Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[Matteo.]

Re: Re:

My god, I can't believe people are actually kicking him while he's down. Have some decency, he clearly struggled throughout the race and just missed the podium by a few seconds. Have some sympathy, this is no way to treat someone.

Do you think hr could be again the same of 14? Or at least 15?

I honestly think he was a lot better this year than last year. The field he beat in the Giro wasn't great, and at times this season, he looked like he was somewhat capable of challenging Froome and Quintana, unlike 2015

Uhm. I'm not sure he could repeat the efforts of Ologno and Mortirolo or Valdobbiadene ITT of course, regardless of opponents

 

[Cookster15]

I'll begin with the disclaimer: I'm not a fan of Bertie, mainly for reasons that I won't discuss here. Having said that, I enjoy his aggressive riding style, I wish he could have retired while on top. Unfortunately, even for champions of his magnitude, it very seldom happens that way. And I agree with the mention that he has had no team to speak of for quite some time. Regardless, team or no team, his best days are definitely behind him. This is the end of the road for Alberto Contador.

I think that his critics should show the kind of class that Froome displayed today. You don't have to like the guy, but give him respect.

My $0.02

Well said Sir. I agree 100% with every word of this post. You really had to admire his aggressive racing style. He won my respect in the 2011 TDF lighting the race up in the 3rd week with the Giro in his legs and crashes. That was the year I learned to respect Alberto Contador despite other "factors".

 

[gunara]

Seems like he couldn't chose the right option out of lack of confidence in his own physical ability, and at one point he ceased to care but then rethought, tried and made all the wrong moves. I've seen older stars did such things before, losing the edge, the sureness, along with some attributes that once made them great and unique. It never really hurt the way they are remembered, though, the great times will eclipse such this disappointing performance in the book. It's his worst complete GT performance so far, he might get worse and worse, but he's still the Alberto Contador that has given so much thrills to fans, neutral, and haters for years.

Completely different scenario of course, but it was also this kind of insecureness that cost Cancellara the chance to compete for a win in Flanders this year. Had he just followed Kwiat/Sagan's attack, and had Alberto just followed Chaves' attack today...

I imagine they must remember that they've felt better in such situation hundreds of times before, prevent them to react in the 'normal' way, vast experience and usual high standard might lead into confusion sometimes, so the pondering time gets longer and the chance goes faster.

 

[hrotha]

Contador complained about Movistar not helping him chase Chaves, and implied they owed him as much because of Formigal.

Typical Contador

 

[DFA123]

Re: Re:

Well he'd have a chance if Quintana and Froome don't show up, if Nibali throws away four minutes again in the first two weeks, and if there is loads of TTing to rule out Chaves. But even then, there's still Kruijswijk and possibly Aru or Bardet. Just not sure Contador has the motivation in him any more - now that he has to grind out results rather than crushing everyone.

Well there's never a guarantee of winning, but come on, even you have to give him a chance against Kruijswijk and there's no evidence that he's no willing to grind out a result - he's never finished below 5th in a GT so he doesn't just let go when the going gets tough.

Sure, if he can get similar form to he had this spring then he'd probably beat everyone apart from Quintana, Froome and possibly Nibali or Bardet at the Giro - especially if there is a decent amount of TTs. But on this Vuelta form, I doubt he'd get close to Kruijswijk if the latter can perform to the same level as he did at the Giro this year.

I also agree that he does fight for the podium nowdays when he is in a GT - but how much is that aim really going to motivate him to ride for another two years.

 

[IMA]

Re: Re:

Blame himself. He was the one who let Chavez go.

Bingo!

He just didn´t have the legs to follow Chaves. It seems pretty obvious to me.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re:

Contador complained about Movistar not helping him chase Chaves, and implied they owed him as much because of Formigal.

Typical Contador

I actually thought they would control it more, but then I realised the last thing in the world Valverde would is to help Contador and Nairo's countrymen Chavito was out in front.

Regardless, it was his own fault he didn't react to Chaves. I very much doubt he could've tho.

 

[Flamin]

Re: Re:

My god, I can't believe people are actually kicking him while he's down. Have some decency, he clearly struggled throughout the race and just missed the podium by a few seconds. Have some sympathy, this is no way to treat someone.

Do you think hr could be again the same of 14? Or at least 15?

