Contador leaving Astana

[Road Hazard]

Heh, I posted a link to the article without reading it (forgive my enthusiasm).

It's actually a clown article.

First, this idiocy:

"Alberto Contador has rejected the Astana team's ultimatum, which had asked for an answer on its renewal offer on the upcoming seasons by Tuesday," Contador said in a statement. "Alberto Contador will calmly study all of the possibilities on offers for the coming season, and he hasn't dismissed any of them."

Contador apparently speaks of himself in the 3rd person.

Then the article goes on directly to talk about Johan Bruyneel and Discovery Channel 2008 and the denial of a team spot for doping, then "overcoming" Armstrong to win in 2009 and the "struggle to pay wages" of 2009.

I hate to say it, but if this is representative of the English speaking (or US press) on the subject, maybe it is hopelessly out of touch.

 

[Maxiton]

I'm surprised to learn about this newsI though he had a good season & plenty of support from the team to make him comfortable enough to stay-but apparently-he's becoming very demanding & and perhaps- a bit greedy? anyhow- I'm just wondering how the "Anglo-Saxon philosophy" of Riis & his "always-in-financial-problems" would blend with the Spanish armada of Contador at all......
I foresee Alberto looking for a new team next year...

What Anglo-Saxon philosophy?

Riis?

Pshhh

Contador going to sky. You heard it here first.

Seriously though. This is bad news. I liked contador at astana. I wanted vino to be his ds.

Could it be the false information the team gave him during the tt that cracked him?

Do you know for a fact they gave him false time splits? I guess I missed that news. Have a link?

hope they liked the answer they got.

erader

+1!

Pretty sure it was Contador's brother saying on Eurosport (on Sunday) that the Astana team car was giving Contador false time splits to "motivate" him during the TT. They were telling him he was behind and losing the yellow.

Part of the campaign to explain the break "not just he money". Plus its likely true when you see how broken Contador was after and the comments about this tour being mentally tough.

A poor little cyclist from Pinto "drops" huge multibillion dollar corporations.

Oh goodness me. Will the drama never cease.

I know it's sticking in people's craw that Contador has shown Lance the door and has shut it behind him, but let's have a little perspective, shall we?

+1. Without doubt. But I have to say, Armstrong made it easy for him, even easier than Contador likely expected. Armstrong just sort of unraveled this year, all by himself.

Vino competing with Contador and Schleck? Clean?

Seriously. This line made me laugh.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...s-astana-over-equipment-failings-2037790.html


http://www.diariovasco.com/v/20100729/deportes/ciclismo/contador-deja-astana-bjarne-20100729.html

I'm not sure I get the point of referencing the broken radio or non-functioning tv. Is the implication that these things were intentional? Also if the radio was in fact broken, how did he hear that he was behind at the first check? Or they lie to him about being behind further into the TT? If he couldn't hear them, then wouldn't he have said so immediately after the stage? And with respect to the chain situation, IIRC, he said he eventually learned what happened, but was already up the road with Menchov and Sanchez. What is gained by casting blame on a malfunctioning tv (other than remind folks again about the controversy)?

I'm not directing these comments at your personally Swordsman, but to the forum in general. It seems to me that this doesn't help AC (or cast him in a very good light). Which makes me wonder who is actually saying this (I don't see any direct quotes which makes me think it isn't AC or Fran, but I could be wrong).

I guess I'm not clear on this either. Either they lied to him, or the radios were broken. Or maybe they lied and then the radios broke? Whatever the case, I think what this points up is a general lack of satisfaction with the professionalism and organization of the team.

I never really doubted Contador would be leaving. It was kind of amusing to read, during the Tour, that brother Fran was on the very verge of signing a two year commitment with the team. All that remained, it was said, was just a few minor details. Yeah, minor details such as making sure Vino continued to work until victory was at hand.

What is surprising to me though is that it is Saxo Contador is going with. If true, Riis must be doing an extended version of the happy dance right about now. I'll see you two Schlecks and raise you a Contador! Saxo/Specialized/Sunguard or whatever they call it next year should be an awesome team.

 

[theswordsman]

The press releases are issued in Spanish, and written by Contador's press agent. If Alberto says something, it would be in quotes. He doesn't speak about himself in the third person - it's a press agent telling the story of what's going on. There are lots of examples at his official website.

On to new business - it looks like Quick Step is out of the running. It's a publication in Belgium Google Translated to English, but there's a chance Fran's quotes started out in Spanish, so it might appear clown-like to some.

Conversely Contador feels comfortable with the Specialized, and there are not many other candidates for its strong earnings to satisfy - this year, according to L'Equipe, he was a sloppy 4.5 million euros. This is evident from the statements of French Decock, CEO of Quick Step: "I saw Fran Contador still Sunday. I reaffirmed our interest in Alberto, I just could not play along with the offer of Astana. "

Fran Contador himself, however, claims that money is not the main thing is. "Astana even the most interesting financial solution for Alberto. We have nothing against anyone in the team, but it is time for change of air. The basic condition is the rest of the team, so Alberto solely to concentrate on his job: preparing and driving rates. It is still not one hundred percent with him decide who will last, but Alberto is possible teammates take it trust. We have two to three interesting offers that we thoroughly investigate. It is our intention to change over as rapidly as possible to cut through. "

http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=IM2TDF7H&subsection=7

 

[sherer]

I get the feeling Contador feels the non working radio, which has happened in a few races this year, and no TV in the team car makes him feel the team isn't professional enough.

