My neighbor, George Hincappe, is doing great with Lance in France!

[DemoTex]

We are very proud of both Lance and George in Greenville, SC. Who else thinks Hincappe might take over the USA team when Lance retires? Hincappe lives directly above me in our condos in downtown Greenville, SC. I read that Sheryl and Lance are back together (maybe, maybe not). Sheryl Crow is my brother's neighbor on the beach near Destin, Florida. Small world.

I've invited Hincappe to use my second Folbot kayak to join me for a long paddle down the French Broad River in NC when the cycle season is over. He loved the idea of giving the legs a rest. Know what I mean, Vern?

[Windy]

1. I think he very well may take over for Lance next year..

He's an awesome rider!

[DemoTex]

2. I'm with you!

I hope so. Hincappe is a great athelete. He trains in my mountains (and in Spain, where he owns a house). George is a great guy with a beautiful wife (from France), and infant daughter. He is a dog-lover, too.

[hugo_from_TN]

3. I don't think he has the climbing skills

George did great to win the mountain stage a couple of days ago, but I don't think he has the consistent climbing skills to lead a team and challenge for the GC. He is a powerhouse, but is a little too heavy for the mountain boys.

[Steven_S]

4. A peddler and a paddler?

How cool is that?

Best of luck to George and the team.

I'm a long time paddler and would love to hear a trip report about that river when you guys go.

[DemoTex]

5. Hey, if it happens it will be an epic story!

George knows that I am a writer, and he knows my stories are very different. He also knows that I am published primarily in Europe (UK, to be specific). But he (Hincappe), and a cardiologist neighbor, regurlarly ride the 52 miles up the mountain .. and back. US-178, if you know it. Tough training! Know what I mean, Vern?

[alfredo]

6. He would be terrific. He did great in his mountain stage

He's tough enough, but is he fast enough in all disciplines to be a champion? He was 57" down in the first time trial. Let's see what he can do Saturday. The time trial can make up some of the damage done in the mountains. Look at Greg LaMond's come from behind 8" win. Anyway, Saturday's time trial should be a showcase for Hincape. He should stomp the big meat and show that he can rise to the occasion in the race of truth.

I'm really happy for George and I am happy for Lance.


Next year's Tour will be ass kicking. There's going to be some very hungry riders happy to be out from under the yoke of Lance Armstrong.

BTW, Lance's team also leads the team classification. It is a slim lead, 37", but a lead anyway.