Contador

[LaFlorecita]

He just might have a go and it'll make for very exciting race watching

I'm already looking forward.

 

[Carols]

I'm already looking forward.

Good for you No sense in wallowing.....he is a tough dud, he'll come back!

 

[issoisso]

Usually it would be painful to see a press conference like this, but in this case it's actually funny to see Contador saying all these things about not doping and being innocent simply because his entire body language screams "I don't believe a word I'm saying"

 

[issoisso]

There is no way he doesn't sign with Movistar now.

 

[LaFlorecita]

There is no way he doesn't sign with Movistar now.

Uhm...? What are you talking about?

 

[issoisso]

Uhm...? What are you talking about?

What were his first words after signing with Riis? "I've always wanted to ride for Eusébio [Unzué] and with Alejandro [Valverde], but the time isn't right. It'll happen sooner than later".

Either in August or in January, he's likely to go there.

 

[LaFlorecita]

What were his first words after signing with Riis? "I've always wanted to ride for Eusébio [Unzué] and with Alejandro [Valverde], but the time isn't right. It'll happen sooner than later".

Either in August or in January, he's likely to go there.

Bjarne has just expressed his support to Alberto. He said that Alberto is an incredible person and he wants to work with him for many, many years. I can't see Alberto going anywhere else. He enjoys working with Riis and Riis enjoys working with him.

 

[issoisso]

Bjarne has just expressed his support to Alberto. He said that Alberto is an incredible person and he wants to work with him for many, many years. I can't see Alberto going anywhere else. He enjoys working with Riis and Riis enjoys working with him.

Even if words like those weren't constantly said by every team and rider under the sun, it's looking grim for Riis to even have a team next year.

 

[LaFlorecita]

I think it would be an awful kick in the teeth for Riis if Contador jumped ship at the first call and moved to Movistar. Contador knows he has been well backed by Riis and Saxo and i think he will and more importantly should show loyalty to Saxo.

I dont think he is the disloyal type and overall i feel he is grateful for the support Riis has given him.

I think so too. Bjarne wants to resign him, and I'm sure Alberto wants that too.

 

[Michele]

Alberto has a big personal sponsor into Specialized and Movistar is riding Pinarello since ages.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Alberto has a big personal sponsor into Specialized and Movistar is riding Pinarello since ages.

I think Specialized will terminate the contract too.

 

[saunaking]

I think so too. Bjarne wants to resign him, and I'm sure Alberto wants that too.

I hope Contador is with a new team soon - Saxo pulling the plug on the cycling team would not surprise me in the least. It seemed as if Riis struggled to convince Saxo to come on board even for this year. And I believe it is a one year contract only.

Is Contador's contract expiring after 2012? If so, he should seek a different team regardless of what happens with Saxo. He needs a strong team and Saxo is not cutting it. Any rider there that shows promise wants out as soon as possible like Porte.

Its just speculation where Contador could go, but Movistar (as mentioned somewhere above) would be great. The 'stain' of his doping ban makes him less attractive to a non-Spanish team, but I suspect his popularity at home is still strong.

Contador didn't exactly dominate the tour anyway in 2010 and Saxo just does not stack up to the superteams like Sky, RadioShack, BMC....

Would be a shame if he is constantly isolated and attacked due to a team that cannot attract the required help. This might not matter in the Vuelta but Alberto has to look ahead to 2013 and decide what team can maximize his possibilites.

 

[BYOP88]

There is no way he doesn't sign with Movistar now.

I agree with that 99%, the 1% doubt I have is this, could Movistar afford to have alot of $$$ invested in 2 guys who wont score any important WT points?

 

[Forunculo]

Is there a chance that Riis Cycling get a new sponsor? Saxo Bank was in a brink of quit cycling even in 2010.

 

[Forunculo]

I agree with that 99%, the 1% doubt I have is this, could Movistar afford to have alot of $$$ invested in 2 guys who wont score any important WT points?

No, Valverde support is loyalty for the past

 

[saunaking]

I agree with that 99%, the 1% doubt I have is this, could Movistar afford to have alot of $$$ invested in 2 guys who wont score any important WT points?

An interesting post on twitter by inrng questioning the legality of the UCI rule preventing riders back from suspension accumulating points for the team -

This would be against WADA guidelines since it is "additional punishment" above and beyond the WADA/CAS penalty

Maybe the UCI will have to drop this rule???

 

[Mambo95]

Going back to the OP's original point, I would imagine that Contador will have a crack at Lombardy this year - possibly the monument most suitable for his style. He shall see if he bothers.

 

[BYOP88]

Also would be fun if he won the World's RR, just to see uncle Pat presenting him with the jersey

 

[Thomsena]

Not matter what team he rides he will be an absolute monster from August -

That's one thing sure.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

lulz, a tour 13 with Conta looking for revenge with a in top shape Valverde and Cobo as domestiques, would be a wet dream for everyone that likes awesome climbing

 

[Zam_Olyas]

Going back to the OP's original point, I would imagine that Contador will have a crack at Lombardy this year - possibly the monument most suitable for his style. He shall see if he bothers.

That'd be great.

 

[Panda Claws]

In regard to one-day races.

How good is Contador's sprint. Obviously it is not at the level of Gilbert, Valverde, Visconti, etc... but can he beat guys like Nibali and Scarponi in a small group sprint?

 

[Angliru]

In regard to one-day races.

How good is Contador's sprint. Obviously it is not at the level of Gilbert, Valverde, Visconti, etc... but can he beat guys like Nibali and Scarponi in a small group sprint?

He almost beat Evans in that early stage of this year's Tour and Evans has one of the better sprints of the gc contenders, below Valverde but comparable to Samu. Of course that wasn't necessarily from a group. It was after he attacked the group, where Evans responded and he sort of baited Evans into leading out their sprint and he almost came around for the win.

 

[Walkman]

lulz, a tour 13 with Conta looking for revenge with a in top shape Valverde and Cobo as domestiques, would be a wet dream for everyone that likes awesome climbing

To be honest, it sounds more like "the blue train" is coming back...

 

[Publicus]

An interesting post on twitter by inrng questioning the legality of the UCI rule preventing riders back from suspension accumulating points for the team -

This would be against WADA guidelines since it is "additional punishment" above and beyond the WADA/CAS penalty

Maybe the UCI will have to drop this rule???

That argument has been floating around in my head for awhile now--especially if the rider has to forfeit salary, winnings, etc as part of the suspension. If UCI wants to make the suspension longer then by all means propose it and pass it, but kicking a rider again after he's completed his suspension is a bit over the top.