Teams & Riders He's coming home!!!! Alejandro Valverde comeback thread.

[joe_papp]

Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

This is purely anecdotal, but real-life connection is always nice...

I forgot that Blazing Saddles and I interviewed Nico Roche a few years ago (http://www.eurosport.com/cycling/nicolas-roche-qa_sto4706351/story.shtml) and asked him whether he'd rather be 3rd at the Tour or win L-B-L:

BS/JP: To finish up, Nico, let's do a quick-fire round. Would you prefer... third in the Tour GC or winning Liege-Bastogne-Liege?

NR: "That's a hard question, but I think third in the Tour."

I'll have to work on getting an interview w/ Valverde and will ask him something about 3rd at TdF vs. a proper win in some other race...

 

[Dazed and Confused]

Movistar gave up winning the race many stages ago.
Absurd development, but they are not alone with the "idea".

 

[SergeDeM]

Re:

Movistar gave up winning the race many stages ago.
Absurd development, but they are not alone with the "idea".

Quintana hasn't given up. There are still 4 alpine stages to go, that's 4 opportunities to crack Froome. I'm not saying Froome will crack, but it would be foolish to believe that Quintana has given up so soon. That's just not who he is.

 

[Miburo]

Halfassed attack on the last climb will never work against Froome. Piti needs to go crazy if they want to have chance winning this tour

 

[SeriousSam]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/valverde-tops-the-tour-de-france-fan-mail-charts

“The most popular is Valverde with 123 letters, second is Rui Costa, even if he’s abandoned, and third is [Alberto] Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo), fourth is Chris Froome (Team Sky) and fifth is [Jean-Christophe] Péraud (Ag2R La Mondiale),” Sylvain Fourre of Docapost told Cyclingnews.

 

[chiocciolis_calves]

Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

 

[bala v]

Re:

Halfassed attack on the last climb will never work against Froome. Piti needs to go crazy if they want to have chance winning this tour

That was testing of Froome's domestiques, also by Contador. Expecting big attacks on Allos climb and descent

 

[SeriousSam]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

Lance Armstrong, Tour 2009.

 

[KyoGrey]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

Fernando Escartín or Bahamontes would trade one of their Tour podiums for the Vuelta win they never got.

 

[Moviefan1203]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

I think you are really underestimating the achievement of a Tour de France podium. I would definitely rank it above winning the Vuelta a Espana.

 

[Mr.White]

No podium of any race is better than Vuelta win

 

[mr. tibbs]

Re: Re:

Movistar gave up winning the race many stages ago.
Absurd development, but they are not alone with the "idea".

Quintana hasn't given up. There are still 4 alpine stages to go, that's 4 opportunities to crack Froome. I'm not saying Froome will crack, but it would be foolish to believe that Quintana has given up so soon. That's just not who he is.

I'm worried their strategy will be to cover the inevitable Contador move with Valverde, wait for Froome/Sky to close it down, and then hope that Quintana has the gas to gap him in the finale. Which I think is a mistake, but it seems to be what they've got planned so far.

Then again, what else can Quintana do to shake Froome off of his powermeter TT style? If Froome tried to accelerate over and over again, he might break, but if he just sits down and rides the washing machine, then he'll likely crawl back to Quintana unless the Colombian goes with under 3km, in which case the gaps won't be enough.

Fingers crossed he can make a race of this, though.

 

[jaylew]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

I think you are really underestimating the achievement of a Tour de France podium. I would definitely rank it above winning the Vuelta a Espana.

No way. You're going to tell me Pinot's podium last year was a bigger deal than Contador's Vuelta victory? Hell, I had to think about it for a second before I even remembered which of the 3 Frenchies wound up on the podium last year. Even someone like TJ who comes from a country that only follows the Tour would take a Vuelta or Giro win over a TdF podium

 

[Moviefan1203]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

I think you are really underestimating the achievement of a Tour de France podium. I would definitely rank it above winning the Vuelta a Espana.

No way. You're going to tell me Pinot's podium last year was a bigger deal than Contador's Vuelta victory? Hell, I had to think about it for a second before I even remembered which of the 3 Frenchies wound up on the podium last year. Even someone like TJ who comes from a country that only follows the Tour would take a Vuelta or Giro win over a TdF podium

In my opinion, yes. A Tour de France podium is a better career achievement than winning the Vuelta a Espana. And I really don't think it's close.

 

[chiocciolis_calves]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

I think you are really underestimating the achievement of a Tour de France podium. I would definitely rank it above winning the Vuelta a Espana.

