- Mar 11, 2009
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I'm watching "Ville Depart" on France 3, before France 2 go "live" in 10 minutes.
The glorious sunshine has returned!
Break has almost 8 minutes and aren't hanging around.........
The glorious sunshine has returned!
Break has almost 8 minutes and aren't hanging around.........
- Mar 31, 2010
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ak-zaaf said:
Nice find! In my case I would have to select Dave Bruylandts as my nick and you probably know what my passions are
Barrus
BANNED
- Apr 28, 2010
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Just read on Sporza:
Vino swears he is clean
Vino will ride one more year at Astana, but will probably focus on the classics as threef week grand tours are becoming to hard for him
Thinks Contador will remain at Astana and that he and Contador have a good relation
Vino swears he is clean
Vino will ride one more year at Astana, but will probably focus on the classics as threef week grand tours are becoming to hard for him
Thinks Contador will remain at Astana and that he and Contador have a good relation
- Mar 31, 2010
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I wish he would do more than one more year. although from next year on we have ricco and the colombians to look forward to.
- Mar 31, 2010
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- May 9, 2009
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- May 13, 2009
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BIKESNOBnyc is a Vino-Lover
Allow me to quote liberally from his collection of pro-Vino writing:
[NOTE: I couldn't post all of the original images, which are integral to the humor of the posts, so please follow this link at some point and see all of the originals... http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/search?q=Vino]
Though Vinokourov has won Liège-Bastogne-Liège once before in 2005, he also spent two years under suspension for blood doping. Specifically, he tested positive for a humongous blood transfusion. (This is basically a really big blood transfusion, and it should not be confused with an autolingus transfusion, which requires that you be able to "lick yourself" and is much more common in dog racing than in human sports.) Consequently, Vinokourov is aware that he's still under suspicion, but while his hands may reek of "La Doyenne" he insists that his victory--as well as his conscience--is as clean as a dog's groin after a lengthy autolingus session: [PHOTO OF VINO WRITINGS]
I'm inclined to believe him. For one thing, having served his time, it seems unlikely he'd risk getting caught again as this would certainly end his career. For another, I don't even believe that Vinokourov cheated in the first place and indeed suspect that he was the victim of a massive conspiracy. Consider the fact that he supposedly "tested positive for two different blood cell populations and thus for homologous transfusion." This would imply that he received blood cells from a donor. However, it's well-known that Vinokourov is more in love with himself than any other rider in the professional peloton. Not even Lance Armstrong or Alberto Contador has ever raced in a jersey bearing his own likeness:
Consequently, I find it very difficult to believe that the first-ever rider to break the "fourth wall of self-promotion" would deign to accept another's blood into his own veins. If anything, he would have opted for the "auto" method--not for performance-enhancing reasons, but because for the profoundly vain there is no more intoxicating drug than your own bodily fluids and secretions. (Earwax is the egoist's sweet potato.) And if Vinokourov were able to successfully engage in the act of autolingus, it's highly unlikely his directeur sportif would be able to get him off the team bus, much less across the finish line of a cycling "Monument" in first place. Then again, he did spend like an hour and a half "making out" with his own reflection after the race:
Still, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Says Vinokourov, "I worked very hard during my two years’ ban to be able to come back and be productive at a high level," and there is certainly plenty of photographic evidence to support his claim that he was indeed training hard during his suspension: [PHOTO OF CONAN AS VINO]
I'm sure I'm not the only cycling fan who is tremendously excited about Vino's new show on TBS.
