Why isn't Lance winning?

It's almost over, the 2009 Tour de France. Like my wife, many of you roll your eyes and say "Who cares?" We as Americans are especially bored with it this year, because although our hero, Lance Armstrong, is back in the fray, he's not winning. Nearly every sports cast I have heard has reported this news with a sad sounding and exasperated tone. Why isn't Lance winning. If you are paying attention, from the beginning, Lance signed on with team ASTANA, he was pretty clear that he was joined the team to ride and support team star Alberto Contador, who was the 2007 Tour winner. This is one of the aspects of cycling that most Americans don't get, it truly is a team sport.
As a 7 time winner Armstrong gets it. He wasn't a 7 time Tour winner, because he rode solo. Although his skill, personal physical strength and determination all did play into, as well, in my opinion as his ego, he was part of a team which had others doing things that ultimately made his wins possible.
Each day online you can see a recap of the days events, and each day the media interviews Lance. I have watched and have seen a very good controlled person, who, it seems, has a very good grasp on who he is in this situation. The media, however, would love nothing better than to have an opportunity to pit Lance against his team leader, Alberto.
In stage 17 post race interview the restraint Lance has shown as a team player, was evident, although, it almost didn't happen. On stage 17, one of the mountain days, Alberto made a sprint attack, in the last 5k of the stage, that it seemed was unexpected by Lance and the rest of the team. When asked if he knew what that was about, Armstrong who was farther down the mountain, he said he didn't know, and then stopped and hum-hawed a little and said "I'll have to bite my tongue on that one." This restraint, in holding his opinion about a teammate showed that Armstrong is truly a team player. I thought of this in life, work, church etc. Restraint is not something I am good at, nor are most Americans, not even Christians. But being a team player often requires that we "bite our tongue" and realize that saying nothing really is the best thing. However, this is not the American way, and this also goes with being a winner. We have freedom of speech, which is interpreted by many as freedom to say anything to anybody or about anybody we want. I don't believe that is the right way to look at this. Why didn't Lance say what was obviously on his mind. It's a team mentality. Lance realizes he's not the team leader or the coach, he is a team member, and although a legend, he has known his place.
Am I saying that in life, we should just keep it shut and let those who lead do what they want? No, what I am saying is that what we say should be said in the right place, and at the right time.
We should also always look at the big picture and realize our place.
The America media is dismayed that Lance is not winning, but also, that it seems he is not trying. They seem sure that he could be in the lead if he would just try harder. But Lance realizes this year it is not his job to win. So, it is with all of life, knowing your place, and knowing what you should do and what you should say.
Does it make sense that you know you could lead, but you don't? The lesson for we Christians from the Tour and Armstrong is that you should do all you can do in the position you have, and work with the team. I'm sure that in those post race discussion, Lance doesn't always bite his tongue, but out there on the road he does what is required.
In 2009, it appears Lance Armstrong will not win, but unless there is something bad in the works today, he will end up on the podium, in third place. At which point the American media will sadly shake their heads and wonder if he's done. The facts are that Alberto Contador was born in 1982, and is a former Tour winner, no surprise he could do it again. Lance Armstrong was born in 1971, is a former 7 time Tour winner and should be enjoying retirement. Armstrong next year will lead a new team sponsored by Texas based Radio Shack. Next year, will be the year to watch. Next year Lance's place will be to win.
The real message of Lance's return to the Tour is about passion and willingness to change roles as we go through life. Third place is not losing. Third place is racing and being a great team member, especially when the winner is your team leader.
Peace my friends.