Official Lance Armstrong thread

[dadoorsron]

Your wrong. Contador said "screw you Astana, screw you JB, I'm going solo." Hope he has the power to go to Paris solo.

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/...hot-across-the-bow-yellow-jersey-attack-falls

Alberto Contador just couldn’t help himself on the beyond-category steeps of the Arcalis summit high in the Pyrénées in Friday’s seventh stage.

The 26-year-old is a natural born climber and, when he sees a road turn uphill, he’s going to do one thing: attack, even if that means attacking Astana teammate Lance Armstrong and defying team orders.

“There were no instructions from the car (to attack),” said Astana team boss Johan Bruyneel. “We wanted to try to maintain our collective strength and wait for the attacks to come. Those attacks didn’t come.”

Astana was firmly in control in the decisive late stages of the 224km stage, throttling at the front of the pack, with six friendly jerseys among a group of about 20 halfway up the 10.6km Arcalis climb.

No one yet dared attacks against such superiority in numbers and Armstrong was poised to slip into the maillot jaune for the first time since 2005, starting the stage just 0.22 seconds behind Fabian Cancellara.

Yet Bruyneel was putting the brakes on the Astana train, even with Cancellara flagging off the back, because it’s too early in the race to have to carry the weight of the yellow jersey all the way to the Alps.

The Belgian director was telling the troops to ease the pace and allow Rinaldo Nocentini (Ag2r) to stay clear from the all-day breakaway and snag the maillot jaune instead.

But Contador had his own plan.

With just over 2km to go, Contador, who started the stage third overall at 19 seconds back, bolted out of the pack in a daring bid for the yellow jersey.

The acceleration came after the first opening jabs by Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) and Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank), two moves that Contador used as his trigger. Jurgen Van Den Broeck, one of Evans’ helpers, inexplicably attacked off the front and that was all that Contador needed.

Contador disappeared up the narrow switchbacks, leaving Armstrong to mark the wheels of the counter-attacks that never came.

Armstrong didn’t hide his disappointment when he said Contador’s acceleration wasn’t part of the team’s script for the day.

“It wasn’t really to the plan, I didn’t expect him to go with the plan, so that was no surprise,” Armstrong said. “It was windy, so it was hard to go alone. Like I said, I wasn’t surprised.“

Contador hammered alone and didn’t find any company. Andy Schleck tried to follow Contador, but he found the strong winds too heavy for his lanky frame and quickly decided to find refuge in the pack of about a dozen favorites.

“In my opinion, (Contador) had a little advantage with the cars and motorcycles in front of him. I was 50 meters behind and I had all the wind in my face,” Schleck said. “It’s not his mistake, but something the organization should look into.”

Armstrong lived up to his word and didn’t chase from behind, staying with the other favorites as he said he would even though the maillot jaune was there for the taking.

“I said all along, I have my obligations to the team,” Armstrong said. “When you have a teammate up the road, you just gotta stay on the wheel – that’s bike racing.”

Contador said he was responding to attacks from his rivals and was not trying to gap his teammates, but he admitted that the strong headwinds short-circuited his bid for yellow.

“We were waiting to see how the race unfolded and we saw Schleck and Evans moving, so I wanted to try. The time differences were small, but it’s good for what lies ahead,” Contador said. “In balance, this is good for the team. I don’t think this changes anything within the team.”

Contador’s gamble backfired and the spindly climber was stymied by fierce headwinds and fell six seconds short of taking yellow. Armstrong slipped into third at eight seconds back.

By attacking contrary to the team’s strategy, he publicly snubbed his nose at Armstrong and all but confirmed that speculation of behind-the-scenes division within the team is true.

Had Contador succeeded in grabbing yellow, he would be protected by the prestige and honor that comes with the race jersey. Now Armstrong will have no reason to hold back if he feels he has the legs to attack.

The critical error in this result is that contador now has seperated himself from a very strong Astana team. I would guess that most of the team will favor lance over alberto.

