Where does Contador go next year?

[Azdak6]

If he's smart, he jumps to Garmin. Assuming they can hold on to Wiggins, Millar and VandeVelde, and pick up a couple of real climbers, they would have a formidable team.

And a New York Yankee payroll. And why would Wiggins or VandeVelde want to ride shotgun for AC--any more than Armstrong did?

 

[Publicus]

And a New York Yankee payroll. And why would Wiggins or VandeVelde want to ride shotgun for AC--any more than Armstrong did?

Because they are never going to win a Grand Tour. Just like Levi. Or Kloden.

 

[Publicus]

I know this doesn't fit in with the conspiracy theories, but.....

Maybe he was just wrong?

If you look at everything he has said since December, that's the best explanation. It's not like he has ever done this before, either.

Wrong? If he's relying on his prior training results and comparing now to then, how could he be wrong? Either they were the same or they weren't.

 

[Anonymous]

Because they are never going to win a Grand Tour. Just like Levi. Or Kloden.

Yea, they have to know that they will always be a day late and a dollar short. The biggest problem with Garmin is having Contador on your team really blows the whole....well, that comment should be in "The Clinic" huh?

 

[ilillillli]

Yea, they have to know that they will always be a day late and a dollar short. The biggest problem with Garmin is having Contador on your team really blows the whole....well, that comment should be in "The Clinic" huh?

i know i'm on this guy's ignore list from a long time ago, but all of thoughtforfood's comments should be on the clinic thread, right?

 

[Publicus]

Yea, they have to know that they will always be a day late and a dollar short. The biggest problem with Garmin is having Contador on your team really blows the whole....well, that comment should be in "The Clinic" huh?

He'll be burrito powered No more mouth breathing or oranges for Contador. Just Chipotle and Herbalife!

 

[Publicus]

According to this article on Cycling Weekly, Contador has a contract with the Kazakh's.

Cycling Weekly understands that Alberto Contador is under contract directly with the Kazakhstan Cycling Federation, while Garmin manager Jonathan Vaughters confirmed to the Reuters news agency that none of his riders are set to join Armstrong’s team

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/384252/armstrong-admits-he-suffered-in-tour-s-final-time-trial.html

 

[VeloFidelis]

Do you see LA working for Contador, next year, in his team, and being, according to him, better prepared/in shape?

I think we are in for a messy divorce.

Messy?... Yeah possibly. But the thing that seems to be lost in that logic is exactly the egos involved here. Bruyneel, Armstrong and Contador all want to win above all else. That is a force that will bind them together more than split them apart. The key is defining what each of them has to win and lose.

Contador wants to win the Tour so badly, he has trained to a fitness level that has almost unprecedented. He also wants it bad enough to get caught making impulsive and senseless tactical decisions. His ego and desire will likely keep him tied to Bruyneel, because it represents expert tactical nuance, and the best opportunity for a repeat victory. Love or hate him, JB can build a pretty compelling Grand Tour program.

Lance has always had more to gain politically by just doing well in the TDF, rather than by winning at someone's expense. He doesn't need the controversy or the win, which is not to say he hasn't been competing for it. His competitive level and profile has brought him a new U.S. sponsor, and a way to be involved in Professional racing, and feed an ego that loves a high profile. He just finished 16th in a flat time trial. I think he is well aware of his competitive mortality, but his future team will be less impact-full if they don't control the TDF. His ego will be best served by becoming a mentor for Contador and maintaining a high profile in competitive cycling through top performing team.

Bruyneel understands better than any of us what potential Contador has. His interests will be best served by keeping Contador in place and happy. And for all of the absurd speculations and press inspired controversy, there is little to support the line of thought that Alberto is unhappy with the team. There has been not one action by a team member to threaten his GC position, and there certainly could have been. A few well documented rookie tactical moves should reinforce with Contador that he is better off with an experienced DS and a powerful team with a budget, a roster, and a profile that Armstong's association can provide.

All that being said; I see a messy fight with Astana over actual team ownership and legal challenges over who is contracted to whom, as well as the controversial return of Vino. So who really knows where this will all end up. Generally all bets are off at transfer time, so we will see where the dust settles. But impetuous reactions aside, why would Contador want to go anywhere?

 

[Clemson Cycling]

But impetuous reactions aside, why would Contador want to go anywhere?

So he is not a major piece in a Kazak publicity machine controlled by one of the riders on the team

 

[VeloFidelis]

So he is not a major piece in a Kazak publicity machine controlled by one of the riders on the team

The question is based on someone's prior assertion that his contract is with Bruyneel. Film at 11:00!

