EVANS! Time to abandon those so called team mates!

[Amsterhammer]

*Bangs head repeatedly into the wall*

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

With Kohl, Dekker, VDB, Lloyd & a good Lang, SL would have had the second best team in the mountains this year...

 

[ak-zaaf]

With Kohl, Dekker, VDB, Lloyd & a good Lang, SL would have had the second best team in the mountains this year...

no, except for dekker they are all dutch. especially lloyd, he's more dutch than any of them. so you can't trust them. i thought that was clear by now.

 

[fatandfast]

Evans is not going to Slipstream,He makes @2+million a year.CVV only makes 600k. and they are getting enough for their money.Cadel's struggle will help Astana,when Evans jumps if he does his normal(i.e Giro style)go hard for 1k look back and if somebody good is on your wheel sit up.Astana will counter and Cadel will blow up.If Valverde,Basso,Di Luca were here he would pop that much faster.Sanchez and Sastre,Menchov are going to have to go early in the next mountain stage.Sorry no second for Evans this time.

 

[Franklin]

I figure contador was known as a climber first, just like armstrong was probably the strongest climber in most of his tour wins...just known as a TT specialist first.

Nope, Contador actually started out as a TT specialist. It's an urban myth that he is a climber who learnt to TT.

 

[Archibald]

Dekker_Tifosi, does the expression "wind up" mean anything to you?

 

[Anonymous]

Okay, a little late to the Evans party so I am not sure if theis was asked yet but...

Do you think he could win the tour if he were on another team like Astana (minus LA and AC) or Garmin or Columbia or Saxo?

 

[Cobber]

Okay, a little late to the Evans party so I am not sure if theis was asked yet but...

Do you think he could win the tour if he were on another team like Astana (minus LA and AC) or Garmin or Columbia or Saxo?

I think he would be a serious contender.... since if he were on Astana, he would currently only be 25s behind Contador. We'll have to see how well he goes in the Alps I guess!

 

[mr. tibbs]

I think he would be a serious contender.... since if he were on Astana, he would currently only be 25s behind Contador. We'll have to see how well he goes in the Alps I guess!

ARGH!!! That's a very frustrating thought, isn't it? The same holds true for so many other talented cyclists who bascially lost the Tour on stage 4.

 

[shawnrohrbach]

I reckon he should leave those losers, collaborators, clogs and just hang on to the back wheel of Astana. Be an unofficial member of their team.

Failing that, just sit on the wheel of the yellow and hope for a move that can stick.

As it stands, he may as well hit the turps with Cavendish and enjoy the scenery.

You cant trust the Dutch you know. They were very unreliable during the war. You never knew if they would turn up or whose side they were on. Nothings changed.

I was thinking the same thing about Contador; is there a pretty good team that could use a pretty good climber? He's like the really smart and talented #2 son, where the #1 son is daddy's fave and #2 is always ignored. I think he will need to win like by 45 minutes over Armstrong to get any notice.

 

[The Dr]

Evans is not going to Slipstream,He makes @2+million a year.CVV only makes 600k. and they are getting enough for their money.Cadel's struggle will help Astana,when Evans jumps if he does his normal(i.e Giro style)go hard for 1k look back and if somebody good is on your wheel sit up.Astana will counter and Cadel will blow up.If Valverde,Basso,Di Luca were here he would pop that much faster.Sanchez and Sastre,Menchov are going to have to go early in the next mountain stage.Sorry no second for Evans this time.

Wow I'm curious how you could possibly know how much these riders get paid??!....... I REALLY doubt that it's about the money at this point mate. Do you really think that Cadel or CVV or any GC rider for that matter would chose a high salary over possibly winning the tour?

 

[Parrot23]

Double post but here goes...

What Hinault says Schlecks, Evans etc. should do:

"VeloNews: Astana is controlling the Tour, what should riders do to break the stranglehold?