 

[dadoorsron]

Bruyneel in English. Contador attack was in plan. Its was ok to attack.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ukyvideo?ch=5127641&cl=14435449&lang=

listen again. It was not in the plan! he said they guys should talk to each other. hearing from lance and Levi there was no such conversation.

 

[whiteboytrash]

The critical error in this result is that contador now has seperated himself from a very strong Astana team. I would guess that most of the team will favor lance over alberto.

Except Contador has 153 Spanish riders willing to ride for him. Game over Lance. Contador 153 Armstrong 7.

 

[Publicus]

Your wrong. Contador said "screw you Astana, screw you JB, I'm going solo." Hope he has the power to go to Paris solo.

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/...hot-across-the-bow-yellow-jersey-attack-falls

Alberto Contador just couldn’t help himself on the beyond-category steeps of the Arcalis summit high in the Pyrénées in Friday’s seventh stage.

The 26-year-old is a natural born climber and, when he sees a road turn uphill, he’s going to do one thing: attack, even if that means attacking Astana teammate Lance Armstrong and defying team orders.

“There were no instructions from the car (to attack),” said Astana team boss Johan Bruyneel. “We wanted to try to maintain our collective strength and wait for the attacks to come. Those attacks didn’t come.”

Astana was firmly in control in the decisive late stages of the 224km stage, throttling at the front of the pack, with six friendly jerseys among a group of about 20 halfway up the 10.6km Arcalis climb.

No one yet dared attacks against such superiority in numbers and Armstrong was poised to slip into the maillot jaune for the first time since 2005, starting the stage just 0.22 seconds behind Fabian Cancellara.

Yet Bruyneel was putting the brakes on the Astana train, even with Cancellara flagging off the back, because it’s too early in the race to have to carry the weight of the yellow jersey all the way to the Alps.

The Belgian director was telling the troops to ease the pace and allow Rinaldo Nocentini (Ag2r) to stay clear from the all-day breakaway and snag the maillot jaune instead.

But Contador had his own plan.

With just over 2km to go, Contador, who started the stage third overall at 19 seconds back, bolted out of the pack in a daring bid for the yellow jersey.

The acceleration came after the first opening jabs by Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) and Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank), two moves that Contador used as his trigger. Jurgen Van Den Broeck, one of Evans’ helpers, inexplicably attacked off the front and that was all that Contador needed.

Contador disappeared up the narrow switchbacks, leaving Armstrong to mark the wheels of the counter-attacks that never came.

Armstrong didn’t hide his disappointment when he said Contador’s acceleration wasn’t part of the team’s script for the day.

“It wasn’t really to the plan, I didn’t expect him to go with the plan, so that was no surprise,” Armstrong said. “It was windy, so it was hard to go alone. Like I said, I wasn’t surprised.“

Contador hammered alone and didn’t find any company. Andy Schleck tried to follow Contador, but he found the strong winds too heavy for his lanky frame and quickly decided to find refuge in the pack of about a dozen favorites.

“In my opinion, (Contador) had a little advantage with the cars and motorcycles in front of him. I was 50 meters behind and I had all the wind in my face,” Schleck said. “It’s not his mistake, but something the organization should look into.”

Armstrong lived up to his word and didn’t chase from behind, staying with the other favorites as he said he would even though the maillot jaune was there for the taking.

“I said all along, I have my obligations to the team,” Armstrong said. “When you have a teammate up the road, you just gotta stay on the wheel – that’s bike racing.”

Contador said he was responding to attacks from his rivals and was not trying to gap his teammates, but he admitted that the strong headwinds short-circuited his bid for yellow.

“We were waiting to see how the race unfolded and we saw Schleck and Evans moving, so I wanted to try. The time differences were small, but it’s good for what lies ahead,” Contador said. “In balance, this is good for the team. I don’t think this changes anything within the team.”

Contador’s gamble backfired and the spindly climber was stymied by fierce headwinds and fell six seconds short of taking yellow. Armstrong slipped into third at eight seconds back.

By attacking contrary to the team’s strategy, he publicly snubbed his nose at Armstrong and all but confirmed that speculation of behind-the-scenes division within the team is true.

