When Does The Tour de NTodd Start?

Damn it, between travel, other tasks, and my bad ankle, I've barely been riding this season and it's already July. I should take inspiration from Lance Armstrong, who makes no excuses:

His doubters take note: Lance Armstrong is not playing to lose.

Making an emphatic if not victorious start to his record-chasing Tour de France, Armstrong dealt key rivals a psychological blow by leaving them in his wake in the debut time trial on Saturday.

The Texan, seeking to become the first six-time Tour winner, cast off the stress and mummers that he is past his prime by speeding to second place in the 6.1-kilometer (3.8-mile) prologue race against the clock in Liege, Belgium.

Only an exceptional ride by Fabian Cancellara, a Swiss rider nearly 10 years Armstrong's junior, deprived the 32-year-old five-time champion of a place atop the podium and the overall leader's yellow jersey he covets.

"I'm satisfied by the way I felt, but I'm disappointed to lose by only a couple of seconds. That's the way it goes," Armstrong told reporters after a congratulatory kiss from rocker girlfriend Sheryl Crow. "The most important thing, is how does it feel? I was very comfortable, I felt strong, and that feels good."

I vow to ride next week no matter what, though Stef tells me, "don't be dumb." Not one of my strong suits.

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