Alberto Contador Thread

[Darrylc]

Google translation is terrible, but if I read it correctly, this is just more proof that this kid has his head screwed on straight and his eyes wide open.

Totally, this is going to be one of the best tours for years.

 

[ad9898]

Contador is a classy rider for sure, but I predict Armstrong putting 30 secs into him on that flat ITT, leaving us a showdown on Ventoux, where Contador will likely beat Armstrong, but not by the 30 secs required. This is going to be the best 'last week' in a Tour for a very long time.

 

[psychlist]

I wish Contador had switched to another team, that would make this Tour alot more interesting. But would he be as good with out the help of JB? I think at the moment he is the best on the bike, but not as good with the off bike politics. His desicion to help Valverde win the Dauphine was his best move yet. It might come in handy when at the end of the Tour he has no friends on Astana.

I was thinking the same thing. I just hope that whoever wins, if it is indeed between the two of them, does so convincingly.

 

[Publicus]

Contador is a classy rider for sure, but I predict Armstrong putting 30 secs into him on that flat ITT, leaving us a showdown on Ventoux, where Contador will likely beat Armstrong, but not by the 30 secs required. This is going to be the best 'last week' in a Tour for a very long time.

Could happen. Or he doesn't. I think the smartest thing I've heard is from Baby Schleck: the other GC contenders can't wait until Ventoux. Schleck and Sastre, in particular, just aren't good at the ITT and can't afford to give up more time. There will be some serious attacking on Stage 13, 15, and 17. All trying to get back minutes, not seconds. How Armstrong (or Contador) responds to that (should it occur) is anyone's guess and I don't think we learned anything about his climbing legs other than they more resemble Levi's than Contador's (or Lance 2001).

 

[ad9898]

Could happen. Or he doesn't. I think the smartest thing I've heard is from Baby Schleck: the other GC contenders can't wait until Ventoux. Schleck and Sastre, in particular, just aren't good at the ITT and can't afford to give up more time. There will be some serious attacking on Stage 13, 15, and 17. All trying to get back minutes, not seconds. How Armstrong (or Contador) responds to that (should it occur) is anyone's guess and I don't think we learned anything about his climbing legs other than they more resemble Levi's than Contador's (or Lance 2001).

On the evidence I've seen so far, I agree with all of this.

 

[racerralph]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I think that Lance feels that choosing to come back with the Astana team was a strategic master stroke. In doing this he comes back to JB who adores him. After all, how did JB compile the majority of his Grand Tour victories?
With JB's assistance and the media attention that he commands, and is now starting to rev up. He will try to pummel the only real competition in the race, at this point, his teammate, Alberto Contador.
I hope Andy Schleck is correct in his assessment of the days to come. Because if the other teams start trying to light up the road, it will finally give Alberto the chance he needs, and the justification to quiet his critics, once and for all, as he finally puts his stamp upon the peloton-Lance included.
Godspeed to you, Alberto!

 

[BroDeal]

Is Contador stupid? This Velonews article says that he wil not chase down Armstrong if Armstrong attacks and will leave the chase to other riders.

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/95074/contador-says-he-won-t-follow-armstrong-if-attacks

Who does not think Armstrong will take this as an invitation to attack Contador on the Verbier stage?

 

[Publicus]

Is Contador stupid? This Velonews article says that he wil not chase down Armstrong if Armstrong attacks and will leave the chase to other riders.

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/95074/contador-says-he-won-t-follow-armstrong-if-attacks

Who does not think Armstrong will take this as an invitation to attack Contador on the Verbier stage?

He was going to do it anyway. It's one of the few stages he previewed before the Tour started.

 

[Chomsky]

Is Contador stupid? This Velonews article says that he wil not chase down Armstrong if Armstrong attacks and will leave the chase to other riders.

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/95074/contador-says-he-won-t-follow-armstrong-if-attacks

Who does not think Armstrong will take this as an invitation to attack Contador on the Verbier stage?

The only reason Contador said that is because he knows Lance and Levi will not attack. Contador is the only one of the 4 contenders left capable of attacking a big group and going away. He said it to make the point that if he attacks none of the other 3 contenders are allowed to follow because they are all on his team. His hope is to attack and put time on Levi, Lance and Kloeden and essentially end the GC race when he knows they are defenseless and are not allowed to attack back. Like he did in stage 7. Great way to win a tour Alberto.

His statement just illustrates how insecure Contador is and how he does not care if he wins without honour. He is scared about Levi and to a lesser degree Lance in the ITT and he wants to put time on them both when they cannot fight back.

I am constantly amazed how blinded people are here because of their hate towards Lance. This hate will allow them to condone anything Contador does. Funny thing is if Lance was not in the race these same people who now love everything AC does would of course be hating everything about AC because of his connection to Lance through JB.

 

[BroDeal]

The only reason Contador said that is because he knows Lance and Levi will not attack. Contador is the only one of the 4 contenders left capable of attacking a big group and going away. He said it to make the point that if he attacks none of the other 3 contenders are allowed to follow because they are all on his team. His hope is to attack and put time on Levi, Lance and Kloeden and essentially end the GC race when he knows they are defenseless and are not allowed to attack back. Like he did in stage 7. Great way to win a tour Alberto.

