Roadcycling.com writer Ian Melvin talks to former US Postal Service rider Frankie Andreu about his past career, the future, and Armstrong’s chances in the Tour de France 2003.
It's been a while now since you left the European circuit. What have you been getting up to in that time? I have been lucky enough to stay involved in the sport. I have done some vacations camps, worked with OLN, and worked with a couple of teams as director. Lately, I have been busy traveling with my slide presentation for businesses "Success through TeamWork."
What are your best memories of competing and living in Europe? There are many memories. The ones that seem to re-play in my mind are the hardest ones, the ones that I suffered the most but still were able to finish or do well. The best moments are the 1999 Tour with Lance in yellow arriving into Paris and also the 1996 Olympics.
Looking back at everything you achieved in your career, are you satisfied or do you have any regrets? No regrets. I raced to the best of my ability and made the most of the talent that I had. One item that I missed out on was a Tour stage win. I really wished I could have won a stage. My consolation in that is that I actually achieved something greater, winning the whole Tour with Lance.
Do you have any plans to maybe one-day return to Europe as a Director Sportif? NO. I don't want to go back to Europe as a director. I traveled enough as rider and now I enjoy staying home with my family. I have three kids and every trip I take is hard on them and me. I do love directing and really enjoy working here in the states. I enjoy sharing my experience and knowledge with younger riders and in the process helping them become better pros.
You rode alongside Lance Armstrong for a number of years. What is it he has that makes him stand head and shoulders above the rest of the peloton in the Tour de France? For starters his work ethic. He analyses everything and is very focused. He also is a natural talent. Big lungs, big VO2, big muscles, big threshold. I can't explain it and probably Lance won't be able to either.
Can he win 6? How about if we see if he can win five first? One hurdle at a time. Lance is very strong physically and I don't think that will be his breaking point. Crashes, injury and fluke circumstances might be the factor in breaking his record.
How do you view the state of the American circuit at the moment? Are there any riders in there we should keep an eye out for in the future? There are many riders that are coming up. Mike Creed, Tyler Farrar, Victor Rapinski etc. American cycling is growing because of Lance and the Tour but I don't see it growing much more than where it is. The new Tour of Georgia was a great event and is a big stepping-stone towards growing young American talent.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Frankie, and good luck with what lies ahead in your future.
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