Armstrong's True Plan Revealed?

It seemed too good to be true: Armstrong riding for free on Team Astana? There had to be something more to this... Today, the other shoe finally came down, as Radioshack announced that they would be sponsoring a new cycling team to begin operation in 2010. Perhaps the most telling part of the statement was the following:

"Lance Armstrong will compete for Team RadioShack as a cyclist, runner and triathlete in events around the world, including the 2010 Tour de France."

Yes, Lance is officially back, and the world again makes sense. Lance's "free ride," while admirable, has it's hidden agenda. And, you can't blame Lance for how he's gone about it. He may not be the fastest time-trialist, or the best climber in the world anymore, but the 37-year-old has experience, and it just may pay off come 2010.

This new RadioShack team will, by all indications, be led by Johan Bruyneel, who was Lance's main strategist on US Postal during Armstrong's seven Tour titles from 1999-2005. Bruyneel has already announced that he will not be back with Team Astana next year. Astana, a team already in financial trouble, and once in danger of losing their license after riders went unpaid for two months, was the best situation for Armstrong this year.

Why? Because it had two crucial members. First, Bruyneel, who Armstrong could reconnect with after his time away. Being on the team allows the two to gauge where their strengths now lie, and allows Bruyneel to see in advance what Team Radioshack will need in terms of supporting cyclists for Lance.

Secondly, and perhaps more imporantly, Armstrong will now have spent a whole Tour with Alberto Contador. Contador, the 2007 winner, and now the 2009 leader, looks poised to win his second Tour. In being teammates with Contador, who some regard as a dominating cyclist, Lance (along with Bruyneel) has a good feel for where Contador excels, and where his weaknesses lie. This information will be invaluable for planning against Contador, who will also be moving to a new team at the end of the year, in the 2010 Tour. As the old saying goes: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." You can't get much closer than being the main support cyclist.

Seeing all of this, it would not surprise me if Lance had this in mind all along. A team with the top contender, and in financial trouble? I'll ride for you for free! Life will be good. I'll promote Livestrong, you'll get a lot more exposure on TV. Meanwhile, Lance can scout his opponents beforehand and reconnect.

I feel that this is largely a warm-up tour for Lance. He pushed full out at the beginning to gauge where he was among his peers. That goal completed, he can settle down and ride along as a teammate, gaining more experience, and making friends on the road...friends that could prove to be the difference when the 2010 Tour de France rolls around.