2000, Carmichael knew Armstrong had special talent but did not yet realize Armstrong was blessed with historical talent.

He watched Armstrong push for his second Tour de France victory in 2000. His triumph in 1999 had been impressive, but it seemed possible he was a one-year wonder.

Carmichael had watched Armstrong conquer cancer. He watched Armstrong become an international celebrity. He's seen all the stupendous highlights.

Still, one moment from 2000 remains fresh in Carmichael's mind. Armstrong was in the first mountain stage in the Pyrenees. He was battling the world's toughest, fastest cyclists.

And he devoured every last one of them.

As Carmichael watched his friend obliterate the competition, he realized no other cyclist had a chance. Carmichael saw Armstrong could win four, five, six straight Tours. Even Carmichael couldn't imagine Armstrong winning seven straight.

Last July, Armstrong called Carmichael to say he wanted to ride in the Tour de France again.

Carmichael's first impulse was to revolt. He warned Armstrong about tarnishing his legacy. He talked about the excruciating challenge of returning to world-class competition.

Armstrong wouldn't budge. He was determined for one last ride in the ultimate race.

Contador is dismissive of Armstrong, which makes sense. Armstrong was riding high as the world's premier cyclist in 2005. Contador ranks, it appears, as today's top cyclist.

But much could change between now and the middle stages of the race. Armstrong could unseat Contador as Astana's lead rider.
Is an eighth victory as lead rider ahead for Armstrong?

Probably not, but there's a chance. With Armstrong, there's always a chance.

"He'll be the smartest bike racer out there," Carmichael said. "No one knows how to win the Tour better. That's where his age helps. He keeps a cool head."

He's not, no matter what Alberto says, just another rider.