Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[Afrank]

The last time I visited this thread was, when Contador lost to someone in a race, and what I saw that LaFlo whined like a baby, that Contador is not good enough. Now I read the last 6 pages and nothing changed, only one thing: it not an "Alberto Contador Discussion Thread" anymore, but a "LaFlorecita Bullsh!t Thread".

Don't believe in Contador anymore? Then get lost! Really, we have to read that soap opera always? As ILoveCycling wrote, maybe I should come back again when the Tour starts.

+1
Flo, you don't have to believe in Contador if you don't want to, but please, stop complaining about it here. After all, you don't want Susan to ban you again like she did during the Vuelta after your "emotional outburst" do you?

Also pdluz7 has the right way of looking at it.

 

[LaFlorecita]

I'm sorry.

 

[movingtarget]

I got the message. I am not a fan if I don't have faith in my favorite (and here I was thinking my fangirl bull**** annoyed every single person on here). I got it. I should just get lost. Okay. If that's what you want. I'm outta here. This forum sucks, the moderation sucks, the members suck, what am I still doing here?! Goodbye and hopefully I'll never have to see you again.

PS I hope I will still be reminded as the Alberto fangirl of this forum even though every member apparently thinks I'm not a fan because I am not optimistic about future races

PPS What the **** do you want?! I am a crazy fangirl full of nothing but bull**** and it's not okay. I am a slightly more reasonable fangirl and it's not okay because I shouldn't be pessimistic because if I am I am not a fangirl anymore. I realize I have been a bad bad fangirl and turn into a Froome fan because I believe he CAN win (wasn't that your whole point? I am only a fan of rider when I believe he can win?) and it's still not okay. WHAT. THE. ****. DO. YOU. WANT.

Rant over, bye bye

Come back. This is the best thing you have written for a long time.

 

[Richeypen]

I got the message. I am not a fan if I don't have faith in my favorite (and here I was thinking my fangirl bull**** annoyed every single person on here). I got it. I should just get lost. Okay. If that's what you want. I'm outta here. This forum sucks, the moderation sucks, the members suck, what am I still doing here?! Goodbye and hopefully I'll never have to see you again.

PS I hope I will still be reminded as the Alberto fangirl of this forum even though every member apparently thinks I'm not a fan because I am not optimistic about future races

PPS What the **** do you want?! I am a crazy fangirl full of nothing but bull**** and it's not okay. I am a slightly more reasonable fangirl and it's not okay because I shouldn't be pessimistic because if I am I am not a fangirl anymore. I realize I have been a bad bad fangirl and turn into a Froome fan because I believe he CAN win (wasn't that your whole point? I am only a fan of rider when I believe he can win?) and it's still not okay. WHAT. THE. ****. DO. YOU. WANT.

Rant over, bye bye

Still missing the point. THIS FORUM IS NOT ABOUT YOU! This is a place for people to discuss racing and not to have to constantly see every thread turn into attention seeking rubbish like this.

 

[infeXio]

Oh joy....

 

[Miburo]

So alberto is riding GP Indurain, is that a hard course? No idea

 

[vcampbell]

Still missing the point. THIS FORUM IS NOT ABOUT YOU! This is a place for people to discuss racing and not to have to constantly see every thread turn into attention seeking rubbish like this.

That's the point, exactly!

 

[Jelantik]

He is doomed. Froome is the better climber and he is a much better tter and we all know skyborgs don't decline during the season

He got beaten by Santambrogio and Kwiatkowski on a MTF. That says enough. He sucks.

LaFlo.. get a grip of yourself.. You started to sound like Andy . Sky wins as a team. So stronger rider like Froome is just getting stronger. Crit, I didn't see any saxo boys upfront that's just show, they are (still) weak or they are (in fact) weak. Sky seemed to know who's climber they need to sign. All of their domestiques turn into superman after they signed with them (so obviously they know something). If Alberto won't be so personal about who should ride with him (choosing friends most of the time), maybe Porte would still at Saxo. Porte said something at 2011 TDF about how closeknit was Alberto's circle. So obviously he was feeling as an outsider. Well, how that turns out now? He had turned into a Goliath for Sky.

