Giro d'Italia 2011: Stage 14 Lienz to Monte Zoncolan

[King Of The Wolds]

Tactically what Conta did makes sense, but how he went about achieving his goals was slimy.

Nonsense. Bertie's done plenty of work already in this Giro.

I thought he had a great day - increased his lead in GC, kept a little in the locker for tomorrow and the week ahead, yet still showed Nibali, who he's probably identified as his main rival, who was boss at the end there.

Intelligent GT riding.

 

[rhubroma]

lol the "classless" act talk once again.

btw aren't you being "classless" when you say some is classless/ignorent for not sharing your opinion?

what contador did was the right thing. people seem to forget this is a race.

actually . . . . contador is freaking *******. classless act how does he dare to go away from nibali before giving him 2 good bye kisses!!!!!!

Beh, kisses aside, perhaps if Nibali had sat up we would have seen a real cyclist.

 

[Parrulo]

anyway now back to the serious talk.

contador played this one nicely. he clearly wasn't having a great day so he just marked the guy that at the time was closer to him in GC(and higher up the road) and took the risk of seeing how well anton is. i honestly thing he underestimated anton's capacities and wasn't expecting him to get such a big gap, thats why he only attacked on the last k (attack that wasn't even that impressive to be honest)

nibali was amazing today. he really is one of the smartest guys in the peloton. he paced himself perfectly. shame his pace wasn't enough to bridge back to anton and/or drop contador. that would have added something special to the stage. still on the last k he even managed to close the gap from contador's attack. he wasn't able to do it for the second prolly cus it was too close to the line.

rujano was below expectations today. . . . really want to know what ryo thinks of this

scarponi blew himself again by following some1 else's pace.

machado finished 21 even tho he was one of the first to get droped (really bad position at the start of the climb :facepalm: ) his perform seem to be slowly but surely improving. i hope he is able to ride himself into the top 20 cus that would have been a good result for his first GT.

menchov's performance was also good.

 

[rhubroma]

Nonsense. Bertie's done plenty of work already in this Giro.

I thought he had a great day - increased his lead in GC, kept a little in the locker for tomorrow and the week ahead, yet still showed Nibali, who he's probably identified as his main rival, who was boss at the end there.

Intelligent GT riding.

Intelligent, but slimy.

I'm starting to think Schleck had a point at the Tour last year.

 

[BYOP88]

You miss the point. A rider such as Contador and in his position, needs to take a pull, before attacking, or ride in with the guy (Nibali) who pulled the whole way.


If Nibali and Contador had been within seconds of each other, Nibali would have sat up, or else the Spaniard would have had to share in the work.

Tactically what Conta did makes sense, but how he went about achieving his goals was slimy.

Not what one wants to see of a cyclist of his rank.

Contador did what he had to do not lose time to the guy who's the immediate threat on GC, Anton is at present more of a threat to Nibali than Contador on GC so surely it was on Nibali to "chase" Anton, and just cos a guy/his team has done work at the front doesn't mean you can't attack that guy for the rest of the stage. Pretty sure without knowing the guy but if Nibali was in Contador's postion he'd have done the same today.

 

[fixedgear]

Intelligent, but slimy.

I'm starting to think Schleck had a point at the Tour last year.

As Hinault said, 'No gifts.'.

Contador is old-school. He races to win. Nibali attacked him so unless there was a verbal cease-fire, then Nibali should stop complaining. If anything, Contador's attack showed the ultimate respect for Nibali as it's apparent that he views Nibali as his closest rival.

Contador, in my opinion, raced perfectly with the exception of following Anton. He probably thought he could distance everyone else by going with him but soon realized he didn't have enough in the tank.

Can you imagine if Contador wasn't in the race? It would just be some climber attacking and all the GC guys sitting in a group too afraid to take any risks. Very boring. Nibali's just upset that he couldn't drop Contador.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Probably the first time in the giro where I have said "Wow, what a great peformance" as Contador's dominance is expected. Anton's peformance on the zoncolan was awesome. He was better than Contador. If Contador could win last night, he would of. I was also impressed by nibali, great ride by him.

