Contador is a bit underrated in his growth as a cyclist which is rather baffling to me. He showed restraint in the Dauphine when it is usually his MO to try to win most every race he enters. He clearly recognizes that Armstrong will come back in 2010 stronger than he was this year and that he will be a threat but Contador knows that his primary threat comes from the Schleck's, primarily Andy who he realizes will also come back in 2010 a stronger rider in every way. Even Armstrong has taken on the humble recognition that Contador will be hard to beat and that Schleck will be close behind but he obviously see's areas where he can take advantage of them both using his experience and the strength of his team. They all are aware of the rising talents in the sport: Nibali, Kreuziger, Gesink, Wiggins and the 3 vets that will likely return in 2010 and have performances more to their usual levels: Menchov, Sastre and Evans.
As far as liking Andy Schleck, I'm now a bit indifferent about him after his proclaimations after the Arcalis stage that he was the world's top climber and now his public spat over his dissatisfaction with what he considers the lack of gratitude shown by Sastre for his and Frank's contribution to his Tour win. How can he consider himself the world's best climber after getting dropped consistently by his major adversary? I'm hoping his statement was made tongue-in-cheek.