Thoughts on Astana so far?

[KazakhNeRider]

I would say they need at least one more engine/big body and a climber

I believe that place of Andrey Grivko for Tour's roster almost guaranteed. of course - it's only IMHO! But he's good time-trialist and he's quite good on cobbles. He seemed much stronger than Stangelj on Giro's TTT.

For last climber spot - a selection is much more complicating. And nobody is sure that Max Iglinskiy is really already in, so maybe we talk about two last climbers spots

 

[Oldman]

so the worst American stereotype is an educated liberal black man?

Not a bible bashing lethal injection loving warmonger who pretended he was some sort of cowboy rather than a spoiled east coast fratboy who failed at everything and had to be bought everything by rich daddy?

Let's try and keep the politics off the thread. For your sake as much as anything. It's a European working class sport popular among middle class hipsters in the English speaking world. You won't get much sympathy for your rightwing idiocy and bile here.

I meant the other texan. He got elected, twice. It was just a lame joke to comfort the McCartney fans who have to be scrambling after last week. Sorry, we're totally off topic. Back to stupid hats and hot Kazakhs, OK?

 

[Publicus]

I believe that place of Andrey Grivko for Tour's roster almost guaranteed. of course - it's only IMHO! But he's good time-trialist and he's quite good on cobbles. He seemed much stronger than Stangelj on Giro's TTT.

For last climber spot - a selection is much more complicating. And nobody is sure that Max Iglinskiy is really already in, so maybe we talk about two last climbers spots

I like Grivko a lot. I wonder how much the Giro will impact his ability to be 100% at the Tour (that's the only reason I didn't name him). As for Max, I just assume the fact that he hasn't raced since April means he's one of the freshest guys on the squad. DDLF's injury really cost him the opportunity to show his stuff earlier this year. Hopefully he has a good Dauphine. Which leaves Oscar in a weird position.

I never figured that Astana would have a hard time pulling together a Tour team, but here we are and I feel like someone is going to get left out who would be beneficial to the team.

 

[Polish]

I don't know about the rumors for next year. I'd hate to see him leave Specialized after they've worked so hard with him this year. He rode a smaller prototype sort of TT bike yesterday in the Prologue, the result of many conversations with the engineers. He said there are still changes to be made to get it perfect for the Tour. It would be nice if once they get it right, he could use it again in 2011.

I was under the impression that Alberto signed a humble Mega-Dollar Marketing Deal with Specialized that would have him riding and pitching their product irregardless of the team.

Team rides Pinarellos or Felts or EddyMerckx - but AC is Specialized

 

[Publicus]

I was under the impression that Alberto signed a humble Mega-Dollar Marketing Deal with Specialized that would have him riding and pitching their product irregardless of the team.

Team rides Pinarellos or Felts or EddyMerckx - but AC is Specialized

It's a one year deal.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

That's pretty obvious. Just have to look at the unemployment figures. Take it to Obama thread to continue. Or pm me.

Why would I waste my time, ravens?

 

[Polish]

It's a one year deal.

Smart move.

 

[Beech Mtn]

From the Dauphine live feed:



Tough call for the final two slots. I'd really love to see Pereiro complete his own sort of comeback with a great showing at the Tour de Suisse. Contador said he won't decide about the last part of the season until after the Tour. I hope he rides the Vuelta and includes some of the guys who miss out on this one.

I don't know about the rumors for next year. I'd hate to see him leave Specialized after they've worked so hard with him this year. He rode a smaller prototype sort of TT bike yesterday in the Prologue, the result of many conversations with the engineers. He said there are still changes to be made to get it perfect for the Tour. It would be nice if once they get it right, he could use it again in 2011.

+1. I'd really like to see Alberto at the Vuelta if he's able. Otherwise, one of the other strong Spaniards getting to be team leader for their home country. I'm really looking forward to seeing how well Astana work together at the next two GTs. This has been a good year so far for them. They have far exceeded expectations.

 

[Anonymous]

It's 2010, not 2003, chief.

Wrong thread?

 

[Anonymous]

Smart move.

That is my opinion also. He should stick to 1 year deals considering how Astana pays the bills.

 

[ttrider]

I think for the tour you should be looking at:

Contador: obviously

Vino: Mountains + Engine
Tiralongo: Mountains
Perriero: Mountains + Descent
De La Fuente: Mountains and so committed
M Iglinsky: Really Solid Rider
Navarro: One of Albertos boys and a good engine
Fofonov: Good engine (Probably Noval instead though)
Grivko: Good engine again

I think thats a solid thing only one missing that i think deserves it is Gasparotto don't know who he replaces

Please no Hernandez he tries hard and i really respect him but hes not in the best 12 let alone 9. Allan Davis surely hasnt got a chance he isnt in the team top 20! (except for wieght)

 

[Bala Verde]

Let's stay on topic and reserve politics for the Politics/Obama thread in the cafe.

I deleted a bunch of posts for now, next time will I will be passing out infractions though.

 

[Oldman]

Let's stay on topic and reserve politics for the Politics/Obama thread in the cafe.

I deleted a bunch of posts for now, next time will I will be passing out infractions though.

Sorry. One stupid reference and the cycling community makes a debate out of mistaken identity.

 

[Publicus]

So the Tour de Suisse team is severely under performing. At this point, I would leave all of them at home in July.

 

[Goldberger]

So the Tour de Suisse team is severely under performing. At this point, I would leave all of them at home in July.

I hope Pereiro Sio will make the tour team, but he seems to be struggling in the tour de suisse, seems diffucult for him to get his best form back.

 

[metaCYCLE]

i'm disappointed about Pereiro's entire season so far.

 

[rxgqgxnyfz]

i think astana is pretty cool guy. eh rips shacks to shreds and doesn't afraid of anything
________
Fisting lesbian

 

[Archibald]

thought they did very well today
will be interesting to see how they go for the next 2 weeks

 

[metaCYCLE]

agreed. Navarro and Tiralongo were monsters!

 

[rxgqgxnyfz]

When i saw Noval and Hernandez going back today i thought they should have taken Fofonov to the Tour instead of taking one more of Alberto's buddies.

Not that it was THAT crucial, so ah well.

But i really wish Benjamin and Jesus all the luck and to feel good in the next mountains to come.
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Mr Wagon

 

[rxgqgxnyfz]

There are more: http://astanafans.com/17-stage-otchet-aleksandra-gordeeva.html
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Lolite Review

 

[KazakhNeRider]

There are more: http://astanafans.com/17-stage-otchet-aleksandra-gordeeva.html

there's English variant

 

[KazakhNeRider]

18 stage - astanafans.com on TdF

some details are interesting - riders and staff are at the separate tables

 

[markene2]

I must say astanafans are doing a great job with these updates. I am on the site every day. Kudos to KazakhNeRider and the rest of astanafans people that post there.

 

[Djago89]

I dare to say that if Astana wasn't the strongest team in this Tour, no other team was. At most some teams were at the same level as Astana... Wonderful performance!!!