Angliru said:
I think the intangibles of Contador's willingness to flip the script and use less than the standard orthodox tactics to achieve his goals maybe strikes fear into his rivals. The fear of the unexpected, creating chaos when most his opponents are more comfortable with conventional way of racing in stage races is likely a factor.
As ever, I agree, Angliru. AC's probably one of the few who can win a GT not at his strongest by race nouse and a real willingness to put it all on the line for all out victory. Never quite knowing what he might do next, or quite what he is capable of, plus the knowledge that he's mentally probably stronger than anyone of his rivals, makes for a formidable opponent.
Angliru said:
That was simply to sell books. If that was really Froome talking, instead of his ghost writer, we would read about more of this smack talking being quoted. We haven't heard anything from Froome on that level since or before.
Angliru said:
You found entertainment in it and I found it a commentary (a sad one) on how easily Froome can be convinced by others in having things attributed to him directly or indirectly that ultimately reflect negatively on him.
With regard to Froome's book, I feel rather differently. Even if it were written by a ghost writer, Froome would have had to say something similar for it to feature. It's just too easy to blame Walsh - why would Walsh write something like that without some prompting? And Froome must have had some kind of approval. No-one would let a ghost writer just write whatever the hell he wanted. And the ghost writer would demand sign off as protection from being sued for defamation.
Plus, would you really be happy for someone to write something you did not say or that did not reflect what you thought or felt just 'to sell books'. I know I wouldn't.
As for Contador, I concur wholeheartedly with Dr Juice:
Dr. Juice said:
Contador's response to the book had far more class (posting a lot of pictures drinking coffee). Subtle but everyone knew what he meant.
Plus it was very funny. The gift that keeps on giving. But I'm no fan of trash-talking opponents. Keep your council and make your point on the road.
ferryman said:
I wonder also how many offers AC has had, and turned down so far, for a book of his own. Looking forward to it but hopefully not anytime soon if he is keeping until he retires...
This. However much I think AC's story would be a good read, and given all his travails, could be pretty inspiring, I am actually pretty pleased that he's waited this long to 'cash in'. Another demonstration that he's got a bit of class about him. When / if he does, I hope it has some substance and quality and isn't some dashed off, ghost written puff piece with a loose relationship to his actual history. Frankly, being readable would be a start compared to a lot out of cycling biographies out there.
Secretly, however, I kind of hope he resists the urge until he's retired. No need to distract yourself with all that crap until you really are looking back on your career and have a little perspective.