Maybe if it's not because of no result, saxo would be signing some colombian or venezualan riders, intead of some big name with no results so far. I haven't see Roger anywhere close to the top. Last year he was second at the Crit. Froome already got 2 stage race win with probably half of his form. And wiggin, we know how that goes in catalunya. No ITT, no win. Berti did show some form, but an excuse about not on my current weight is no longer valid. Froome is also in the same boat, but we all know how that turns out. So far 2-0 for Froome. Next stop Pais Vasco. Let's see if there's improvement from the rest of saxo team and Berti himself. Otherwise Saxo will turn into another BMC.

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

LaFlo.. get a grip of yourself.. You started to sound like Andy . Sky wins as a team. So stronger rider like Froome is just getting stronger. Crit, I didn't see any saxo boys upfront that's just show, they are (still) weak or they are (in fact) weak. Sky seemed to know who's climber they need to sign. All of their domestiques turn into superman after they signed with them (so obviously they know something). If Alberto won't be so personal about who should ride with him (choosing friends most of the time), maybe Porte would still at Saxo. Porte said something at 2011 TDF about how closeknit was Alberto's circle. So obviously he was feeling as an outsider. Well, how that turns out now? He had turned into a Goliath for Sky.

Maybe if it's not because of no result, saxo would be signing some colombian or venezualan riders, intead of some big name with no results. I haven't see Roger anywhere close to the top. Last year he was second at the Crit. Froome already got 2 stage race win with his probably half of his form. And wiggin, we know how that goes in catalunya. No ITT, no win. Berti did show some form, but an excuse about not on my current weight is no longer valid. Froome is also the same boat, but we all know how that turns out. So far 2-0 for Froome. Next stop Pais Vasco. Let's see if there's improvement from the rest of saxo team and Berti himself. Otherwise Saxo will turn into 2013 BMC rosters.

Porte himself now looks to be at a level to rival Alberto. Good thing he's not riding the Tour!

 

[jamesmasters]

Porte himself now looks to be at a level to rival Alberto. Good thing he's not riding the Tour!

He is riding the Tour...

 

[Gregory]

I for one, am enjoying reading Florecita's posts, and last time I checked, this thread was called Alberto Contador DISCUSSION Thread, and not AC Awesomeness Thread, or AC Uncritical Affirmation Thread. She is raising some valid points now, like the one about Alberto showing a preference for some riders, based on personal preference and friendship, at the expense of other riders, which may become alienated in the process. In my eyes, it does not make him such a good team leader at all.

 

[Cimber]

So alberto is riding GP Indurain, is that a hard course? No idea

Doesnt seem like he will:

Alberto Contador ‏@albertocontador 8m Hello everybody,I'm better of the flu and taking back training with much motivation.Next race,Tour Basque Country

I for one, am enjoying reading Florecita's posts, and last time I checked, this thread was called Alberto Contador DISCUSSION Thread, and not AC Awesomeness Thread, or AC Uncritical Affirmation Thread. She is raising some valid points now, like the one about Alberto showing a preference for some riders, based on personal preference and friendship, at the expense of other riders, which may become alienated in the process. In my eyes, it does not make him such a good team leader at all.

What annoys me is that Flo is either super happy and overoptimistic, og the exact opposite, super negative. Almost like a manic depressive disorder.

Anyways, my take on it. Contador isnt as strong as he was before the ban. But even before the ban he wasnt as strong as he used to be. I am a Contador fan, but I actually find that good. He is still a super good rider though.

In TA he lost time to Froome on one stage (+ the TT) but took time on him another stage (eventhough he couldnt keep up with Nibali). In the Vuelta it was the same. That shows me that both Contador and Froome are humans, and that we are in for an epic battle in the Tour.

