Le Velo (Shared Writing)

This is our class writing about Lance Armstrong. It is based on The Piano. In that animation the pianist has three flashbacks of his life whilst playing the piano. In our writing Lance has three flashbacks whilst riding his bike. We hope you enjoy it.

Le Velo (Shared Writing)

Lance slumps over his handlebars with a melancholic look on his face. As tears form in his eyes, his speed deteriorates whilst his pedaling becomes lethargic. He is traumatised. With a heavy sigh, his grip relaxes on the bars and contemplates his chequered past.

His Greatest Loss (Flash back 1).

On that fateful day when there was a knock at the door. The time had come. Lance reluctantly opened the door and laid his eyes upon the person who was there to take away his life's achievement. As he painfully handed over the medals, he fell to the floor in despair. His heart shattered.

The man, sent to collect his prized possessions, could barely look him in the eye, such was his disgust in what this former champion had done. He seized the medals whilst turning his head away in revulsion. In an instant, Lance went from the greatest cyclist in history to nothing.

As the medals were taken away Lance was left, knelt on the floor, looking up to the heavens in despair. It was possible to see in his face that he had not just taken away his trophies but his heart and soul.

The News (Flashback 2).

Lance was apprehensive about visiting the doctor, therefore he brought his family with him for support. As he listened to the diagnosis, Lance's mouth began to quiver nervously. He heard the dreaded news: he had cancer. Suddenly his life was ripped away from him. As the unfortunate news echoed around the room, his mouth dropped in disbelief. His family hugged the grief-stricken husband and father, confused and saddened by the terrifying news. They were horrified.

Years later, after his difficult treatment, Lance visited the hospital once more. This time, his families eyes lit up, as well as his own, when the doctor broke the news. He gave a huge sigh of relief as the tension in his shoulders disappeared. He was clear of cancer. He dropped to his knees and thanked God; his loved-ones jumped with joy and embraced him. Now clear of cancer, he was determined to start cycling again.

His Happiest Time (Flashback 3).

Approaching the start line, Lance's heart was beating like a drum whilst the crowd were roaring his name. He was confident of victory.

Energetically, Lance powered up the mountain, his legs pumping in agony. He was determined to win; no-one in the cycling world could touch him. When he glanced back over his shoulder, and saw his competitors falling back, he was determined to keep pushing. His suffering would not be in vain.

As he crossed the finish line he punched the air in relief and his proud family rushed over to him. His fans were overjoyed by the achievement. When he finally stepped upon the podium, to receive the yellow jersey, a tear of joy formed in his eye. He knew he would go down in history.

Ironman (Present day)

His speed increases as he leans confidently into a more streamlined position. Sweat drips down his face. With a tight grip, he powers through the heat because he can smell victory. Whilst his legs pedal with intensity, Lance is determined to show he can overcome his tainted past.