I wasn't arguing that he should have or could have won, only that he
was physiologically capable of winning over a six year period.


Benjamin Weiner wrote in message ...
Russ Baxter wrote:
Benjamin Weiner wrote

I think he wins, but proves the axiom that it is physiologically
impossible to win six Tours.

Impossible!? For the sake of argument, Greg Lemond (if he were member
of a different team) was capable of winning in 1985. Then he wins in
86, gets shot so he misses 87 and 88 and wins again in 89 and 90. I'd
say that's six years of physiological possibility.

I know it's a crock, I just like the idea.

Lemond's moral victories don't count. Counterfactuals are
hypothetical: we don't know if his condition in 1990 would have been
the same had he ridden 87 and 88. Merckx got punched, Hinault had an
injury, Bartali or Coppi are the best counter examples IMO. However,
several people _could_ have done it, but for a variety of reasons -
bad luck, injury, wars, age creeping up on them, nobody _has_ done it.