Bernard Hinault: Attack! It’s necessary to attack. There are not 36 solutions, just attack! I think the four riders who are placed in GC, if the others don’t try to attack them, there is no way to get time on them. But with what is left of the Tour, there are still ways to pressure them; to have some fun.

VN: But isn’t it necessary to attack intelligently?

BH: There is nothing but brute force that can win a race. The only thing the head is good for is to help endure the elements, because there are some riders who are not so strong in the head and not so good at that.

VN: What about the riders and pundits who criticized Cadel Evans when he attacked on the Envalira early in the stage to Arcalis?

BH: They should go home! It’s not them who pay his salary. He is paid to race. That’s all. There is no question. If that annoys them, then they should stay at home! I have always said that someone who wants to attack, should attack. And then afterward we’ll see. He tried. That’s his role. He’s the leader of the team. He is not there to follow the others. He has to keep trying. He has to attack from behind to surprise. He cannot attack off the front like he did.

(NB my comment: Cadel was making this mistake at Dauphine too; Backstedt at Cyclingtv thought he should correct it)

VN: We’re seeing some polemic between Armstrong and Contador, was that similar to you and LeMond in the 1980s?

BH: No, no. There was no polemic between Greg and me. In 1985, I was designated to win the Tour and in 1986, it was his turn. And it happened just like that. What we’re seeing now is that two want to win. It is quite the opposite. Armstrong says he wants to win and Contador is here to win as well. In their story, the combat is still to come! The first shot was at La Grande Motte in the big breakaway. If the two Astana riders with him would have pulled, he would have been in yellow. Contador responded with a counter-punch at Arcalis. No matter what happens, it is not the team manager who races the race. It will be riders who decide and who can smash the pedals the hardest. One of the two will be at the front.

VN: Does rivalry within Astana threaten to split the team?

BH: They should have picked a clear leader before the start, then there would be no doubts. But what makes it even more interesting is that there are not only two, but there are four! Kloden and Leipheimer are there, so what do you do? There are not a lot of teammates to look after them. It can be dangerous. Plus, we don’t know the attitude of Kloden and Leipheimer. What will they do? If they go in a breakaway, what happens behind?

VN: Do you think the other rivals can make an alliance against Astana?

BH: Not an alliance, but the circumstances of the race will see some interests come together. The Schleck brothers must take turns attacking, and Evans as well. You don’t want them riding against each other. You need to wait until one of them makes an attack, then leave it to Astana to chase, and then another team should attack against them. Let them chase! Take turns attacking them! Wear them out! But don’t start riding against each other. "

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/95199/hinault--only-way-to-beat-astana-is-attack-

 

[Cobber]

VN: Do you think the other rivals can make an alliance against Astana?

BH: Not an alliance, but the circumstances of the race will see some interests come together. The Schleck brothers must take turns attacking, and Evans as well. You don’t want them riding against each other. You need to wait until one of them makes an attack, then leave it to Astana to chase, and then another team should attack against them. Let them chase! Take turns attacking them! Wear them out! But don’t start riding against each other. "

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/95199/hinault--only-way-to-beat-astana-is-attack-

+1..... Let's hope Evans and the Schlecks can get it together!

 

[BroDeal]

Wow I'm curious how you could possibly know how much these riders get paid??!....... I REALLY doubt that it's about the money at this point mate. Do you really think that Cadel or CVV or any GC rider for that matter would chose a high salary over possibly winning the tour?

Evans does not get to choose a lower salary AND winning the Tour. He could choose a lower salary and, perhaps, a better chance of winning the Tour. Giving up 1.5 million a year for a slightly better chance of winning may not make financial sense.

 

[yourwelcome]

+1..... Let's hope Evans and the Schlecks can get it together!

Let's hope so, but given their attitude to Evans so far it doesn't look like Saxo get it, full stop. Maybe they're just unable to accept they might be wiped out this TdF and are steadfastly proceeding as if they're equal favourites with Astana to win, whereas Evans at least knows the score. It's up to Saxo to join the realpolitik but looks like they're working towards being first losers instead. I guess there is money in that, too.