For those asking without the team radio they use a megaphone to shout out the splits but with high winds and racing speeds this can be hard to hear at times

 

[Galic Ho]

they didn't do bad... they didn't do near good enough either

You are deluding yourself. Check out the stages where Saxo set the early climb pace. Sorenson's pace, just like Navarro's, according to the Science of Sport guys, setting tempo for the lead group produced the highest wattage output. Those guys buried themselves and the lack of later attacks was mostly due to the hard pace Sorenson set at the pace. In short, he wore the other GC riders down so AS could be the last one on the climbs. It worked, but Contador was next to him. Can't ask for more from a domestique.

 

[Tangled Tango]

So glad Dani if finally getting the recognition he deserves. He and Noval are my Asturian homies. Vale Dani - bien merecido.

Hey Bicicleta, do you actually live in Asturias. I live in Oviedo. If you do we should hook up for a ride. How do we contact each other outside the forum?
Perhaps we can meet up during la Vuelta. I´ll be out on my bike for some of the stages.

 

[auscyclefan94]

You are deluding yourself. Check out the stages where Saxo set the early climb pace. Sorenson's pace, just like Navarro's, according to the Science of Sport guys, setting tempo for the lead group produced the highest wattage output. Those guys buried themselves and the lack of later attacks was mostly due to the hard pace Sorenson set at the pace. In short, he wore the other GC riders down so AS could be the last one on the climbs. It worked, but Contador was next to him. Can't ask for more from a domestique.

You can also understand why they may look a bit weak as they had to do a lot of work in the first week to defend cancellara's yellow jersey. It probably took a toll on their energy supplies.

 

[python]

i think i got it

i did a little more reading and thinking and came to a conclusion that the split occurred due to the typical negotiating circumstances.

here’s what i speculate happened.

before the tour, a broad general meeting of minds was in place as there was an agreement to iron out the last details after the tour. no need to distract from the single-minded focus on the tour. the tour ended, astana brass flew to paris to secure the signature on the last tour day as it would be a nice pr gesture for their sponsor and the country. unfortunately for them, riis and quick step approached berto with sweet counter proposals too. having been faced with some astana support glitches and some juicy bids from riis worth considering, but requiring time to resolve, berto asked kazakh sponsors for more time. sincerely believing they had done for berto everything they possibly could and considering the replacement logistics and history if berto exited with his entourage, the kazakhs in irritation gave berto only 48 hours to decide. which of course was an affront for a proud and hot-blooded spanish champion. he amply demonstrated to bruyneel/armstrong that being boxed in, even if in a golden cage, is the last thing this iron-strong character will put up with.

hence, the ‘sudden’ divorce.

i like berto, (almost a fan) and I see riis as one of the best dss in the sport.

but i also don’t see berto (and his team within the team) as automatically compatible with riis’s authoritarian methods and his strong personality.

yes, they are professionals but the egos could get in a way.

 

[Ryaguas]

Now Martinelli says that Contador had been planning this desicion since before Le Tour...

Martinelli - Velonation

WTF... this is weird... if this is true Contador is a mindmaster and really knows how to play his cards...

 

[rxgqgxnyfz]

Now Martinelli says that Contador had been planning this desicion since before Le Tour...

Martinelli - Velonation

What's more important about this article is Martinelli saying he is staying with the team.
________
Petite live

 

[Publicus]

Now Martinelli says that Contador had been planning this desicion since before Le Tour...

Martinelli - Velonation

WTF... this is weird... if this is true Contador is a mindmaster and really knows how to play his cards...

Yeah this episode is getting weirder by the minute. What did he mean that he was AC's DS, but not his director??? And why does Martinelli think he needed to win to leave? Even if he finished 2nd, he still would be the hottest rider on the transfer market.

And I found it weird that we never heard from Martinelli during the Tour--only Sanquer.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

What's more important about this article is Martinelli saying he is staying with the team.

I don't think there was ever any doubt that he wasn't staying with the team, it will also mean tiralongo stays, and other italians

 

[Ryaguas]

What's more important about this article is Martinelli saying he is staying with the team.

Yep I thought the same... Martinelli is not going with Contador, ALSO this seems that they didn't have a GOOD relationship just professional...

Yeah this episode is getting weirder by the minute. What did he mean that he was AC's DS, but not his director??? And why does Martinelli think he needed to win to leave? Even if he finished 2nd, he still would be the hottest rider on the transfer market.

And I found it weird that we never heard from Martinelli during the Tour--only Sanquer.