 

[El Pistolero]

Contador already attacked in 3 stages, Nibali needs to quit the whining. Great win by Igor Anton. Showing who would of won the Vuelta last year if he didn't crash.

 

[Parrulo]

Contador already attacked in 3 stages, Nibali needs to quit the whining. Great win by Igor Anton. Showing who would of won the Vuelta last year if he didn't crash.

well being able to finish a GT is kind of important in order to win it. luck or not nibali won and vuelta while anton crashed out. so overall while anton was "prolly" the better climber(he only rode one MTF so we can't be sure even tho it looked like he was the best climber) nibali was the best overall.

 

[c&cfan]

I've just looked at the last 1.5km and imo it's obvious Contador wasn't that surpreme today.

He drops Nibali, but Nibali fights his way back to AC's wheel which seems to suprise Contador. Contador uses another accelaration and he's only able to open up a small gap on Nibali at the finish line.

Besides that I set my timer at the 1km mark and Anton had a 30 second lead on AC. AC attacked Nibali about 100mtr before the 1km mark so he was going all out allready. At the finish the difference is 33 seconds.
Seriously people... Contador wasn't the best today. He didn't dominate everyone and didn't play around with his competitors.
I know we all simply expect he's by far the best and usually it's like that. So it's not strange to think he's just fooling around with his competition, but today he suffered. Nothing else.

Well my friend, even nibali disagrees with you. it looks like contador was toying with him, as he said. contador attacked, literally stopped, and attacked again.

looks like nibali is p+ssed. i saw in eurosport contador almost standing still when nibbles appeared, i tought that it had something to do with mechanicals or the crowd. but when i read that.. well.. why toying with the guy?

but at least this confirms what i and others were saying. he had a looooooootttttttttttttttttttttttt left in him.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Well done to Nibali, if he can prove that sort of climbing 1 more time I might actually aknowledge him for something.

But.. '1 zwaluw maakt nog geen zomer'

 

[jobiwan]

Well done to Nibali, if he can prove that sort of climbing 1 more time I might actually aknowledge him for something.

But.. '1 zwaluw maakt nog geen zomer'

He came in 3rd in the Giro last year while helping Basso!!
He won the Vuelta!!

I think he's done enough in my book.
He did a good ride today, as was expected.

 

[Ryaguas]

I had to see this Stage delayed but WTF is going on in Italy...? Is a shame that They had to change the parcours just cuz some ppl was mad cuz Crostis was cancelled... I know that Some of them were camping there and stuff but You have to respect the race... with no Tualis everything changes, tactics, TV coverages, etc... Pretty sad what happened today...

Anyway...

Massive Respects for Fuji!!! That was a HECK OF A RIDE!!
I'm pretty happy to see Euskaltel having a win in Il Giro! and Fuji being the responsable of that achievement! Respects!
Igor excels at the very very steep stuff as We saw today, He's even good as Contador in those gradients but I think that He went deep into red today! You see how He crossed the finish line, He was empty! but I think It worth it! Winning in the Zoncolan must be the best memory for a climber!!
Alberto wanted to win here too but I think that He knew that to stay with Fuji He would need to go in red cuz Igor was going FTW and no thinking in the GC...
I also think that Riis told him to dont go deep today cuz the next stage is even worse and He will need every bit of energy there with a MTF that suits him too...
OFC Alberto wasnt SUPER SUPER SUPER today cuz If He was like that He would have followed Igor and tried to drop him later in the climb, but I think that would have been stupid cuz tomorrow's stage is really hard... going into red in the Zoncolan could make you lose Il Giro next day...

Bad Day for Rujano He was struggling big time there! He's starting to feel the fatigue from his previous efforts! He couldnt limit his loses but I can see him breaking the top 10 tomorrow! mmmm I must say that I can hear the relief from some ppl... *you know why*

Great ride for The Pope! He is peaking for the 3rd week! VERY silent has always but great ride! He almost caught Michele! OFC Michele had an "Andrew" there... Zoncolan makes you do crazy things!