It's hard to blame Evans for sticking with a good salary and 2nd place, he's got his financial future to think of vs. an unsure shot at *maybe* winning one Tour. He's emotionally a bit fragile straight after a race but doesn't come across as dumb in more relaxed interviews.

 

[fatandfast]

Cadel the calculator

I very seldom read anything that Hinault says because he always comes off bitter.This time he suggests that riders have to take time out of Astana now rather than wait for climbing days only.Maybe Bernard knows what he is talking about.Cadel needs to take a risk or two.If he waits until the hills Popo,Lephiemer,Kloden are set to cover any moves.If he waits for pure climbing there are too many guys sitting in,Kruezinger,2 Milram,Sastre,Sanchez he needs to go win or loose and hope not to pop.Note to the Dr.you can find out cyclist salaries by using the Wall Street Journal or a couple of other cycling websites.I know 2 pros on US teams that get paid 28k and 32k.

 

[The Dr]

I very seldom read anything that Hinault says because he always comes off bitter.This time he suggests that riders have to take time out of Astana now rather than wait for climbing days only.Maybe Bernard knows what he is talking about.Cadel needs to take a risk or two.If he waits until the hills Popo,Lephiemer,Kloden are set to cover any moves.If he waits for pure climbing there are too many guys sitting in,Kruezinger,2 Milram,Sastre,Sanchez he needs to go win or loose and hope not to pop.Note to the Dr.you can find out cyclist salaries by using the Wall Street Journal or a couple of other cycling websites.I know 2 pros on US teams that get paid 28k and 32k.

Fatandfast you might want to read WSJ article again. "Cycling's top salary, according to coaches, sponsors, cyclists and team executives"....this is their source? Dude, they're taking a stab in the dark, and as for the 'other cycling websites'...read above.
You're right re Hinault though. Most of the time he'd do well to keep quiet, but this time he is on the money Non Astana riders need to attack and most probably work together. Astana already have AG2R working for them and I'm sure you'll see more than a few Spanish riders helping Alberto.

 

[fatandfast]

old bread

I look over this site often @8 times a day. I love the photos and could look at them endlessly and often do.Bike people are *****s.If they rub,ride, or repair bikes or bikers you can be bought cheaply.Don't be so taken with all you think you see.The WSJ has their numbers right and I 'll will bet you a date with any member of your family that they are within a hundred quid at the time of print.Cycling has 50 or 60 guys getting paid.Everybody else is turning a wrench or doing the personal training gig with dot com tri guys with 10k bikes when they are through. This is the hardest sport in the world with by far the smallest reward at the end of your career.All these handjobs at the different federations have nothing.They have no retirement on job offers for these guys as they fade.They hold their hands and licenses for a reason nobody knows.You only need one body of government for cycling If so Basso.Vandvelde,Di luca would all be racing in the tour.There EU has combined their money supply and truck routes it's time for cycling.I know how much Beckham,Tiger Woods,Le Bron makes because their federations are not as corrupt as cycling. This tour reveals further the circus.These are the best athletes in the world get rid of the politics.

 

[The Dr]

I look over this site often @8 times a day. I love the photos and could look at them endlessly and often do.Bike people are *****s.If they rub,ride, or repair bikes or bikers you can be bought cheaply.Don't be so taken with all you think you see.The WSJ has their numbers right and I 'll will bet you a date with any member of your family that they are within a hundred quid at the time of print.Cycling has 50 or 60 guys getting paid.Everybody else is turning a wrench or doing the personal training gig with dot com tri guys with 10k bikes when they are through. This is the hardest sport in the world with by far the smallest reward at the end of your career.All these handjobs at the different federations have nothing.They have no retirement on job offers for these guys as they fade.They hold their hands and licenses for a reason nobody knows.You only need one body of government for cycling If so Basso.Vandvelde,Di luca would all be racing in the tour.There EU has combined their money supply and truck routes it's time for cycling.I know how much Beckham,Tiger Woods,Le Bron makes because their federations are not as corrupt as cycling. This tour reveals further the circus.These are the best athletes in the world get rid of the politics.

