- May 15, 2011
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Re: Re:
I should add that I have great respect for fans who like practically all riders. Like jens_attacks
I think he only dislikes Viviani lol
Yeah it's possible to warm to riders clearly, a few years ago I didn't really like Nibali and Boonen (no idea why) but now I like them, I wouldn't really call myself a fan, I wouldn't support them in most races because I have so many other favorites, but I don't dislike them anymore. But switching sides at the snap of a finger, that seems impossible to me, because, as I wrote, it's an emotional response, we have hardly any control over our likes and dislikes.Brullnux said:
I should add that I have great respect for fans who like practically all riders. Like jens_attacks
I think he only dislikes Viviani lol 
- Jul 29, 2012
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Fleur, my sadness is nothing compared to what Contador must feel. I don't think he cares about the money, he'll have a good life for the rest of life but being able to deal with what he's feeling is just devestating.
You always drop everyone and you're barely breathing and then suddenly you're just hanging on for dear life. You can already see that he's changing his racing.
Yesterday, he was scared to blow himself up. That's not the Contador i fell in love with, that's not the Contador he loves but that's life, that's cycling. There are worse things in life, i know but man
LaFlorecita said:Don't be sad, Miburo
Fleur, my sadness is nothing compared to what Contador must feel. I don't think he cares about the money, he'll have a good life for the rest of life but being able to deal with what he's feeling is just devestating.
You always drop everyone and you're barely breathing and then suddenly you're just hanging on for dear life. You can already see that he's changing his racing.
Yesterday, he was scared to blow himself up. That's not the Contador i fell in love with, that's not the Contador he loves but that's life, that's cycling. There are worse things in life, i know but man
- Jun 12, 2016
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Re: Re:
Now you're making me cryMiburo said:LaFlorecita said:Don't be sad, Miburo
Fleur, my sadness is nothing compared to what Contador must feel. I don't think he cares about the money, he'll have a good life for the rest of life but being able to deal with what he's feeling is just devestating.
You always drop everyone and you're barely breathing and then suddenly you're just hanging on for dear life. You can already see that he's changing his racing.
Yesterday, he was scared to blow himself up. That's not the Contador i fell in love with, that's not the Contador he loves but that's life, that's cycling. There are worse things in life, i know but man
- Jul 29, 2012
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We're just normal people though, Contador will keep on going, he's still gonna try to win this vuelta.
For me it's not even a dream that he'll win the tour, i think it's honestly impossible. Next year i'll think he can do it of course
But not in any scenario i see him riding away from froome and quintana in the tour, i just can't even imagine it. If he does it, i'll name all my kids after the man, even the girls. If my wife doesn't want that, i'll find another one who will.
I'll conclude this night with this picture, *** man, look at his face, nothing at all, nothing of pain. It's a great memory, plateau de beile and verbier. No one will ever take it away from him (pls don't uci)
For me it's not even a dream that he'll win the tour, i think it's honestly impossible. Next year i'll think he can do it of course
But not in any scenario i see him riding away from froome and quintana in the tour, i just can't even imagine it. If he does it, i'll name all my kids after the man, even the girls. If my wife doesn't want that, i'll find another one who will.
I'll conclude this night with this picture, *** man, look at his face, nothing at all, nothing of pain. It's a great memory, plateau de beile and verbier. No one will ever take it away from him (pls don't uci)
- Mar 10, 2009
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Re: Re:
I'm from Detroit and as such have suffered through a lifetime of American football incompetence by this team (The Lions). I watch them on occasion but I am long, long since past being a fan of this team. I feel for the players as I see it as a managerial and ownership cycle of cluelessness. My point is, I think it's natural to root for the home team in sports but even in that case for the sake of one's sanity if that home team sucks every year, one has to simply detach himself/herself emotionally from that team. Many residents of the city see the team as pretty much a comedy act. Expectations are so low that when they do something that exceeds them, it's looked at skeptically, knowing they will resort to true form in all eventuality. There are diehard fans that still root for them and they must be cut from a finer cloth than I, or simply really like punishment!
In cycling, as LaFlo stated, it's an emotional thing that draws me to a rider. Certain characteristics that grab my attention. There is a certain visual artistry to how they go about their craft that is distinctive and appealing.
Some riders have it for me and others just don't. Contador, Valverde, Simoni, Hayden Roulston and Moreno Argentin for some reason made any kit that they were wearing look like a finely tailored Armani suit! It's hard to put into words but it just hits you and draws you in.
Kwibus said:burning said:
So much hate.