Among other things, people underestimate the stress of defending a leader's jersey in any of the Grand Tours. It simply isn't the same as contending for a podium spot or even nipping at the heels of the race leader in search of the leader's jersey.

 

[chiocciolis_calves]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

Lance Armstrong, Tour 2009.

I don't think so. If he could have the 2009 Giro crown instead of second best loser in the Tour, which is precisely how I believe he viewed it, I think he'd have readily accepted. He simply wasn't in top form for that Giro because his sponsors and team obviously expected him to be best for the Tour. In fact, as I recall, he floated the idea of focusing on the Giro at one point before the season.

Athletes don't value runner-up slots over wins in any sport, particularly Americans.

 

[chiocciolis_calves]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

I think you are really underestimating the achievement of a Tour de France podium. I would definitely rank it above winning the Vuelta a Espana.

No way. You're going to tell me Pinot's podium last year was a bigger deal than Contador's Vuelta victory? Hell, I had to think about it for a second before I even remembered which of the 3 Frenchies wound up on the podium last year. Even someone like TJ who comes from a country that only follows the Tour would take a Vuelta or Giro win over a TdF podium

In my opinion, yes. A Tour de France podium is a better career achievement than winning the Vuelta a Espana. And I really don't think it's close.

"Not even close," eh? Yes, this really is giving me painful flashbacks to Armstrong fans circa 2001-2005.

Say, how is it that Andre Greipel wasn't the race leader after winning that stage the other day? And what's with Vincenzo Nibali and that Italian flag on his jersey? And why do they have teams, anyways? And do you think George Hincapie could win the Tour someday?

 

[bala v]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

I think you are really underestimating the achievement of a Tour de France podium. I would definitely rank it above winning the Vuelta a Espana.

No way. You're going to tell me Pinot's podium last year was a bigger deal than Contador's Vuelta victory? Hell, I had to think about it for a second before I even remembered which of the 3 Frenchies wound up on the podium last year. Even someone like TJ who comes from a country that only follows the Tour would take a Vuelta or Giro win over a TdF podium

In my opinion, yes. A Tour de France podium is a better career achievement than winning the Vuelta a Espana. And I really don't think it's close.

Well you're one of the only few then... It was bigger in 50's and 60's, but after that no way!

 

[Scarponi]

So for example would Evans prefer those two second places or the Tour win and Veulta.

Two time GT winner defo

 

[SergeDeM]

Re: Re:

I think when you are a legendary allrounder with many talents, having a palmares that reflects that would be great, which is why I think I'd prefer 3rd Tour and 1st Lombardia to 1st Vuelta. Just one of those vs 1st Vuelta is still difficult. Worlds is a no brainer, trumps everything for a rider like Valverde (other than 1st Tour of course).

If he were a k GC only specialist, things are different. As many Tours as possible would make for the greatest palmares then.

There isn't a former TDF podium finisher (2nd or 3rd) in the peloton, past or present, who wouldn't trade that podium spot in the Tour for an overall win in the Vuelta.

I think you are really underestimating the achievement of a Tour de France podium. I would definitely rank it above winning the Vuelta a Espana.

No way. You're going to tell me Pinot's podium last year was a bigger deal than Contador's Vuelta victory? Hell, I had to think about it for a second before I even remembered which of the 3 Frenchies wound up on the podium last year. Even someone like TJ who comes from a country that only follows the Tour would take a Vuelta or Giro win over a TdF podium

In my opinion, yes. A Tour de France podium is a better career achievement than winning the Vuelta a Espana. And I really don't think it's close.

Ahh July fans!!!
They've just not been the same lately, right?

 

[Moviefan1203]

For the record, I'm a big fan of cycling season long. I've followed the sport very closely since I was a boy. But that doesn't change the fact that I find the Tour de France to be the pinnacle of the sport.

 

[Ruudz0r]

It is all about winning in sport, if you dont have that mentality you dont have a topsport mentality. I would rather win Paris Nice or whatever World Tour race over a podium in the TdF.

 

[DBotero]

Great day for Valverde,everything worked perfectly for him and his podium place seems to be cemented.He's got a decent gap to G.,Contador and Gesink so the dream might come true

 

[Arredondo]

Great day for Valverde,everything worked perfectly for him and his podium place seems to be cemented.He's got a decent gap to G.,Contador and Gesink so the dream might come true

I don't know who is able to kick him of that podium spot.

Congrats Bala!

 

[Netserk]

I really, really hope he will bonk hard one of the coming stages.