Comments on: Review: Every Second Counts – Lance Armstrong

By: Alastair McDermott

Alastair McDermott — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:28:50 +0000

Hi Nate,

Thanks for your comment.

I disagree that starting with my opinion on Lance’s drug use is bias – I think it sets the context for my review. I found that this book was very entertaining and inspiring and as I mentioned in my review:

“I must admit that the book has definitely influenced me back to believing he is a clean rider.”

I don’t think it’s useful to label people as “haters”, especially when they have an opinion contrary to ones own belief. Nor do I think it’s far to label people who fight against drugs in sport. Does anyone think it was unfair that Ben Johnson’s Gold medal was taken off him after his win in 1988?

When I wrote this review 3 years ago, I did believe that Lance, like most TdF cyclists, was probably taking drugs. I’m not certain, but it is my belief, particularly based on the way Lance bullied Simeoni (addressed in the review above). Since then we’ve had more evidence, in the form of statements from fellow riders, that claim Lance has used performance enhancing drugs.

I still think that Lance is an incredible athlete, and his story is inspirational. I thought this book was a wonderful read. And I still think he was doping. C’est la vie.

Thanks again for the comment.
Alastair.

By: nate

nate — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 03:12:47 +0000

This is a very poor review of Lace Armstrong’s book “Every second counts”. Starting off with your opinions about Lance Armstrong and drug testing is very bias and has nothing to do with the message being delivered. In fact he addresses haters like you in his book.

By: sportcrazy

sportcrazy — Sat, 03 May 2008 13:46:52 +0000

"I’m really concerned about your opening line. Are you really saying that Lance Armstrong takes drugs to enhance his performance? If so I’m really shocked." Tony, if you watch a replay of Stage 18 of the 2004 tour, it's very difficult to come to any other conclusion. Lance decided to use his position to ruin the chance of one of the riders on the breakaway, who happened to be testifying that Lance's doctor had some involvement with drugs. Lance bullied the rider to leave the breakaway group. They had an animated conversation during which Lance did a "zip closed your mouth" gesture. After the stage Lance said he "was protecting the interests of the peloton". Subsequently Italian police disclosed they were investigating if this incident was sufficient to prosecute Lance for intimidating a witness. Read more info on the stage here and here. I find it very difficult to see how there could be any other explanation for Lance's actions in S18 TDF'04. However, if any readers think there is an alternative explanation, please enlighten me.

By: elise hutchison

elise hutchison — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:07:00 +0000

a comment on the novel – every second counts :
i think that it was a very inspirational novel and has allowed me to open up to people and deal with things differently .
a very heart touching autobiography and i think everyone should read it!
thankyou

By: Tony Rust

Tony Rust — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 23:21:13 +0000

“Despite believing that Lance Armstrong was a drug using cheat,” – I’m really concerned about your opening line. Are you really saying that Lance Armstrong takes drugs to enhance his performance? If so I’m really shocked. Where can I read more on this please?
Regards, Tony Rust

By: Messenger of Doom

Messenger of Doom — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 20:45:12 +0000

I really enjoyed It's not about the bike. Such a positive and inspiring story. I don't think they have Every second counts in the library though, unfortunately.