the human element of sport is the most compelling, this one more than most at this time in the world
The Tour de France rolls to a conclusion in Paris on Sunday
~Armstrong faced threats
Tour de France leader Lance Armstrong was the subject of threats ahead of the L'Alpe d'Huez time trial on Wednesday.
Tour director Jean-Marie Leblanc has revealed that special security measures were taken to protect the American.
"There were threats and we took that into account," said Leblanc, who told Armstrong, but would not disclose to the public where they had come from.
Armstrong was particularly vulnerable during the steep 15km climb, riding alone and at a relatively slow speed.
SECURITY was stepped up to protect Tour de France race leader Lance Armstrong after the American received threats before the Alpe d'Huez stage midweek, race director Jean-Marie Leblanc revealed today.
"There were threats against Lance Armstrong and we took these into account," said Leblanc, without giving details of the threats.
Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the 15.5km climb up the legendary Alpe d'Huez on Wednesday to see Armstrong move closer to a record sixth Tour de France title.
However, on several occasions, some riders came under verbal attack from the more boisterous sections of the crowd.
Armstrong said after winning the time trial that some of the things he had heard had been "disgusting".
Leblanc said that Armstrong had been notified of the threats before the time trial and the race director said he could understand why the American had felt uneasy during the climb.
"I can understand why Armstrong said the stage had made him feel uneasy," added Leblanc. "Now we know why. He had good reason to fear for his security.
In recent Tour de France history, riders have rarely been the target of attacks by the public.
It is estimated that up to a million spectators lined the route of the twisting, turning climb which is one of the legendary ascents of Le Tour.
At a time when all American sportsmen are conisdered to be under some kind of threat, Armstrong is also seen as a potential terrorist target.
"He is doubtless the greatest rider ever in the Tour de France. He is proving that," said Patrice Clerc, president of the Tour. |
