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Bala Verde said:Interesting news. I wonder if they could sign him, and it would bide well for a next TdF bid especially if it includes another TTT. I wonder what Wiggins and VdV would think of this, as well as Tyler...
Publicus said:I have to think that Wiggins and VdV see it as a positive. Takes the pressure off of them in some ways, but also gives them more weapons. Plus, who would you consider a real GC threat next year: VdV, Wiggins or Contador?
Futuroscope said:personally i don't think contador wants to sign with an american team. i think he will go to caisse d'epargne so that he has alot of spanish riders backing him up.
**Uru** said:I do not think Contador really cares about the team as long as it does not impact his ability to ride on his own. He probably thinks he needs these things: 1) sole control of team leadership, 2) decent team time trailing skill, 3) reputable and good enough to guarantee invite to TdF, 4) financing to pay his salary and bring along his helpers.
Publicus said:I have to think that Wiggins and VdV see it as a positive. Takes the pressure off of them in some ways in that they are not expected to win the TdF, but also gives them more weapons in the bigger stage races. Plus, who would you consider a real GC threat next year: VdV, Wiggins or Contador? Also, I think Wiggins and VdV would have a really good shot at winning the Giro or Vuelta. Much more so than winning the TdF.
And frankly, Garmin NEEDS to sign Contador. They are in danger of becoming the odd man/team out amongst the American squads.
Publicus said:I think he just wants a team backing him up. The language they speak is secondary.
Publicus said:I think he just wants a team backing him up. The language they speak is secondary.
Publicus said:I think he just wants a team backing him up. The language they speak is secondary.
Bala Verde said:Interesting news. I wonder if they could sign him, and it would bide well for a next TdF bid especially if it includes another TTT. I wonder what Wiggins and VdV would think of this, as well as Tyler...
Bala Verde said:I would hope they'd welcome Contador in the team, who, in any case, would be a fine addition to almost any team (bar Radioshack .
In my post I was actually alluding to recent statements made by VdV and Wiggins.
The former, who seems to be an excellent team player, but who also dropped out of the Giro with a broken collar bone and tried to use the Giro as a prep for a good TdF. That alone should demonstrate his 'eagerness', to say the least, to ride a good TdF (or perhaps next year Giro). On top of that, as asked by the press in ref to sole leadership issues (AST, Contador/Armstrong), I believe he somehow hinted at the possibility of shared leadership, especially when taaking his own situation at Garmin with Wiggins into account. This should nonetheless detract from him being a great team mate for Wiggins this TdF.
Wiggins on the other hand proved his ability to do well in big 3 week stage races - while leaving in the middle if he could/would want to pursue the TdF podium only - and is therefore very keen on doing well next year. His ambitions and goals have obviously changed.
In this light, I was wondering how Wiggins and VdV would welcome Contador on the team.
No doubt they could potentially work something out so that Wiggins, VdV and Contador could share leadership in different races like the Vuelta, Giro and TdF...
rhubroma said:Don't discount culture, for a guy who grew up in a working class, traditional Spanish family about 20k outside Madrid.
I don't see him thus on an American team. He's had enough of the States with Armstrong I'd bet. Also because his native Spain has got every vested interest in having him on a national squad.
powerste said:I'm not totally convinced he'd pass the Garmin/JV sniff test. And even if Garmin were to clear him now, going forward he's still got some downside risk in the clinical department. Not saying he's a known doper or anything, but the appearance of possible skeletons (e.g., alleged Puerto links) seems to me to be at odds with everything we've seen/heard from Garmin so far. Recall how Johan was bitten in his backside by the Basso signing after it occurred. I think JV's a lot more risk-averse that JB where doping's concerned.
Bala Verde said:Interesting news. I wonder if they could sign him, and it would bide well for a next TdF bid especially if it includes another TTT. I wonder what Wiggins and VdV would think of this, as well as Tyler...
mrbadog said:Supporting Tyler Farrar in the sprints would seem to be at odds with Contador's stated goal of 100% support for him. Can't recall a team offhand that has won GC and field sprints in a modern Tour; I think it would be difficult to do.
cody_57 said:Just a thought, but I would not have Farrar in the TdF where Cavendish will outsprint him. Put him (Farrar) in one of the other GTs and let him win a few stages (if possible - there's Petacchi, Hushovd and - hopefully - Boonen to contend with) and in a few years, who knows. Also, most teams should be able to support a GC contender and a sprinter. (Not that Cervelo could do either this year!) - do agree though, the likelihood of one team winning yellow and green is pretty slim. (Last happened in '97, I think?)