Can we just admit the Giro/TDF double is no longer possible?

[Derrick]

Can we presume that the double is impossible now? No we can't. Any chance of fewer daft posts?

 

[jilbiker]

Contador mentioned his fatigue yesterday but not his knee. I think it's just about impossible. TDF/Vuelta or Giro/Vuelta is possible and Contador has already done the latter.

Yes, I think he was mentally tired and of must when that happens, your body disconnects. Tiralongo got got right when he said AC was not mentally in tune for this TDF, the doping case and the feeling that the french did not want him. Yes he is mentally tough but the crashes, the knee, he said "forget this".

He definitely needs a stronger team. Saxobank has given BR virtually an open check to buy folks to support Alberto. They like him, I saw the video where he visited Saxobank's head office, they all had fun.

Not this year, for the double. I did say he should have skipped TDF. Speaking about Saxobank, notice how the team mates seem to abandon him on the road when something happens? I really question the loyalty to the leader. Perhaps, there are hidden issues? like in Astana?

I think Saxobank should do a new slate and get folks completely dedicated to the goal of AC much like LA did in all his teams. I think if he has that then the double becomes closer. And perhaps the triple, maybe the ultimate the Super grandslam (with the World championship)

 

[LaFlorecita]

Yes, I think he was mentally tired and of must when that happens, your body disconnects. Tiralongo got got right when he said AC was not mentally in tune for this TDF, the doping case and the feeling that the french did not want him. Yes he is mentally tough but the crashes, the knee, he said "forget this".

He definitely needs a stronger team. Saxobank has given BR virtually an open check to buy folks to support Alberto. They like him, I saw the video where he visited Saxobank's head office, they all had fun.

Not this year, for the double. I did say he should have skipped TDF. Speaking about Saxobank, notice how the team mates seem to abandon him on the road when something happens? I really question the loyalty to the leader. Perhaps, there are hidden issues? like in Astana?

I think Saxobank should do a new slate and get folks completely dedicated to the goal of AC much like LA did in all his teams. I think if he has that then the double becomes closer. And perhaps the triple, maybe the ultimate the Super grandslam (with the World championship)

Na, don't think so. Nicki and Chris Anker have both said they really like Alberto, and when Alberto was asked if he already had made new friends, he mentioned both plus Michael Mørkøv. Noval, Dani and Jesus are loyal to him, no doubt about that. That only leaves Matteo, Richie and Vandborg left. I honestly don't see why any of them wouldn't be loyal to Alberto(apart from maybe Richie, who has stated he doesn't know who he would like to win it-Cadel or Alberto). And the fact that there were rumours Larsson wasn't in the tour squad because he wasn't a team player, looks like Riis clearly thought about this squad. I think they just can't do better.

 

[roundabout]

Not doubting that Jan was the man to beat, but when 7 teams leave the race and some of those teams had guys who would've finished top 10 and attacked, it does alter the dynamic of the race, wouldn't you agree?

Apart from Festina the rest had zero effect. Pantani was 6 minutes ahead of Escartin with a mountain stage and a TT to go.

And Ullrich bonking in the rain and cold was the main reason for the double. The next day he was going like a train.

 

[craig1985]

I don't think how tough the Giro was would be a major factor, certainly if Contador didn't lose well over a minute on Stage 1 and not have to start off first in the TTT, he would have been up there IMO. So going into the mountains he's around the two minute mark behind his rivals, and Giro or no Giro, he's aleady behind the 8-ball.

I think if anybody who will do the Giro/Tour double in the future, Contador will be the one to do it.

 

[rzombie1988]

I still think Contador could do the triple if he wanted to under ideal conditions. I'm happy he lost the 2 minutes early on(not an Alberto fan), but had he kept those 2 minutes, he may be in the lead right now. If the Schlecks or Evans had lost the time instead, they wouldn't be in contention right now either.

I don't think that Contador had really thought he'd be eligible for the Tour this year and I think that if he went a little bit easier at the Giro, it would also be a different story. I don't blame the Giro itself, I blame Contador more for not taking it as easy as he could have, especially when he ended up giving away the victories anyway. Stupid.

I still think Contador will lose all of his results anyway so it's not going to matter much.