The Cycling News forum is still looking to add volunteer moderators with. If you're interested in helping keep our discussions on track, send a direct message to
In the meanwhile, please use the Report option if you see a post that doesn't fit within the forum rules.
Thanks!
BroDeal said:I heard he is resting on a beach.
gatete said:This has to be a wake up call for AC, get out of that fng team...
Biciclette Bianchi said:If I were Contador, I would certainly be looking for a new team. If Armstrong steps in as a major backer of Astana (or is instrumental in lining up money from other people so that Astana doesn't fold), is there any doubt who will be the team leader for the Tour? Contador needs to flee as quickly as can if he wants to ride the Tour as a team leader.
Dave
joe_papp said:Even if Armstrong stepped into an ownership role w/ a post-Kazakhstan Astana, do you think he would have much claim to be TdF leader after the way he rode backwards in today's stage of the Giro (assuming his form doesn't improve dramatically by Tour-time)?
jp
BroDeal said:Armstrong looks fairly bulky.
joe_papp said:Even if Armstrong stepped into an ownership role w/ a post-Kazakhstan Astana, do you think he would have much claim to be TdF leader after the way he rode backwards in today's stage of the Giro (assuming his form doesn't improve dramatically by Tour-time)?
jp
quadsRme said:AC is in the catbird seat right now. Lance doesn't look like he will be ready to complete realistically for the TDF podium. He would be a fool to leave mid-season. Lance is done with cycking and being a podium contender. AC is going to be just fine...
quadsRme said:AC is in the catbird seat right now. Lance doesn't look like he will be ready to complete realistically for the TDF podium. He would be a fool to leave mid-season. Lance is done with cycking and being a podium contender. AC is going to be just fine...
quadsRme said:AC is in the catbird seat right now. Lance doesn't look like he will be ready to complete realistically for the TDF podium. He would be a fool to leave mid-season. Lance is done with cycking and being a podium contender. AC is going to be just fine...
Today erased all doubt in AC's mind about who will get the most support at the Tour.quadsRme said:AC is in the catbird seat right now. Lance doesn't look like he will be ready to complete realistically for the TDF podium. He would be a fool to leave mid-season. Lance is done with cycking and being a podium contender. AC is going to be just fine...
BroDeal said:Armstrong looks fairly bulky.
Alpe d'Huez said:You really think Lance believes that? How about JB? As I see it, Lance does think the Tour is a long way off and he just needs to get the racing miles in. When it comes to the Tour, JB will have Astana ride mostly for Lance, with Alberto on his own. If they are at all close after Stage 4's TTT, I full expect Johan to have Astana ride like the old "USPS train" on Stage 7 to Arcalis, which may spell disaster if Lance can't keep up, and if Contador isn't allowed to ride his own race.
Lance doesn't believe that or JB. i partially agree with you on the "USPS train", BUT Lance doesn't have the same energy he had in the old days. like you say 'if Lance can't keep up'. That is a very large IF.
Stages 8 and 9 are in the mountains, but end after long descents and ride-outs. So again, if Lance is close to AC or up on GC, the team will still ride for him. Stage 15 is an uphill finish, but not a large one. This leaves the two tough days on 16 and 17 - and they will be very hard, for Contador to make sure he has team support if Lance is done. The Ventoux of course will sort everything out on Stage 20.
I just can't see lance keeping up with AC in the steeper and longer mountains this year. He doesn't have the stamina and age seems to be playing a part here. Not that 37 is old but when you've been away from the sport for 3-4 years, it's got to be tough on him or anyone attempting the comeback.
I agree with you that Lance is highly unlikey to win the Tour. No amount of JB/Astana magic dust is going to turn him into a 29 year old super climber, no matter how many miles he rides, and how much weight he loses. But I don't know that Lance, or JB believe that enough to not have him be the team leader come July.
linenoiz said:JB gave Lance a chance today, but he didn't put the A team with Lance. Horner and Pope were with Levi until popo cracked. .