Great ride from Lo Squalo! He did a "Bola del Mundo" today but Igor is no Mosquera You can see Basso's hand in Nibs riding style! He has learned a lot from Ivan! Specially the part that He knows that He's a diesel and He doesnt have to respond the accelerations from Alberto or Fuji...

BTW... Do you think that Alberto waited for Nibs and attacking again after his 1st attack? I dont think so... But seems like that was happen... I dont know... Nibs is not the kind of guys who lies... dont know...

Very good news from this stage!
Fuji peaking
Menchov near to peak
Gadret and Dupont confirming that They are not a fluke!

 

[c&cfan]

I had to see this Stage delayed but WTF is going on in Italy...? Is a shame that They had to change the parcours just cuz some ppl was mad cuz Crostis was cancelled... I know that Some of them were camping there and stuff but You have to respect the race... with no Tualis everything changes, tactics, TV coverages, etc... Pretty sad what happened today...

Anyway...

Massive Respects for Fuji!!! That was a HECK OF A RIDE!!
I'm pretty happy to see Euskaltel having a win in Il Giro! and Fuji being the responsable of that achievement! Respects!
Igor excels at the very very steep stuff as We saw today, He's even good as Contador in those gradients but I think that He went deep into red today! You see how He crossed the finish line, He was empty! but I think It worth it! Winning in the Zoncolan must be the best memory for a climber!!
Alberto wanted to win here too but I think that He knew that to stay with Fuji He would need to go in red cuz Igor was going FTW and no thinking in the GC...
I also think that Riis told him to dont go deep today cuz the next stage is even worse and He will need every bit of energy there with a MTF that suits him too...
OFC Alberto wasnt SUPER SUPER SUPER today cuz If He was like that He would have followed Igor and tried to drop him later in the climb, but I think that would have been stupid cuz tomorrow's stage is really hard... going into red in the Zoncolan could make you lose Il Giro next day...

Bad Day for Rujano He was struggling big time there! He's starting to feel the fatigue from his previous efforts! He couldnt limit his loses but I can see him breaking the top 10 tomorrow! mmmm I must say that I can hear the relief from some ppl... *you know why*

Great ride for The Pope! He is peaking for the 3rd week! VERY silent has always but great ride! He almost caught Michele! OFC Michele had an "Andrew" there... Zoncolan makes you do crazy things!

Great ride from Lo Squalo! He did a "Bola del Mundo" today but Igor is no Mosquera You can see Basso's hand in Nibs riding style! He has learned a lot from Ivan! Specially the part that He knows that He's a diesel and He doesnt have to respond the accelerations from Alberto or Fuji...

BTW... Do you think that Alberto waited for Nibs and attacking again after his 1st attack? I dont think so... But seems like that was happen... I dont know... Nibs is not the kind of guys who lies... dont know...

Very good news from this stage!
Fuji peaking
Menchov near to peak
Gadret and Dupont confirming that They are not a fluke!

looking at how contador ended the stage (fresh and really cool), seeing that weird moment when he was almost still, and then attacked... then what nibali said.. well,

it was clear that he has much more strength that what he showed. he reminded me of hautacam 96.

but he humiliated nibali.. no need to do that. maybe he just get angry because of the "boos". what do you think?

 

[Ryaguas]

but he humiliated nibali.. no need to do that. maybe he just get angry because of the "boos". what do you think?

The "boos" didnt come after the second attack close to the finish line?
I noticed that Alberto was booed cuz I read it in the post cuz I didnt hear it in RAI's live coverage, also the commentators didnt say anything about it...

mmmmm There is a lot to analyse from this stage...

