Lance

Shot this image of Lance Armstrong in Los Angeles back in March of 2009. He was on top of the world about then, retiring from the Tour de France as the all-time dominant winner.  At the same time, the forces of justice in sports was working overtime to turn his life upside down.
Haven't decided yet if I will watch his interview with Oprah this Thursday.

Livestrong.

Photo by Ted Soqui © 2009

Lance Armstrong Visits L.A.

Bicycle racing legend Lance Armstrong, along with 700 supporters, rode down the streets of Hollywood to launch the Lance Armstrong Foundation's Global Art Exhibition. The ride ended at the Motablan Hotel in Hollywood where artist Sheppard Fairey has three new giant murals of Lance on the side of the hotel. 

Lance spoke to a crowd of his supporters about his adversity with cancer, the Livestrong yellow band, bike racing, growing up in Texas, and his new love of art collecting. Lance also spoke about "finally feeling at ease" and his passionate speech was often punctuated with rare smiles. 

Ben Harper, a close friend of Lance, played several songs for the crowd. Ben's magical shaman like performance had him playing two different lap steel guitars and a twelve string acoustic with no pick along with several other beautiful guitars.

Also spotted were Ben Stiller, Laura Dern, and Patrick Dempsey.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2009

Amgen Tour of California Stage 7 Pasadena

                                   The Astana Team leading the way

                     Big George Hincapie with wheel suckers behind him.
                       A brave lead by Rinaldo Nocentoni of team AG2R                                                         LANCE!
Tour leader Levi Leipheimer with Ginnifer Goodwin ("Big Love" star)

The 2009 Amgen Tour of California rolled through Pasadena today with many of the world's greatest bicycle riders racing to win. Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer of team Astana stayed together to keep Levi as the tour leader. 

An amazing break away by Rinaldo Nocentini of Team AG2R earned him a heroic stage win at the finish line nipping Hayden Roulston of Cervelo Test Team. 

Many of the fans were cheering for last years stage winner, Big George Hincapie of team Columbia High-Road, to win, but he had his hand full with several riders sucking his wheel and keeping him away from a win. Hincapie came in 7th place.

Lance Armstrong came in 44th place today.

Photos By Ted Soqui c 2009