Le Tour de France 2011 - the big one is coming

[For The World]

It's a lot easier to chase the carrot than to be the carrot two years in a row. Contador has always been the carrot and rides EVERY race to win and with a champion's panache. There is no such thing as a "race to train" with Contador and that's why I will always be a huge fan of that guy. Also, I really wish Andy would stop complaining about dropping his chain last year. I don't recall Contador complaining much about being caught behind when the peloton split due to a crash on stage 3 and he lost 1:13. Andy had plenty of other stages to drop Contador and make up that one second and couldn't, never mind his initial 1:13 advantage. I am not hating on Andy, he's a great rider and I'm a fan but I hope my point about the difference in being the carrot and chasing the carrot is taken here. Andy is in a much easier position without the pressure of clear favorite. Not his fault but it's still a fact. When I see Andy actually drop Contador I will feel different but until then Andy gets a free ride to Tour glory if Alberto wins again but his results are ultimately disqualified since he himself has always done the chasing without the pressure of being the chasee. I'd like to see what Andy can do as the carrot some day. Maybe next July, since he only races one race a year all out with the exception of a one day classic or two when he supports his brother. Very Armstrong-like. Ho-hum.
Ok, all you Andy lovers, let's hear it. Be reasonable now .

What are you looking for in terms of replies though? There's no obvious question, just two or three paragraphs concatenated into one and comparisons between Contador, Schleck and Armstrong.

How about this:

Did you know that in this years Tour of Switzerland, Andy had mechanical troubles in the opening time trial? This cost him more than a minute in the overall standings, and threw off his rhythm for the rest of the time trial.

Compare and contrast this with the incident at last years Tour de France, citing examples from previous editions of any grand tour (or week long stage race) as to why this is such an important part of the overall race.

500 word minimum please.

 

[Midnightfright]

What are you looking for in terms of replies though? There's no obvious question, just two or three paragraphs concatenated into one and comparisons between Contador, Schleck and Armstrong.

How about this:

Did you know that in this years Tour of Switzerland, Andy had mechanical troubles in the opening time trial? This cost him more than a minute in the overall standings, and threw off his rhythm for the rest of the time trial.

Compare and contrast this with the incident at last years Tour de France, citing examples from previous editions of any grand tour (or week long stage race) as to why this is such an important part of the overall race.

500 word minimum please.

Sounds a little bit like a teacher giving a student an essay.