Euskaltel did SBS' work on Grossglockner... But Igor wasn't able to finish it...
On Zoncolan Igor attacked Alberto followed him, I think that his plan was to stay with him, gift the victory and take time in Michele and Nibs... but Michele could brigde and after Igor attacked for 2nd time was Michele's work to cover the attack cuz Igor was attacking Michele's position in GC... Ok... kinda perfect scenario for Alberto cuz Michele was in the need to push himself to defend his GC position, after Igor's attack Nibs started the brigde to Michele and Alberto, Nibs was feeling really good cuz after bridging He attacked inmediatly, He was in the need to defend his position from Igor and attack Alberto... Again... great scenario for Alberto cuz Nibs needed to defend his GC position and He had to push the pace... In da end Igor took the stage and Alberto didnt go to red and even took several secs on Nibs and a 1min on Michele... a nice but not perfect stage for Alberto tho... also Igor had to go in red to take the stage and Nibs tired himself defending his GC position...

Now Nibs is annoyed and He could lose the concentration... Igor is attacking Nibs' 2nd place, Michele needs to attack Igor to recover his podium, While Alberto has a nice 3min lead... mmmmm That's quite scenario for Alberto right??? Riis' masterplan in action??

BTW I like conspiracy theories

 

[c&cfan]

The "boos" didnt come after the second attack close to the finish line?
I noticed that Alberto was booed cuz I read it in the post cuz I didnt hear it in RAI's live coverage, also the commentators didnt say anything about it...

mmmmm There is a lot to analyse from this stage...

Euskaltel did SBS' work on Grossglockner... But Igor wasn't able to finish it...
On Zoncolan Igor attacked Alberto followed him, I think that his plan was to stay with him, gift the victory and take time in Michele and Nibs... but Michele could brigde and after Igor attacked for 2nd time was Michele's work to cover the attack cuz Igor was attacking Michele's position in GC... Ok... kinda perfect scenario for Alberto cuz Michele was in the need to push himself to defend his GC position, after Igor's attack Nibs started the brigde to Michele and Alberto, Nibs was feeling really good cuz after bridging He attacked inmediatly, He was in the need to defend his position from Igor and attack Alberto... Again... great scenario for Alberto cuz Nibs needed to defend his GC position and He had to push the pace... In da end Igor took the stage and Alberto didnt go to red and even took several secs on Nibs and a 1min on Michele... a nice but not perfect stage for Alberto tho...

Now Nibs is annoyed and He could lose the concentration... Igor is attacking Nibs' 2nd place, Michele needs to attack Igor to recover his podium While Alberto has a nice 3min lead... mmmmm That's quite scenario for Alberto right??? Riis' masterplan in action??

BTW I like conspiracy theories

but I believe that you are right... alberto is going to sit in the saddle and watch the show, just to be fresh by the time he goes for the tour.

in my opinion, you are right. that's what all of us saw.. still the same that saw an weak alberto losing the sprint and didn't saw the last 2stages and finish today, dont agree with us.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

but I believe that you are right... alberto is going to sit in the saddle and watch the show, just to be fresh by the time he goes for the tour.

in my opinion, you are right. that's what all of us saw.. still the same that saw an weak alberto losing the sprint and didn't saw the last 2stages and finish today, dont agree with us.

I was surprised to see Nibali catch Alberto but when I saw Contador attack again, I thought, well, something else is going on.

My first thought was that it's a mental game. I think Contador played it safe today. I don't think he wanted to risk going so far into the red that he may lose the race. So, he followed wheels. I think he felt strong enough at the end of the race that he wanted to break Nibali mentally. I think this points to an impressive tactical acumen.

Of course, I'm just a cycling fan, so I may be totally wrong, but this is what I interpreted from today's stage.

As far as Euskaltel, today was Saxo paying EE back for yesterday's work.

And, yep, I like Igor Anton a lot. I really like that whole team.

 

[nvpacchi]

Love this quote from Anton today:

"The first time Anton took part in the Giro d’Italia in 2005, he used a rest day to go and pay tribute to his idol Marco Pantani at his grave in Cesenatico. “I’ve always wanted to climb like him, that’s why I’m delighted to win in his country today,” added Anton"

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/anton-delighted-after-mythical-stage-win-at-giro-ditalia

 

[rhubroma]

I had to see this Stage delayed but WTF is going on in Italy...? Is a shame that They had to change the parcours just cuz some ppl was mad cuz Crostis was cancelled... I know that Some of them were camping there and stuff but You have to respect the race... with no Tualis everything changes, tactics, TV coverages, etc... Pretty sad what happened today...

