Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[del1962]

Perhaps the illness he had earlier in the year messed up his training, I wouldn't write his chances off for next year yet.

 

[webvan]

To think that last year the thinking was that Wiggins wouldn't bother coming back because Bertie would be around and would crushing. How things change...

So what when wrong with his preparation and why would the Vuelta 2012 be the cause of his poor form this year?

Maybe he can take comfort in the Hinault situation in 1984 when he came back after an injury and got trounced by Fignon and then he was the strongest rider in 1985 and 1986...of course Fignon was hurt, but still...

 

[roundabout]

Well, supposedly the Vuelta took too much out of Contador so he resumed training later than usual.

 

[BYOP88]

PMSL!

People seriously think that Contador is 'fat'? If that's the case the entire peloton aside from Auschwitz boy, need to get their fat asses down to their nearest weight watchers meeting ASAP.

 

[boladelmundo]

Keeping the weight off can be a different proposition in your 30's. What was once effortless may require careful attention.

Perhaps he just needs to adjust to not being a kid anymore. If he does, a long Indian summer is entirely possible. He should be GT competitive till about 35.

Yes indeed, more effort and discipline are needed to maintain ideal weight for people above 30s. I also think or hope, actually, he still has 3-4 more years left in him.

 

[Miburo]

Well, supposedly the Vuelta took too much out of Contador so he resumed training later than usual.

Didn't he do the same in 2009?

Iirc armstrong was even dropping him on training because he started later but at that point contador gained form very quickly.

I guess age is an issue on that point.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Apparently:
He trained very hard during his ban, so coming into la Vuelta he felt almost as tired as he'd normally feel at that point.
He still raced a lot though.
Even though his season was short he felt more tired than after a normal season.
He rested longer and starting resting later because he only raced the last part of the season.
Starting the season he hadn't built a sufficient base during the off-season and also was a few kg heavier than normal.
He should've built that base during San Luis and Oman but didn't, he just started racing hard right away.
So he was in trouble in T-A where he also got ill.
Could barely train before Pais Vasco so still in trouble.
And then it was too late. Rumor has it he came from a big block of training in Dauphiné and that's why he underperformed. I guess he's been desperately trying to catch up on training but didn't manage to so he is not on top form and perhaps tired.

Conclusion: no Vuelta

 

[Carols]

Berto never looked comfortable today, not fluid at all and he looks drawn, tired and 40+ years old. He managed to cover the attacks which was good!

So retaining his second, Roman his 4th and Saxo retaining Team lead was a successful day IMO!

I hope he gets some rest tonight, he'll have a rough day tomorrow with many shooting for his podium spot. I do no expect any fireworks from him.

Also good news is the Mauduit said his motivation is High and not something he has to worry about

If he has legs he will try something, if not he will attempt to defend.

 

[Red Rick]

Apparently:
He trained very hard during his ban, so coming into la Vuelta he felt almost as tired as he'd normally feel at that point.
He still raced a lot though.
Even though his season was short he felt more tired than after a normal season.
He rested longer and starting resting later because he only raced the last part of the season.
Starting the season he hadn't built a sufficient base during the off-season and also was a few kg heavier than normal.
He should've built that base during San Luis and Oman but didn't, he just started racing hard right away.
So he was in trouble in T-A where he also got ill.
Could barely train before Pais Vasco so still in trouble.
And then it was too late. Rumor has it he came from a big block of training in Dauphiné and that's why he underperformed. I guess he's been desperately trying to catch up on training but didn't manage to so he is not on top form and perhaps tired.

Conclusion: no Vuelta

Source?

Most want to see him, but I do think it's best to rest and reload for next year. Maybe ride some smaller races or crits but that's it

 

[LaFlorecita]

Source?

Most want to see him, but I do think it's best to rest and reload for next year. Maybe ride some smaller races or crit's but that's it

No source, something I heard on twitter and my own interpretation + things Alberto has said over the past few months.

 

[Carols]

Frankie agrees with me about Berto's future @1:30

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/video-andreu-on-the-alpe-dhuez

 

[JRanton]

So where does he go from here after being humiliated by the alien and not even making the podium?

 

[kingjr]

So where does he go from here after being humiliated by the alien and not even making the podium?

Try again next year.

 

[LaFlorecita]

First posts after down time were made in this thread _O_ I had loads of news to post but it's all not relevant anymore

 

[Amsterhammer]

Bravo Flo, first back.

Yeah, I had loads of comments about things that are now history....

 

[gooner]

I know he has been well below par this year but it was interesting to hear him say he broke his record once again on the climbs near Pinto just before the Tour.

 

[Carols]

I know he has been well below par this year but it was interesting to hear him say he broke his record once again on the climbs near Pinto just before the Tour.

Indeed and that gave me some faint hope that he may once again be a force. We shall see how he comes along in 2014.

But I've never seen any of the great ones come back to the very top after a major fail when over the age of 30.....

So nice to be back with you all

 

[Dedelou]

I know he has been well below par this year but it was interesting to hear him say he broke his record once again on the climbs near Pinto just before the Tour.

Alberto is always "interesting". Let us see how he manages racing and married life next season.

 

[airstream]

Sorry, where are the people with cosmic avatars?

 

[Parrulo]

Looking at his schedule for the rest of the season, i think he is just putting base miles in, good decision imo.

I will wait for 2014 to make my judgement.

 

[LaFlorecita]

@albertocontador: Hoy toco disfrutar de mis perritas,aqui con Gorla,como come!Today was time to enjoy my little dogs,here with Gorla!

@albertocontador: Yesterday I enjoyed a beautiful night with two teammates and friends, @benna80 and @toso_74

 

[LaFlorecita]

Looking at his schedule for the rest of the season, i think he is just putting base miles in, good decision imo.

I will wait for 2014 to make my judgement.

I don't know, I think it's not a good idea. We will see I guess.

 

[LaFlorecita]

ZeroRh+ event, climbing mortirolo and gavia

 

[LaFlorecita]

 

[Parrulo]

I don't know, I think it's not a good idea. We will see I guess.

Playing catching up hasn't worked so far and with his current form he has no chance of winning the vuelta so what would he be doing there? Getting humiliated a bit more?

2013 is officially over for him so better start thinking about 2014.