Teams & Riders Alberto Contador Discussion Thread

[Forunculo]

http://www.marca.com/2012/07/24/ciclismo/1343142586.html

AFINA LA PUESTA A PUNTO PARA SU REGRESO A LAS COMPETICIONES
El turno de Contador

Ha inspeccionado todas las llegadas en alto de la Vuelta


Lejos de los flashes de los fotógrafos y de las cámaras de televisión, que en el último mes sólo han tenido al Tour, a Wiggins y a sus rivales en el punto de mira, Alberto Contador ha hecho los deberes y ya se muestra en condiciones de volver a competir.

El campeón de Pinto ha preparado a conciencia su regreso a la competición, que ya está a punto de producirse. Su forma es buena, su ambición voraz y su profesionalidad, como lo demuestra el hecho de que ha visto todas las llegadas en alto de la próxima edición de la Vuelta, infinita.

Como ya hizo con el Giro, Contador ha seguido el Tour por televisión para analizar en la distancia a sus rivales. Ha visto que Wiggins es vulnerable en la alta montaña, aunque habrá que contar con él si la edición del año próximo vuelve a tener muchos kilómetros contra el crono.

Ha visto que Evans está en la cuesta abajo y que, por el contrario, Froome y Nibali crecen. También que Van Garderen progesa adecuadamente y que los franceses, no sólo Voeckler, sino sobre todo Rolland y el joven Pinot, pueden dar mucha guerra en el corto y medio plazo. Finalmente, ha comprobado que, sin él, su equipo, el Saxo Bank-Tinkoff, pone voluntad, pero escasa fuerza.

Vuelta a España 2012
Mientras todo esto sucedía en el Tour, él ha inspeccionado todas las llegadas en alto de la Vuelta a España, desde La Collada de la Gallina —la meta inédita en Andorra— a Valdezcaray, pasando por el Cuitu Negro y la Bola del Mundo. Jesús Hernández, su amigo y fiel compañero, le ha seguido en los reconocimientos.

El reconocimiento de las etapas de la próxima edición de la Vuelta le ha servido de entrenamiento, pero no se ha conformado con eso y tanto en la Sierra de Guadarrama, su lugar habitual de entrenamiento, como en Sierra Nevada, ha simulado etapas del Tour con más de 4.000 metros de desnivel.

EL DATO
Le quedan 12 días para cumplir su sanción
Tanto ha imitado el Tour, que hasta sufrió una caída mientras se entrenaba en Sierra Nevada, sin consecuencias. Por cierto que en Sierra Nevada no dormía en altitud, como hacen muchos cuando se desplazan a la montaña granadina, sino abajo, ya que al madrileño no le gustan las concentraciones en altura, sino los entrenamientos.

Ahora, hecha la base a costa de muchas horas de bicicleta —también encima de la cabra—, sólo le queda afinar la forma. En ello está actualmente, aunque tampoco quiere precipitarse porque, si bien el gran objetivo es la Vuelta a España, quiere aguantar el pico de forma hasta el Campeonato del Mundo y el Giro de Lombardía.

Su regreso a la competición está previsto para el 6 de agosto en el Eneco Tour, una carrera a caballo entre Holanda y Bélgica, donde finalizará el domingo 12. Sólo seis días más tarde, el 18, será de la salida en la Vuelta a España, que se pondrá en marcha en Pamplona. Coger la forma antes de esa fecha se antoja absurdo, por lo que su participación en la Clásica de San Sebastián, el 14, es una incógnita.

El Tour 2013
La Vuelta a España le puede permitir no pasar esta temporada en blanco, pero su venganza natural se producirá necesariamente en el Tour del año próximo.

Contador confía en que, como dicen los rumores, sea más duro que el de este año. Sabe que, para que se produzca un bonito duelo con Wiggins, los organizadores quizá mantengan el centenar largo de kilómetros contrarreloj, pero espera que, al menos, haya los finales en alto de siempre.

El Tour 2013 partirá de Córcega, pero de las tres etapas previstas en la isla, sólo una será para velocistas. De regreso a tierra firme, el Tour tendrá una contrarreloj por equipos en Niza. Si fuera hoy debería preocuparle, porque el Saxo Bank deja bastante que desear, pero Rijs le ha prometido reforzar la plantilla.

Key points:

- While the TdF, he was training and have seen the eleven uphills finishes.

- He saw Giro and Tour on TV to study his rivals, Wiggins mostly, vulnerable on climbs, Evans downhill (level), Nibali and Froome growing and Van Garderen, Pinot and Rolland dangerous at long/medium term.

- Hard work on Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Nevada simulating Tour stages with 4000 m of slopes.

- He won't peak early because he will go to the Worlds and Giro Lombardia. So he is nursing his form despite he has already a good base form.

