Two years after his last tour, is the hyperactive athlete's change of industry more of a curse or a blessing for triathlon? "You have to take risks," said Erik Vervloet, Head of Media at the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), in the US magazine "Forbes".
The experts under the WTC roof are divided. At the very least, they are looking forward to increased media interest. "Lance brings millions of pairs of eyes that have never followed triathlons," said Vervloet. Otherwise, restraint prevails. Caution prevails when dealing with the Armstrong phenomenon, who has always remained unchallenged despite all the doping allegations: just don't lean too far out of the window.
Former professional cyclist Rolf Aldag, head of the WTC in Germany, has several perspectives. "The scene sees his involvement as controversial. There is the sporting level, where some established riders won't like the idea of an outsider coming in and possibly sweeping everyone off their feet. It's also a question of honour. In any case, his appearance will attract more attention," said the 43-year-old, who gained practical Ironman experience in 2006. The 2005 Hawaii winner, Faris Al-Sultan, sees the Texan's new commitment more as a "rucksack with 20 years of cycling and everything that goes with it".
The cooperation with Armstrong - his cancer foundation "Livestrong" collects one million dollars for six starts of the champion - was published by the triathlon association five hours after the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had retrospectively banned his former Tour rival Jan Ullrich for doping. The US authorities had - surprisingly for many - closed their extensive doping investigations against Armstrong shortly beforehand.
Andreas Raelert, second in 2010 and third in 2011 in Hawaii and probably one of Armstrong's 48 professional rivals in October, is, like many, cautious. "The best way to face this situation is to win the race with this increased public interest," Raelert told the German press agency dpa. He does not believe in any special treatment for Armstrong in the doping tests: "That would massively jeopardise our credibility in triathlon and that of the anti-doping programme."
The events at Armstrong's first appearance over half the Ironman distance (70.3) in Panama in February, where he finished second, at least aroused suspicion. "When you hear that it wasn't the three podium finishers who were asked to undergo a doping test as usual, but rather fourth to sixth place, it makes you wonder," said Timo Bracht, multiple Ironman winner over the long distance, in the specialist magazine "Triathlon". Bracht noticed that "every second photo from Panama showed Armstrong together with the WTC chief judge Jimmy Riccitello".
The name Armstrong has a special ring to it and has an impact. "I don't want to rule out the possibility that there are also doctors who are afraid of the big name or the possible consequences of Armstrong tests. Maybe it was a lack of courage, nobody knows for sure," Aldag told dpa about the incidents in Panama. For those who were upset about the supposedly lax testing practices, Armstrong promptly offered consolation via Twitter: "You can come and test me whenever and wherever."
Aldag, who confessed to doping in 2007, admits "that reservations about endurance athletes are not unfounded". Only "consistent testing creates trust". He believes that triathletes are on a better path than cyclists. However, Armstrong and triathlon are "only an issue for another two years" due to his age.
Armstrong is generally expected to finish in the top ten in Hawaii. "It won't be enough for a place on the podium or a victory," said Raelert. Aldag extrapolates: "To win, Armstrong would need a ten-minute lead after the bike. But then there is a risk that he will be flat in the run, his weakest discipline anyway."
