Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[silverrocket]

[...

In any case, talk of dodging is just childish nonsense entertained on these boards, and both riders should try to maximise their own results as best they see fit.

Your sentence is self-contradictory, since riders have been dodging other riders since the beginning of racing, mainly for the purpose of maximizing their own results. It doesn't mean they are afraid, or weak, or non-competitive, it just means that maximizing one's own results necessarily involves consideration for who the competition will be. I bet the announcement that Contador is NOT racing the Giro will mean some riders are MORE likely to race it now, since the competition is slightly weaker, and their own chances for victory just a little bit greater.

Riders also dodge entire races: Wiggins said he is riding the Giro because it is not as hard as it was in the past, for example, and Contador is dodging the Giro this year because racing it would be too disruptive to achieving his main goal, the TdF. Without a doubt Contador also noted that Wiggins was in the Giro, and factored this into his decision.

Far from being "nonsense" confined to these boards, all of this is a necessary part of being a professional bike racer and running a professional cycling team trying to get the best results possible.

 

[serfla]

It's dodging. And not the classiest one.

First, Wiggins declared he won't defend the Tour title 'cause he'll go for the Giro. Then, he was talking about the double, and at the end decides to target the Giro and ride in support at the Tour.

Couple of days before Wiggins' announcement, Contador was talking about the double. Immediately after he learned Wiggins is preparing for the Giro - he gave up.

For me, this is what Cipollini once called "lack of machismo in modern cycling".

Wiggins should validate his Tour title against, alleged, best GT rider of current generation, and the "best GT rider..." should measure himself against reigning Tour champion. Especially if they are already mentioning the possibility.
If you have dilemma who should have done the first move and confront the other - whoever. "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad..." That's the way to do it.
I'm not interested in faggish dodging and tacit split of GTs between the two. I want to see most prominent riders of the present riding against each other, proving their greatness, every time they can. That's sports heroism... Greats of the past have done that way.
As a long-time cycling fan I'll fell cheated if they don't collide during their prime. Doping is quite sufficient fraud already.
I wonder what Cipo thinks.

 

[Miburo]

His first win of the year

Greatness

 

[The Hitch]

It's dodging. And not the classiest one.

First, Wiggins declared he won't defend the Tour title 'cause he'll go for the Giro. Then, he was talking about the double, and at the end decides to target the Giro and ride in support at the Tour.

Couple of days before Wiggins' announcement, Contador was talking about the double. Immediately after he learned Wiggins is preparing for the Giro - he gave up.

For me, this is what Cipollini once called "lack of machismo in modern cycling".

Wiggins should validate his Tour title against, alleged, best GT rider of current generation, and the "best GT rider..." should measure himself against reigning Tour champion. Especially if they are already mentioning the possibility.
If you have dilemma who should have done the first move and confront the other - whoever. "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad..." That's the way to do it.
I'm not interested in faggish dodging and tacit split of GTs between the two. I want to see most prominent riders of the present riding against each other, proving their greatness, every time they can. That's sports heroism... Greats of the past have done that way.
As a long-time cycling fan I'll fell cheated if they don't collide during their prime. Doping is quite sufficient fraud already.
I wonder what Cipo thinks.

Contador is the favorite for this years Tour.

I didnt see wiggins target the Giro when he was favorite for the Tour.

Why is Contador supposed to give up his Tour shot if Wiggins didnt do it?

 

[jens_attacks]

lol hitch that is called trolling. why answering to that?

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

It's dodging. And not the classiest one.

First, Wiggins declared he won't defend the Tour title 'cause he'll go for the Giro. Then, he was talking about the double, and at the end decides to target the Giro and ride in support at the Tour.

Couple of days before Wiggins' announcement, Contador was talking about the double. Immediately after he learned Wiggins is preparing for the Giro - he gave up.

For me, this is what Cipollini once called "lack of machismo in modern cycling".

Wiggins should validate his Tour title against, alleged, best GT rider of current generation, and the "best GT rider..." should measure himself against reigning Tour champion. Especially if they are already mentioning the possibility.
If you have dilemma who should have done the first move and confront the other - whoever. "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad..." That's the way to do it.
I'm not interested in faggish dodging and tacit split of GTs between the two. I want to see most prominent riders of the present riding against each other, proving their greatness, every time they can. That's sports heroism... Greats of the past have done that way.
As a long-time cycling fan I'll fell cheated if they don't collide during their prime. Doping is quite sufficient fraud already.
I wonder what Cipo thinks.

Wiggins is aiming for the giro because...

TT distance involved (his primary strength)
Froome is gunning for the tour
Tour route does not suit his skillset as it did last year
He knows contador is back and cannot compete with him in the mountains

Contador is aiming for the Tour because...