You know what I find ridiculous? That at some point in your life you choose (or your surroundings choose it for you) a favourite football team and then you are supposed to support it in bad or good times.
It always makes me wonder why no one came to the same realisation as me how *** that is.
These days I barely watch football and that's mostly because there is a lot of stuff going wrong in that sport. I like the game so I do watch at times and I just watch it for seeing a good game. When it's crap I stop watching.
I used to support Ajax and I really enjoyed good times with it, but I also watched god awful games and during those games I always wondered why the hell I'm even watching... At some point I realised it was because the football society expected me to watch and support my team. Because that's what you are supposed to do.
Slowly I figured out that what I was doing was completely insane so I stopped supporting a single team.
Strangely I still prefer Ajax over any team, but I can't be arsed if they play like ****.
Cycling does the same. I have riders I prefer and I dislike, but normally doesn't change during their careers. Allthough I really disliked Froome, but I've come to like him quite a bit. Still I always hope someone else wins over him, while he entertains as a rider. I do admit I prefer underdogs quite a bit.
The early years of Contador I didn't like him
I'm from Detroit and as such have suffered through a lifetime of American football incompetence by this team (The Lions). I watch them on occasion but I am long, long since past being a fan of this team. I feel for the players as I see it as a managerial and ownership cycle of cluelessness. My point is, I think it's natural to root for the home team in sports but even in that case for the sake of one's sanity if that home team sucks every year, one has to simply detach himself/herself emotionally from that team. Many residents of the city see the team as pretty much a comedy act. Expectations are so low that when they do something that exceeds them, it's looked at skeptically, knowing they will resort to true form in all eventuality. There are diehard fans that still root for them and they must be cut from a finer cloth than I, or simply really like punishment!
In cycling, as LaFlo stated, it's an emotional thing that draws me to a rider. Certain characteristics that grab my attention. There is a certain visual artistry to how they go about their craft that is distinctive and appealing.
Some riders have it for me and others just don't. Contador, Valverde, Simoni, Hayden Roulston and Moreno Argentin for some reason made any kit that they were wearing look like a finely tailored Armani suit! It's hard to put into words but it just hits you and draws you in.
- Mar 10, 2009
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Miburo usually just makes me mad, but today he has me tearing up!
Miburo said:We're just normal people though, Contador will keep on going, he's still gonna try to win this vuelta.
For me it's not even a dream that he'll win the tour, i think it's honestly impossible. Next year i'll think he can do it of course
But not in any scenario i see him riding away from froome and quintana in the tour, i just can't even imagine it. If he does it, i'll name all my kids after the man, even the girls. If my wife doesn't want that, i'll find another one who will.
I'll conclude this night with this picture, **** man, look at his face, nothing at all, nothing of pain. It's a great memory, plateau de beile and verbier. No one will ever take it away from him (pls don't uci)
Miburo usually just makes me mad, but today he has me tearing up!
- Jun 18, 2015
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Few things are so beautiful in cycling as past great champions, who years after being in the top of the sport and now desperately crawling on their pride more than on their real strength, suddenly win a stage or a race in old-fashioned form.
Just imagine if Boonen had won Roubaix this year for example. It would have been beautiful.
If you genuinely like a rider, you support him in the spring, zenith and fall of their career.
Contador may be on his way down, but if let's say, in the 2018 Tour de France he wins a stage again in the Alps after losing 10min in the Pyrinees, it will be a very emotive day for supporters. Of course, bandwagoners island hoppers will never know, I guess.
Just imagine if Boonen had won Roubaix this year for example. It would have been beautiful.
If you genuinely like a rider, you support him in the spring, zenith and fall of their career.
Contador may be on his way down, but if let's say, in the 2018 Tour de France he wins a stage again in the Alps after losing 10min in the Pyrinees, it will be a very emotive day for supporters. Of course, bandwagoners island hoppers will never know, I guess.
KyoGrey said:
I really do belive that new team can benefit Contador and I think we will see better results from him next year. There will be some nice moments ahead.
He might not be as strong as when he was younger but he is still most exciting rider in my opinion. There is something in Contador that other riders don't quite have.
Re: Re:
You don't really love football. I always support sporting clube portugal because i love this club, i have mixed feelings when i go to the stadium, and the game makes me feel alive, my heart accelerates and when people are going for watching their clubs, they forgets everything during 90 minutes.Kwibus said:burning said:
So much hate.
You know what I find ridiculous? That at some point in your life you choose (or your surroundings choose it for you) a favourite football team and then you are supposed to support it in bad or good times.