Had Contador succeeded in grabbing yellow, he would be protected by the prestige and honor that comes with the race jersey. Now Armstrong will have no reason to hold back if he feels he has the legs to attack.

Not a single quote from Contador. Not a single quote. Just a lot innuendo and supposition. This is almost an op-ed.

Lance was a genius on Stage 3 (and Contador, conversely stupid) for taking time on his rivals. Contador is a cancer on the team after Stage 7 for taking time on his rivals. In both instances I agreed with the decision to take advantage of a race situation. Blame Baby Schleck since he couldn't follow (despite his bs excuses proffered after the stage)

 

[BroDeal]

Your wrong. Contador said "screw you Astana, screw you JB, I'm going solo." Hope he has the power to go to Paris solo.

LMAO. For the last week Armstrong bots have been telling us that the strongest man should lead the team and who is strongest should be settled on the road. Now that Contador has done that, they are complaining about the very thing they were calling for.

What I want to hear is what do you think Contador should have done. Should he have followed Lance al the way to the line, giving up an opportunity to grab a little time?

 

[whiteboytrash]

LMAO. For the last week Armstrong bots have been telling us that the strongest man should lead the team and who is strongest should be settled on the road. Now that Contador has done that, they are complaining about the very thing they were calling for.

What I want to hear is what do you think Contador should have done. Should he have followed Lance al the way to the line, giving up an opportunity to grab a little time?

Before the start of the race, Armstrong called it: “If Contador (attacks), I will not go along. I think he will ride a pace that nobody can follow.”

 

[richwagmn]

listen again. It was not in the plan! he said they guys should talk to each other. hearing from lance and Levi there was no such conversation.

He also said you have to distance your rivals. Which he did.

Good for AC for forcing Bruyneel's hand. AC is clearly in the driver's seat. Do you really think Astana will give up so AC doesn't win?

 

[Bala Verde]

Wow Bruyneel speaks Dutch ? I thought he was American ?

I hope you are being sarcastic...

Your wrong.

I merely translated the words of Johan Bruyneel, literaly. How could I be wrong? It is something he actually said in front of the camera, instead of quoting an article from a reporter

The fact that they had to communicate who attacks doesn't really apply. They are going up a mountain at a high pace, trying to drop some from the back and not letting anyone attack. It would surprise me that the non-english speaking Contador would ride up to LL and LA to elaborately discuss team tactics.

He saw a chance, a corner, head wind, a motor, and went for it. No time to discuss strategies at that point, it's race and sometimes you have to decide in a matter of seconds...

 

[whiteboytrash]

I hope you are being sarcastic...


...

Of course. I know the Hog is Canadian.


In other news perhaps an explanation for LA's poor form:

They did say he would be closely watched: Lance Armstrong, along with Levi Leipheimer, Andreas Kloden and Alberto Contador, was visited by the antidpoing inspectors this morning. His last test was, what, two days ago?

 

[jilbiker]

On the EuroSport highlight show tonight Lance said before the stage he "expected Contador to attack" because he's getting jumpy and wants to assert himself in the race..... so I don't understand the post race comments.

This JB tactic of sit and wait for the attack was good for LA in the twilight years 2004-5 when the peleton dared not attack him. Why would you use such a tactic with a young man with plenty of fire?? Crush the opposition if you can. Certainly LA did that in his early years 99-2001, attacked and ran away. Am glad AC disregarded that plan, defensive and boring. And will not work for today's pros. The attacks haven't begun. Now they know they must attack from the onset.

 

[byu123]

He also said you have to distance your rivals. Which he did.

Good for AC for forcing Bruyneel's hand. AC is clearly in the driver's seat. Do you really think Astana will give up so AC doesn't win?

No . . . I think JB, LL, AK, and Popovych will support LA so he can win though. AC decided he is more important than everyone else. Problem is he has the talent but can't gain the respect of the team (i.e. rookie mistakes despite his power/form). If there are two viable options for yellow and they can choose . . . they are likely to choose LA. Sure . . . if LA is absolutely not viable for yellow they will buck up and support AC but thats not the case. AC blew his load early for not much of anything.

