Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[rhubroma]

Re:

That's why we needed a 50kmITT, nibali/quintana and contador would be forced to attack then.

But the tricky first week can create gaps.

Remember though AC won a similar TT in the 2009 Tour, beating Cancellara for the win.

It isn't a given, thus, that he needs to attack in the mountains from amongst the favorites. But that's what makes him so dangerous, because if he is able to he will just to entertain.

 

[casati]

Well this is a new one. Millar thinks Alberto lost 2:30+ intentionally? Granted the gap did go out at the end, but the man has looked pretty spent ever since that stage.

It would have been fatal for Contador if he was in a bad way. I think he bluffed a bit, let Astana and Nibali think he's more vulnerable than he really is. Tour de France mind games start way before the prologue and that, with a temporary moment of difficulty, is what we might have seen on stage 20.

Actually I'd like this to be the case as it means he saved more energy than he let on. But I'm finding it hard to believe.

BTW I like Millar's take on 2011 Giro.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/blogs/robert-millar/robert-millar-contador-won-the-2011-giro-ditalia

I like reading Millar's articles usually, but this is ridiculous.

I'm pretty sure he's right about the gravel having an effect but the rest is pretty off base in my opinion (lets just ignore the discussion of 2011)

the gravel is a good argument. But bluffing? I don't know about that. Even Riis jedi mind trick would not even go that far. That means he'd better be pretty confident and absolutely sure that his bluffing won't backed fired or it means that Contador hold a monstrous form than what he has shown? As much as I would like to believe it, it's a little too far fetch for me. Contador himself said that he had to spend energy more than what he would have liked (on the other hand, he's known also to downplay everything). So time will only tell, which Contador shows up at the Tour. But I do think that Contador finished the Giro, more tired that he had expected.

I think it may be far fetched but I started to think that the other day as well, I have to look at footage again( however painful it might be) , but the way he was holding his body while pedaling, especially his shoulders made me think this.
that, as he usually leans to one side when suffering. Wouldn't put it past him, he is savvy. Also didn't he refuse water and gels on the descent? But maybe just wishful thinking.

 

[PhiberAwptik]

Re: Re:

That's why we needed a 50kmITT, nibali/quintana and contador would be forced to attack then.

But the tricky first week can create gaps.

Remember though AC won a similar TT in the 2009 Tour, beating Cancellara for the win.

It isn't a given, thus, that he needs to attack in the mountains from amongs the favorites. But that's what makes him so dangerous, because if he is able to he will just to entertain.

For some reason the Annecy TT always seems to be forgotten by all of the armchair analysts looking to find Alberto's weakness.

 

[BlurryVII]

http://cyclingquotes.com/news/contador_on_the_double_this_year_i_am_prepared/

 

[BlurryVII]

A few interesting statements which we already knew: "I was not at the same level at this Giro as I was at last year’s Tour, so in that regard, it gives me a bit of tranquility"

"I see them as one, the Giro and Tour. Psychologically, you have to prepare yourself for it, because it’s complicated in your head to end one grand tour like the Giro, and start to think about the next one.”"

 

[Jspear]

Re:

A few interesting statements which we already knew: "I was not at the same level at this Giro as I was at last year’s Tour, so in that regard, it gives me a bit of tranquility"

"I see them as one, the Giro and Tour. Psychologically, you have to prepare yourself for it, because it’s complicated in your head to end one grand tour like the Giro, and start to think about the next one.”"

That is interesting....He says that gives him tranquility. I wonder if he believes that he can get to that level by July.

 

[No_Balls]

Re: Re:

That is why i put a lot of comfort in AC:s signals he sent out during the later stages of this Giro. His body language, facial expressions didnt reveal a mentally stressed, even after losing contact at Sestrieres, man who was worried about the bigger picture, or a person at odds with himself and his own body for the ambition of writing history. I got the impression of one who were exactly where he wanted to be.

As he himself would be the first to judge it harshly where he stands at the moment in regards to July, if it was as serious as his critics and fans alike make it out to be, i take his relaxed and upbeat behavior as a good sign.

 

[Publicus]

Re: Re:

I suspect contador learned from his mistakes in 2013. And if this giro form was his topform then he's not that much better than in 2013 (except for his ITT)

So i hope this form was planned out. We'll know in 5 weeks.

But i'm sure that if he has his form of tour 2014, it'll be the best tour since 2003 (at least).

Nibali, quintana and froome won't be easy to defeat. Add in the fact that this parcours is made for purito and piti, you really have a race that almost has to be good.

Pray to the heavens that no ones crashes out in the first week.

Should have been a 50 km ITT in it though.

