lance

Normally I'd never get out of bed early to attend a road press conference - but this seemed like a special opportunity. Lance was in Vegas, after racing in the cyclo cross race the night before, to announce more of the details of his return to pro cycling. We waited in ballroom J for about ten minutes when the proverbial hush came over the crowd of journalists. And there he was - tailed by even more cameras and an entourage worthy of an African head of state.

Lance responding to Greg Lemond's queries - before shutting him down.

Lance started out by outlining how he was going to subject himself to testing, who he would ride for (Team Astana on Trek bikes) and then opened the floor to questions. 1 hand shot up in the front row and Lance noted it was Greg Lemond - and after thanking him for being in attendance told him to go ahead with his question. I couldn't make out every word of the exchange but it was clear that Lemond was questioning Lance's chosen testing methodology - the implication being that he wasn't submitting to a sufficiently rigourous program. Lemond has been calling Lance a cheater for some time and this was his latest salvo.

Greg Lemond raining on Lance Amstrong's parade at an Interbike press conference.

Bad blood tainted the air and it felt like we were all witnessing something that should have taken place in the boardroom at a law firm. Eventually Lance cut Lemond off by saying "next question." It was much better drama than I expected and there's more to come . Astana's team leader - 2008 Giro and Vuelta winner Alberto Contador - has said that he won't race on a team with Lance. If only roadies could get along the way freeriders and downhillers do.

Eddy Merckx was in attendance as well. He and his son Axl - who lives in Kelowna B.C. - will manage the Under 23 team.