Bee Assistant Sports Editor
Win or lose Tour, Armstrong's a champion
Whether or not he's wearing the yellow jersey July 26, the final day of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong should pedal across the Champs Elysees in Paris while sipping a glass of champagne as he's done so many times before.
He's a champion, win or lose.
Since he started his American-soil comeback from retirement in Sacramento – the first stage of the Tour de California – in February, Armstrong has reminded millions of the importance of cancer research while challenging millions to live healthier lifestyles.
Remember those yellow rubber "LiveStrong" bracelets that were so popular in 2004? Well, they're back, too. Nearly 2 million were purchased between January and May. That's about 700,000 more than were sold in the same time period in 2008. Approximately 70 million bracelets have been worn since 2004, according to Nike spokesman Derek Kent.
There is no question Armstrong is a longshot to win his eighth Tour de France title. But we love an underdog, don't we? And if there is one individual who can defy the odds, it's Armstrong – cancer survivor.
What to surf
www.livestrong.com: Lance Armstrong's Web site.
What to do
Baseball, Giants vs. Houston, 1:05 p.m., AT&T Park. The only way to watch Tim Lincecum today is in person.
What to watch
Nathan's hot dog eating contest, 9 a.m., ESPN: Watch (and wince) as San Jose's Joey Chestnut eats nearly 60 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
Friday's results
American League
• Indians 15, A'S 3
• Yankees 4, Blue Jays 2
• Mariners 7, Red Sox 6 (11)
• Rangers 3, Rays 1
• White Sox 5, Royals 0
• Tigers 11, Twins 9 (16)
• Orioles 6, Angels 4
National League
• GIANTS 13, Astros 0
• Cubs 2, Brewers 1 (10)
• Pirates 7, Marlins 4
• Braves 9, Nationals 8
• Phillies 7, Mets 2
• Cardinals 7, Reds 4
• Rockies 5, D-backs 0
• Dodgers 6, Padres 3
PCL baseball
• RIVER CATS 3, Grizzlies 1
Weekend poll
Do you think Lance Armstrong can win the Tour de France after a four-year absence?
• Yes.
• No.
To vote, go to www.sacbee.com/sports.
Friday's poll results
How should the NFL react to end-zone celebrations?
• More strict. 21%
• Less strict. 64%
• About the same. 15%
Total votes: 211
The last word
What you're saying on sacbee.com comments: "Could have been worse. At least he didn't try to honor Farrah Fawcett and strip down to a red swimsuit."
– Primafacie on "Ex-49er shows fun can be in bad taste."
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