His statement just illustrates how insecure Contador is and how he does not care if he wins without honour. He is scared about Levi and to a lesser degree Lance in the ITT and he wants to put time on them both when they cannot fight back.

I am constantly amazed how blinded people are here because of their hate towards Lance. This hate will allow them to condone anything Contador does.

Glad you have what will happen all planned out to a T.

Of course if things don't go as your master plan calls for, let's say Armstrong attacks on the Verbier and the Shreks, Evans, and Sastre cannot pull him back, then Contador is left watching Armstrong gain enough time to go last in the ITT.

Of course fanboy analysis are never big on reality.

 

[Publicus]

The only reason Contador said that is because he knows Lance and Levi will not attack. Contador is the only one of the 4 contenders left capable of attacking a big group and going away. He said it to make the point that if he attacks none of the other 3 contenders are allowed to follow because they are all on his team. His hope is to attack and put time on Levi, Lance and Kloeden and essentially end the GC race when he knows they are defenseless and are not allowed to attack back. Like he did in stage 7. Great way to win a tour Alberto.

His statement just illustrates how insecure Contador is and how he does not care if he wins without honour. He is scared about Levi and to a lesser degree Lance in the ITT and he wants to put time on them both when they cannot fight back.

I am constantly amazed how blinded people are here because of their hate towards Lance. This hate will allow them to condone anything Contador does.

Your post is all projection of your feelings toward Contador. Or the product of your special LivestrongTM Translator.

No teammate chases down another teammate. If the other contenders can't follow, then you sit on their wheels. You don't drag them up to your teammate. LA, AK and LL did the same thing on Arcalis. AC, LL, AK did the same thing on Stage 3. If LA is able to get away and no one can follow his attack on Verbier, then AC, AK and LL will sit on wheels. The fact is he probably can't put in a big enough acceleration to dislodge Sastre, Evans or Schleck.

My guess is you'll be upset when Contador counter attacks and does stay away.

 

[Smera1]

His statement just illustrates how insecure Contador is and how he does not care if he wins without honour. He is scared about Levi and to a lesser degree Lance in the ITT and he wants to put time on them both when they cannot fight back.

Care to elaborate why if he win it would be without honor ? And don't you think that the attack on Arcalis showed that he is not scared about his opponents at all ?

 

[BroDeal]

The fact is he probably can't put in a big enough acceleration to dislodge Sastre, Evans or Schleck.

I am not convinced of this. We don't have much data to go on other than Armstrong does not quite look the same as he used to when climbing. I also am not convinced that Andy Schleck is as strong as he was last year. The moderate grade of the Verbier stage is less suited to a climber like Andy.

Contador should make sure he attacks first.

 

[hfer07]

Is Contador stupid? This Velonews article says that he wil not chase down Armstrong if Armstrong attacks and will leave the chase to other riders.

But he's right!! how can he chase down somebody who's behind him?

 

[Chomsky]

Care to elaborate why if he win it would be without honor ? And don't you think that the attack on Arcalis showed that he is not scared about his opponents at all ?

It is without honor because he knows he can put time into the only 3 rivals left and they cannot attack back just like he did on Arcalis. he knows he is the only one of the 4 contenders left that can attack a big group and stay away from the group. If he wants to win the tour with honor he should attack in a small group when Levi and Lance can attack back or on let all Astana riders attack each other and be able to respond to attacks on Ventoux. I agree with everyone that Contador is the strongest rider I just would like to see a fair race where all 4 can fight and fight back against each other. Putting cheap time on your rivals when they have their hands tied behind their backs is like attacking after an accident or mechanical. It does not allow us to say the strongest rider won.

 

[BroDeal]

It is without honor because he knows he can put time into the only 3 rivals left and they cannot attack back just like he did on Arcalis. he knows he is the only one of the 4 contenders left that can attack a big group and stay away from the group. If he wants to win the tour with honor he should attack in a small group when Levi and Lance can attack back or on let all Astana riders attack each other and be able to respond to attacks on Ventoux. I agree with everyone that Contador is the strongest rider I just would like to see a fair race where all 4 can fight and fight back against each other. Putting cheap time on your rivals when they have their hands tied behind their backs is like attacking after an accident or mechanical. It does not allow us to say the strongest rider won.

I must have stumbled into the bizarro world.

 

[nz-tim]

confused

His statement just illustrates how insecure Contador is and how he does not care if he wins without honour.

What?

Alberto has said that if a teammate attacks he wont chase them, and he expects the same. Sounds pretty honourable to me.

Winning without honour would be joining a team you know has a contender training entirely for the tour, then playing mindgames all year before trying to bully them on the road.

 

[nz-tim]

It is without honor because he knows he can put time into the only 3 rivals left and they cannot attack back just like he did on Arcalis. he knows he is the only one of the 4 contenders left that can attack a big group and stay away from the group. If he wants to win the tour with honor he should attack in a small group when Levi and Lance can attack back or on let all Astana riders attack each other and be able to respond to attacks on Ventoux. I agree with everyone that Contador is the strongest rider I just would like to see a fair race where all 4 can fight and fight back against each other. Putting cheap time on your rivals when they have their hands tied behind their backs is like attacking after an accident or mechanical. It does not allow us to say the strongest rider won.