---------------------------------
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Undeterred: Powered by Ego, Repelled by Disgust
Sometimes when a professional cyclist leaves the sport for awhile the time spent out of competition can re-charge both his competitive spirit and his ego. There is one Astana rider in particular who has recently made a much-publicized comeback, and whose ego has swelled up like a saddle sore in the intervening years. I am talking of course about Alexander Vinokourov, seen here wearing a jersey in the "Alexander Vinokourov" egoway:
Like any sport, professional cycling involves a bit of showmanship, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Over the years, we've come to expect a bit of attention-grabbing "flambullience," whether it's Mario Cipollini's smarmy insouciance, Vladimir Karpets's heroic mullet and facial hair configuration, or Mark Cavendish's cat-cleaning-its-ear victory salute. Furthermore, it stands to reason that sponsors also like to get into the act, providing their more popular riders with things like custom-painted bikes and idiotic glasses. However, when Vinokourov put on a jersey bearing his own photorealistic likeness, he arguably went further than any rider before him ever has by promoting himself with a picture of himself on himself, thus essentially breaking the "fourth wall" of self-promotion.
I suppose we shouldn't be surprised to see this level of audacity from Vinokourov, who has long pushed the boundaries of acceptable behavior. For example, his insistence on waxing his eyebrows has long vexed the professional peloton. In cycling, opponents will often study each-other's faces for signs of weakness, but Vinokourov's hairless brow belies his suffering. Take this photo for instance: [PHOTO OF VINO ATTACKING]
Is Vinokourov fiercely determined, or is he in a world of pain? It's almost impossible to tell. If he had eyebrows though we'd know at a glance:
Obviously, the Vinokourov on the left is fiercely determined, and the Vinokourov on the right is in a world of pain. And now that he's back, between his lack of eyebrows and his Vinokourov jersey he may well be unstoppable.
Allow me to quote liberally from his collection of pro-Vino writing:
[NOTE: I couldn't post all of the original images, which are integral to the humor of the posts, so please follow this link at some point and see all of the originals... http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/search?q=Vino]
Though Vinokourov has won Liège-Bastogne-Liège once before in 2005, he also spent two years under suspension for blood doping. Specifically, he tested positive for a humongous blood transfusion. (This is basically a really big blood transfusion, and it should not be confused with an autolingus transfusion, which requires that you be able to "lick yourself" and is much more common in dog racing than in human sports.) Consequently, Vinokourov is aware that he's still under suspicion, but while his hands may reek of "La Doyenne" he insists that his victory--as well as his conscience--is as clean as a dog's groin after a lengthy autolingus session: [PHOTO OF VINO WRITINGS]
I'm inclined to believe him. For one thing, having served his time, it seems unlikely he'd risk getting caught again as this would certainly end his career. For another, I don't even believe that Vinokourov cheated in the first place and indeed suspect that he was the victim of a massive conspiracy. Consider the fact that he supposedly "tested positive for two different blood cell populations and thus for homologous transfusion." This would imply that he received blood cells from a donor. However, it's well-known that Vinokourov is more in love with himself than any other rider in the professional peloton. Not even Lance Armstrong or Alberto Contador has ever raced in a jersey bearing his own likeness:
Consequently, I find it very difficult to believe that the first-ever rider to break the "fourth wall of self-promotion" would deign to accept another's blood into his own veins. If anything, he would have opted for the "auto" method--not for performance-enhancing reasons, but because for the profoundly vain there is no more intoxicating drug than your own bodily fluids and secretions. (Earwax is the egoist's sweet potato.) And if Vinokourov were able to successfully engage in the act of autolingus, it's highly unlikely his directeur sportif would be able to get him off the team bus, much less across the finish line of a cycling "Monument" in first place. Then again, he did spend like an hour and a half "making out" with his own reflection after the race:
Still, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Says Vinokourov, "I worked very hard during my two years’ ban to be able to come back and be productive at a high level," and there is certainly plenty of photographic evidence to support his claim that he was indeed training hard during his suspension: [PHOTO OF CONAN AS VINO]I'm sure I'm not the only cycling fan who is tremendously excited about Vino's new show on TBS.
