2010 Volta ao Algarve

[BroDeal]

Millar crashed, as did Karpets. Cycling Weekly said on twitter that Millar's skinsuit was ripped to shreds.

That explains Millar.

What's VDV's excuse? Not just for today but for the previous stages.

 

[Wallace]

One thing I like about Contador--none of that "I'm just here to gauge my fitness/see how my "program" is working" garbage from him. If he's in a race, he's going to try to win it (and usually does). Kind of a throwback to the old style of racing. It'd be nice to see him do more races (classics, esp., and a few post-Tour races), but the way he does it now, choosing the ones that fit his characteristics and winning them, makes him fun to watch.

 

[thehog]

I am sure that Lance will be twittering "great ride #levi, we all know I am faster than him so I should be the Tour favorite now and you can all forget the backwoods spanish guy who still has a lot to learn"

Lance has gone all shhh on his Twitter. Strange. Must be on an all day training ride in Hollywood.

 

[theswordsman]

One thing I like about Contador--none of that "I'm just here to gauge my fitness/see how my "program" is working" garbage from him. If he's in a race, he's going to try to win it (and usually does). Kind of a throwback to the old style of racing. It'd be nice to see him do more races (classics, esp., and a few post-Tour races), but the way he does it now, choosing the ones that fit his characteristics and winning them, makes him fun to watch.

LOL. I totally agree with the sentiment, and with his attitude about winning once he gets on the bike, but after seven months with only criteriums to race, he actually did say he wanted to test his fitness or something along those lines. He couldn't have known at the time just how hard the team was willing to work to get him the stage win and the lead, though. You're totally on point as far as him choosing stage races that suit him and going for the victories as well as the preparation.

 

[ravens]

Lance has gone all shhh on his Twitter. Strange. Must be on an all day training ride in Hollywood.

now that's my kind of ride!!!

 

[Publicus]

Lance has gone all shhh on his Twitter. Strange. Must be on an all day training ride in Hollywood.

That silence didn't last long. Weird that neither he nor Levi congratulated AC on his overall victory.

 

[mr. tibbs]

I'm actually a bit excited about Machado, too. He got some strong results this race. If only he wouldn't have pulled that "I lost to the second best, cuz my boss is the best" crap in that interview...

Saying something like that is just ridiculous, and reflects poorly on all parties involved (except, of course, for the guy proving himself to actually be the best every time he races).

But still, maybe dude will get out from under Armstrong's shadow one day. Maybe that day will be July 22, 2010.

 

[Publicus]

I'm actually a bit excited about Machado, too. He got some strong results this race. If only he wouldn't have pulled that "I lost to the second best, cuz my boss is the best" crap in that interview...

Saying something like that is just ridiculous, and reflects poorly on all parties involved (except, of course, for the guy proving himself to actually be the best every time he races).

But still, maybe dude will get out from under Armstrong's shadow one day. Maybe that day will be July 22, 2010.

It won't happen this year. There is too much on the line with the "Rivalry" to expect Bruyneel to give him some room to roam. If Armstrong is busted, I guarantee that you will see Machado and others shepherding him up the Tourmalet to minimize his losses. He may have the goods, but I hope for his sake Armstrong retires after 2010--otherwise I could see his talent employed solely as a domestique to Lance "Don Quixote" Armstrong in 2011 (further delaying his development).

 

[Publicus]

That explains Millar.

What's VDV's excuse? Not just for today but for the previous stages.

 

[Bike Boy]

Congrats to Contador and Astana. I'm very impressed especially considering that He's been out of competition since the tour.

I don't think RadioShack will be too disapointed either, now that they have attained their first victory.

I would really have liked tv coverage, but so be it.
Now the season has started and I think this race indicates, that we can expect a lot of good racing in near future.

 

[Publicus]

First photos are starting to be posted online:

 

[theswordsman]

Part of a press release has made it out. It's not on Contador's website yet. Translated by Google.

But Contador wanted to highlight, above all, the merit of his team, which at the first opportunity of the year to show in turn that falls short of its leader, Albert himself said after the stage, "has been a very important victory for team morale, "referring to the fine work of their peers. "This race has a very great importance, especially for my team because they have done excellent work throughout the lap. We had to take responsibility knowing that other runners were more stopped could win the race, but have left the skin every one. They finished very tired but we are very happy, "reiterated the leader of Astana.

