Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[Netserk]

Link?

12345

Nothing certain, but according to Veloropa that will (unsurprisingly) be the team. Will be announced tomorrow.

 

[LaFlorecita]

The same veloropa who thought Tosatto wasn't even an option for the Tour team?

 

[webbie146]

Interesting general information. If you were Riis what would you recommend for Majka given he says he is still tired from the Giro?

Majka is a difficult case. It's not like Contador who has been focusing on the tdf this whole season. I would suspect his tapering period would be smaller compared to his team-mates to get some more training hours. It's difficult to say though because there are many factors to consider. Especially considering the fact that he is still young which makes 2 GT's after each other a lot harder. Allow him to train longer and risk burning him out in the third week, or let him rest and hope conditionally he will grow during the tdf.

Steven de Jongh will know what's best

 

[mrhender]

Great post. Great to see a poster committed to accuracy and the truth.

A collective insult?

Majka apologised his outburst right?

 

[mrhender]

The team has known for some time that there was a strong possibility this thing with Kreuziger would blow up before the Tour. They should have prepared a better backup plan.

Majka is/was the backup-plan..
But that would certainly not mean that they would keep him out of the Giro, just in case?

 

[Beech Mtn]

Majka is/was the backup-plan..
But that would certainly not mean that they would keep him out of the Giro, just in case?

It's more about the fact that they sent Roche and Rogers and Majka all to the Giro. Which Roche didn't want to ride, but had to since it started in Ireland (but should've pulled out fairly early, maybe).

They couldn't have been sure way ahead of time just when they'd get Rogers back, so they pretty well needed to send him to Giro for some race kms in the legs.

Knowing they might lose Kreuz, and not wanting so many of the heavy-hitters to be too tired by the last week of TdF, they should've prepared a better backup plan in general, instead of having all three ride the complete Giro.

 

[karlboss]

It's more about the fact that they sent Roche and Rogers and Majka all to the Giro. Which Roche didn't want to ride, but had to since it started in Ireland (but should've pulled out fairly early, maybe).

They couldn't have been sure way ahead of time just when they'd get Rogers back, so they pretty well needed to send him to Giro for some race kms in the legs.

Knowing they might lose Kreuz, and not wanting so many of the heavy-hitters to be too tired by the last week of TdF, they should've prepared a better backup plan in general, instead of having all three ride the complete Giro.

I don't think riding the Giro and finishing is what wrecks riders for the Tour. i think riding high up on GC day in day out does. As neither Rogers nor Roche did this I think they'll be fine. Given that knowing you might lose Kreziger, what would you do? Without having seen it coming and hired an extra rider of that class, the only option would be to tell Majka not to go for GC or pull him out altogether.
The one thing they've lost with Kreuziger going out is a second option to win. An attacker that Sky can't ignore. If Majka was rested he may have been this option, but I don't think he's good enough yet. Kreuziger would be a huge threat 5 minutes up the road Majka probably needs to be 10 up.
With this in mind and knowing that there was a chance Kreuziger I think they've made the right call. However I'd not expect Majka to do anything until week 3.

 

[mrhender]

It's more about the fact that they sent Roche and Rogers and Majka all to the Giro. Which Roche didn't want to ride, but had to since it started in Ireland (but should've pulled out fairly early, maybe).

They couldn't have been sure way ahead of time just when they'd get Rogers back, so they pretty well needed to send him to Giro for some race kms in the legs.

Knowing they might lose Kreuz, and not wanting so many of the heavy-hitters to be too tired by the last week of TdF, they should've prepared a better backup plan in general, instead of having all three ride the complete Giro.

I think it is well known fact that Roche is a rider who needs racing days under his belt to perform?
So if he's out of the eqation it leaves us with Majka..
A Talent who got the whole team built around him in the Giro, and AC left with scraps for Dauphine.. If they knew RK was to be pulled they might have acted differently.. Point is that his case was processed as fast as a snail can travel from Denmark to Spain. So they sticked to plan A.... Now thee only issue is, if Majka is good enough a replacement for RK..? I think he is...