---------------------------------
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Undeterred: Powered by Ego, Repelled by Disgust
Sometimes when a professional cyclist leaves the sport for awhile the time spent out of competition can re-charge both his competitive spirit and his ego. There is one Astana rider in particular who has recently made a much-publicized comeback, and whose ego has swelled up like a saddle sore in the intervening years. I am talking of course about Alexander Vinokourov, seen here wearing a jersey in the "Alexander Vinokourov" egoway:
Like any sport, professional cycling involves a bit of showmanship, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. Over the years, we've come to expect a bit of attention-grabbing "flambullience," whether it's Mario Cipollini's smarmy insouciance, Vladimir Karpets's heroic mullet and facial hair configuration, or Mark Cavendish's cat-cleaning-its-ear victory salute. Furthermore, it stands to reason that sponsors also like to get into the act, providing their more popular riders with things like custom-painted bikes and idiotic glasses. However, when Vinokourov put on a jersey bearing his own photorealistic likeness, he arguably went further than any rider before him ever has by promoting himself with a picture of himself on himself, thus essentially breaking the "fourth wall" of self-promotion.I suppose we shouldn't be surprised to see this level of audacity from Vinokourov, who has long pushed the boundaries of acceptable behavior. For example, his insistence on waxing his eyebrows has long vexed the professional peloton. In cycling, opponents will often study each-other's faces for signs of weakness, but Vinokourov's hairless brow belies his suffering. Take this photo for instance: [PHOTO OF VINO ATTACKING]
Is Vinokourov fiercely determined, or is he in a world of pain? It's almost impossible to tell. If he had eyebrows though we'd know at a glance:
Obviously, the Vinokourov on the left is fiercely determined, and the Vinokourov on the right is in a world of pain. And now that he's back, between his lack of eyebrows and his Vinokourov jersey he may well be unstoppable.
- May 13, 2009
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palmerq said:
Nahhh! Part of what makes Vino so great now is the fact that he's restraining that insatiable urge to attack and limiting it to moments when it won't jeopardize the position of his leader, Contador. Despite being road captain, Vino is selflessly riding in service of the Spaniard, which adds something mythical to his character, IMO.
After the amazing season that he's having, assuming Vino doesn't get popped again for doping, shouldn't he consider retiring, rather than return for 2011 and fail to duplicate the drama and success of his comeback year? I mean, a 2nd win in L-B-L, multiple days in Pink at the Giro, strong riding at (??) Trentino (??) and a stage win in the Tour...(holy f^ck that's an amazing come-back season)
One of the most obvious differences between Pharmstrong and Vino is the fact that while Lance claims to represent the hopes of millions of cancer sufferers - when in reality he just uses their tragic circumstances to provide cover for his own scheming nature - Vino actually competes not just for himself, but for the Glory of the State and the people of Kazakhstan! Pharmstrong isn't an honorary member in the US Army!
---
Also found this great "interview" with Vino from 2006, here:
Here’s a peak into the inner workings of Vinokourov, facts that you may not be aware of:
1. How many Kazakhs does it take to fill out a ProTour roster?
AV: To answer said query: just one, if your name is Alexandre Vinokourov.
2. Don’t you need at least one teammate?
AV: I concede victory to your point. The victories in France, they shall flow freely like the crude of Kazakhstan. You’re right, count Andrey Kashechkin in too, Vino knows not the semantic means to gift stage wins to yourself having grown bored of victory itself. Besides, somebody will have to fetch my bidons. And bring honor to his mighty Kazakh national champion jersey already gifted his direction.
3. But aren’t there rules about a minimum roster size?
AV: There is only one rule…When Kazakh ‘oil moguls’ say jump, the ASO says “How high?” Vino laughs at your rules.
4. Aren’t you afraid of getting caught up on the Spanish Operación Puerto affair?
AV: Hear my words, Alexandre Vinokourov takes nothing of the drugs. Or blood. Or hormones. In fact, I give you exclusive tip. DNA testing will show that all of the blood on ice, all of the hormones in refrigerator, it is all mine. I am so pure, so powerful, so mighty, that the European peloton dopes from my body. Tyler? His gold medal is awash with my blood. The blood of Vino flows through Jan Ullrich. The Spanish peloton? My all-natural, 49.99999999% hematocrit Kazakh blood powers them all. I am quite literally, a cycling machine.