Errr?....Cycling as 50 or 60 guys getting paid? You are wrong......period. Best do some more reading I think. The EU has a minimum wage for riders with a pro contract and I'm fairly sure that there's more than 50-60 riders in Europe. Same goes for ALL team staff on these teams. FACT You're making presumptions based on half arsed journalism you've read. WSJ does NOT know how much the riders get paid, they'd like you to think otherwise but I can assure you that they do NOT know. FACT

 

[badboyberty]

...The WSJ has their numbers right and I 'll will bet you a date with any member of your family that they are within a hundred quid at the time of print.Cycling has 50 or 60 guys getting paid.Everybody else is turning a wrench or doing the personal training gig with dot com tri guys with 10k bikes when they are through. This is the hardest sport in the world with by far the smallest reward at the end of your career....

Reading magazines from the 1930's doesn't give a very accurate picture of what's going on. All the pro-tour riders and the majority of pro-continental riders are now on quite comfortable salaries. What your saying may be true for women's road racing, XC mountain biking and cyclo-cross, but professional road racing is another matter all together.

And what does this have to do with Silence-Lotto's performance at this years TDF? Who, excluding the Stage Four mess where they lost all their rhythm waiting for Van de Broeck only to have him drop off with a mechanical, are definitely stepping up to the plate this year better than expected.

 

[fatandfast]

I see you are not teaching summer school and are disqualified from Twitter.The meaning of" get paid",which I didn't make clear for you was the ability to make lots of fu#$%ng money.Minimum wage is great at McDonald's.Most guys walk away from this with some clothes and gear and a bad back.The EU is doing a great job on workplace safety.Racers are wearing the equivalent of underwear and a T-shirt going down hills at@80kph.On their heads a floatie you would use for a child swimming in a pool.I am not in a duel with you.The governance of pro cycling has lost it's way the race has taken on a new personality where a great number of uninformed fans are here to see the feel good tour with rehabed drug users that have found the light and the closest thing we have to feeling good about cancer.Racing is good,drowned in politics is crap.

 

[The Dr]

I see you are not teaching summer school and are disqualified from Twitter.The meaning of" get paid",which I didn't make clear for you was the ability to make lots of fu#$%ng money.Minimum wage is great at McDonald's.Most guys walk away from this with some clothes and gear and a bad back.The EU is doing a great job on workplace safety.Racers are wearing the equivalent of underwear and a T-shirt going down hills at@80kph.On their heads a floatie you would use for a child swimming in a pool.I am not in a duel with you.The governance of pro cycling has lost it's way the race has taken on a new personality where a great number of uninformed fans are here to see the feel good tour with rehabed drug users that have found the light and the closest thing we have to feeling good about cancer.Racing is good,drowned in politics is crap.

Nuff said really

 

[180mmCrank]

I see you are not teaching summer school and are disqualified from Twitter.The meaning of" get paid",which I didn't make clear for you was the ability to make lots of fu#$%ng money.Minimum wage is great at McDonald's.Most guys walk away from this with some clothes and gear and a bad back.The EU is doing a great job on workplace safety.Racers are wearing the equivalent of underwear and a T-shirt going down hills at@80kph.On their heads a floatie you would use for a child swimming in a pool.I am not in a duel with you.The governance of pro cycling has lost it's way the race has taken on a new personality where a great number of uninformed fans are here to see the feel good tour with rehabed drug users that have found the light and the closest thing we have to feeling good about cancer.Racing is good,drowned in politics is crap.

I am not sure if this cutting edge insight or a ravings of a looney - maybe it's both! Anyway it's always refreshing to have a view that challenges and makes you think - even if it made my head hurt.

 

[Martin318is]

Particularly the way it has absolutely NOTHING to do with the topic of this thread. .... LOL

 

[Boeing]

You had me at 'Evans time to abandon.....'