Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[Jack_89]

I dont think Alberto can attack from 5-7 km out like he used too. 2013 alot of his attacks he was getting caught, it tore me up a bit. Im a big fan but I think im realistic too. Looking at this year, Alberto did not attack from distance as he did earlier in his career on summit finishes. Correct me if Im wrong but most of his attacks were inside 2km from the summits. Sure 2014 was a great year but I dont think Alberto has 2009 form, he was far more explosive then, imo. Father time is un-defeated....I think his 2015 year will be similar to 2014. I believe Froome is better at the TDF, on a good day he can drop an- in-form Contador as at the Dauphine Contador was at his limit a few times and they were potentially at similar build up stages to the TDF. The long TT Froome has a clear edge.

Who are you trying to fool? All i ever see you do is praising and cheering for Froome in whatever posts you make.

I agree with No Balls.

You're anything but a fan. In your post never once a compliment or a comment optimistic. Always criticizing Alberto.

It is just a big fan

 

[Netserk]

So he is rejected from the cult?

 

[ILovecycling]

A couple of things, and don't take offense, but you don't understand much about cycling.

For one, 2013 was Alberto's annus horribilis as he was "fat" and out of shape, mentally tired and distracted, etc. Thus it can't be used in any way shape or form as being indiciative of what you claim it is.

Secondly, earlier in Alberto's career he didn't have a rival like Froome, against whom attacks from 5-7k out are far more complicated. Though this year, if you will recal, a flying AC at Tirreno attacked Quintana et all from 25k's out, bridged up to the break, then proceeded to drag the break to the finish climb of the Guardareale Wall and then droped them, winning the stage. At the Dauphine Alberto also attacked Froome et. all dropping them from way, way out in a desperate, though failed, attempt to save his yellow jersey.

He is thus still quite capable of exploding a race when in top form. Alberto 2014 was even better than Alberto 2009 - the Spaniard himself even said that he was in the form of his life at the Tour this year - but his rivals in 2009 were not as strong as those of the past couple of years, among which are three principle candidates: Froome, Quintana and Nibali. Consequently he is forced to measure his efforts with greater calculation than in the past, when in any case youthful exuberance and weaker foes made him seem more explosive.

Truly excellent post, couldnt say it better.

 

[Ryaguas]

So he is rejected from the cult?

He is not using his tin foil hat nor He has done his ritual sacrifice AC so yep...

 

[Netbalp]

Contador's last race before Dauphiné: Pais Vasco 57 days before Dauphiné

Froome's last race before Dauphiné: Tour de Romandie 35 days before Dauphiné

It doesn't suggest unconditionally about the rider being in worse form.

 

[Escarabajo]

The start/end towns already paid their $$$$ a long time ago. So many conspiracy theories LOL! If we were talking 2016 maybe, but the route is being announced in 2 weeks. Can't go and rework it all now for one guy.

I never meant the route. Just to participate.

Any route would fit him if in shape Contador.

 

[Escarabajo]

A real turn up for the books having Alberto focus on the Giro! I think that Nibali and Froome will focus on the Tour. Quintana will make a decision based on the parcours.

I am almost certain Quintana's decision has already been made by the team.

 

[Netserk]

It doesn't suggest unconditionally about the rider being in worse form.

So? You asked for evidence and got it.

Deal with it.

 

[SeriousSam]

So he is rejected from the cult?

Yeah, if you refuse to turn off your head and don't produce 10 posts of gushing praise a day, you're not a fan.

 

[Jack_89]

http://video.gazzetta.it/contador-partecipo-giro/377f3166-4194-11e4-bbdf-7610ebb98522

 

[Carols]

I never meant the route. Just to participate.

Any route would fit him if in shape Contador.

Okay. Though I doubt he needs the money .

 

[LaFlorecita]

http://video.gazzetta.it/contador-partecipo-giro/377f3166-4194-11e4-bbdf-7610ebb98522

Enric Mas the only guy who could follow him remember that name, people!