"Team manager Johan Bruyneel said he had not given the team a specific plan to attack and said Contador had acted on his own initiative. "We didn't have a specific plan to attack, our plan was to maintain our collective strength first and wait for attacks from the others," said Bruyneel. "Alberto counter-attacked after an attack, our plan had been for the riders to communicate and respond. No one had specific instructions to go out and attack. I had no race radio at that time or TV, so it was something they decided themselves."
http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/article/0,6610,s1-7-123-19953-1,00.html

 

[Bala Verde]

Of course. I know the Hog is Canadian.

Good, just making sure we are on the same page

 

[byu123]

Of course. I know the Hog is Canadian.


In other news perhaps an explanation for LA's poor form:

They did say he would be closely watched: Lance Armstrong, along with Levi Leipheimer, Andreas Kloden and Alberto Contador, was visited by the antidpoing inspectors this morning. His last test was, what, two days ago?

Either post in the clinic or shut up about doping.

 

[whiteboytrash]

Either post in the clinic or shut up about doping.

Its news. WBT wins again !

 

[richwagmn]

No . . . I think JB, LL, AK, and Popovych will support LA so he can win though. AC decided he is more important than everyone else. Problem is he has the talent but can't gain the respect of the team (i.e. rookie mistakes despite his power/form). If there are two viable options for yellow and they can choose . . . they are likely to choose LA. Sure . . . if LA is absolutely not viable for yellow they will buck up and support AC but thats not the case. AC blew his load early for not much of anything.

"Team manager Johan Bruyneel said he had not given the team a specific plan to attack and said Contador had acted on his own initiative. "We didn't have a specific plan to attack, our plan was to maintain our collective strength first and wait for attacks from the others," said Bruyneel. "Alberto counter-attacked after an attack, our plan had been for the riders to communicate and respond. No one had specific instructions to go out and attack. I had no race radio at that time or TV, so it was something they decided themselves."
http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/article/0,6610,s1-7-123-19953-1,00.html

And how will they ride against AC? All AC has to do is mark LA's attacks. Exactly how does Astana prevent that? Have someone fall in front of him?

 

[whiteboytrash]

This JB tactic of sit and wait for the attack was good for LA in the twilight years 2004-5 when the peleton dared not attack him. Why would you use such a tactic with a young man with plenty of fire?? Crush the opposition if you can. Certainly LA did that in his early years 99-2001, attacked and ran away. Am glad AC disregarded that plan, defensive and boring. And will not work for today's pros. The attacks haven't begun. Now they know they must attack from the onset.

Good post. Welcome. Agree with all of the above. Why hold a rampaging bull like Contador back ?

 

[Padeiro]

In other news perhaps an explanation for LA's poor form:

I think the other GC folks would love to have such 'poor' form.

 

[LugHugger]

No . . . I think JB, LL, AK, and Popovych will support LA so he can win though. AC decided he is more important than everyone else. Problem is he has the talent but can't gain the respect of the team (i.e. rookie mistakes despite his power/form). If there are two viable options for yellow and they can choose . . . they are likely to choose LA. Sure . . . if LA is absolutely not viable for yellow they will buck up and support AC but thats not the case. AC blew his load early for not much of anything.

"Team manager Johan Bruyneel said he had not given the team a specific plan to attack and said Contador had acted on his own initiative. "We didn't have a specific plan to attack, our plan was to maintain our collective strength first and wait for attacks from the others," said Bruyneel. "Alberto counter-attacked after an attack, our plan had been for the riders to communicate and respond. No one had specific instructions to go out and attack. I had no race radio at that time or TV, so it was something they decided themselves."
http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/article/0,6610,s1-7-123-19953-1,00.html

If AC is truly the stronger rider then there is nothing that JB can do sitting on his fat **** to stop him winning the Tour. Or is he going to tell the team not to ride for AC and let the Schlecks and/or Sastre ride right past them? Do you really think that LA is quick enough to go with mano a mano over 5-6 stages? If Astana do not ride for AC then they don't win imho. And if they don't ride for him, does he ride for himself? Or worse, Sastre?

