Six Shooter: Lance Wins Again

Texan Lance Armstrong of US Postal has broken a Tour de France record and won the 3,390 Km or 2,106 mile trek for the sixth straight year. The previous record holder was - himself, and a few others who made it to five straight victories. He recorded a time of 83 hours, 36 minutes and 2 seconds, 6:19 minutes better than the second place finisher.

"It might take years (to comprehend). I don't know. It hasn't sunk in yet. But six, standing on the top step on the podium on the Champs-Elysees is really special," he said after the victory. Armstrong won a personal best five stages, including all three time trials.

For the record, the best French rider finished twelfth, and no French rider has won in twenty years. But for the sixth straight season, the American National Anthem was played in Paris indicating the Winner.

The Monday Analysis congratulates Lance on his sixth Tour victory. Lance, you are an inspiration to all of us. Bravo!

Training Camp to Open

Training Camp is schedule to begin around the league this week. The Patriots open their Training Camp on July 29th, and most practices are open to the public. For more information on Patriots Training Camp, held at Gillette Stadium, go to http://www.patriots.com.

Patriots and League News

First-round draft pick Vince Wilfork signed a six year, $18 million contract with the Pats. The 21st overall pick will fill in for Ted Washington's vacated nose tackle position. The 325 lb. NT is only the second first rounder to sign a contract so far, with training camp a week away...The Patriots signed backup quarterback Kurt Kittner. Kittner, 24, played two years for Atlanta after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2002 Draft. He's been waived by Atlanta, the Giants, and the Bengals since April. Kittner will complete for a roster spot behind Rohan Davey and Kliff Kingsbury. Terms are not disclosed...After months of squabbling, the Titans finally cut injury latten running back Eddie George...Mister Smith goes to Nashville. Antowain Smith signed with the Titans to replace the released Eddie George...And Eddie George has found a new home, in Dallas, after inking a one-year deal with the Cowboys. So instead of wearing blue and white next season, George will wear, um, er, blue and white...The Patriots released wide receiver Marquise Walker...The Patriots signed quarterback Jim Miller to compete for the back up positions behind Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady. Miller is coming off of shoulder surgery in February.

Report: 'Fins' Ricky Williams to Retire

Reports out of South Florida indicated running back Ricky Williams will file retirement papers with the league on Monday or Tuesday. Miami acquired Williams in a trade with New Orleans in 2002 for two first round picks. Williams, 27, has only been in the league five years, and told the Miami Herald in a conversation on his cell phone, "You don't know how free I feel." 

Williams has reportedly told his mother, friends and family, and his agent, Leigh Steinberg. Steinberg has not made a public comment to the reports. Neither has Miami head coach Dave Wannstedt, who would only say that players are to report to training camp in Friday (July 30). Reports say Williams also told Dolphin back up running back Travis Minor.

Williams has been productive in Miami, rushing for 1,853 in 2002, a team record, and then 1,372 last season.

Top Ten List of the Week

1. Lance Lance Lance Lance Lance Lance. Six Lances for Six Tour Victories.

2. Training Camp Starts next week. Oh yeah.

3. I work in the North End of Boston. Half-Time Pizza on the corner of Friend and Causeway has this banner: "Hey, DNC, Thanks for Nothing. Go Bush!" Ya gotta love the First Amendment. 

4. I love it Ricky Williams is bailing out. It leaves Miami really weak.

5. I'm sure Bill Parcells is as leery of Eddie George as the rest of us are with the one-year signing. I wish him luck, but I see a commenting gig in his future.

6. I had steamed clams and lobster this weekend. Is there a better meal on the planet?

7. And the title of Star Wars Episode III is Revenge of the Sith. Pretty cool, better than Attack of the Clones.

8. My lucky number is 8. This is the 8th point. My brother's 29th birthday was this week, so Happy Birthday to the best brother in the world on my lucky number.

9. I am hoping to be a glimpse of the Democratic Convention first hand this week with my camera. If I have anything on film to report, I'll let you know. But I hope to snag a couple good pictures.

10. One more for Lance Armstrong.

ejh