 

[Publicus]

http://video.gazzetta.it/contador-partecipo-giro/377f3166-4194-11e4-bbdf-7610ebb98522

Reminds me of when Contador came to the Bay Area and went on group rides. He spent a lot of time taking photos and signing autographs with us, but as soon as they gave the signal to ride, he was literally off the front. I don't think he understands the concept of group rides, especially with non-pros

 

[LaFlorecita]

Reminds me of when Contador came to the Bay Area and went on group rides. He spent a lot of time taking photos and signing autographs with us, but as soon as they gave the signal to ride, he was literally off the front. I don't think he understands the concept of group rides, especially with non-pros

Well this was uphill, even at a leisurely pace for him he'll still drop most of them but really, I can imagine it's cool for amateurs to try and keep up with him. On pics you can see them digging deep but that must give them a lot of satisfaction.

 

[ILovecycling]

I am almost certain Quintana's decision has already been made by the team.

and the result is?

 

[Escarabajo]

Okay. Though I doubt he needs the money .

I he thinks that he is going to do the double he is smoking Canabbis.

 

[cineteq]

I he thinks that he is going to do the double he is smoking Canabbis.

Bro, be careful what you say, the #DopingPolice is out and about.

 

[Jelantik]

A real turn up for the books having Alberto focus on the Giro! I think that Nibali and Froome will focus on the Tour. Quintana will make a decision based on the parcours.

Quintana will focus on the Tour. He has been yapping since this year Giro, even with cobble that he can compete in Tour. So no way he'll look at the parcour. Valverde on the other hand will do Vuelta (for sure) and probably the Giro.

I'm happy that contador will tackle Giro-Tour double. Good for him. I hope his win at vuelta won't take him back to spending too much time with sponsor engagement. Next year is a tough program for him. Giro-Tour double, bring it on!!

 

[LaFlorecita]

I he thinks that he is going to do the double he is smoking Canabbis.

Ok.

So you believe he does it for the money and does not actually believe he has a chance.

Just quoting this for the future

 

[The fridge in the blue trees]

Contador is simply doing the Giro because he loves the Giro. It was always likely he'd do the Giro again in 2015. If he had won the Tour 15, 99% sure, crashing out... ok, much less likely, but still not such a big shock that he does the Giro again in 15. Pretty sure that on a personal level Contador simply prefers the Giro to the Tour. He's always been welcome, he has always gotten lots of support from the tifosi. In 15 Nibali will most likely get more support, but Contador will still be treated with respect.

Just look at 2011, in Italy during 3 weeks Contador was supported and cheered. In France he got whistled at the team presentation. Contador at the Giro in 2015: Pretty normal.

 

[LaFlorecita]

http://www.marca.com/2014/09/21/ciclismo/1411334253.html

they freaking love him

 

[LaFlorecita]

http://www.marca.com/2014/09/21/ciclismo/1411334253.html

they freaking love him

 

[Carols]

http://.marca.com/2014/09/21/ciclismo/1411334253.html

they freaking love him

OMG if I understood that translation they named a section of the Mortirolo after him! Wow he better ride the Giro next year .

 

[No_Balls]

Perhaps he didnt intend to ride the Giro but felt obliged after this gift. He have said Pantani was his idol and to have your own section on ****ing Mortirolo together with your hero is an honour which he perhaps felt must be rewarded. But it is awesome nevertheless.

Yeah, if you refuse to turn off your head and don't produce 10 posts of gushing praise a day, you're not a fan

Its not about an "cult" but, you know, as a said fan it wouldnt hurt to, you know, cheer for that rider from time to time instead of speaking about 2013 and how awesome Froome is.

 

[icefire]

http://www.marca.com/2014/09/21/ciclismo/1411334253.html

they freaking love him

Can I ask WTF has Contador done on Mortirolo to get his name there? If Italians really loved him they should rename that volcano in Nibali's home island