I wish that Andy could return to his former self for the Tour, to help wreck the Skyborg train (I cross my fingers but I dont hink he will be ready for the Tour, maybe next year). I also wish that Nibali would target tge Tour again to throw Astana in the mix (Fuglsang will be a non-factor)

Even if I root for Contador I do prefer that the race wont be predecided as with Armstrong fx, and I do applaud strong competition.

Now, I do think that Contador will be better that he is now by july. I dont think he will be back as his all-time best as in 2009ish, but even so he will still be in for the win. I only hope that the Saxo boys will be in form for july, since an epic battle will be more enjoyable with a 2012 skyborg train to control it all - hopefully Saxo will be able to spice it up a bit. They have good names but so far they have been subpar (Majka and Rogers are excused as they have injuries and sickness as explantions).

Btw: Is JRod and Valverde targeting the Tour as their main goal? Would be epic.

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

Doesnt seem like he will:

Alberto Contador ‏@albertocontador 8m Hello everybody,I'm better of the flu and taking back training with much motivation.Next race,Tour Basque Country



What annoys me is that Flo is either super happy and overoptemistic, og the exact opposite, super negative. Almost like a manic depressive disorder.

Anyways, my take on it. Contador isnt as strong as he was before the ban. But even before the ban he wasnt as strong as he used to be. I am a Contador fan, but I actually find that good. He is still a super good rider though.

In TA he lost time to Froome on one stage (+ the TT) but took time on him another stage (eventhough he couldnt keep up with Nibali). In the Vuelta it was the same. That shows me that both Contador and Froome are humans, and that we are in for an epic battle in the Tour.

I wish that Andy could return to his former self for the Tour, to help wreck the Skyborg train (I cross my fingers but I dont hink he will be ready for the Tour, maybe next year). I also wish that Nibali would target tge Tour again to throw Astana in the mix (Fuglsang will be a non-factor)

Even if I root for Contador I do prefer that the race wont be predecided as with Armstrong fx, and I do applaud strong competition.

Now, I do think that Contador will be better that he is now by july. I dont think he will be back as his all-time best as in 2009ish, but even so he will still be in for the win. I only hope that the Saxo boys will be in form for july, since an epic battle will be more enjoyable with a 2012 skyborg train to control it all - hopefully Saxo will be able to spice it up a bit. They have good names but so far they have been subpar (Majka and Rogers are excused as they have injuries and sickness as explantions).

Btw: Is JRod and Valverde targeting the Tour as their main goal? Would be epic.

Yes, they are

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

He is riding the Tour...

That's not good. Had it in my head he was going to the Giro. All Sky podium then...

 

[JimPanzen]

What annoys me is that Flo is either super happy and overoptemistic, og the exact opposite, super negative. Almost like a manic depressive disorder.

THAT'S exactly the point.

Back to Bertie...I think the good thing about him is, that he will take up the fight no matter what. But I also think Riis has to have a certain idea how to race against Sky in the Tour (or even before). I hope he steps up and prooves himself to be the mastermind many people think he is.

 

[Publicus]

I don't think there is any secret to how you attack Sky: you have to be in phenomenal condition. If you aren't, well your tactics really aren't going to matter much. And that includes the domestiques. With the exception of 1-2 stages of T-A, AC's domestiques have not been up to the challenge. I don't have many concerns that AC can get himself up to speed, I do, however, have concerns about the rest of the squad. That's why I rate Froome has the top dog going into the Tour (not so much him, but the quality of his team from top to bottom).

 

[gooner]

Looking at his racing programme it looks as though he may have no racing after Pais Vasco until the Dauphine as it is by no means certain he is doing LBL or FW yet. That could be practically 2 months without racing and in his current form far too long. Along with his ban and his time off in the off season the last thing he needs now is another lengthy period away from racing especially after his illness which kept him out of CI this weekend. Not only should he be doing LBL and/or FW, I would even suggest him doing California this year as Saxo are one of the WT teams competing. There are a couple of finishes which suit him but more importantly the TT is similar in length to the Tour which is something he badly needs to fine tune heading into the Tour.