It always makes me wonder why no one came to the same realisation as me how *** that is.
These days I barely watch football and that's mostly because there is a lot of stuff going wrong in that sport. I like the game so I do watch at times and I just watch it for seeing a good game. When it's crap I stop watching.
I used to support Ajax and I really enjoyed good times with it, but I also watched god awful games and during those games I always wondered why the hell I'm even watching... At some point I realised it was because the football society expected me to watch and support my team. Because that's what you are supposed to do.
Slowly I figured out that what I was doing was completely insane so I stopped supporting a single team.
Strangely I still prefer Ajax over any team, but I can't be arsed if they play like ****.
Cycling does the same. I have riders I prefer and I dislike, but normally doesn't change during their careers. Allthough I really disliked Froome, but I've come to like him quite a bit. Still I always hope someone else wins over him, while he entertains as a rider. I do admit I prefer underdogs quite a bit.
The early years of Contador I didn't like him
- May 15, 2011
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As for me, yes, I admit I am disappointed when he loses and it makes me sad to see him struggle, but I try to focus on the positive things, like his little dig today, and as KyoGrey says, his losses will only make his wins sweeter. I don't want these last few years to be years of sadness and disappointment in my memories.
But it doesn't have to continue this way, he might very well bounce back next year. It would be a big surprise if he would win the Tour, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him win some smaller races and I'm sure we would all be very happy to see that, especially after this year. Of course, people would build up their expectations again, only to be disappointed come the Tour... it is what it is
I'd really love it if he would focus on the Giro instead, but he is a proud champion, he won't avoid a battle because he knows he'll most likely lose, and the team sponsors might have a say in it as well.
Let's not forget cycling isn't the only thing in his life, while for us, it is the only part of him, if that makes sense. I'm sure he can find joy elsewhere if and when racing stops delivering. I can imagine it is frustrating for him to see his strengths fade, but it happens to all athletes eventually. For a big champion it is more difficult to swallow but no one can stand up against Father Time (except Valverde).Miburo said:LaFlorecita said:Don't be sad, Miburo
Fleur, my sadness is nothing compared to what Contador must feel. I don't think he cares about the money, he'll have a good life for the rest of life but being able to deal with what he's feeling is just devestating.
You always drop everyone and you're barely breathing and then suddenly you're just hanging on for dear life. You can already see that he's changing his racing.
Yesterday, he was scared to blow himself up. That's not the Contador i fell in love with, that's not the Contador he loves but that's life, that's cycling. There are worse things in life, i know but man
As for me, yes, I admit I am disappointed when he loses and it makes me sad to see him struggle, but I try to focus on the positive things, like his little dig today, and as KyoGrey says, his losses will only make his wins sweeter. I don't want these last few years to be years of sadness and disappointment in my memories.
But it doesn't have to continue this way, he might very well bounce back next year. It would be a big surprise if he would win the Tour, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him win some smaller races and I'm sure we would all be very happy to see that, especially after this year. Of course, people would build up their expectations again, only to be disappointed come the Tour... it is what it is
I'd really love it if he would focus on the Giro instead, but he is a proud champion, he won't avoid a battle because he knows he'll most likely lose, and the team sponsors might have a say in it as well.
Re:
and when he entered in beast mode in angliru
Stop man, i'm going to cry. His attacks in peyresourde was something i won't ever forget. This guy is more than just a rider, he is more than just the best rider of the last 10 years, he is the one that continues pantani legacy. He is the real deal, he is the showman. Oh manMiburo said:We're just normal people though, Contador will keep on going, he's still gonna try to win this vuelta.
For me it's not even a dream that he'll win the tour, i think it's honestly impossible. Next year i'll think he can do it of course
But not in any scenario i see him riding away from froome and quintana in the tour, i just can't even imagine it. If he does it, i'll name all my kids after the man, even the girls. If my wife doesn't want that, i'll find another one who will.
I'll conclude this night with this picture, **** man, look at his face, nothing at all, nothing of pain. It's a great memory, plateau de beile and verbier. No one will ever take it away from him (pls don't uci)
and when he entered in beast mode in angliru 
- May 19, 2014
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I fancy Contador and can understand that people feel frustrated because their favorite rider has been declining over the last years and presently can't compete with the very best, which is perfectly normal. But all this conversation about crying a river is nauseating.
Couldn't resist to comment it. Even LaFlo, who is the biggest Contador fan I've ever seen (nothing against it), is restraining herself from having those type of comments.
Keep it going though, it's just too funny to ignore.
