Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[Electress]

Re: Re:

I don't really care that much if he wins the tour, i just wanna see him again in pink.

The best color in cycling.

Yes I agree. I really want to see him win the Giro again. Giro is my favorite race
And Alberto looks really good in pink

No arguments here.

Carol responded to you with the tech stuff above and I want to add that even the greatest champions remain human and their performance is affected by "external " pressures and events that do not necessarily enhance the benefits of the training method they select in a particular season. I happen to believe that "external adversity" always stimulated Alberto to provide us with great performances. (troubles with Astana- the brain injuries- amstrong's and Bruynel betrayal). But in 2013, (and mind you, i am not implying complaisance here ) with a new domestic life, and other out of sport obligations his performance never rose to the level needed to win races. And then again, since i don't know him intimately, my whole theory could be mistaken.

I didn't see any response, just this post. I'm sure I would find your response interesting, please repost!

Yes I totally agree, he is human and can sometimes use adversity to his benefit. He seems to keep his personal and professional life distanced. We never see his wife! Once in a while his dogs LOL! I dread the day he becomes a father because that might distract him. So hopefully the baby Contadors will wait until after 2016 . Meanwhile we need to see how the absence of Bjarne and the machinations of Oleg have affected his spirit and legs......

I agree, I think AC is someone who rises to the occasion when he feels he has something to prove; it seems to give him extra drive. Indeed, I think he suffers if there isn't enough of a challenge, which is why the Double is on. Can't be easy to maintain the hunger for victory and make all the sacrifices of training if it's just winning the same ole race. Nevertheless, I'm a little worried, because the team has seemed a bit ropey, but I'm hoping he's timed things right.

As for being human and keeping his personal life distant - well, damn, good for him! One of the things I like best about him is that he seems to understanding the meaning of a private life and not trade it for column inches or a Hello magazine spread. Makes a pleasant change. So, no, I don't think we'll see family Contador until after retirement - suspect that might be part of the 'living life'.

Why anyone thought he wouldn't race the Giro honestly beats me.

 

[Dedelou]

Re: Re:

Carol responded to you with the tech stuff above and I want to add that even the greatest champions remain human and their performance is affected by "external " pressures and events that do not necessarily enhance the benefits of the training method they select in a particular season. I happen to believe that "external adversity" always stimulated Alberto to provide us with great performances. (troubles with Astana- the brain injuries- amstrong's and Bruynel betrayal). But in 2013, (and mind you, i am not implying complaisance here ) with a new domestic life, and other out of sport obligations his performance never rose to the level needed to win races. And then again, since i don't know him intimately, my whole theory could be mistaken.

I didn't see any response, just this post. I'm sure I would find your response interesting, please repost!

Yes I totally agree, he is human and can sometimes use adversity to his benefit. He seems to keep his personal and professional life distanced. We never see his wife! Once in a while his dogs LOL! I dread the day he becomes a father because that might distract him. So hopefully the baby Contadors will wait until after 2016 . Meanwhile we need to see how the absence of Bjarne and the machinations of Oleg have affected his spirit and legs......

Argh!.. I don't know what happened. I get all mixed up with the new format still .. but my comment was directed at RM7 and I thought I would mention you answered his question already.

 

[Carols]

Re: Re:

Carol responded to you with the tech stuff above and I want to add that even the greatest champions remain human and their performance is affected by "external " pressures and events that do not necessarily enhance the benefits of the training method they select in a particular season. I happen to believe that "external adversity" always stimulated Alberto to provide us with great performances. (troubles with Astana- the brain injuries- amstrong's and Bruynel betrayal). But in 2013, (and mind you, i am not implying complaisance here ) with a new domestic life, and other out of sport obligations his performance never rose to the level needed to win races. And then again, since i don't know him intimately, my whole theory could be mistaken.

I didn't see any response, just this post. I'm sure I would find your response interesting, please repost!

Yes I totally agree, he is human and can sometimes use adversity to his benefit. He seems to keep his personal and professional life distanced. We never see his wife! Once in a while his dogs LOL! I dread the day he becomes a father because that might distract him. So hopefully the baby Contadors will wait until after 2016 . Meanwhile we need to see how the absence of Bjarne and the machinations of Oleg have affected his spirit and legs......

Argh!.. I don't know what happened. I get all mixed up with the new format still .. but my comment was directed at RM7 and I thought I would mention you answered his question already.

LOL I misread your post, my problem not yours

 

[The Hitch]

Re: Re:

I like both versions

I can't see contador in this pic.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

I like both versions

I can't see contador in this pic.

Funny guy

 

[Electress]

I need an avatar bet with someone…so I can get an avatar...

 

[Miburo]

I'll do an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re:

I need an avatar bet with someone…so I can get an avatar...

why an avatar bet if you can just pick a lovely picture of Alberto?

 

[Jack_89]

Re:

I'Giroo an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

I'm basically agree. I'm sure he'll show again shape of the last year and wins "easy" the Giro

 

[SeriousSam]

Re:

I'll do an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

After confirming that this didn't happen even once in the Giro 2011, I will take the other side of this bet. Winning a MTF with a gap of 1 minute or more is simply very rare.

I wager that either Froome or Quintana will drop Contador for at least 30 seconds on a climb, at least twice, in the Tour.

 

[Carols]

Re: Re:

I need an avatar bet with someone…so I can get an avatar...

why an avatar bet if you can just pick a lovely picture of Alberto?