- Eneco Tour his first race to prepare La Vuelta but his true revenge will be at TdF 2013.

- He thinks ASO will keep two long ITT to give Wiggo the chance to challenge him but at the same time hopes more and better mountain stages.

- About the TTT he is asking Bjarne new powerful signs and Riis agree to his requests.

 

[gustienordic]

http://www.marca.com/2012/07/24/ciclismo/1343142586.html





Key points:

- While the TdF, he was training and have seen the eleven uphills finishes.

- He saw Giro and Tour on TV to study his rivals, Wiggins mostly, vulnerable on climbs, Evans downhill (level), Nibali and Froome growing and Van Garderen, Pinot and Rolland dangerous at long/medium term.

- Hard work on Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Nevada simulating Tour stages with 4000 m of slopes.

- He won't peak early because he will go to the Worlds and Giro Lombardia. So he is nursing his form despite he has already a good base form.

- Eneco Tour his first race to prepare La Vuelta but his true revenge will be at TdF 2013.

- He thinks ASO will keep two long ITT to give Wiggo the chance to challenge him but at the same time hopes more and better mountain stages.

- About the TTT he is asking Bjarne new powerful signs and Riis agree to his requests.

Good summary, looking forward to the Vuelta

 

[masking_agent]

I certainly hope he wins, as he has the pressure from Bjarne to win, and on top of that he has less racing in his legs than his competitors. Its going to be one uphill battle no doubt.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

http://www.marca.com/2012/07/24/ciclismo/1343142586.html





Key points:

- While the TdF, he was training and have seen the eleven uphills finishes.

- He saw Giro and Tour on TV to study his rivals, Wiggins mostly, vulnerable on climbs, Evans downhill (level), Nibali and Froome growing and Van Garderen, Pinot and Rolland dangerous at long/medium term.

- Hard work on Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Nevada simulating Tour stages with 4000 m of slopes.

- He won't peak early because he will go to the Worlds and Giro Lombardia. So he is nursing his form despite he has already a good base form.

- Eneco Tour his first race to prepare La Vuelta but his true revenge will be at TdF 2013.

- He thinks ASO will keep two long ITT to give Wiggo the chance to challenge him but at the same time hopes more and better mountain stages.

- About the TTT he is asking Bjarne new powerful signs and Riis agree to his requests.

oh man, can't wait

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

oh man, can't wait

Absolutely, I live in britain and its really p#ssing me off listening to people who had never shown any interest in cycling prior to one week ago bleat on about wiggins being the best.

The legend will return, and it will be annhilation!

 

[JPM London]

- He thinks ASO will keep two long ITT to give Wiggo the chance to challenge him but at the same time hopes more and better mountain stages.

This is gold!

 

[Forunculo]

Absolutely, I live in britain and its really p#ssing me off listening to people who had never shown any interest in cycling prior to one week ago bleat on about wiggins being the best.

The legend will return, and it will be annhilation!

Aren't you British?

 

[Cimber]

I certainly hope he wins, as he has the pressure from Bjarne to win, and on top of that he has less racing in his legs than his competitors. Its going to be one uphill battle no doubt.

The pressure u refer to was just a bad translation from the original article

 

[Kwibus]

Aren't you British?

I quote him "I live in Brittain".

So he's obviously not british..

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

Aren't you British?

Yes, but that doesn't automatically make me a wiggins fan.

 

[Cerberus]

Yes, but that doesn't automatically make me a wiggins fan.

Not yet, but i hear they're going to pass a law sometime in august. Un-british sympathies for the EU, non-English speaking cyclist and the eating of frog legs, will all be punishable by deportation.

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

Ha, we just have to wait one year. AC will win the no. 100 and wiggins will be forgotten.

 

[Forunculo]

I quote him "I live in Brittain".

So he's obviously not british..

Yes, but that doesn't automatically make me a wiggins fan.

Yes he is

I guessed a british guy would support a british team and a british rider.

 

[Carols]

Yes he is

I guessed a british guy would support a british team and a british rider.

I think he is Scottish...no? Big difference!!!

 

[Forunculo]

I think he is Scottish...no? Big difference!!!

This is a cycling forum, no political so I haven't to know

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

Yes he is

I guessed a british guy would support a british team and a british rider.

I find wiggins boring. He wins yes, but in a dull manner.

wiggins was born in Belgium to an Australian father and English mother. I would be happier if Belgium were claiming the win

Does AC riding for a Danish team Preclude you from supporting him?

 

[Contadoraus Schlecks]

I think he is Scottish...no? Big difference!!!

You hit the nail on the head

 

[Fidolix]

Maybe Publicus could explain why Riis have to ask fat Paddy permission to take the case of Contador´s points to CAS? Heres an article from TV2:

The case of Alberto Contadors opportunity to gather important World Tour points into his Danish team is considered as dead and buried in the International Cycling Union (UCI).

