Teflon Lance

As the cycling world finds itself reeling from yet another year of disappointment, overall shady behavior and teams losing sponsors only a hair faster than a president can lose his cabinet, the "king" rises above it all yet again. And I say this with all sincerity.

If you haven't yet heard, LA has hosted the LIVESTRONG Presidental Forum on MSNBC over the last two days. Leading up to these events, LA has promoted the LIVESTRONG message and reminded us that in fact 1500 Americans die every day from the wretched disease. He also reminds us that a paltry $6B is spent by the US Government each year to research America's 2nd killer. Considering the same entity has shipped $12B in cold cash to Iraq since the war began and can only account for $8B, Lance may be on to something here. He's quick to tell us that the best researchers are leaving the US to work aboard because all the programs are getting cut and morale is very low in the cancer research industry.

As I've listened and watched LA over the last several days, I simply cannot hold against him the shortcomings of the sport. He is a leader in every way and is, without question, on this earth for a purpose. His approach to this issue is timely, logical and he challenges each candidate in a respectful yet accountable way. All while claiming himself to be "apolitical". We'll see how long that lasts. To his credit and point, "cancer crosses the aisle."

All of LA's interview's including Tim Russert and the Forums can be found at MSNBC.

Regardless of the dark cloud that looms over our sport, LA, as always, transcends it all. And like always, most of us are indeed pulling for him.