Tour de France
Tour snapshot: Has love distracted Lance?

By Mark Akins
Seattle Times staff

PETER DEJONG / AP Rocker Sheryl Crow’s romance with Lance Armstrong could affect the cyclist’s focus in the Tour de France.

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Let's be honest. Cycling fans are curious about Lance Armstrong's love life. And one question is on everyone's mind: Lance, are you nuts?

Even before his divorce was finalized in December, Armstrong was denying rumors that he was dating actress Sandra Bullock.

But there's no denying his latest squeeze. How's this for a celebrity coupling: Armstrong, 32, five-time Tour de France champion, and rocker Sheryl Crow, 42, nine-time Grammy Award winner.

Sports Illustrated's Rick Reilly, wondering how Armstrong and Crow got together, wrote:

"Better question: How were they ever apart?

"Crow thinks scars are so sexy. 'They're your war medals,' says the singer. 'They're mementos of what you've survived.' Well, hell, Armstrong is the worldwide leader in scars: road scars, cancer scars, divorce scars. The guy is mostly scar."

Fine. It's a love match. But with a sixth Tour victory beckoning, can Armstrong — legendary for his ability to focus — see past Sheryl?

At a benefit auction for Armstrong's cancer foundation (which raised $720,000), Crow bid $56,000 to spend a day with the U.S. Postal team during the Tour. She gave the prize to her dad.

Hopefully, her dad is less distracting than Sheryl.

Mark Akins is a Times copy editor who has been following the Tour de France since 1989. He can be reached at 206-464-8994 or makins@seattletimes.com