Ok I've been reading news from Spanish and french websites and they main thing is:

That Contador is not leaving Astana for money, is cuz They have a lot of problems, details and weird things in the management, episodes like the problem with the Radio in the TT (also this has been happening continously the whole season), the problem with the tv during the "chaingate" (Don't know if this is true), several episodes between Contador and the management and other things like that... Also that Contador feels that he needs and stronger team and a more experienced management for the next season...

And if you put the whole thing together well seems to be logical... in that team they still have colateral damages from Uniballer Episode, Contador is wanting a better team for the TTT in the next tour, He is needing a better "program" (and Riis has a really good one, just see Andy), Riis team will has Cancellara cuz I think that Contador is going to Riis team cuz Cancellara is there and if he has to cut his salary to have him he will do it I'm so faking sure, etc...

Now I starting to get the idea here with this Contador - Astana affair... now the thing is.. Which team is Riis offering to Contador? How good long will be that contract? Cancellara will be there? Schlecks leaving who else will be coming to the team besides him and his crew? gosh... so many question...!

 

[python]

Now Martinelli says that Contador had been planning this desicion since before Le Tour...

Martinelli - Velonation

WTF... this is weird... if this is true Contador is a mindmaster and really knows how to play his cards...

i still stick with my assumption above that the split is a byproduct of the typical negotiations.

this martinelli statement i feel is undercut and perhaps is out of context.

it would be unrealistic to assume that contador was so stupid as to completely close himself to other offers. it was always understood he will shop around and try to bid the best conditions his victories could offer.

astana was outbid and made the departure easier by locking in the time frame.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

I really wonder what he's going to make at the team of riis.

 

[indurain666]

Yeah this episode is getting weirder by the minute. What did he mean that he was AC's DS, but not his director??? And why does Martinelli think he needed to win to leave? Even if he finished 2nd, he still would be the hottest rider on the transfer market.

And I found it weird that we never heard from Martinelli during the Tour--only Sanquer.

+1, I always wondered the same thing throughout the Tour.

Something is cooking...

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

+1, I always wondered the same thing throughout the Tour.

Something is cooking...

sanquer is the manager, he's the only guy you should hear.

 

[indurain666]

But then lets not forget that AC wanted to leave Astana in 2009 after the Lance-Johan soap opera but Astana put a lot of pressure. Perhaps he thought," I hate these guys but I am going to finish the contract..win if I can and then leave" If that was the case, the guy is one though cool headed MF with a good poker face.

 

[joy118118]

+1, I always wondered the same thing throughout the Tour.

Something is cooking...

It is in DL that Martinelli has already disappeared in media. have things already happened at that time?

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

But then lets not forget that AC wanted to leave Astana in 2009 after the Lance-Johan soap opera but Astana put a lot of pressure. Perhaps he thought," I hate these guys but I am going to finish the contract..win if I can and then leave" If that was the case, the guy is one though cool headed MF with a good poker face.

where have you heard that?? only in the media, that are notorious astana haters anyway. They suck up to riis and lance/schlecks/bruyneel in an uncalled matter.

 

[Ryaguas]

If that was the case, the guy is one though cool headed MF with a good poker face.

I'm starting to think the same...! I thought that Vino had the better poker face in the whole peloton but if this is true Contador is the master hahaha

 

[Maxiton]

But then lets not forget that AC wanted to leave Astana in 2009 after the Lance-Johan soap opera but Astana put a lot of pressure. Perhaps he thought," I hate these guys but I am going to finish the contract..win if I can and then leave" If that was the case, the guy is one though cool headed MF with a good poker face.

I think that, pretty much exactly, is what happened. It was very late in the season, you'll recall, and Astana/Vino were adamant that Contador would not be let out of his

contract. Finally, when it was felt he might be too late to put anything solid together with a new team, and when it was clear that he was jeopardizing his preparation for

the upcoming year, Contador said, "I will stay with Astana for at least one more year." And yeah, you're right about the other thing, too: Contador is one cool-headed

MF with a good poker face.

 

[sportzchick]

Any bets as to where he wil end up?

No Shlecks could mean Riis is looking for a leader...

 

[Maxiton]

Any bets as to where he wil end up?

No Shlecks could mean Riis is looking for a leader...

Looks like he is going to Saxo.

 

[Publicus]

where have you heard that?? only in the media, that are notorious astana haters anyway. They suck up to riis and lance/schlecks/bruyneel in an uncalled matter.

AC wanted out of Astana badly last year. They were allowing almost anyone to leave except AC because he was the key to their continued license (in addition to the money) and entry to every major Grand Tour. He was essentially held hostage. I think this has more to do with the Astana management and less to do with his happiness with the other riders (which seemed genuine) and Martinelli. Best I could tell he was biding his time and increasing his market value in the process. Shrewd move and ice water definitely flowing through his veins if this is remotely true/accurate.

Remember he spent a significant amount of time in Bruyneel run teams. For a variety of reasons, Astana 2010 never seemed to operate on that level of sophistication. It is only when it was truly gone that he understood the value. (pure conjecture on my part, but it makes some sense in light of his comments)