Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[Zam_Olyas]

Let me make that 3x. Contador, in my view, is the cyclingnews forum fav rider. I've rarely seen such an ability to deny the obvious in order to nail a halo around his head. Even when there are so many reasons to NOT view Contador with much positive emotion. His form is one reason, his sportsmanship in prior Tours another.

What is the count of users having him as their fav rider?. But i get it, that's your view.

 

[xrayvision]

Nothing to do against a juiced up guy, history speaks for it self.

 

[Beech Mtn]

I refuse to believe this is his true level. Maybe he overtrained in the winter or has some sort of virus or injury he doesn't talk about.. or maybe he is just declining at a very early age, like sometimes happens to early superstars.

It's sad though, I really wanted to see what a top Contador could've done against Froome. I expected a battle. But unfortunately it's the same Contador we've seen all year. Not good enough, even mediocre for his doing. A normal Contador would've been minutes ahead of Mollema and Ten frikking Dam

More like the opposite. He told Marca that he didn't get in enough base miles over the winter and so he has been below his normal level all season.

 

[Jelantik]

Yes this is a very good post atlest he tried today he just don't have the legs, what I don't get is how he does not put his nose into the wind? Why did he just stay on Nieve today? Has the Kreu thing annoyed you I thought it was silly bringing Mollema back with him he should have followed the Belkin guys in, I may be getting deceived but AC did not look happy looking back a few ties to see who was in RK group.

contador just didn't have the leg. Nah, Kreu was probably pacing bertie again. Seeing, mollema was almost collapse at the finish line, it just a matter of time when he will crack.

Maybe saxo now is the new radioshack *chasing GC team*. Maybe saxo can get two in the podium, that's not a bad result. Seems like, this year isn't bertie's year to win TDF. But... fat french lady hasn't sing yet! so tbd.

 

[Jelantik]

More like the opposite. He told Marca that he didn't get in enough base miles over the winter and so he has been below his normal level all season.

well, at least now he learned that he can't compete with the new science method, if he didn't get proper training. In the past he can wing it, but not int this era when sky has revolutionized a new training method that turns no name in to house hold name.

 

[Miburo]

Ive been the one telling it like it is all Tour while yall been saying he is gonna win.

But ill offer some hope. Weather ive seen is rain on tuesday, wednsday thursday and Frinday and maybe Saturday.

We dont know if thats true.

If it did happen then it takes 3 days to fall ill, so say Froome will be ok in Gap and tt and Alpe d huez. But on Bornand and Annency, maybe there will be some weakness?

Contador afterall said he hopes for rain.

And then all he may need is those 10 seconds on Mollema + whatever he loses on Wednsday.

Even if no illness then on Alpe d huez if Froome is isolated Contador can send some teammates up the road - Jesus and Rogers, then attack on the descent and ttt it halfway up Alpe. Who knows.

I don't think it's over yet. We'll still see some exciting racing.

Contador has no choice, he'll send up Rogers and other likes upfront. Then maybe kreuziger.

But the problem is that belkin and other teams will be afraid for their top 10 spot

 

[Miburo]

I agree DT, call me a fanboy but i don't think this is Contador's normal 'clean' level.

The guy can have a bad year, it's possible, why not? In the vuelta he was more impressive and he had no race rythm which definitely affected him.

The retire-stuff is complete bs of course. Saying contador should retire is neglecting the kinda person he is, namely a fighter.

 

[Pricey_sky]

But the problem is that belkin and other teams will be afraid for their top 10 spot

That's a bad example as Belkin have 2 in the top 5 so of course they will try and protect that, it's huge for Belkin and gives them a great starting platform.

Perhaps you mean teams like Katusha and AG2R.

I hope Contador can still show something in these last Alpe stages. Perhaps a win is too far to go but at least try and stay with Quintana and fight it out.

 

[Miburo]

That's a bad example as Belkin have 2 in the top 5 so of course they will try and protect that, it's huge for Belkin and gives them a great starting platform.

How is that a bad example? When the likes of kreuziger or rogers attack Belkin will also chase after it together with other teams.

That's very understandable of course but nonetheless a pety

 

[The_Juan]

I hope Contador can still show something in these last Alpe stages. Perhaps a win is too far to go but at least try and stay with Quintana and fight it out.

I think Contador will fight till the end. He's got a champion's warrior spirit, although he understands that he is now against more than a guy on a bicycle (or a team).

 

[Afrank]

NOT GIVING UP ON CONTADOR!!

No No No No No...

