Armstrong pulls a Favre

Lance Armstrong retired from racing in 2005 after winning an amazing, record-breaking seven Tour de France titles. This was made even more remarkable given that he had overcome testicular cancer before winning the race. His legacy was sealed. He was free to spend the rest of his days making movie cameos and relaxing on exotic beaches knowing that he went out as champion. Or that’s what would have happened if he hadn’t gotten bored and gone all Favrey on us.

(CBS) For the past 3 weeks, Lance Armstrong looked as if he might pedal his way to a new record of eight Tour de France wins in a decisive comeback after his battle with testicular cancer. But as the leaders sprinted up the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday, it was Armstrong's teammate Alberto Contador who took first place, reports CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer. Armstrong finished in third place, crossing the finish line more than five minutes after Contador. The American cyclist, now 37 years old, says he's still proud of the result. "Hey, I can't complain. For an old fart coming in here and getting on the podium with these young guys - not so bad," Armstrong said. [Souce: cbsnews.com].

Why go out at the top of your game when you can come back years into retirement and ruin your stellar record by losing? Am I right? No? Personally, I blame Stallone. If not for Rocky Balboa, maybe ageing sports stars would be content putting their glory days behind them and enjoying the status of retired legend. FYI, Armstrong is going to compete again next year.