Vino Comeback Thread

[joe_papp]

I find it ironic that in a thread entitled "Vino comeback thread" we are now discussing the end of his career and the unfortunate crash that will most likely end it

Kidding aside...I will miss Vino. It shouldn't of ended that way for him. I always pictured him capping his career with an attack that absolutely shreds the field, not being pulled out of ditch. I admit a loss of respect for him during and after his doping scandal, but racing wasn't the same without him.

Just wanted to echo your sentiments, minus the loss of respect.

I don't believe in karma but nevertheless it's a massive disappointment to see Vino probably have ended his career in a ditch. It reminds me of the utter scandal that was Motorola's kicking Phil Anderson to the curb at the end of his career and not even showing the consideration to allow him a "farewell" race (Och' reclaimed P.A.'s bikes to sell them after his last race!).

 

[Mr. O'Clock]

Just wanted to echo your sentiments, minus the loss of respect.

I don't believe in karma but nevertheless it's a massive disappointment to see Vino probably have ended his career in a ditch. It reminds me of the utter scandal that was Motorola's kicking Phil Anderson to the curb at the end of his career and not even showing the consideration to allow him a "farewell" race (Och' reclaimed P.A.'s bikes to sell them after his last race!).

Pretty awesome for him to come back after that totally unfair two year banning. Best of health vino in the future.

 

[rxgqgxnyfz]

some pics:

http://astanafans.com/54426.html

 

[CatsNK]

Great pics. Sigh.

 

[Parrulo]

vino announced that he is retiring from cycling according to the portuguese eurosport guys

 

[hoolaparara]

All Over apparently.

http://au.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/9861986/vinokourov-ends-professional-career/

 

[Amsterhammer]

Reported on the NOS too - he may race on a little as an amateur, depending on how his rehabilitation goes - he's not expected to be able to walk for another month!

Vino, of course, is irreplaceable, but who can lay claim to his mantle?

 

[joe_papp]

Ciao, Vino - there'll never be another like you.

vino announced that he is retiring from cycling according to the portuguese eurosport guys

What a terribly sad Sunday morning...just like last week's here. I now officially hate Sundays Vino doesn't need my sympathy, but I can't help feeling regret and disappointment and some anger at this unfair end to his brilliant career.

There won't ever be another ride like Vino, as the historical conditions that gave birth to his hunger, his drive, his determination, no longer exist in the world.

Ciao, Vino...

PS. Wonder who - if anyone - will do a fair and just retrospective of his career? He certainly deserves it... Darn this is unfair. I refuse to entertain for even a second that this was somehow a "just" end to his career, or fair retribution for his having doped or not having apologized for doping - as has been said elsewhere. It's just not fair, but neither is life. Still...

 

[jens_attacks]

i have to accept it.when nostalgia hits,i got my dvd's and memories.
he gave us terrific moments,when you say spectacular bike racing you say Vino.no one will come close to his crazyness.he had a big heart in every race.thank you for everything Vino!

 

[Wiggins_fan]

Will my heart survive? I know you are the only one... The love all my life, OH VINO!!

 

[happychappy]

Disaster.

10char

 

[TopCarbon]

why does everyone think this is the end? Just because today he says he is retiring doesn't mean ****. I can think of a couple of athletes who said good bye only to return.

These days, one days press release is another days opportunity.

Vino, get well, and come back.

 

[joe_papp]

why does everyone think this is the end?

I'm a die-hard romantic but have experienced enough of life to know when realism is the better approach. The likelihood of a 37 year-old suffering those injuries, recovering, and finding the motivation to simply recommence elite-level training...OK, once sure - Vino did that (minus the injury) but twice (w/ terrible injuries)...I would like nothing more than for it to happen and Vino to come back, but what is point of getting excited or hanging onto hope when it's unlikely in the extreme?

 

[TopCarbon]

I see Vino a seriously nationalistic, and the draw of Gold has me believing that the Kazakhstan government has something up their Eurasian sleeve.

 

[RedheadDane]

I can totally imagine him as a DS. Sitting with his head out of the window, yelling at riders to just "Go! Go! GO!"

 

[joe_papp]

I see Vino a seriously nationalistic, and the draw of Gold has me believing that the Kazakhstan government has something up their Eurasian sleeve.

Hey if they can rebuild him a la the $6million-Man, cool - I'd pay to see that and would keep cheering. Cheering hard.

I dunno, maybe I'm just melancholy about other things and it's coloring my views on Vino.

I can totally imagine him as a DS. Sitting with his head out of the window, yelling at riders to just "Go! Go! GO!"

You mean, "Venga! Venga! Venga!" http://twitpic.com/5rpd6p (via @nyvelocity)

 

[metaCYCLE]

thanks Vino! you were unique on a bike.
good luck

 

[Mr. O'Clock]

I see Vino a seriously nationalistic, and the draw of Gold has me believing that the Kazakhstan government has something up their Eurasian sleeve.

You never know, 2012 Olympics London, we could see vino with a gold hanging from his neck. Looking at the photos he appears to be in good spirits, how can a Kazakh eagle be caged?

 

[Steel4Ever]

...how can a Kazakh eagle be caged?

Eagle??? Puh-leeze!

Try Kazakh GODZILLA!!!

"Oooohhhh no! There goes ASO! Go, go, VINOZILLA!"

 

[Captain_Obvious]

I like to see Vino come back as a DS.

Vino better sign a contract soon though. Before those silly rules on ex dopers come in to effect.

 

[Campionissimo]

So sad that we never will see Vino again in the Tour. He is a inspiration for every young bike rider. In his way of riding of course

His bravery and fighting spirit will be missed. Thanks for all the moment of pleasure you gave to me Vino.

 

[the_kman]

Vino is the greatest. His aggressive style and good character is just what cycling needed. When things dont go his way, he never whines... he just works hard and turns it all around.

His riding career may be over. but he isnt done yet

 

[gerrans for the win]

just hope he gets remebered for what he did after his comeback,spiced up racing for sure an not for what happeded in 2007 tour de france

 

[HL2037]

In this clip Vino talks to Astana's tour team through eurosport:

http://vodp.eurosport.com/nogeo/2011/07/18/ITV_vinokourov_18063607-189231-700-512-288.mp4

I almost got tears in my eyes, even though I didn't understand a word! Can anyone explain what he says?

 

[The Hitch]

In this clip Vino talks to Astana's tour team through eurosport:

http://vodp.eurosport.com/nogeo/2011/07/18/ITV_vinokourov_18063607-189231-700-512-288.mp4

I almost got tears in my eyes, even though I didn't understand a word! Can anyone explain what he says?

In Vino veritas.