Anyway...

The protesters were a group in solidarity with those who worked their a$$es off to make sure the Crotis descent was secure, only to have their efforts wasted by some totally incompitent morons from the UCI.

They were, quite naturally, offended and pi$$ed.

The protesters cleverly positioned themseves at the base of the alternative climb that was to replace the Crotis, to ensure that, at least, the UCI would be ridiculed for their insupportable meddling.

 

[rhubroma]

As Hinault said, 'No gifts.'.

Contador is old-school. He races to win. Nibali attacked him so unless there was a verbal cease-fire, then Nibali should stop complaining. If anything, Contador's attack showed the ultimate respect for Nibali as it's apparent that he views Nibali as his closest rival.

Contador, in my opinion, raced perfectly with the exception of following Anton. He probably thought he could distance everyone else by going with him but soon realized he didn't have enough in the tank.

Can you imagine if Contador wasn't in the race? It would just be some climber attacking and all the GC guys sitting in a group too afraid to take any risks. Very boring. Nibali's just upset that he couldn't drop Contador.

Nibali simply continued his progression to try and bring back Anton, which put Scarponi in difficulty, though it was hardly a big attack to Alberto.

The "cease fire" happened, or should have, and this is where I did not like Contador's style of riding, at the moment Nibali turned to ask him to take a pull and the former refused with an emphatic head-shaking no. Especially when there was another rider up the road to catch for the stage victory.

Hinault would have attacked his rival from from further out, or, at least, taken a couple of pulls before doing so, precisely because this is what class does. No, real old school is smoething else. While your statement is contradicted by Contador giving the stage to Rujano the previous day. Hardly the behavior of one, who, as you say, offers "no gifts."

Frankly I don't get what some people are trying to propose here. There used to be something known as respect for a colleague, even in the throws of most heated competition (perhaps this is too out of synch with the times, but let me explain it). It said that when your GC opponent is doing all the work for you at the end of a mountain top finish, if you never contributed in the slightest, while not having a teammate ahead to justify your wheel-sucking and thus having legitimate reason (as opposed to having another non-teamate, GC rider ahead, as was the case), then it is simply vile and classless to attack him in the end. Especially in light of wearing the pink jersey.

Contador, in light of this once noble cycling formality (and rather elegant form of a sporting perspective that demonstrates mutual respect by sharing in the misery), behaved in a vile way. In addition, I remember when the same Hinault (and others) said that the bearer of the leader's jersey needs to behave like a real nobleman. For example in riding with assertion and authority and not passivity and cowardliness (in this Nibali was the real prince on the road), as Contador did for purely instrumental purposes and not because of trying to hang on to a stronger day's rider. His was not a dignified comportment for one in the pink jersey. And no time gain over his rival justifies his behavior.

Nibali's mistake (ingenuousness?) was that he allowed Alberto to play him so, though hardly could have believed his eyes when the pink jersey attacked him like that in the end. Was it too much to take a couple of pulls first? No. In fact it would have only demonstrated a wanting class.

But then I remember that for today's generation it's just all business and only about winning, not how one wins, that counts; for which being unscrupulous isn't seen as vile but virtuous. It's the same at Wall Street. This also reminds me, however, why there's also no damn nobility left in the culture.

 

[dlwssonic]

GO ANTON! I knew this guy was a real talent when I saw him at last years vuelta. what a ride by him today and we know he is not at top form. He is aiming for this years vuelta. well I love to see contador get beaten. Come on if contador really had a lot left in him and didnt want to attack. Common sense would tell him to just stick on antons wheel and give him the stage win. Admit it contador fan, Contador wasnt as comfortable as before. thats because a monster climb like the zoncolan exposes you. He is human afterall, after all his effort on stage 13.

 

[rhubroma]

I'm pretty sure he is like that. Unfortunately for him he doesn't have a lot of charisma and certainly isn't a guy that every likes instantly. He's a nice guy and probably was rather shy. His "i want everybody to like me" personality actually makes him do awkward stuff every now and then.