Couldn't resist to comment it. Even LaFlo, who is the biggest Contador fan I've ever seen (nothing against it), is restraining herself from having those type of comments.
Keep it going though, it's just too funny to ignore.
Re:
That´s the stage for Alberto rather than the previous one.
He might try in Cotefablo what he did in Collado de la Hoz 4 years ago.
jens_attacks said:
That´s the stage for Alberto rather than the previous one.
He might try in Cotefablo what he did in Collado de la Hoz 4 years ago.
- Jun 7, 2011
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It's funny that you mention this. Last night, I was sitting and watching some old Berto-clips, one of them from Paris-Nice in 2007, where he dropped Rebellin, Schleck, Evans etc. on the uphill finish of Croix Neuve in Mende, and you're right; It just looked so effortless back then. The last time I saw something close to similar was his acceleration on Monte Ologno in last year's Giro.Miburo said:
Re:
This is a sad outlook on sport and life in general. If anything any decline and loss is the only thing to show how great something was. Yes move on but never let go. There was s much in Alberto's career for his fans to remember and celebrate and hopefully more to come. I'll believe he's done when he's retired 10 years and fat with all the excesses of Things he's withheld from himself for his sport.
I'm a casual fan of his not nearly a fanatic but I don't want to let go or move on.
Ramon Koran said:
This is a sad outlook on sport and life in general. If anything any decline and loss is the only thing to show how great something was. Yes move on but never let go. There was s much in Alberto's career for his fans to remember and celebrate and hopefully more to come. I'll believe he's done when he's retired 10 years and fat with all the excesses of Things he's withheld from himself for his sport.
I'm a casual fan of his not nearly a fanatic but I don't want to let go or move on.
- Mar 13, 2015
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I have never read such melodrama in all my life . Poor Contador how will he survive as the fading champion. I cry just thiking about it
Well he has millions in the back when most riders ride for years and barely make a living
OH but he doesn't care about the money ...only wining...yeah very easy to say that when you have it
How hard it must be to no longer be the champion/winner. At least he was a GT winner. So many talented riders never get the chance due to injury, lillness, failed sponsorship , lack of opportnities etc Their dreams never come true
How we the little people cannot understand him !!! Oh yeah ...like how he cannot accept that there are better riders and he is riding for a mythical win...His team know that and so do other riders
Oh but that is the measure of his greatness ....Well a true champion accepts defeat as well as victory and accepts there is no ignomy in defeat or even a podium when losing to stronger riders.
Oh but the pain on his face ....I'd rather lament the pain on Taylor Phinneys face when he nearly ended his career in a crash or Peter Stetina yet fought back through the pain to ride again ...or a host of other unsung heroes....who no one crys for and would probably give their right arm to come 3rd in one of the biggest races of the year
Oh but you just a hater and a troll ...coming here pointing out the obvious ...
Not at all...Contador is a great rider and there is nothing wrong with Contadors future ...only problem is you guys...you need to get out more and fast
BTW when the dust settles I think both Froome and Quintana will have a better palmares than Contador
What is it they say about the stages of berevment ...disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance ....Still stuck in the denial stage
Well he has millions in the back when most riders ride for years and barely make a living
OH but he doesn't care about the money ...only wining...yeah very easy to say that when you have it
How hard it must be to no longer be the champion/winner. At least he was a GT winner. So many talented riders never get the chance due to injury, lillness, failed sponsorship , lack of opportnities etc Their dreams never come true
How we the little people cannot understand him !!! Oh yeah ...like how he cannot accept that there are better riders and he is riding for a mythical win...His team know that and so do other riders
Oh but that is the measure of his greatness ....Well a true champion accepts defeat as well as victory and accepts there is no ignomy in defeat or even a podium when losing to stronger riders.
Oh but the pain on his face ....I'd rather lament the pain on Taylor Phinneys face when he nearly ended his career in a crash or Peter Stetina yet fought back through the pain to ride again ...or a host of other unsung heroes....who no one crys for and would probably give their right arm to come 3rd in one of the biggest races of the year
Oh but you just a hater and a troll ...coming here pointing out the obvious ...
Not at all...Contador is a great rider and there is nothing wrong with Contadors future ...only problem is you guys...you need to get out more and fast
BTW when the dust settles I think both Froome and Quintana will have a better palmares than Contador
What is it they say about the stages of berevment ...disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance ....Still stuck in the denial stage
- Feb 23, 2014
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Froome...MAYBE. We'll see things can quickly change in cycling. Quintana - no WAY! He doesn't have the drive that AC and Froome have.