I am less hopeful about the 2014 form. Not because I think it was 'a fluke', but because I think the Giro will have taken the edge off. But I do believe that Contador, amongst all the favourites who are there, is the best placed to use the opportunities that will be presented by having several favourites all having to watch one another. He's got the guts to take risks, and the nouse to see the chinks, and if it is a cautious, defensive and very watchful race between the other contenders, it might be those qualities which make all the difference.

I know people are looking forward to the big showdown, etc., but I suspect what we'll get is a lot of shadow-boxing; could end up being a bit of a let-down. I anticipate someone crashing out, someone not living up to the hype, and a lot of wheel-grindingly dull Sky-style dragging from uber-mensch team time trial behaviour.

I guess that's the thing, he never looked like he had an edge during the Giro. I think that's the work he didn't do in the lead up to the Giro and which he will work on over the next 5 weeks. Assuming he can recover (and that is a big assumption at the moment), I think he will be better than at the Giro (he'll have to be to have any chance at overall victory).

 

[ray j willings]

Re:

I see Froome (or rather The Cound) is pregnant. Obviously, congratulations are in order, etc etc., But it does make me wonder (wishful thinking? Quite possibly) whether or not this will be a distraction.

Can't help recalling some of Cav.s bad results seemed to coincide with becoming a father, though that's an impression versus anything more concrete.

Im a dad of 2 sons [ some of you] I can tell you from experience that when my first son was born It was a lot more stress/worrying. When my second son was born at home in our living room , it was all a breeze much more relaxed and easy.
There is no doubt it will be on his mind but I am sure it will not effect his focus and training, may even spur him on.

 

[sacrifice&hardwork]

Change are (*) this might be the Tour team:

Alberto Contador
Michael Rogers
Sergio Paulinho
Rafal Majka
Jesus Hernandez
Robert Kiserlovski
Peter Sagan
Daniele Bennati
Michael Valgren

*99%

 

[Taxus4a]

Re:

A few interesting statements which we already knew: "I was not at the same level at this Giro as I was at last year’s Tour, so in that regard, it gives me a bit of tranquility"

"I see them as one, the Giro and Tour. Psychologically, you have to prepare yourself for it, because it’s complicated in your head to end one grand tour like the Giro, and start to think about the next one.”"

What does it mean?

If he finally lose time one day at the end as in the Giro, is becouse he rode the giro or how.. I need to know before, becouse alberto always have an explanation, never is other were better than me...

What you, Contador fans, consider is a succesfull Tour for Alberto, To win?? to be on the podium? to win a stage?

What is dissapointed?

Thanks.

 

[SeriousSam]

Good post taxus. Asking people to specify such things in advance discourages post hoc rationalising.

Yes, to win. The second place is no good.

 

[BlurryVII]

Re: Re:

A few interesting statements which we already knew: "I was not at the same level at this Giro as I was at last year’s Tour, so in that regard, it gives me a bit of tranquility"

"I see them as one, the Giro and Tour. Psychologically, you have to prepare yourself for it, because it’s complicated in your head to end one grand tour like the Giro, and start to think about the next one.”"

What does it mean?

If he finally lose time one day at the end as in the Giro, is becouse he rode the giro or how.. I need to know before, becouse alberto always have an explanation, never is other were better than me...

Yeah sure, your point of view is very clear to us taxus, this hard raced Giro isn't gonna have any consequence whatsoever, this is the perfect preparation for the Tour actually.

So Alberto will be at 100% at the Tour, in a super peak but he'll get crushed, according to you there will be at least 5 riders stronger than him and I quote, "that will not be becouse ze giro but becouse his rivals are better than him OVER 3 WEEKS."

You're brilliant dude, keep it up. How do you expect anyone to take you seriously with all the *** you post on here?

 

[cellardoor]

Re:

Change are (*) this might be the Tour team:

Alberto Contador
Michael Rogers
Sergio Paulinho
Rafal Majka
Jesus Hernandez
Robert Kiserlovski
Peter Sagan
Daniele Bennati
Michael Valgren

*99%

Too much dead weight in my view. I'd prefer not to see Hernandez and Paulinho there and at least one more strong-TTer/flatlander.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re:

Change are (*) this might be the Tour team:

Alberto Contador
Michael Rogers
Sergio Paulinho
Rafal Majka
Jesus Hernandez
Robert Kiserlovski
Peter Sagan
Daniele Bennati
Michael Valgren

*99%

Where did you get this from?