I think Contador doesn't want to offend anyone at any time. Unfortunately for him he does every now and then, but that's usually because he seems to be a bit clumsy in his social skills. (Like the wink last TdF)

So that's my 2 cents. I'm an amateur shrink

Now this is just nonesence. Doesn't have a lot of charisma? According to which criteria and culture. Because in Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, in short the cycling powehouse nations, this so called "lack" has never been an issue. In Italy, for example, apart from the boos he recieved by some disgruntled fans over the Crotis affair on yesterday's stage, the Spaniard Contador's persona is seen as rather fascinating. And he has been practically "adopted" by the tifosi as one of their own.

In the New World perhaps European simplicity isn't viewed as very enthraling, however Contador here is looked upon with great interest in his demeanor and remarks. As a contrary example, for many Armstrong, who was always seen as Mr. Charisma in the New World, was (and especially in the beginning) looked at with great diffidence by many in Europe and I remember hearing ironically how the people would say "beh he's supper strong, but rather uncharismatic and unlikeable."

 

[Galic Ho]

I didn't imply that Nibali was "denied" anything, just that how Alberto went about it was classless, which it absolutely was.


PS: I think Contador is a particularly fine rider, which is why I found his comportment today so demeaning of his status. But I'm sure this escapes you.

Fair enough then. But I don't think making him take a pull will work. Contadors team did over 50% of the work on the stage. Some would argue they had to, Maglia Rosa being on their shoulders, however I feel that if you want to take the leaders jersey, you have to earn it. IMO, I think that should be displayed by some hard work. Liquigas did it last year and Basso rightly and fashionably went into pink. Euskatel and Saxo did the bulk work. If Nibali's team had instead done a huge share and Contador acted as he did, then I'd agree whole heartedly that he acted without class.

My biggest qualm is with teams not willing to shoulder the work but screaming that it's unfair they didn't win a stage, take a jersey, or that a rival attacked the,. Just like HTC and their train. I don't like it, but fair play and respect wise, they earn it but doing the work, hence a lot of sprint wins come their way. Sure Nibali did a lot of work, but as most have pointed out, tactically it made sense to let a guy not in the top 3 challenge your rivals for their positions and sit back. AC has done enough to animate the race as leader. I will not begrudge him or any leader simply marking and then distancing a rival near the end. This isn't the 70s or 80s. Hinault had the fortune once of beating 3rd place in the Tour by 20 minutes. Contador or any leader these days cannot be so cavalier. If they can grab a few seconds and a bonus at the end, after their team pulled all day, not only is it smart, but I'm hard pressed to call it slimy. It is simply wise. Saxo would have had to do squat all day for it to be slimy.

What I think is happening is Nibali is under a great deal of stress. He's in a tough position. Italian soil and Tifosi expectations. He's copped a lot of unfair flack simply because AC is a class or two above him on the road. Honestly, I think the crowd's vocal response probably worked him up a little. Short story, he's ****ed he cannot do anymore physically. Lashing out is normal and he said as much at stage end. I don't hold it against but I also don't give it much credence and weight. Just some slightly sour grapes from a guy in a bit of a pickle.

 

[rhubroma]

Fair enough then. But I don't think making him take a pull will work. Contadors team did over 50% of the work on the stage. Some would argue they had to, Maglia Rosa being on their shoulders, however I feel that if you want to take the leaders jersey, you have to earn it. IMO, I think that should be displayed by some hard work. Liquigas did it last year and Basso rightly and fashionably went into pink. Euskatel and Saxo did the bulk work. If Nibali's team had instead done a huge share and Contador acted as he did, then I'd agree whole heartedly that he acted without class.