Woops I missed this. I think you should go and look up 'team' in the dictionary. And then look up 'rival' to see the difference.

 

[checked]

when AC attacks in the mountains, LA wont be able to follow but he won't admit to it. Following "team orders" will be his convenient excuse.

 

[zalacain]

Sastre

 

[elapid]

The only reason Contador said that is because he knows Lance and Levi will not attack. Contador is the only one of the 4 contenders left capable of attacking a big group and going away. He said it to make the point that if he attacks none of the other 3 contenders are allowed to follow because they are all on his team. His hope is to attack and put time on Levi, Lance and Kloeden and essentially end the GC race when he knows they are defenseless and are not allowed to attack back. Like he did in stage 7. Great way to win a tour Alberto.

His statement just illustrates how insecure Contador is and how he does not care if he wins without honour. He is scared about Levi and to a lesser degree Lance in the ITT and he wants to put time on them both when they cannot fight back.

I am constantly amazed how blinded people are here because of their hate towards Lance. This hate will allow them to condone anything Contador does. Funny thing is if Lance was not in the race these same people who now love everything AC does would of course be hating everything about AC because of his connection to Lance through JB.

It is without honor because he knows he can put time into the only 3 rivals left and they cannot attack back just like he did on Arcalis. he knows he is the only one of the 4 contenders left that can attack a big group and stay away from the group. If he wants to win the tour with honor he should attack in a small group when Levi and Lance can attack back or on let all Astana riders attack each other and be able to respond to attacks on Ventoux. I agree with everyone that Contador is the strongest rider I just would like to see a fair race where all 4 can fight and fight back against each other. Putting cheap time on your rivals when they have their hands tied behind their backs is like attacking after an accident or mechanical. It does not allow us to say the strongest rider won.

It is a bizarre world. Nearly every single poster has considered words about Lance and his abilities: he is strong, 2 seconds adrift, and Contador's biggest challenger for the overall. There is no one on this thread that is blinded by their so-called hate for Lance not to realize the reality of the situation. The only person with blinkers on is Chomsky, and he is blinded by some bizarre sort of love for Lance or hate for Contador. If Contador wins the Tour, then he will do it with honour by being the strongest of the GC contenders in the ITT and in the mountains. Team tactics or dynamics adds to the drama, but certainly does not detract from an honourable win, whether it be Contador or Lance (sorry, definitely not Kloden and very unlikely to be Levi). Astana set this situation up themselves when Lance came on board and Bruyneel selected both Lance and Contador as co-captains. Don't blame Contador for wanting to win the TdF and doing what it takes to prove he is the stronger rider.

 

[Smera1]

It is without honor because he knows he can put time into the only 3 rivals left and they cannot attack back just like he did on Arcalis.

I'm sorry, but it has nothing to lack of honor. It is called strenght and willingness to achieve a goal. If he can put time in his rivals, it is solely because of hard work and a specific preparation to succeed in the task. And your are sorely mistaken to think that there are only 3 rivals left in the race.

 

[Publicus]

I am not convinced of this. We don't have much data to go on other than Armstrong does not quite look the same as he used to when climbing. I also am not convinced that Andy Schleck is as strong as he was last year. The moderate grade of the Verbier stage is less suited to a climber like Andy.

Contador should make sure he attacks first.

I am not 100% positive either, but I'm well over the 50% threshold. He looks far more like Levi than Lance 2001. I think Contador will counter-strike. It's his best attribute. And plus I'll get the joy of hearing how he attacked his teammates when and if he does.

As for Verbier, I agree. I think it is less challenging than the stage to Arcalis, but there are some desperate men amongst the peleton and they have to start grabbing time SOMEWHERE. Baby Schleck seems really confident this year. Don't know if that is an attempt to convince himself, but he was talking big before Arcalis and we all saw what happened.

 

[Bakunin]

I wish Contador didn't say he wouldn't chase.

At this point, all bets are off -- I hope AC kicks LA's sorry @ss.

I think the Reuters article tells us more about the state of affairs in Astana than the Contador presser.

 

[racerralph]

I am constantly amazed how blinded people are here because of their hate towards Lance. This hate will allow them to condone anything Contador does. Funny thing is if Lance was not in the race these same people who now love everything AC does would of course be hating everything about AC because of his connection to Lance through JB.

Hey, Bozo. cut this "HATE" crap it shows what an absolute idiot YOU are. I'll tell you the kind of people that are worth hating. People like you, who are so damned presumptuous and ignorantly judgemental. Neither I nor anybody else on this forum needs to justify their opinions to people like you, I have been a Lance fan in the past but I do not like the route or the strategy he has employed to attain his ends this time around. This thread is about Contador, not about Lance. If you're a Lance addict then maybe you ought to stay away from this thread. instead of loitering here and calling down anyone who happens to admire Alberto Contador