Guest Post: Nick Lawhead // @nlawhead
____________________
Yes, this week I am as indicted as Lance Armstrong. For nearly two decades, I've carried the flag as long and as far as I could while Lance waved it in the middle of the Champs Elysee. I've debated, drawn lines and laid out strategy for how Lance was clean, more prepared, better organized and more chosen. I've gone to bat for Lance for as long as I remember most things in my life. I've tried harder, I've pedaled faster and I've wanted it more since Lance was in yellow. I've tried to ride like Lance. But alas, like everyone else, I was deceived. I'm really at a bit of a loss. The good thing is - no matter what - Livestrong is Livestrong and the idea of the yellow band is way larger than one man. Also, for as much damage as he ended up doing, I do think he made cycling more watchable for an American audience. The bad news is it turned out to be false, a fake, a sham. I couldn't be more let down. I understand lying, covering a mistake, trying to make good, becoming a better person. I really don't understanding lying, becoming better at it, improving my position on it and defending my point of view on it for nearly 15 years. I have the Lance t-shirts. I have the Lance shoes. I've lived strong. When this whole thing started, I really didn't expect to be angry or disappointed, but I am. Lance doesn't owe me anything, which is good, because he has nothing left to give.