My biggest qualm is with teams not willing to shoulder the work but screaming that it's unfair they didn't win a stage, take a jersey, or that a rival attacked the,. Just like HTC and their train. I don't like it, but fair play and respect wise, they earn it but doing the work, hence a lot of sprint wins come their way. Sure Nibali did a lot of work, but as most have pointed out, tactically it made sense to let a guy not in the top 3 challenge your rivals for their positions and sit back. AC has done enough to animate the race as leader. I will not begrudge him or any leader simply marking and then distancing a rival near the end. This isn't the 70s or 80s. Hinault had the fortune once of beating 3rd place in the Tour by 20 minutes. Contador or any leader these days cannot be so cavalier. If they can grab a few seconds and a bonus at the end, after their team pulled all day, not only is it smart, but I'm hard pressed to call it slimy. It is simply wise. Saxo would have had to do squat all day for it to be slimy.

What I think is happening is Nibali is under a great deal of stress. He's in a tough position. Italian soil and Tifosi expectations. He's copped a lot of unfair flack simply because AC is a class or two above him on the road. Honestly, I think the crowd's vocal response probably worked him up a little. Short story, he's ****ed he cannot do anymore physically. Lashing out is normal and he said as much at stage end. I don't hold it against but I also don't give it much credence and weight. Just some slightly sour grapes from a guy in a bit of a pickle.

Ok, I agree with you. Though I agree also with what Nibali said: namely, "that I'd have raced differently."

 

[Fus087]

Nibali simply continued his progression to try and bring back Anton, which put Scarponi in difficulty, though it was hardly a big attack to Alberto.

The "cease fire" happened, or should have, and this is where I did not like Contador's style of riding, at the moment Nibali turned to ask him to take a pull and the former refused with an emphatic head-shaking no. Especially when there was another rider up the road to catch for the stage victory.

Hinault would have attacked his rival from from further out, or, at least, taken a couple of pulls before doing so, precisely because this is what class does. No, real old school is smoething else. While your statement is contradicted by Contador giving the stage to Rujano the previous day. Hardly the behavior of one, who, as you say, offers "no gifts."

Frankly I don't get what some people are trying to propose here. There used to be something known as respect for a colleague, even in the throws of most heated competition (perhaps this is too out of synch with the times, but let me explain it). It said that when your GC opponent is doing all the work for you at the end of a mountain top finish, if you never contributed in the slightest, while not having a teammate ahead to justify your wheel-sucking and thus having legitimate reason (as opposed to having another non-teamate, GC rider ahead, as was the case), then it is simply vile and classless to attack him in the end. Especially in light of wearing the pink jersey.

Contador, in light of this once noble cycling formality (and rather elegant form of a sporting perspective that demonstrates mutual respect by sharing in the misery), behaved in a vile way. In addition, I remember when the same Hinault (and others) said that the bearer of the leader's jersey needs to behave like a real nobleman. For example in riding with assertion and authority and not passivity and cowardliness (in this Nibali was the real prince on the road), as Contador did for purely instrumental purposes and not because of trying to hang on to a stronger day's rider. His was not a dignified comportment for one in the pink jersey. And no time gain over his rival justifies his behavior.

Nibali's mistake (ingenuousness?) was that he allowed Alberto to play him so, though hardly could have believed his eyes when the pink jersey attacked him like that in the end. Was it too much to take a couple of pulls first? No. In fact it would have only demonstrated a wanting class.

But then I remember that for today's generation it's just all business and only about winning, not how one wins, that counts; for which being unscrupulous isn't seen as vile but virtuous. It's the same at Wall Street. This also reminds me, however, why there's also no damn nobility left in the culture.

Well said.

@Galic Ho: I see your point.
But are the 10 seconds (6 + bonus seconds) Contador gained on Nibali yesterday those that will decide the Giro? I doubt it.
What would Contador have lost if he'd just stayed in Nibali's wheel, shook hands at the finish and let Nibali come second? Not much.
What would he have gained? A lot of respect.
What he did instead cost him a lot of respect.

You say that Saxo Bank did more work on the stage than Liquigas. Fair point, but we all knew from the start that the Zoncolan would be one vs. one. Therefore, what happened until Ovaro doesn't matter in my opinion.

Those riders that show fair play will be remembered for just that in a long time - see Jens Voigt's behaviour at the 19th stage of the 2006 Giro for instance. There are many other examples, this is just the first one i can think of.
One could argue that it's all about business. Thing is, it's not.