 

[richwagmn]

Good post. Welcome. Agree with all of the above. Why hold a rampaging bull like Contador back ?

That's what I said a few days back. If Contador's specialty is the mountains, why would you not have him attack when he can?

Maybe AC is too spirited for Bruyneel's dull, calculating style of racing. I love his panache. LA's wins were soooo boring.

 

[frizzlefry]

I noted the Spanish riders from other teams patting Contador on the back tonight. They love him just like I do.

LOL, I thought you love Cancellara, oh wait, your off that bandwagon and now on the AC bandwagon? AC Fanboy #1!!

 

[richwagmn]

I think the other GC folks would love to have such 'poor' form.

I don't think LA has poor form at all. I just think AC is head and shoulders above him. LA seems like he could easily beat Evans, Sastre this year.

I think AC's operating at a different level.

 

[byu123]

And how will they ride against AC? All AC has to do is mark LA's attacks. Exactly how does Astana prevent that? Have someone fall in front of him?

Fairly easy. Here is one very plausible scenario. A. Schleck attacks and AC has to follow solo across the break. Kloden, Leipheimer, and Popovych (for as long as he can) pull LA across the same break and LA ends up on Schleck and AC's wheel but with the benefit of more gas in the tank as a result of "team" coordination with LL and AK.

If A. Schleck goes off the front early on a mountain stage I don't see AC sitting back and letting him go. Guess he will have to cover that attack alone now. LA will have the benefit of closing the gap with AK and LL.

Bottom line is AC need the coordination of his super domestiques for the next two weeks.

 

[Mellow Velo]

Bruyneel in English. Contador attack was in plan. Its was ok to attack.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/ukyvideo?ch=5127641&cl=14435449&lang=

Can't be right. They didn't tell Bright Yellow Undies.

 

[richwagmn]

Fairly easy. Here is one very plausible scenario. A. Schleck attacks and AC has to follow solo across the break. Kloden, Leipheimer, and Popovych (for as long as he can) pull LA across the same break and LA ends up on Schleck and AC's wheel but with the benefit of more gas in the tank as a result of "team" coordination with LL and AK.

If A. Schleck goes off the front early on a mountain stage I don't see AC sitting back and letting him go. Guess he will have to cover that attack alone now. LA will have the benefit of closing the gap with AK and LL.

Bottom line is AC need the coordination of his super domestiques for the next two weeks.

WTF does Kloden owe LA for? Levi I can understand. He's clearly in LA's pocket. Popo? He'll be long gone before he's of any use in an AC/AS duel.

And aren't you forgetting about the other contendors? Think Sastre's just gonna sit back if AS attacks? AC has no problem following wheels.

 

[BikeCentric]

Visual evidence shows contador on the other side of the peleton 8-10 riders away from armstrong. Johan even said contador should of been paying attention. Your assumption that contador was very close to armstrong leads to the argument that contador isn't as strong as armstrong. If Armstrong can bridge a gap like he did he proves he is stronger then contador. Riders that are not paying attention get split not riders that try and get dropped. Why didn't contador see the problem before hand. Team radio (what Johan said in interviews) said wind change and watch for a split. That means only 3 astana riders were strong enough to bridge the gap. even though those 3 riders where well into the group when it split apart. That's what visual evidence shows. See your version of this doesn't match what visual evidence there is and it doesn't support the knowledge these riders had prior to the turn. The only argument is that Contador and the rest of the peleton was not paying attention. team Saxo bank at the front of the peleton dropped the hammer. Were Contador was to the front of the peleton is in contrast to your argument. If he was closer to the front of the peleton he would of noticed the speed change at the turn. If he was as close to Armstrong as you say why wouldn't he follow armstrong?

Armstrong didn't bridge any gap, he was in front of the split solidly on a wheel and the split happenned behind him. What the Hell is wrong with you and why are you posting on this forum? You are the most clueless of anyone I have ever seen on this forum. You make BYU look like a cycling genious and that is a guy who admittedly can't even ride a bike.