 

[Publicus]

I don't think riding the Giro and finishing is what wrecks riders for the Tour. i think riding high up on GC day in day out does. As neither Rogers nor Roche did this I think they'll be fine. Given that knowing you might lose Kreziger, what would you do? Without having seen it coming and hired an extra rider of that class, the only option would be to tell Majka not to go for GC or pull him out altogether.
The one thing they've lost with Kreuziger going out is a second option to win. An attacker that Sky can't ignore. If Majka was rested he may have been this option, but I don't think he's good enough yet. Kreuziger would be a huge threat 5 minutes up the road Majka probably needs to be 10 up.
With this in mind and knowing that there was a chance Kreuziger I think they've made the right call. However I'd not expect Majka to do anything until week 3.

I think this is when he would matter most to AC.

 

[Angliru]

So Majka was brought into the world tour by TS. He had support in this Giro. And no pressure last year.
This is how he repays that? The best GT rider in the world wants you to ride for him at your young age. This is how you repay that? What did you think you where going to lead the team at Vuelta?
So your team owner with deep pocket$. Wants to win the Tour. With AC. This is how you repay him. Not to bright bro. He should **** can you for the rest of the season. Then next year you can ride every half *** kermess,3 day, & **** race. In your contract year. See how that goes for you?

All of these derogatory posts are a bit over the top. His statements were honest and not really surprising. He's young and just finished a tough Giro and now he's drafted into risking the Tour with no prep. In any other circumstances the consensus would be to not have a rider of his age do back to back grand tours especially Giro-Tour for fear of the long term effects on his development, the exact concern that Majka is expressing. There's a very good chance that he won't finish the Tour and concerned with what he is expected to contribute at his age with no preparation and the Giro in his legs.

 

[thehook]

Derogatory? That is an opinion. I guess that is not what these boards are for? Maybe the internet is a bit to rough?

Are you the post police? You have over 5000 of them. If you go back and read all the posts in this thread, mine is soft!

Sorry if your feeling were hurt in anyway. Next time I will try to fluff up a post to meet your standards.

Peace

 

[thehook]

All of these derogatory posts are a bit over the top. His statements were honest and not really surprising. He's young and just finished a tough Giro and now he's drafted into risking the Tour with no prep. In any other circumstances the consensus would be to not have a rider of his age do back to back grand tours especially Giro-Tour for fear of the long term effects on his development, the exact concern that Majka is expressing. There's a very good chance that he won't finish the Tour and concerned with what he is expected to contribute at his age with no preparation and the Giro in his legs.

Dude had to know he was a tour backup. And last time I checked he is a WT Pro rider? Under contract? He can always drop down to conti level and never ride another GT again. "risking a tour" What is that? They get paid to ride there BIKES? NO?

My post was an opinion. I was under the impression that is what forums are for? The internet for? I guess feelings get hurt and I should have considered yours. For that I apologize.

 

[Siriuscat]

Sorry guys, some of these posts are a scream.... how dare ANY of us question Alberto, he knows what he needs in the run up to Saturday ansd with de Jonge there too, trust him. Same with Bjarne, he knows what he's doing.... have faith.... Only a super alien Froome will beat him....just depends how super alien froome wants to be.

Also, the race starts on Saturday, they don't have a flat easy week to break themselves into it.... the right rider could take a big step forward as early as Sunday

 

[Cimber]

Oleg Tinkov@olegtinkov · 23m

We'll have the strongest team for #tourdefrance @albertocontador , Rogers,Rosche,Majka,Pauhlinho,Hernandez,Morkov,Benatti & monster Tossato

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

Oleg Tinkov@olegtinkov · 23m

We'll have the strongest team for #tourdefrance @albertocontador , Rogers,Rosche,Majka,Pauhlinho,Hernandez,Morkov,Benatti & monster Tossato

monster Tossato

 

[LaFlorecita]

monster Tossato

Happy both Tosatto and Bello Benna are in the team

 

[ciranda]

Dude had to know he was a tour backup. And last time I checked he is a WT Pro rider? Under contract? He can always drop down to conti level and never ride another GT again. "risking a tour" What is that? They get paid to ride there BIKES? NO?

