Crash course on cycling

I’m utterly disappointed by your coverage (or lack thereof) of the Tour de France. Contrary to popular American belief, Lance Armstrong, although an amazing cyclist and individual, is not riding this race alone. Yes, Armstrong is a favorite this year, but your articles address this race as though it’s all about Armstrong.

Generally, Americans are ignorant of pro cycling and this world-renowned event; most have only heard of Armstrong and are oblivious to anything about the Tour, besides what they might catch in your paper.

Your headline “Armstrong tumbles” (July 10, C3) was laughable. Basically, you said Armstrong was “dismayed” by the number of crashes so far. If that’s true, where has he been for the past five years? Crashes like these are commonplace to cyclists.

You want a headline-worthy wipeout? Look at last year’s tour. There were plenty. (Like when Tyler Hamilton wrecked in Stage One of the tour, breaking his collarbone in two places. He kept racing, placing fourth overall. That’s a crash story.)

Please, contribute to the education of Spokane citizens as to the complex and fascinating nature of this event, as opposed to merely covering one man’s race.

Kennedy Kearney-Fischer

Spokane