 

[Clemson Cycling]

Lance will be the leader at Radio Shack next year unless he fails a dope test or gets hurt so if Contador is willing to work for Lance at next years tour (and maybe the following if things go well) and race the Giro and Vuelta then this team would be a good fit for him. Otherwise it is not going to work out.

 

[Publicus]

Messy?... Yeah possibly. But the thing that seems to be lost in that logic is exactly the egos involved here. Bruyneel, Armstrong and Contador all want to win above all else. That is a force that will bind them together more than split them apart. The key is defining what each of them has to win and lose.

Contador wants to win the Tour so badly, he has trained to a fitness level that has almost unprecedented. He also wants it bad enough to get caught making impulsive and senseless tactical decisions. His ego and desire will likely keep him tied to Bruyneel, because it represents expert tactical nuance, and the best opportunity for a repeat victory. Love or hate him, JB can build a pretty compelling Grand Tour program.

Lance has always had more to gain politically by just doing well in the TDF, rather than by winning at someone's expense. He doesn't need the controversy or the win, which is not to say he hasn't been competing for it. His competitive level and profile has brought him a new U.S. sponsor, and a way to be involved in Professional racing, and feed an ego that loves a high profile. He just finished 16th in a flat time trial. I think he is well aware of his competitive mortality, but his future team will be less impact-full if they don't control the TDF. His ego will be best served by becoming a mentor for Contador and maintaining a high profile in competitive cycling through top performing team.

Bruyneel understands better than any of us what potential Contador has. His interests will be best served by keeping Contador in place and happy. And for all of the absurd speculations and press inspired controversy, there is little to support the line of thought that Alberto is unhappy with the team. There has been not one action by a team member to threaten his GC position, and there certainly could have been. A few well documented rookie tactical moves should reinforce with Contador that he is better off with an experienced DS and a powerful team with a budget, a roster, and a profile that Armstong's association can provide.

All that being said; I see a messy fight with Astana over actual team ownership and legal challenges over who is contracted to whom, as well as the controversial return of Vino. So who really knows where this will all end up. Generally all bets are off at transfer time, so we will see where the dust settles. But impetuous reactions aside, why would Contador want to go anywhere?

I think because it is never been clear to me that Armstrong can see the writing on the wall. He believes that with another year of training, he'll get it all back. So why sign up for the same crap you dealt with this year again, but this time the guy is also cutting your checks? There is something to be said about have as much of a drama-free environment around you as possible. There are greener pastures out there for Contador.

 

[Publicus]

Lance will be the leader at Radio Shack next year unless he fails a dope test or gets hurt so if Contador is willing to work for Lance at next years tour (and maybe the following if things go well) and race the Giro and Vuelta then this team would be a good fit for him. Otherwise it is not going to work out.

Exactly. Contador would be a fool to sign on with Team Radioshack (that just rolls off the tongue )

 

[VeloFidelis]

Lance will be the leader at Radio Shack next year unless he fails a dope test or gets hurt so if Contador is willing to work for Lance at next years tour (and maybe the following if things go well) and race the Giro and Vuelta then this team would be a good fit for him. Otherwise it is not going to work out.

So I'm confused... Contador was the team leader for Astana this year at the Tour (unless he got hurt, or failed a drug test). That number 21 on his jersey is a pretty emphatic statement. Why wouldn't he be at Radio Shack? Are you saying Lance would work against his obvious long term best interests? Doesn't sound like a guy whose attention to detail is legendary.

Do you really think a 38 year old guy has aspirations of winning the Tour next year? That would be the opinion of a young man who has less invested in lessons learned. Speaking as an older one, I am more than impressed with what Mr. Armstrong has been able to accomplish this season. But I think he has also come face to face with some of his demons, and gotten a glimpse of what is unfortunately referred to as the wisdom of age.

 

[Andre.J]

Interested in hearing where people think AC will go next year.

Garmin wanted him this season when it looked like Astana would fold.

What about Columbia? They really don't have a GT rider or do Cav's interests out weigh winning a GT?

Can't see any of the existing Spanish teams getting him.

No way he rides with LA.

Formula 1 racer Alonso is starting a new Spanish team and wants Contador. That's the rumour from Spain anyway. It may sound like a joke but it isn't.

 

[Parrot23]

Folks might not have seen this: http://eurosport.yahoo.com/24072009/58/tour-de-france-blazin-saddles-garminority-report.html

I'm not sure whether it's true or not, but here's an extract:

"Before Friday's stage 19, Eurosport cameras were allowed in the Astana team bus and caught Bruyneel giving instructions to ensure that under no circumstances were Garmin allowed to be involved in any breakaway.

