Landis, Leipheimer & Rogers
These three interviews and in-depth articles from John Wilcockson of Velonews are worth reading.
Floyd Landis interview.
Levi Leipheimer interview.
Michael Rogers interview.
My thoughts.....
Floyd Landis is not ready mentally to become a true team leader (maybe never). A team GC man has to be an alpha male type, but Floyd doesn't yet believe in himself. It's apparent to me he sounds more happy helping others, and if he is successful then great. A leader cannot hedge their words the way he does. You either "know" or you don't, and Floyd doesn't. This isn't about talent mind you, it's all mental at this point. Ironically the article is inappropriately titled Landis the leader.
On the flip side, Levi Leipheimer is ready and has been a leader on Gerolsteiner. His mental approach and training plan has set him up for success, and his results in 2005 prove that point. Levi is more focused, positive and possesses a better understanding of his abilities. Remember him losing 5th spot to Vinokourov on the Tour's last stage? Being outsmarted and slipping to 6th didn't destroy his confidence, but rather got his attention to prove himself once again. A few weeks later it led him to beat Jan Ullrich to take the overall victory in the Tour of Germany. He beat the sport's best German on the German's home turf. There's only one other man who could do that, but he's now retired.
Australian Michael Rogers has jumped from Belgium's Quick Step team to the German squad T-Mobile for 2006. Rogers is the three time reigning World Time Trial Champion, and heir apparent to Jan Ullrich at T-Mobile. Being 25 years old he's early into his career, and he's aware that becoming a team leader and successful Tour rider takes years of experience. Rogers realizes the opportunity within his grasp to ride for and learn from Ullrich. The most surprising thing is Rogers does not have a personal coach, instead choosing to form his own plan. For someone to be self-coached and a multiple time trial champion is unique to say the least. Rogers may not win the Tour of California, but this kid is on a path for huge future success.
Floyd Landis interview.
Levi Leipheimer interview.
Michael Rogers interview.
My thoughts.....
Floyd Landis is not ready mentally to become a true team leader (maybe never). A team GC man has to be an alpha male type, but Floyd doesn't yet believe in himself. It's apparent to me he sounds more happy helping others, and if he is successful then great. A leader cannot hedge their words the way he does. You either "know" or you don't, and Floyd doesn't. This isn't about talent mind you, it's all mental at this point. Ironically the article is inappropriately titled Landis the leader.
On the flip side, Levi Leipheimer is ready and has been a leader on Gerolsteiner. His mental approach and training plan has set him up for success, and his results in 2005 prove that point. Levi is more focused, positive and possesses a better understanding of his abilities. Remember him losing 5th spot to Vinokourov on the Tour's last stage? Being outsmarted and slipping to 6th didn't destroy his confidence, but rather got his attention to prove himself once again. A few weeks later it led him to beat Jan Ullrich to take the overall victory in the Tour of Germany. He beat the sport's best German on the German's home turf. There's only one other man who could do that, but he's now retired.
Australian Michael Rogers has jumped from Belgium's Quick Step team to the German squad T-Mobile for 2006. Rogers is the three time reigning World Time Trial Champion, and heir apparent to Jan Ullrich at T-Mobile. Being 25 years old he's early into his career, and he's aware that becoming a team leader and successful Tour rider takes years of experience. Rogers realizes the opportunity within his grasp to ride for and learn from Ullrich. The most surprising thing is Rogers does not have a personal coach, instead choosing to form his own plan. For someone to be self-coached and a multiple time trial champion is unique to say the least. Rogers may not win the Tour of California, but this kid is on a path for huge future success.
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 2/18/2006 09:24:00 AM
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