It's the big one and he knows this defines the best GT rider of the year
It's the 100th edition
He hasn't won it in a few years
His sponsors need/want the coverage

The primary difference is that Contador is not targeting the tour because he is afraid of losing to Wiggins in the Giro.

 

[Carols]

San Luis stage 6.

Great race by both Diaz (GC winner) and Alberto for the stage today. He didn't look very comfortable about 3km out but made the acceleration and had them on the ropes. Chapeau to Diaz and Diniz for clawing him back. But the final acceleration was to much for them and it was all over!!!

Wiggo and Alberto will meet in T-A. Hope they are both on form and we shall see who wins

 

[Havetts]

inb4 comparisons between Alberto & Andy because Bertje wins in this time of season.

 

[Afrank]

It's dodging. And not the classiest one.

First, Wiggins declared he won't defend the Tour title 'cause he'll go for the Giro. Then, he was talking about the double, and at the end decides to target the Giro and ride in support at the Tour.

Couple of days before Wiggins' announcement, Contador was talking about the double. Immediately after he learned Wiggins is preparing for the Giro - he gave up.

For me, this is what Cipollini once called "lack of machismo in modern cycling".

Wiggins should validate his Tour title against, alleged, best GT rider of current generation, and the "best GT rider..." should measure himself against reigning Tour champion. Especially if they are already mentioning the possibility.
If you have dilemma who should have done the first move and confront the other - whoever. "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad..." That's the way to do it.
I'm not interested in faggish dodging and tacit split of GTs between the two. I want to see most prominent riders of the present riding against each other, proving their greatness, every time they can. That's sports heroism... Greats of the past have done that way.
As a long-time cycling fan I'll fell cheated if they don't collide during their prime. Doping is quite sufficient fraud already.
I wonder what Cipo thinks.

Wiggins has absolutely zero impact on Contador's decision to target the Tour and not the Giro. Wiggins has never been a threat to Contador in a race he was trying to win, nor is there any reason for Contador to consider him a serious threat to his winning a race that he is aiming for.
Give me one example of Wiggins doing anything that would make Contador intentionally try to avoid him?

 

[Bexon30]

San Luis stage 7.

Great race by both Diaz (GC winner) and Alberto for the stage today. He didn't look very comfortable about 3km out but made the acceleration and had them on the ropes. Chapeau to Diaz and Diniz for clawing him back. But the final acceleration was to much for them and it was all over!!!

Wiggo and Alberto will meet in T-A. Hope they are both on form and we shall see who wins

Yep a good win for Alberto futhur proof that when he digs deep he sheds GC riders off his wheel. It's only January and he says he isn't doing the Giro. So watch out on the alpine stages when him and Schlek go all out.
Might be like a repeat of the chicken?!

 

[Red Rick]

A message to the haters:

Be afraid, be very afraid.

 

[Cimber]

It's dodging. And not the classiest one.

First, Wiggins declared he won't defend the Tour title 'cause he'll go for the Giro. Then, he was talking about the double, and at the end decides to target the Giro and ride in support at the Tour.

Couple of days before Wiggins' announcement, Contador was talking about the double. Immediately after he learned Wiggins is preparing for the Giro - he gave up.

For me, this is what Cipollini once called "lack of machismo in modern cycling".

Wiggins should validate his Tour title against, alleged, best GT rider of current generation, and the "best GT rider..." should measure himself against reigning Tour champion. Especially if they are already mentioning the possibility.
If you have dilemma who should have done the first move and confront the other - whoever. "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad..." That's the way to do it.
I'm not interested in faggish dodging and tacit split of GTs between the two. I want to see most prominent riders of the present riding against each other, proving their greatness, every time they can. That's sports heroism... Greats of the past have done that way.
As a long-time cycling fan I'll fell cheated if they don't collide during their prime. Doping is quite sufficient fraud already.
I wonder what Cipo thinks.

Are u serious? Its Wiggins who are giving up by not targeting the Tour as his main objective as the defending champion. Quite unheard off imo. But cant blame Wiggins tbh. He knows he wont have a chance this year. Contador and Andy is back (well we will see with Andy, but I hope he is) and there a much fewer TT kilometers, also Wiggins knows that this time his team wont just train all the other teams (saxo is very strong fx). But it is a damn shame they Wiggins wont target the Tour tbh.

 

[Cimber]

Vid from the today's stage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97G2GclcoEk

(sorry if it has already been posted)

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

Vid from the today's stage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97G2GclcoEk

(sorry if it has already been posted)

Thanks for posting

 

[airstream]

Contador is not targeting the Giro cos he knows he will not win the Tour after that.

 

[Gloin22]

Are u serious? Its Wiggins who are giving up by not targeting the Tour as his main objective as the defending champion. Quite unheard off imo. But cant blame Wiggins tbh. He knows he wont have a chance this year. Contador and Andy is back (well we will see with Andy, but I hope he is) and there a much fewer TT kilometers, also Wiggins knows that this time his team wont just train all the other teams (saxo is very strong fx). But it is a damn shame they Wiggins wont target the Tour tbh.

