Graham Watson

The mailroom: Lance's USPS team members help keep him in the lead

A two-time Olympian, Andreu finished fourth in the 1996 Olympic road race and hopes to be chosen in a couple of weeks for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. But more than his Olympic success or his handful of victories in his 12 pro seasons, Andreu is known as one of the sport's best team riders.

While his U.S. Postal Service teammate Lance Armstrong holds a commanding race lead with six stages remaining in this year's Tour, Andreu, 33, is riding steadily. He and his remaining teammates are trying to control the peloton as the race winds its way to Paris and its conclusion on Sunday.

Like many American pro cyclists, Andreu has two residences. He lives with his pregnant wife and 14-month-old son in his hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, as well as in an apartment in Nice, France during the season.

Outside Online: Can you tell us about riding in nine Tours and your plans for the future?

Frankie Andreu: I want to do it next year to get ten and that will be it. I rode with a guy, Sean Yates of Britain, who I believe retired with 13 finishes and there are guys with 14, maybe more. But I don't think you'll see those kinds of numbers again. The sport has changed, like all sports. It's harder; it's more intense. It's more demanding.

OO: What was your first Tour like in 1992?

FA: When you ride your first tour, you have to have limited expectations. You go in trying to learn about the race, learn about the mountains, and survive three weeks. Now, it's a whole different ballgame. The way the riders ride now is a bit different. Before they would ride easy for a bit and then go hard at certain times. Now, they just go hard from beginning to end, and they'll go so hard the race will have to have a rest because everyone is about to fall of their bikes.

OO: What are your thoughts on the Olympics?

FA: The Olympics are a goal, and I think I could help the team. It's up to the coaches. All I can do is ride and wait. But if the circumstances are like Atlanta, then it could be an opportunity for me, too.

OO: How did you determine your place in the peloton and as a team rider?

FA: I would never be a general classification (overall) rider in the Tour. I can't get over the big mountains with the best riders. You have to be realistic and know your strengths and weaknesses. You use those to best help whatever team you are on. If you try and be selfish and try to take care of yourself and doing things that aren't good for the team, you're going to lose your job. You won't stay employed.

OO: Is the job of a team rider change depending upon who the team leader is?

FA: No, the same principles apply. In the past, you might have had a couple of leaders for the Tour and a couple of sprinters and a couple of guys who were good in the mountains to help the leader. My job is the same with this team. We have one leader and that's Lance, and everything goes with him.

OO: Looking back at the last nine years, what stands out?

FA: It's not the nine finishes and it won't be the 10 finishes. But when I was younger and I watched Banesto at the front everyday for Miguel Indurain, I was so impressed. I never thought I would be part of a team that could get the jersey twice. That's what I will remember.

OO: What's your status with USPS?

FA: My contract is up this year. I'll be negotiating with US Postal and others. But as they say, I'll be looking for a job.