As to the rest of the post; you're right to a certain degree. On the other hand you have to respect the fact that AC was loved/admired/ect by many people. He has very loyal fans who are going to be bummed as he gets older. Of course in time they'll all move on, but it's totally fine to think about the good ole days, contemplate on whether he has another good year, ect. This is a cycling forum, this is the AC thread.
HelloDolly said:
Froome...MAYBE. We'll see things can quickly change in cycling. Quintana - no WAY! He doesn't have the drive that AC and Froome have.
As to the rest of the post; you're right to a certain degree. On the other hand you have to respect the fact that AC was loved/admired/ect by many people. He has very loyal fans who are going to be bummed as he gets older. Of course in time they'll all move on, but it's totally fine to think about the good ole days, contemplate on whether he has another good year, ect. This is a cycling forum, this is the AC thread.
- May 15, 2011
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Is this still about the fact he doesn't want to fight for a 3rd place and you think he should?
Why are we in denial? Or are you saying Contador is in denial?
As for Quintana and Froome ending up with a bigger palmares, we will see about that. When Contador was 27 he had 3 Tour wins and 5 GT wins. People thought he would easily break Merckx's record of 11 GTs and also possible Lance's 7 TDFs. See how differently things can go? I feel you don't quite understand how extremely hard it is to stay at the top level of stage racing for as long a time as Contador (10 seasons).
So much anger in this post. I'm trying to figure out what your point is exactly?HelloDolly said:
Is this still about the fact he doesn't want to fight for a 3rd place and you think he should?
Why are we in denial? Or are you saying Contador is in denial?
As for Quintana and Froome ending up with a bigger palmares, we will see about that. When Contador was 27 he had 3 Tour wins and 5 GT wins. People thought he would easily break Merckx's record of 11 GTs and also possible Lance's 7 TDFs. See how differently things can go? I feel you don't quite understand how extremely hard it is to stay at the top level of stage racing for as long a time as Contador (10 seasons).
- Feb 18, 2015
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It's actually quite funny that in 2011 contador's gt palmares was basically already as good as it is now
Anyway about froome and quintana having a better palmares in the future: froome surely has the chance. One more tdf win would almost make them equal, two more wins and I'd rate him higher than contador. Thats certainly possible but definitely not easy. Froome is also getting older and winning the tour isn't easy for anyone. Meanwhile I don't think Quintana will have a better palmares. He seems to be worse than froome so it will be hard for him to win the tour in the next years. And after froome is gone he also won't be that young anymore. And although it's likely that he will win this vuelta he still has only won one gt. Don't underestimate the number of contador's gt wins. If it would be so easy there would be way more riders who have won as many gt's as contador.
Anyway about froome and quintana having a better palmares in the future: froome surely has the chance. One more tdf win would almost make them equal, two more wins and I'd rate him higher than contador. Thats certainly possible but definitely not easy. Froome is also getting older and winning the tour isn't easy for anyone. Meanwhile I don't think Quintana will have a better palmares. He seems to be worse than froome so it will be hard for him to win the tour in the next years. And after froome is gone he also won't be that young anymore. And although it's likely that he will win this vuelta he still has only won one gt. Don't underestimate the number of contador's gt wins. If it would be so easy there would be way more riders who have won as many gt's as contador.
- May 15, 2011
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I don't know why you say Contador's palmares was the same in 2011 as it is now as he's won 3 GTs since then. Even if you disregard the 2010 Tour and 2011 Giro he still won more races after 2011.
I know it is just an opinion but for me even 6 Tour wins doesn't beat 9 GTs. Winning every GT multiple times requires a way more diverse skillset than just winning the TDF over and over and over again and I have huge admiration for riders who respect more than just a select few races.
As for total number of GTs, I'm 100% sure Froome will never get to 9. As you say, don't underestimate that. It requires you to be at the top of your game for many, many years. I really don't see Froome manage that. He's at 3 now and he's 31. So he is no match for Alberto in terms of greatness.
You will never hear fans and commentators talk about Froome the way they talk about Contador now.
I know it is just an opinion but for me even 6 Tour wins doesn't beat 9 GTs. Winning every GT multiple times requires a way more diverse skillset than just winning the TDF over and over and over again and I have huge admiration for riders who respect more than just a select few races.
As for total number of GTs, I'm 100% sure Froome will never get to 9. As you say, don't underestimate that. It requires you to be at the top of your game for many, many years. I really don't see Froome manage that. He's at 3 now and he's 31. So he is no match for Alberto in terms of greatness.
You will never hear fans and commentators talk about Froome the way they talk about Contador now.
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