No, of course not. I'm sure he can reach a decent level next year, not as good as this year but without crashes it should be enough to get a top-5 at the Tour. It's the best we can hope for right now, he won't go for the Giro.

Exactly. i think it's the common sense suggested it. Anyway don't be angry: today he makes a fatal mistake but he's not an idiot , i think he knew he didn't have the legs to chase Chaves , so decided to wait ,hoping Chaves blow up

This. I was going to say the same thing. Yes, it was strange that Alberto didn't react to Chaves. But just like Cancellara in de Ronde, I guess Alberto didn't feel good enough to go 1 vs 1 and indeed gambled on Chaves paying for his efforts, while he could save a lot of energy.

That's cycling, mistakes happen.

 

[IMA]

Re: Re:

Third ou fourth doesn't matter to contador. My biggest dream is go back two years ago to tour 2014, now it's impossible winning le tour

It does matter. That's why he called Trofimov back, flogged him on the front fo 10km, then attacked to try to close the gap himself, only to crack and fall just short. Really disappointed in him that he couldn't defend 3rd place with such a lead. I imagine his teammates won't be too impressed either.

:lol:

And i guess Contador must be very happy with his team after this Vuelta.

How long did it take to Trofimov to go back to the peloton?

When you don´t have the legs, there´s nothing you can do. As simple as that.

 

[Cance > TheRest]

Re: Re:

My god, I can't believe people are actually kicking him while he's down. Have some decency, he clearly struggled throughout the race and just missed the podium by a few seconds. Have some sympathy, this is no way to treat someone.

Do you think hr could be again the same of 14? Or at least 15?

No, of course not. I'm sure he can reach a decent level next year, not as good as this year but without crashes it should be enough to get a top-5 at the Tour. It's the best we can hope for right now, he won't go for the Giro.

Exactly. i think it's the common sense suggested it. Anyway don't be angry: today he makes a fatal mistake but he's not an idiot , i think he knew he didn't have the legs to chase Chaves , so decided to wait ,hoping Chaves blow up

This. I was going to say the same thing. Yes, it was strange that Alberto didn't react to Chaves. But just like Cancellara in de Ronde, I guess Alberto didn't feel good enough to go 1 vs 1 and indeed gambled on Chaves paying for his efforts, while he could save a lot of energy.

That's cycling, mistakes happen.

The tragic thing, seen from the point of view of these "aging" stars, is that they actually are good enough to go 1 v 1 - both in de Ronde and today. In the end it ends up being a tactical decision that proves costly

 

[Tonton]

Re: Re:

Contador complained about Movistar not helping him chase Chaves, and implied they owed him as much because of Formigal.

Typical Contador

I actually thought they would control it more, but then I realised the last thing in the world Valverde would is to help Contador and Nairo's countrymen Chavito was out in front.

Regardless, it was his own fault he didn't react to Chaves. I very much doubt he could've tho.

To the bolded: very true...

Excellent take.

 

[IndianCyclist]

It is true that Contador has lost his edge. But his teams also have been relatively weak since 2015. The team lacks the last man in the mountains one who can pull upto last 3 k like Navarro

 

[Ricco']

Next year, Contador should go for GC at the 100th Giro and focus on stages and polka dot at the Tour.

Given the risks and rewards involved, I think this option it's safest and prestigious too, instead of risking it all at the Tour and being a level below the top tier.

 

[IMA]

Re:

Contador complained about Movistar not helping him chase Chaves, and implied they owed him as much because of Formigal.

Typical Contador

He said some wonderful things about his team too.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re:

Contador complained about Movistar not helping him chase Chaves, and implied they owed him as much because of Formigal.

Typical Contador

Well, Contador and Tinkoff turned themselves inside out on that stage and in the end it earned Quintana and Movistar the overall victory and all Contador and Tinkoff got is a nice little combativity award. Even without that move he'd have finished 4th. Must be the biggest waste of energy we've seen this season.
I don't blame Movistar for not giving Contador a hand, but it would have looked good on them if they had.

 

[Cookster15]

Re: Re:

Unlucky 13...

He did what he could; just didn't have the legs.

Fought it out right 'til the end. I don't think that he could have ridden it differently. If he'd tried to go with Chavez on the penultimate climb he likely would have ended up losing more time.

