I was almost in tears when I saw Contador shaking hands with Rogers and retiring. He is the best rider of his generation, a true champion, on and off the bike. He dominated 2007-2011 like the big champions of the past. Giro-Vuelta double in 2008, 2009 standing up to the opposition in his own team, demolishing the field and..he didn't ride Lance off the podium on the Ventoux stage inspite of what happened before.
2011 crushing the giro, always attacking, every stage. Helping his friend Tiralongo to win. Attempting the legendary Giro-Tour double, crashes in the first week, losing time. Struggling on 1-2 stages, then attacking 90 km from the finish. Gains time back on Evans/Schleck but not enough. Another good tt performance, 5th place, not far away from victory.
I'm sure he is the only one who still could try and maybe do the double.
Then faced his suspension, came back rusty without racing in his legs, suffered against an in great form Rodriguez and to an extent against Valverde - he gives us Fuente Dé.
Does a suboptimal training in Winter 2012/2013, suffers his only mediocre year. Analyses deeply everything, changes training and comes back to the level he expected to have in '13.
Only man to follow Froome's crazy attacks, could ride his own pace but for spectacle and psychological blow to the opponent responds.
Was on course to win this Tour after all what happened the last 2 years. I want him to win badly next year. Try Giro-Tour, give fireworks.
The thing is - he is 31 and will be 32 next year. Indurain was able to blow the competition away at 31 (1995). Armstrong managed to win at almost 34. Probably would have lost against a 2006 Basso. I fear Alberto will have next year and the year after if everything goes right. To win against the best opponents at 100 % (Froome, Quintana, may include Nibali).
And I'm sure he wants to win LBL one time. A monument added to his palmares would make him one of the all-time greatest.
Luck wasn't on his side for 3 years now. He deserves the best. For almost losing his life and for everything he gave cycling. For the talent he has got. For the panache. For his non-conformist attitude 360 degrees. For always speaking respectful of people who have a dig at him ( never disrespectful to Froome, not responding to Armstrong's provocations). For his intuition.
An old-school champion, one of those you want to remember when thinking " ah, this should be real - not radio-controlled - cycling"
I like Nibali for similar traits although 1 step below. Wish him to win this Tour. But the next 3 GT's should be Alberto's.