The "Lance Effect"

The unparalleled success of Lance Armstrong has had a profound effect on the popularity of cycling in America, according to some of the sport’s experts. The popularity of Armstrong, who has won the Tour de France a record six consecutive times, should translate to the Olympic stage even though Armstrong is not competing. "To me, absolutely, day after day I have conversations with people that aren’t even necessarily cycling enthusiasts and every year [Armstrong won] the interest has grown to the point they’re almost feverish," said Bikeseller. com’s Hap Seliga. "Without a doubt he’s brought it to a new level of awareness. . . .

The interest can be gauged in a quantitative way — in bike sales during the Tour de France. "Naturally, it’s going to be your biggest month in the cycling industry," Seliga said. "For the average people on the street it’s giving them road-bike fever. It’s especially nice for us because we’re a Trek dealer, and Lance rides a Trek." "I think it’s a happy coincidence that it generates more sales," Russelle said. "It helps the sport. I want our business to do well, but I also want our sport to do well."