My post was an opinion. I was under the impression that is what forums are for? The internet for? I guess feelings get hurt and I should have considered yours. For that I apologize.

But you and some other people here are often super hostile and aggressive as soon as a cyclist expresses an opinion. The dude who was super mad and came out with this corporate world obey and sleep at the office or be killed work ethic was pretty ridiculous. These cyclists and teams operate in a culture where it's possible to discuss and argue and still be cool and professional about it. In most cases. Like most work places and other places today besides the military, I would think.

 

[inthepink]

Sorry guys, some of these posts are a scream.... how dare ANY of us question Alberto, he knows what he needs in the run up to Saturday ansd with de Jonge there too, trust him. Same with Bjarne, he knows what he's doing.... have faith.... Only a super alien Froome will beat him....just depends how super alien froome wants to be.

Also, the race starts on Saturday, they don't have a flat easy week to break themselves into it.... the right rider could take a big step forward as early as Sunday

Agree ..TCS need to be out of the traps and racing by Sunday and need to take the race to SKY and others...Think the team is fine...I would rest Makja in first 2 weeks ...he can sit in Grupetto and then he may be good for last week ...may even have great last week

Rodgers is a strong rider and Roche is in very good form ...expect to see them attacking or counter attacking in first 2 weeks ....and breaking up SKY train

Hope TCS take control from the off and not chase the race

 

[Angliru]

Dude had to know he was a tour backup. And last time I checked he is a WT Pro rider? Under contract? He can always drop down to conti level and never ride another GT again. "risking a tour" What is that? They get paid to ride there BIKES? NO?

My post was an opinion. I was under the impression that is what forums are for? The internet for? I guess feelings get hurt and I should have considered yours. For that I apologize.

Why are you taking this so personal???? My post that some reactions are over the top shouldn't be seen as an insult to your character. Simply and obviously a difference of opinion on the topic at hand. Majka's only error was in sharing his initial thoughts, not taking a breath and sleeping on the decision before posting his feelings.

 

[ILovecycling]

Very glad for Morkov
Still not sure Majka was a good choice,but hopefuly he will be fine by 3rd week.

 

[Arredondo]

Very glad for Morkov
Still not sure Majka was a good choice,but hopefuly he will be fine by 3rd week.

Would be more logical if he's better the first week rather then the third.

 

[Zam_Olyas]

Happy both Tosatto and Bello Benna are in the team

I agree i think mario bello can be hot too.

Anyway to be serious as i am a serious man...is that his nick name? if it is, it is a ridiculous one.

 

[Bushman]

Would be more logical if he's better the first week rather then the third.

Not really. He has been resting after the Giro and he is not in form, but if he can make it through the first couple of weeks he will likely have ridden himself into some kind of shape.

 

[Miburo]

Would be more logical if he's better the first week rather then the third.

Not really, most of the times when riders did the giro they're talking about being at their peak in the 3rd week.

 

[murali]

Oleg Tinkov@olegtinkov · 23m

We'll have the strongest team for #tourdefrance @albertocontador , Rogers,Rosche,Majka,Pauhlinho,Hernandez,Morkov,Benatti & monster Tossato

Is it normal for team boss to announce the team on twitter?


Rogers--check
Roche--check
Benatti--check
Tosatto--check
Morkov--mmm..... OK
Hernandez--check
Paulinho--....(did AC ask for him as Kreu is not around?)
Majka--

Zuagg-- missing WTF?
I hope
Beltran and valgren get a look in Vuelta

Would be more logical if he's better the first week rather then the third.

Actually, we need Majka in full form by late 2nd week+3rd week (stages 13-20) imho.
All big mountains are atleast 25km away from finish. AC would need someone to set tempo up the climb, and then descend with him+launch him in the final km. That's the only way he can make minutes as compared to other contenders.

I get your point about carving the lead in the first half of the race. but imo, it is better to give yellow jersey to some other team and take it only after stage 14 or so. Also, in the first few stages, Morkov, etc will be more useful than Majka.