Stop it all of you.... He will comeback in the alps!! and Froome will fade! Fuq logic! Contador will comeback to win this Tour!!

Nice attitude! I like that way of looking at it.



At this point I'm just hoping Contador will attack and do something to make the race interesting at least once this Tour. Would be great if he could get a stage win. But I'm not sure Froome is going to even consider allowing that. Hopefully he does the Vuelta after the Tour and can find some success there, he needs some kind of success with the season he's having.

 

[Afrank]

I agree DT, call me a fanboy but i don't think this is Contador's normal 'clean' level.

The guy can have a bad year, it's possible, why not? In the vuelta he was more impressive and he had no race rythm which definitely affected him.

The retire-stuff is complete bs of course. Saying contador should retire is neglecting the kinda person he is, namely a fighter.

True, personally I would hate to see Contador retire. If the current trend of his results this Tour and this season continues I would like to see him focus on Giro-Vuelta next season.

 

[IndianCyclist]

Nice attitude! I like that way of looking at it.



At this point I'm just hoping Contador will attack and do something to make the race interesting at least once this Tour. Would be great if he could get a stage win. But I'm not sure Froome is going to even consider allowing that. Hopefully he does the Vuelta after the Tour and can find some success there, he needs some kind of success with the season he's having.

3 mountain stages & not a single peep from Contador forget the Vuelta style attack. He simply does not have it this year. IMO do what the Belkin boys are doing and ride within ur limitations.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Someone who knows who Nicholas Gates is, and why his informed opinion deserves respect.

Who are you?

ahahaha. you are nicholas gates then?

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

He went way too much into the red trying to follow Froome. He was obviously cooked after that. Hadn't he tried to follow the sky acceleration he would have probably lost less time then he ended up doing.

yes, but the problem is he didn;'t do it and he now lost tons of times. on the madeleine stage he needs to send kreuziger, rogers and some mor eup the first cxlimb and then go on the madeleine. they can at leats kill his team, especially if the alpe dhuez stage before that will be raced hard by katusha and movistar

 

[Pulpstar]

Fair enough, I should have really said 'and a bit disappointing'. Never been a fan, but it was a bit sad to see. Someone above has mentioned that Saxo couild now help Nieve in the KOM?

Still think Contador will have the best third week of the rest. Saxo v Movistar now even more interesting?

It was pure speculation. But it would make sense from both team's point of view as KoM is still very much up for grabs.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

the kom should be for quitnana. he will take massive points up all the mountasin finishes

 

[Cimber]

Contador is definately annoyed

http://sporten.tv2.dk/tour/2013-07-14-contador-stikker-reporter-en-albue-0

 

[gerundium]

Really quite saddened by Contador this Tour. I really hoped for a fight between him and Froome and sadly he appears to be coming up quite short.

Only hope i have now is that this entire season of underperforming has been deliberate. Trying to ride into peak form a lot later to go for the World championships. With the way it looks now it feels like grasping at straws but one can hope.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Contador is definately annoyed

http://sporten.tv2.dk/tour/2013-07-14-contador-stikker-reporter-en-albue-0

Of course you're annoyed when you've just completely emptied yourself and everyone is so close to you and then someone is sticking their backpack in your back. I also find that very annoying and in my case it's never when I'm exhausted and sweaty and out of breath.

 

[airstream]

Contador and Kreuziger should ride and help each other to finish 2nd and 3rd. At their place I wouldn't try to sit on Froome's wheel too long. That's better to drop coordinately and work together.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Contador and Kreuziger should ride and help each other to finish 2nd and 3rd. At their place I wouldn't try to sit on Froome's wheel too long. That's better to drop coordinately and work together.

lol no chance in hell for kreuziger and why would contador care for 2nd?

 

[airstream]

lol no chance in hell for kreuziger and why would contador care for 2nd?

Then Contador will attack from 100 km to go and kick away himself out of top 5.

 

[The Hitch]

just watch tomorrow. Sky will be firing on all cylinders.

just like you said yesterday valverde would be back in the group, froome would never drop in the wind and sky would close the gap to contadors group. from what I';ve read so far you have been wrong on all accounts again this tour

Feel free to aknowledge my cycling knowledge superiority whenever you want ryo.

Whenever your ready.

 

[Cimber]

Then Contador will attack from 100 km to go and kick away himself out of top 5.

I actually think that will happen. He doesnt care for 2nd. He rather go out with a bang. And Kreuziger can then try to ride more conservatively and maybe make the podium (or top 5 at least) which gives some much needed WT points for the team