It's more to the fact that if Froome wasn't given Tour lead this year after sacrifice he made last year - he'd likely leave the team...

And that would be massive lost for Sky, hence logical reasons with Wiggo doing Giro. Wiggins does not care as such if Contador or Andy are riding, that's delusional.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Contador is not targeting the Giro cos he knows he will not win the Tour after that.

He wouldnt win the Giro either, not with the mean italian Astana team there

And in the tour he will get a hard fight by Froomey, Kash, Valverde and many many others

 

[serfla]

Contador is the favorite for this years Tour.

I didnt see wiggins target the Giro when he was favorite for the Tour.

Why is Contador supposed to give up his Tour shot if Wiggins didnt do it?

Who said that?
He should do the double. It's not me who was talking about the double just couple of days before Wiggins confirmed the Giro will be his main target.
He shouldn't talk if he didn't intend.
Wiggins will, at least, be there at the Tour.

I've responded to The Hitch, but it goes to all of you who've brought "Contador hasn't anything to prove" argument.
I know it's hard for fans to accept the idea that their idol isn't perfect, but
think about Cipo's "lack of machismo", and maybe you'll understand responsibilities of the greats and way to greatness.

Everything said about Contador, refers to Wiggins as well. Just like in the initial post.

 

[jens_attacks]

Contador is not targeting the Giro cos he knows he will not win the Tour after that.

i agree with this . with a possible rise back to the best form andy and froomey's sweet bilharzia kicking in again would be suicidal to try it. it won't work. it hould have been nice to see him against wiggo but after that, close to the zero chance to beat andy and chris.the other ones maybe,but not these two.

 

[The Hitch]

Who said that?
He should do the double. It's not me who was talking about the double just couple of days before Wiggins confirmed the Giro will be his main target.
He shouldn't talk if he didn't intend.

Show me where contador ever said he was doing the giro.

 

[gruppeto993]

i agree with this . with a possible rise back to the best form andy and froomey's sweet bilharzia kicking in again would be suicidal to try it. it won't work. it hould have been nice to see him against wiggo but after that, close to the zero chance to beat andy and chris.the other ones maybe,but not these two.

I agree. Although i am not convinced about andy's form being the way it was come july. As for froome, he was the best climber during last year's tour in comparison to a field consisting of no contador, schleck x2, sanchez, gesink. I think his time trial is what makes him dangerous, not his climbing.

 

[jens_attacks]

the thing is i/we don't have any idea about froomey's maximum in the mountains.nothing.it was just the other day when he said he could have taken one minute on the others on toussuire. and he can definitely improve. tremendous also at itt, he will be very, very hard to beat.
and andy barring crashes,i really think he will reach his best form both in liege and le tour. he can be at the same level with alberto and chris in the mountains but again he will lose in the itt.

 

[Miburo]

Contador is not targeting the Giro cos he knows he will not win the Tour after that.

well his chances would be slim although i think he can do it

but i think the main reason he doesn't want to do it right now is Froome

He has no idea how good Froome can be and doing the giro then is a hugh risk so it's better to go 100% for the tour and see what Froome can do.

If Froome wasn't there i think Contador would have done the giro. In contador's mind Froome is the only real threat.

I think it was D.Millar who pretty much confirmed that.

 

[LaFlorecita]

First win of the season

It's dodging. And not the classiest one.

First, Wiggins declared he won't defend the Tour title 'cause he'll go for the Giro. Then, he was talking about the double, and at the end decides to target the Giro and ride in support at the Tour.

Couple of days before Wiggins' announcement, Contador was talking about the double. Immediately after he learned Wiggins is preparing for the Giro - he gave up.

For me, this is what Cipollini once called "lack of machismo in modern cycling".

Wiggins should validate his Tour title against, alleged, best GT rider of current generation, and the "best GT rider..." should measure himself against reigning Tour champion. Especially if they are already mentioning the possibility.
If you have dilemma who should have done the first move and confront the other - whoever. "If the mountain won't come to Muhammad..." That's the way to do it.
I'm not interested in faggish dodging and tacit split of GTs between the two. I want to see most prominent riders of the present riding against each other, proving their greatness, every time they can. That's sports heroism... Greats of the past have done that way.
As a long-time cycling fan I'll fell cheated if they don't collide during their prime. Doping is quite sufficient fraud already.
I wonder what Cipo thinks.

This is ridiculous and you know it. Shame on you.

Vid from the today's stage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97G2GclcoEk

(sorry if it has already been posted)

thank you

 

[ILovecycling]

Great first win of the season,Oman will be his!

BANG BANG