King....George Hincappie

[FirefightnRick]

Today was the most vicious day of the tour with over 120 miles of climbs including several category 1 climbs and finishing with a non-rated category climb(mean's steeper than a 1). And for the first time in Armstrong's team history one of his own wins the stage, George Hincapie, Armstrong's second in command. I just don't see how these guys do what they do. If you have ever spent any time on a bike on even a 2% climb(Category 1 is 6%) you understand what it does to you after just a few minutes. I couldn't even imagine spending over 5 hours doing it, average over 20 mph? Crazy. Armstrong added over a minute of time to his nearest rival so barring a crash or the flu from here on out for the remaining 6 stages then the fat lady can start to warm up.

Hincapie wins stage 15

By the way, the USA has 3 riders in the top 10 and 5 riders in the top 20 overall out of the remaining 160 riders. That is incredible for this, the worlds greatest bike race and possibly the most grueling sport ever.

Rick

Edited July 17, 2005 by FirefightnRick

[gksmith]

Pretty impressive. George rides for 10 years, the last 7 as Lance's "protector." His job was never to win a stage, just keep other riders from Armstrong.

Sunday, it was his job to keep up with the leaders in a breakaway. He keeps up and wins.

[Green Jackal]

What does this have to do with Mean Green Football?

[FirefightnRick]

What does this have to do with Mean Green Football?

Nothing at all.

Rick

[SCREAMING EAGLE-66]

What does this have to do with Mean Green Football?

It shows that patience pays off.... and not always the best "person" in the contest wins everytime. He failed to win his first 200+ attempts but finally won. ...Never give up... We can win games we are not expected to win.......

[gksmith]

It shows that patience pays off.... and not always the best "person" in the contest wins everytime.  He failed to win his first 200+ attempts but finally won.  ...Never give up...  We can win games we are not expected to win.......

I think that it shows that everyone on a team (be it bicycling, football, basketball, baseball, et al) has a roll. Some player's rolls are not "glamorous" but have to be done for the team to suceed. Every so often a player can step out of that roll and make the spotlight.

Hincappie's roll on the team for years was to keep Lance Armstrong from harm. Not very exciting stuff but has to be done. George was allowed to step out of his normal roll and step into the spotlight. He stayed with the stage leaders and when they bonked, George didn't. Spotlight: win the stage.