 

[RHRH19861986]

Looking at his racing programme it looks as though he may have no racing after Pais Vasco until the Dauphine as it is by no means certain he is doing LBL or FW yet. That could be practically 2 months without racing and in his current form far too long. Along with his ban and his time off in the off season the last thing he needs now is another lengthy period away from racing especially after his illness which kept him out of CI this weekend. Not only should he be doing LBL and/or FW, I would even suggest him doing California this year as Saxo are one of the WT teams competing. There are a couple of finishes which suit him but more importantly the TT is similar in length to the Tour which is something he badly needs to fine tune heading into the Tour.

Good post, there were even rumours in the past weeks he´s considering to do the Giro.

Cali would be a good compromise, I think.

 

[peloton]

Good post, there were even rumours in the past weeks he´s considering to do the Giro.

Cali would be a good compromise, I think.

Romandie should do instead of Cali, May is when his allergies are the worst, usually

 

[Publicus]

Romandie should do instead of Cali, May is when his allergies are the worst, usually

I don't think allergies should be a problem in California in the May timeframe. I would LOVE IT if he came to the Tour of California.

 

[notrolfsorensen]

He should do Romandie then, cause it's WT and even though his points won't count in the licensing for SaxoTinkoff, he can still win the WT this year.

 

[xrayvision]

I am not sad.

I would like Samu to win, I think he can. Who is riding this for sky?

Doesent matter who rides, they are all future tour winners, anyone will do.

Flo, a rider reach the peak of his career at the age of 28 - 32 year old, Berto is 30, and hes far from finished yet, what kind of water SKY are on we dont know yet, but it doesent change the fact that Berto is one of the only GC riders that makes a race interesting and entertaining, a fighter and a winner by heart, and even if he doesnt win every time, he will still be one of the sports greatest riders of all time, and you should just enjoy and watch knowingly anything can happen when he rides to win.

 

[casati]

Very succinctly put

 

[forumlurker]

yeah i don't understand where all the doom and gloom comes from. everyone is targeting a certain race in july. if they win t-a, etc., great. if not, it's still quality training in march. ac has finished first in 7 grand tours and won 5 of them. he came back from a 2 year suspension and won the freaking vuelta, which looked like a pretty brutal edition with very good competition. ac was responsible for much of the excitement and gc drama. there's no doubt we would like him to win t-a, oman, etc., but we don't want him to peak or show his hand too soon either. ac has good early season form, as does his team and his competition. great. if he has a bad dauphine or suisse or whatever he does in june, then i might be a little concerned.

Doesent matter who rides, they are all future tour winners, anyone will do.

Flo, a rider reach the peak of his career at the age of 28 - 32 year old, Berto is 30, and hes far from finished yet, what kind of water SKY are on we dont know yet, but it doesent change the fact that Berto is one of the only GC riders that makes a race interesting and entertaining, a fighter and a winner by heart, and even if he doesnt win every time, he will still be one of the sports greatest riders of all time, and you should just enjoy and watch knowingly anything can happen when he rides to win.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Apparently you need me to post all the useless little updates

Throughout the coming three months 10 short films will be launched, highlighting selected profiles of Team Saxo-Tinkoff across countries and languages describing their passion, discipline, taking risks and building confidence on one of the best cycling teams in the world. The series of videos celebrate the 100th edition of the Tour de France.

first vid about matti online now: http://www.saxobank.com/cycling/matti

Later we'll also see videos about Daniele, Roman, Takashi Miyazawa, team chef Hannah Grant, Mick Rogers just for zam, Nico Roche, mechanic Faustino Munoz, Alberto and lastly just before the start of le tour one about the team