- May 6, 2009
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I know it may sound crazy, and that Astana won the Tour de France with Alberto Contador, who also took 11 victories in the first six months of the season, but aside from him, their performances left a lot to be desired. LL won his Tour of California and won local American races that don't mean much. Armstrong went were the money was and Horner was trying to out do Denis Menchov in how many times one can crash their bike. Virtually non existent in all Classics and One Day races, save for Max Iglinsky at E3 Prijs Vlaanderen. Kloden won a few time trials at Tirreno-Adriatico and Giro del Trentino. When Vino came back, he looked very aggressive. Here is a run down of their season: Here.
On the other hand at Cervelo, with a run down of their season here. Not just what they won, podiums at MSR, RVV, and P-R, and Gerrans came in the top 10 of all three Ardennes Classics. Plus the Points Jersey at the TdF. I know they are not interested in Pro Tour at this stage, but if they were, then they would have done enough to get in.
So I think in terms of consistency, all round results in different type of races (stage races, Classics etc.), as well as quality over quantity, and not just being reliant on having the best stage racer in the world to make their season look semi-decent.
If anything, take Contador out and Astana (2009) look very ordinary.
On the other hand at Cervelo, with a run down of their season here. Not just what they won, podiums at MSR, RVV, and P-R, and Gerrans came in the top 10 of all three Ardennes Classics. Plus the Points Jersey at the TdF. I know they are not interested in Pro Tour at this stage, but if they were, then they would have done enough to get in.
So I think in terms of consistency, all round results in different type of races (stage races, Classics etc.), as well as quality over quantity, and not just being reliant on having the best stage racer in the world to make their season look semi-decent.
If anything, take Contador out and Astana (2009) look very ordinary.