Maybe the same reason I don't have an avatar? Since the new system I just can't make it work Is there a document with instructions somewhere?

To stay on topic. Alberto took a rest day yesterday.

 

[The Hitch]

Re: Re:

I'll do an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

After confirming that this didn't happen even once in the Giro 2011, I will take the other side of this bet. Winning a MTF with a gap of 1 minute or more is simply very rare.

I wager that either Froome or Quintana will drop Contador for at least 30 seconds on a climb, at least twice, in the Tour.

When was the last time any gt contender actually won an mtf by a minute. Even Verbier wasn't a minute. Even Froome on AX3 wasn't a minute (well it was but not to Porte).

 

[DFA123]

Re: Re:

I'll do an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

After confirming that this didn't happen even once in the Giro 2011, I will take the other side of this bet. Winning a MTF with a gap of 1 minute or more is simply very rare.

I wager that either Froome or Quintana will drop Contador for at least 30 seconds on a climb, at least twice, in the Tour.

When was the last time any gt contender actually won an mtf by a minute. Even Verbier wasn't a minute. Even Froome on AX3 wasn't a minute (well it was but not to Porte).

Nibali on Hautacam?

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re: Re:

I'll do an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

After confirming that this didn't happen even once in the Giro 2011, I will take the other side of this bet. Winning a MTF with a gap of 1 minute or more is simply very rare.

I wager that either Froome or Quintana will drop Contador for at least 30 seconds on a climb, at least twice, in the Tour.

When was the last time any gt contender actually won an mtf by a minute. Even Verbier wasn't a minute. Even Froome on AX3 wasn't a minute (well it was but not to Porte).

Nibali on Hautacam?

That tells you all you need to know about his competition in that race

 

[Netserk]

In the Tour:

Alpe d'Huez '01, '03, '04 & '08.
Plateau de Beille '02.
Pla d'Adet '01.
(Tignes '07)
(Galibier '11)

Armstrong was more than a minute ahead of his nearest rival on Ventoux in 2002 as well, though a break took the stage. Hautacam last year has already been mentioned.

 

[Miburo]

Re: Re:

I'll do an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

After confirming that this didn't happen even once in the Giro 2011, I will take the other side of this bet. Winning a MTF with a gap of 1 minute or more is simply very rare.

I wager that either Froome or Quintana will drop Contador for at least 30 seconds on a climb, at least twice, in the Tour.

When was the last time any gt contender actually won an mtf by a minute. Even Verbier wasn't a minute. Even Froome on AX3 wasn't a minute (well it was but not to Porte).

I don't see anyone capable of being even close to Contador. That simple really.

 

[Miburo]

Re: Re:

I'll do an avatar with anyone, i don't care what pic i've to use for this year.

Contador will take twice at least a minute on anyone in a MTF in the giro and win with at least 3 min. Not more since he's not gonna try hard.

After confirming that this didn't happen even once in the Giro 2011, I will take the other side of this bet. Winning a MTF with a gap of 1 minute or more is simply very rare.

I wager that either Froome or Quintana will drop Contador for at least 30 seconds on a climb, at least twice, in the Tour.

When was the last time any gt contender actually won an mtf by a minute. Even Verbier wasn't a minute. Even Froome on AX3 wasn't a minute (well it was but not to Porte).

I don't see anyone capable of being even close to Contador. That simple really.

And the field in the giro 2011 was way better than this.

I think Porte will collaps. Aru and Uran are a joke in a GT vs contador

 

[TourOfSardinia]

When Alberto first won the Giro in 2008
he didn't win a single stage
he had some tough days defending his GC chances.
Sella, and Ricco' both won two stages - but later got caught for being too obvious.
Alberto was then quite capable of saving himself and letting others
do the fireworks while still winning GC.

Could be like that this year - with TdF to consider too.

 

[ILovecycling]

Re:

When Alberto first won the Giro in 2008
he didn't win a single stage
he had some tough days defending his GC chances.
Sella, and Ricco' both won two stages - but later got caught for being too obvious.
Alberto was then quite capable of saving himself and letting others
do the fireworks while still winning GC.

Could be like that this year - with TdF to consider too.

The interesting thing about this pic is that he was a bit fat back then too

 

[TourOfSardinia]

Don't you remember he had been just ordered off the beach by Astana to do the Giro?
so I guess he didn't start in great shape.

 

[Miburo]

Contador should haver never won that gt, one of the big stages he dropped early on one of the mountains but they let him come back. And he lost barely time at the end of that stage, very impressive from him but at the same time *** from his opponents.

 

[Mozart92]

Contador is the favourite for sure this year. but don't forget Uran. This year might be the good one to reach the 1st place.

 

[Dedelou]

As much as Uran is better than he has been before, he looks to me a bit light to challenge a "determined" Contador in a grand tour

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Re:

Contador is the favourite for sure this year. but don't forget Uran. This year might be the good one to reach the 1st place.

The only chance Uran has of beating Contador is if the latter gets injuried or crashes out.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Re:

When Alberto first won the Giro in 2008
he didn't win a single stage
he had some tough days defending his GC chances.
Sella, and Ricco' both won two stages - but later got caught for being too obvious.
Alberto was then quite capable of saving himself and letting others
do the fireworks while still winning GC.

Could be like that this year - with TdF to consider too.

Almost 7 years ago