Contador said he was "very happy because the result has been very good. I had my doubts, especially yesterday, when I tested the bike and had really bad feelings. This morning we made some adjustments and went a little better but still had my doubts. Especially at my feet, the bike was very different, but I felt very good and the end result was good and I could keep the leader. "

http://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/site/noticias-ficha.asp?id=23031

 

[Wallace]

It won't happen this year. There is too much on the line with the "Rivalry"to expect Bruyneel to give him some room to roam. If Armstrong is busted, I guarantee that you will see Machado and others shepherding him up the Tourmalet to minimize his losses. He may have the goods, but I hope for his sake Armstrong retires after 2010--otherwise I could see his talent employed solely as a domestique to Lance "Don Quixote" Armstrong in 2011 (further delaying his development).

You mean the rivalry between Contador and Andy Schleck? What other rivalry is there? I really don't see how Bruyneel and LA pertain have any relevance at all. Maybe I'm missing something...

 

[Publicus]

You mean the rivalry between Contador and Andy Schleck? What other rivalry is there? I really don't see how Bruyneel and LA pertain have any relevance at all. Maybe I'm missing something...

No, I mean the Rivalry in Lance "Don Quixote" Armstrong's head. Their focus is beating AC, not winning the Tour de France.

 

[Bike Boy]

No, I mean the Rivalry in Lance "Don Quixote" Armstrong's head. Their focus is beating AC, not winning the Tour de France.

You do realise that beating AC and winning the tour de france could very well go hand in hand.

 

[Publicus]

You do realise that beating AC and winning the tour de france could very well go hand in hand.

I do, but I suspect AC's goal is to win the Tour de France, not beat Lance Armstrong. Similarly, I suspect Andy Schleck's goal is to win the Tour de France, not beat AC. It's a small, but important distinction--at least in my mind.

 

[cyclopeon]

I do, but I suspect AC's goal is to win the Tour de France, not beat Lance Armstrong. Similarly, I suspect Andy Schleck's goal is to win the Tour de France, not beat AC. It's a small, but important distinction--at least in my mind.

Good point. Subtle, yet important.

 

[ravens]

Part of a press release has made it out. It's not on Contador's website yet. Translated by Google.



http://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/site/noticias-ficha.asp?id=23031

sheezuss keeerist, Google, hate to look a free site askance but .... for the love of God, put some new blood on your translation team or send the current staff to rosetta stone. I think my spanish is good enough to do better reading the original comments.

 

[Bike Boy]

I do, but I suspect AC's goal is to win the Tour de France, not beat Lance Armstrong. Similarly, I suspect Andy Schleck's goal is to win the Tour de France, not beat AC. It's a small, but important distinction--at least in my mind.

I understand your point, but the differences in approach, may not have any effect on the end result.

I don't know how many dirty tricks JB and LA can get away with, but if we for one second, assume that they play it by the book (I can't judge whether or not this is a fair assumption), then Armstrong will try as hard as possible to beat Contador (very likely equal to winning the race).

When Armstrong fails his target, he will of course suffer a mental blow and then he has to realise, that it's over. Could be a healthy process for him.

You mentioned that A. Schleck's approach differs from Armstrong's, however these two riders, could very well be in the same boat come July.
My point is, the only thing at stake here, is the mental state of one bike rider.

 

[aarnold517]

agree that it sounds like a fantastic race with not nearly enough coverage...and thanks for the updates throughout the week publicus

 

[BYOP88]

When Armstrong fails his target, he will of course suffer a mental blow and then he has to realise, that it's over. Could be a healthy process for him.

Yeah but that's the thing he WONT/CAN'T see it's over. Also I find it funny that his fans all say "he'll go better this year because he's had a year back on the bike" ok that's a good theory but wont Contador, baby Schleck et all also have had another year on the bike.

 

[ravens]

I'm still stickin' with Plan A

It's a hoax. Lance won't be in the tdf. just my imo.

 

[Bike Boy]

Yeah but that's the thing he WONT/CAN'T see it's over. Also I find it funny that his fans all say "he'll go better this year because he's had a year back on the bike" ok that's a good theory but wont Contador, baby Schleck et all also have had another year on the bike.

The real question is, will Armstrong improve relative to his competition?

I guess only time can tell, but I do think he will improve his TT a lot

 

[ErmOkk]

Yeah but that's the thing he WONT/CAN'T see it's over. Also I find it funny that his fans all say "he'll go better this year because he's had a year back on the bike" ok that's a good theory but wont Contador, baby Schleck et all also have had another year on the bike.

Yea but AC et al. didn't retire 4 years, so yeah when Lance was 27 he'd be a lot better this year. The point is that the new year theory gets compensated by him being a year older, so he'll most likely be at the same level as in 2009. His TT position looks better though so he won't lose too much in the ITT, that's all I guess .

 

[Bike Boy]

I'm sorry this thread shouldn't be about Armstrong. I didn't start it, but I sure as hell didn't stop it. I got too engaged, that happens sometimes.