It tells UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani told Ritzau.

"The rule will not be changed. It's nothing new here. We must respect the rules," said Carpani, referring to the rule, which means that doping convicted Alberto Contador can not collect points to Saxo Bank Tinkoff Bank team up to and including the 2013th

End of discussion!
Question: So it is never even discussed anymore?

"No. It's certainly not the plan. I can not guarantee that it will never be discussed again, but today it is no subject in the UCI. There was a decision in June and is expected not to be changed , "said Carpani.

Saxo Bank team owner Bjarne Riis has previously been deeply frustrated that the rule applies to his Spanish cycling star. It was in fact first introduced after Alberto Contador had been sentenced to quarantine.

Therefore, Bjarne Riis argued that the rule should not apply to the Spaniard.

But there is no means of help from UCI's side.

Case to the CAS?
"The rule will not be changed and what is also important to understand is that the rule at all will not change because of Mr. Riis" said Carpani.

Bjarne Riis has reportedly asked UCI chief Pat McQuaid to be allowed to run further action by the international sports court (CAS). According to the team owner it is however slow in getting an answer.

Spokesman Carpani know, however, nothing about new developments, he said.

Im puzzled why Riis have to ask permission? why can´t he just try the case at CAS, it´s a legal question, and if there is a dispute it should be solved in the court.

 

[Forunculo]

I find wiggins boring. He wins yes, but in a dull manner.

wiggins was born in Belgium to an Australian father and English mother. I would be happier if Belgium were claiming the win

Does AC riding for a Danish team Preclude you from supporting him?

No.

Generally I support riders regardless of nationality, in 15 years I supported Ullrich, Pantani, Beloki, Contador, Samuel Sanchez and Nibali.

And despite being spanish I didn't have empathy for Sastre or Valverde (but I'm happy for his recent win).

And I hate teams, too US postal, Leopard/RSNT and from now on Sky.

 

[uphillstruggle]

No.

And despite being spanish I didn't have empathy for Sastre

And I hate teams, too US postal, Leopard/RSNT and from now on Sky.

What's your problem with Sastre? I have to say he's one of my favourite riders, the fact he actually won the tour while not being the best rider in the race made me love cycling all the more.

I'm British and I'm glad Brad won but he and Sky annoy me for their arrogance and their duller-than-a-British-sky racing. Bring on next year when they have to deal with real climbers.

 

[robert_c]

Will AC's goal going in, be to win the Eneco or just use it as a warm up?

 

[Forunculo]

What's your problem with Sastre? I have to say he's one of my favourite riders, the fact he actually won the tour while not being the best rider in the race made me love cycling all the more.

I'm British and I'm glad Brad won but he and Sky annoy me for their arrogance and their duller-than-a-British-sky racing. Bring on next year when they have to deal with real climbers.

TdF 2006 Pereiro in yellow, and the famous Landis attack, Pereiro spent his weak mates on the chase but the gap keep growing and asked Sastre help (Sastre was second), Voigt and Cancellara were there but Sastre refused. Landis take yellow after the stage and won the Tour 2006 ... till his positive.

It was so ugly, Pereiro wasn't acting he was disarmed, and both lose the Tour.

The Alp d'Huez stage two years after reconcile me a bit but I never forget his actions of 2006.


And about Sky I agree with you. I didn't like they tyrannized preventing breaks from no-threat riders, blocking the road riding in horizontal line and pulling hard on Granier climb for revenge because the bunch didn't obbey them... And everything played by EBH who didn't crack never this Tour leading me to the Clinic forum

 

[OctaBech]

TdF 2006 Pereiro in yellow, and the famous Landis attack, Pereiro spent his weak mates on the chase but the gap keep growing and asked Sastre help (Sastre was second), Voigt and Cancellara were there but Sastre refused. Landis take yellow after the stage and won the Tour 2006 ... till his positive.

Cancellara?

 

[Cav the Great]

Yes he is

I guessed a british guy would support a british team and a british rider.

Hes just trying to fit in with all you Contador bum lickers by licking you're bums.

Anyway dont mind me you all carry on bum licking you're dirty cheating farce of a hero.

 

[The Hitch]

What's your problem with Sastre? I have to say he's one of my favourite riders, the fact he actually won the tour while not being the best rider in the race made me love cycling all the more.

I'm British and I'm glad Brad won but he and Sky annoy me for their arrogance and their duller-than-a-British-sky racing. Bring on next year when they have to deal with real climbers.

Yeah Sastre is a legend. And the thing is, you can learn a lot about a rider from what they say about him. Also funny to look at who the guys are that talk **** about him - Lance Andy and Wiggins. hmmm

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lol they are scared already. Not even returned yet but they are scared of contador. you smell that. it is fear