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

Change are (*) this might be the Tour team:

Alberto Contador
Michael Rogers
Sergio Paulinho
Rafal Majka
Jesus Hernandez
Robert Kiserlovski
Peter Sagan
Daniele Bennati
Michael Valgren

*99%

Too much dead weight in my view. I'd prefer not to see Hernandez and Paulinho there and at least one more strong-TTer/flatlander.

I doubt it's the team. Bodnar will be there, and a few months ago I heard Jesus would definitely not ride the Tour.
I also doubt Paulinho will ride.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

A few interesting statements which we already knew: "I was not at the same level at this Giro as I was at last year’s Tour, so in that regard, it gives me a bit of tranquility"

"I see them as one, the Giro and Tour. Psychologically, you have to prepare yourself for it, because it’s complicated in your head to end one grand tour like the Giro, and start to think about the next one.”"

What does it mean?

If he finally lose time one day at the end as in the Giro, is becouse he rode the giro or how.. I need to know before, becouse alberto always have an explanation, never is other were better than me...

What you, Contador fans, consider is a succesfull Tour for Alberto, To win?? to be on the podium? to win a stage?

What is dissapointed?

Thanks.

Stop.
Enough is enough.
Stop trolling.

 

[lemon cheese cake]

Re:

Change are (*) this might be the Tour team:

Alberto Contador
Michael Rogers
Sergio Paulinho
Rafal Majka
Jesus Hernandez
Robert Kiserlovski
Peter Sagan
Daniele Bennati
Michael Valgren

*99%

No Kreuziger?

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

Change are (*) this might be the Tour team:

Alberto Contador
Michael Rogers
Sergio Paulinho
Rafal Majka
Jesus Hernandez
Robert Kiserlovski
Peter Sagan
Daniele Bennati
Michael Valgren

*99%

No Kreuziger?

Not sure Tinkoff-Saxo want to run the risk of having to withdraw Kreuziger during the race.

 

[riodouro]

Re: Re:

A few interesting statements which we already knew: "I was not at the same level at this Giro as I was at last year’s Tour, so in that regard, it gives me a bit of tranquility"

"I see them as one, the Giro and Tour. Psychologically, you have to prepare yourself for it, because it’s complicated in your head to end one grand tour like the Giro, and start to think about the next one.”"

What does it mean?

If he finally lose time one day at the end as in the Giro, is becouse he rode the giro or how.. I need to know before, becouse alberto always have an explanation, never is other were better than me...

What you, Contador fans, consider is a succesfull Tour for Alberto, To win?? to be on the podium? to win a stage?

What is dissapointed?

Thanks.

As an Alberto Fan, i dont see any way he can disappoint me, he is always entertaining, he publicly respects his adversaries qualities, they respect him. Even if Alberto Cracks on Tour, even if he doesn't make podium, i dont see how can he disappoint, already won a tour this year, very entertaining too. Hopefully from 2015 forward there will be more GT specialists trying Doubles/Triples GT per Year, more interesting to me. The day he actually ends his career will be a sad day, nothing lasts for ever. But then again i hope he will be a DS some day, so is not that bad, and haters will hate that.

 

[hulkhogansknees]

Valgren has more or less confirmed that he is going to the Tour which is good news imo. Such a talented guy and apparentely Contador likes him as well.
Source for those who understand Danish: http://www.feltet.dk/nyheder/valgren_virker_taet_paa_tour-plads/

 

[HelloDolly]

I would have Tosatto included in the line up...that man is great at keeping his leader safe which is needed in first week

And Kreuz should know his fate by next week....and if exonerated need to bring him as still best Mtn dom ....was unwell at the Giro

 

[bajbar]

I believe the squad should be:

Contador
Majka
Kiserlovski
Rogers
Sagan
Bennati
Bodnar
Valgren
Kreuziger (if he is banned, then Paulinho/Basso/Hernandez)

 

[mufana]

Re:

A few interesting statements which we already knew: "I was not at the same level at this Giro as I was at last year’s Tour, so in that regard, it gives me a bit of tranquility"

"I see them as one, the Giro and Tour. Psychologically, you have to prepare yourself for it, because it’s complicated in your head to end one grand tour like the Giro, and start to think about the next one.”"

That is interesting. Sounds valid. I think Alberto held back in the last stages of the giro. Saving himself for the Tour. And that his 'bad day' was a bit faked.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

My guess would be:
AC
Sagan
MAjka
Kiser
Bodnar
Bennati
Rogers
Kreuziger
Valgren

Lots of firepower for flat/flattish terrain to create some havoc on a windy day, which I think AC will need, since I doubt he can be at his very best in the tour after the giro. Hopefully he will be able to improve from the giro though, or else I am afraid we will see a rerun of 13 (form wise) for AC