5. Do you know who blew the whistle on the lab’s program?
AV: That would be Vino. So much the the blood, hormone, testosterone delivery program. I grew weary. Right now there is one speed in the peloton: the speed of Vinokourov. Everyone rides the fuel, the essence of Vinokourov. We need two speeds again, the speed of Vino and the slow speed of those not of Kazakhstan.
6. I just read a Samuel Abt article which stated you’re a part of the Kazakh military? Any comment?
AV: I am Major in the Kazakh army. Indeed, I am the Kazakh army. When Kazakhstan deploys its fighting force, it sends forth Alexandre Vinokourov alone to conquer. Vino is being sent forthwith to conquer France. And all holders of ProTour license.
-------------
Lastly, some day remind me to tell you guys the story about what happened when I registered the domain "vino4-ever.com" and a certain "Viktor" contacted me to advise that Vino was not happy...
- May 13, 2009
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- Mar 10, 2009
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joe_papp said:Lastly, some day remind me to tell you guys the story about what happened when I registered the domain "vino4-ever.com" and a certain "Viktor" contacted me to advise that Vino was not happy...
Really???? WOW... hey hey post that history and could you post the content of that email?
- Jul 16, 2010
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These pictures are so terrific. Love the one in the sauna.
I adore Vino - my DBF says it's because I like his looks. Well, OK, fair enough. But I also admire his toughness. He's great to watch - apparently even for guys, judging by this thread. But he's REALLY great to watch for us women.
I adore Vino - my DBF says it's because I like his looks. Well, OK, fair enough. But I also admire his toughness. He's great to watch - apparently even for guys, judging by this thread. But he's REALLY great to watch for us women.
That would make hin as bad as Armstrong last year, when he was supposed to be riding in support of Congtador. I lost a lot of respect foe him then.
- May 13, 2009
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Amazing that (a hopefully clean) Vino is sitting 9th on GC while riding as Berto's super-domestique:
General classification after stage 16
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 78:29:10
2 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank 0:00:08
3 Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 0:02:00
4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0:02:13
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto 0:03:39
6 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 0:05:01
7 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team Radioshack 0:05:25
8 Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha 0:05:45
9 Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana 0:07:12
10 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Transitions 0:07:51
So my question for today, given that we're a few days closer to the end of this Tour. does anyone think Vino will retire at the end of this season and not risk coming back for one last go-round in 2011?
General classification after stage 16
1 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana 78:29:10
2 Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank 0:00:08
3 Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi 0:02:00
4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank 0:02:13
5 Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto 0:03:39
6 Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank 0:05:01
7 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Team Radioshack 0:05:25
8 Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha 0:05:45
9 Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz) Astana 0:07:12
10 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Transitions 0:07:51
So my question for today, given that we're a few days closer to the end of this Tour. does anyone think Vino will retire at the end of this season and not risk coming back for one last go-round in 2011?
- Mar 31, 2010
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he has already confirmed he will do next year as well but most likely no gt's he said except maybe tour. much focussed on one day races and maybe even on flanders and roubaix, let's hope
- May 13, 2009
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Barrus said:
Yeah, I saw that, but I guess I wasn't being specific enough - he says he'll ride another year now, but does Vino strike anyone as being the type of rider who would say something like that for public consumption, when in reality he wanted to get out of the game while way, way on-top?
Just curious what your opinions are, since a lot of you guys do very well at reading between the lines and translating peloton-speak into "what he really meant."
Thx.
- Mar 31, 2010
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he rides with revenge but also for his country. vino is like a god in kazakhstan he wouldn't lie to them about this. so he will continue at least one more year.
Barrus
BANNED
- Apr 28, 2010
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I don't think he'll really go out like that, it appears he enjoys it too much. I think he even likes his domestique role, as he knows he isn't the best out there anymore, but can still help other people on his team. I don't really think Vino does peleton-speak
In any case I believe he would only quit cycling if he believes that to be the best for the Astana-team. If he believes he can still be a benefit for the team, and might get a win or two in, he'll continue
In any case I believe he would only quit cycling if he believes that to be the best for the Astana-team. If he believes he can still be a benefit for the team, and might get a win or two in, he'll continue
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