One for the ages

As a sports journalist Mike Tomalaris has covered many of the greats and he finds Lance Armstrong stands out as an examplary ambassador for cycling.

I haven't helped noticing the small number of cycling aficionados who criticise commentators continuously "banging on" about Lance Armstrong and what he has brought to the sport during his incredible life and career.

I can never understand why SBS cycling gurus Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen are targeted (by a minority) for being biased whenever Lance jumps on his bike and pedals to victory.

Last night, I was one of a select 70 people invited to meet the Armstrong and hear him speak in a relaxed setting in Adelaide organised for members of major sponsors of the Santos Tour Down Under.

It was a casual, sit-down, Oprah Winfrey-type 40 minute interview conducted by one of the best in the business, Bruce McAvaney.

Now Bruce is well-regarded for his research in all sports he covers and this was no different. We got to learn about Lance's love for life, family, friends, politics, cycling and everything in between.

It was simply fascinating!

I've always felt Lance as being a cut above-your-average sportsman who presents himself better than most and capable of holding an audience in the palm of his hand.

When he talks, those in the room listen to his every word, and I'm not one to be starstruck by sporting heroes.

In a career dating back to the mid 1980s, I've been fortunate to cross paths with the likes of football greats such as Diego Maradona, Jurgen Klinsmann, Roberto Baggio and Kenny Dalglish to name a few, in my travels covering World Cup tournaments.

For me, the above names are champions of their sport but none ever really struck me as being ambassadors of the human race - that is a trait Lance certainly possesses.

I've had the privilege of speaking to Lance at a professional capacity as a journalist for SBS on the hot roads when covering his tracks during his reign as Tour de France champion.

Last night there was no TV camera anywhere in sight and I didn't have to thrust a microphone in his face to have him explain about his latest conquest.

I guess I fit in the category of those who have always admired Lance, and I confess, I have done so unashamedly. I feel his amazing record in life and sports speaks for itself.

But, as a I say, it seems not everyone is convinced the seven time Tour de France winner has earned his stripes as a legend without cheating his way to the top.

Well, if Lance is guilty for cheating the spirit of sport it's never been proven, and until that day arrives I will always admire a guy who has changed the face of cycling to what it is today.