The fourth place is still alright. And next season might result in something better.

+1. A voice of reason. Some of Contador's 'fans' need to get a grip. All he had to do was follow Chaves wheel? - well that's easy when you can. He obviously couldn't - it's called getting old. It happens to all of us. Contador did what he could but that isn't enough any more. No reason to beat the guy up.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

It's time to retire when he doesn't enjoy racing anymore.

Exactly. Let the man make his own decision.

 

[Flamin]

Re: Re:

Do you think hr could be again the same of 14? Or at least 15?

No, of course not. I'm sure he can reach a decent level next year, not as good as this year but without crashes it should be enough to get a top-5 at the Tour. It's the best we can hope for right now, he won't go for the Giro.

Exactly. i think it's the common sense suggested it. Anyway don't be angry: today he makes a fatal mistake but he's not an idiot , i think he knew he didn't have the legs to chase Chaves , so decided to wait ,hoping Chaves blow up

This. I was going to say the same thing. Yes, it was strange that Alberto didn't react to Chaves. But just like Cancellara in de Ronde, I guess Alberto didn't feel good enough to go 1 vs 1 and indeed gambled on Chaves paying for his efforts, while he could save a lot of energy.

That's cycling, mistakes happen.

The tragic thing, seen from the point of view of these "aging" stars, is that they actually are good enough to go 1 v 1 - both in de Ronde and today. In the end it ends up being a tactical decision that proves costly

Sagan was clearly better than Cancellara. Alberto, yes, maybe..

 

[IndianCyclist]

Re: Re:

Contador complained about Movistar not helping him chase Chaves, and implied they owed him as much because of Formigal.

Typical Contador

Well, Contador and Tinkoff turned themselves inside out on that stage and in the end it earned Quintana and Movistar the overall victory and all Contador and Tinkoff got is a nice little combativity award. Even without that move he'd have finished 4th. Must be the biggest waste of energy we've seen this season.
I don't blame Movistar for not giving Contador a hand, but it would have looked good on them if they had.

Agree.There was no reward for Contador on stage 15 but Tinkoff did half the work. Without that stage Quintana is 2nd. As a courtesy for helping they should have helped Contador on this stage as they had nothing to lose.

 

[hrotha]

Contador and Tinkoff rode for themselves. They weren't helping Movistar for the sake of it, they shared a common interest. Movistar didn't owe them anything.

 

[roundabout]

Re: Re:

Contador complained about Movistar not helping him chase Chaves, and implied they owed him as much because of Formigal.

Typical Contador

Well, Contador and Tinkoff turned themselves inside out on that stage and in the end it earned Quintana and Movistar the overall victory and all Contador and Tinkoff got is a nice little combativity award. Even without that move he'd have finished 4th. Must be the biggest waste of energy we've seen this season.
I don't blame Movistar for not giving Contador a hand, but it would have looked good on them if they had.

Agree.There was no reward for Contador on stage 15 but Tinkoff did half the work. Without that stage Quintana is 2nd. As a courtesy for helping they should have helped Contador on this stage as they had nothing to lose.

Contador rode for his GC as much as Quintana's. Why should Movistar ride for Contador's GC when Chaves is not a threat to them?

Edit: what hrotha wrote

 

[ruby]

Re:

Next year, Contador should go for GC at the 100th Giro and focus on stages and polka dot at the Tour.

Given the risks and rewards involved, I think this option it's safest and prestigious too, instead of risking it all at the Tour and being a level below the top tier.

that sounds good. after all if he still enjoys racing why retire just because you cant win GC

 

[Miburo]

No one can stop the flow of time, all in all terrible year for Contador.

Let's see what he can do next year

 

[portugal11]

The difference between contador and 99% of the peloton (froome inclued) is that contador enjoys winning and being competitive and the others enjoy riding his bike

 

[DFA123]

Re:

Contador and Tinkoff rode for themselves. They weren't helping Movistar for the sake of it, they shared a common interest. Movistar didn't owe them anything.

Yep. And a lot of people said in this thread that Contador made tactical errors that stage. He should have made Movistar do much more of the work earlier on; perhaps then he wouldn't have blown up on the climb. Even if nothing else, he might have come away from the race with a stage win then.

If he did that expecting Movistar to 'repay' a favour later in the race, then he's clueless.