New generation ready to succeed Armstrong (Agencies) Updated: 2005-07-15 09:57
Six-times champion Lance Armstrong is still 10 days from retirement yet
several young riders have already confirmed they are ready to write the next
chapters of Tour de France history.
Credit Agricole team rider Thor Hushovd of
Norway wears the sprinter's green jersey on the podium after the 187km
(116 miles) 12th stage of the 92nd Tour de France cycling race between
Briancon and Digne-Les-Bains, July 14, 2005.
[Reuters] | The American, decked in the overall
leader's yellow jersey, appeared poised for an unprecedented seventh triumph in
the world's most gruelling cycling race.
When the peloton reaches the Champs Elysees on July 24, the Discovery Channel
team leader will step off his bike for the last time and make room for the likes
of Spaniard Alejandro Valverde and Ukraine's Yaroslav Popovych.
Valverde, 25, snatched his first stage win on the Tour by outsprinting
Armstrong at the top of the climb to the ski resort of Courchevel on Tuesday's
10th stage.
The win gave him the white jersey for the best young rider.
"He (Valverde) could be the future of cycling," Armstrong said. "He is a
classy, complete, smart and patient rider. He is on a good team, surrounded by
good people.
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