Now this is more like it. After seven years of the iron will and shadowy intrigue of Lance Armstrong, America was finally represented by a Tour De France winner who truly embodies the American Spirit.
Floyd Landis. In one grueling race, he showed every aspect of what it means to be American – the courage to ride into the unknown, the frailty to fail and the strength to come back. Where Armstrong seemed to always be motivated by what others said, Landis motivated himself, not caring about the headlines or the doubts. Landis, he’s all about the winning.
He’s funny looking. He rarely says the right thing. His courage is silent, and his perseverance runs deep. Armstrong, to my memory, never had to battle a chronic injury during the Tour; he seemed always to be in the utmost shape, with the best team – which allowed the Texan to conduct the race on his terms. He was too cocksure, too arrogant. Landis rode in pain, for a team that many considered second rate. In interviews he seemed always to show his true self. When he cracked, he said so – and even agreed that he was done for the Tour. When he mounted his incredible comeback, he didn’t preen about, insult his competitors. He let his actions do the talking.
That’s what it means to be an American. Strong – and weak. Courageous – and cowardly. To be American means to be all of these things, like it or not, love it or hate it – but to always have a burning desire to succeed – no matter what the odds.
Landis may never ride again. And that’s okay. In the Alps of France and on the city streets of Paris, he shone as an example of what it means to be American – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the oh, so beautiful.