This made Contador laugh, to which Bruyneel responded: "You know it's a personal thing, Alberto." The Belgian is obviously still reeling after the rival team of Bradley Wiggins ruined his old friend George Hincapie's chance of taking yellow before the Alps."

Eurosport column thinks Alberto might make sense at Garmin. I'm not sure. English at Garmin won't help him, but Girona location sure would, and he wouldn't face a TTT problem like Cadel does. Also there is the added "benefit" as follows.

Some on these boards are convinced Garmin, or some or them, are secret dopers. If Bertie joined Garmin they would then have unwanted "definitive" proof...LMAO.......................regarding their favourite rider....

 

[Publicus]

Folks might not have seen this: http://eurosport.yahoo.com/24072009/58/tour-de-france-blazin-saddles-garminority-report.html

I'm not sure whether it's true or not, but here's an extract:

"Before Friday's stage 19, Eurosport cameras were allowed in the Astana team bus and caught Bruyneel giving instructions to ensure that under no circumstances were Garmin allowed to be involved in any breakaway.

This made Contador laugh, to which Bruyneel responded: "You know it's a personal thing, Alberto." The Belgian is obviously still reeling after the rival team of Bradley Wiggins ruined his old friend George Hincapie's chance of taking yellow before the Alps."

Eurosport column thinks Alberto might make sense at Garmin. I'm not sure. English at Garmin won't help him, but Girona location sure would, and he wouldn't face a TTT problem like Cadel does. Also there is the added "benefit" as follows.

Some on these boards are convinced Garmin, or some or them, are secret dopers. If Bertie joined Garmin they would then have unwanted "definitive" proof...LMAO.......................regarding their favourite rider....

It would be a good move for Contador.

 

[pedaling squares]

Anywhere but RadioShack.

 

[**Uru**]

The funniest of outcomes would be for the Khazaks, not JB, to be the holders of Contador's contract. That would force the best stage racer in the world to race in the bush league circuit next year.

 

[Timmy-loves-Rabo]

Caisse isn't strong enough to get him a win at the TdF. Plus, there's always Valverde.
.

are you kiddin me?

Caisse is certainly strong enough for Ac, in the past they have rode brilliatly for Valverde, but valverde has not delivered. And speaking of Valverde, even he is aware that AC is a far better GT rider and they seem to have formed a friendship of some sort. He will happily support Contador, at least at the tour anyway.

LL Sanchez, Arroyyo, Guitierezz, Valverde, Perriero, Uran, Rodríguez = not good enough? ummm okkk mate.... not to mention the riders who you would assume would follow Conta to whatever team (i.e Paulinho, Noval)

Conta would own at Caisse.

 

[avanti]

The funniest of outcomes would be for the Khazaks, not JB, to be the holders of Contador's contract. That would force the best stage racer in the world to race in the bush league circuit next year.

Even funnier if JB has contracts thru 2010 with the ten Kazak riders currently on the Astan team roster and they all move to Radio Shack
http://www.astana-cyclingteam.com/roster.html

 

[The Colnago Kid]

Contador's reign will continue in Spain

Caisse isn't strong enough to get him a win at the TdF. Plus, there's always Valverde.

Caisse d'Epargne is the only team Contador is seriously considering moving to. The way he rode the Dauphiné Libéré this year in support of Valverde was enough of a clue.

As for Valverde, he's never going to win the TDF and no one knows that better than him.

And you seriously think a team comprising riders like Valverde, Luis León Sánchez, Oscar Pereiro, David Arroyo, Sergio Paulinho and Haimar Zubeldia riding in support of Contador can't win the Tour? His margin next year will be even greater than the 4:11 he has up his sleeve in 2009. Why? Because Contador will be the absolute leader of that Team from Day 1. And Andy Schleck needs at least two more years work on his time trial under the tutelage of Bobby Julich before he seriously threatens Contador's winning streak.

 

[pedaling squares]

And you seriously think a team comprising riders like Valverde, Luis León Sánchez, Oscar Pereiro, David Arroyo, Sergio Paulinho and Haimar Zubeldia riding in support of Contador can't win the Tour? His margin next year will be even greater than the 4:11 he has up his sleeve in 2009. Why? Because Contador will be the absolute leader of that Team from Day 1. And Andy Schleck needs at least two more years work on his time trial under the tutelage of Bobby Julich before he seriously threatens Contador's winning streak.

Hell yeah. That would be a very strong and committed team. Valverde can't win the TDF, but would be a heck of a domestique and would probably be rewarded with full support in some classics, shorter stage races, or the Vuelta. I guess it all depends on whether AC can get out of his last year of this contract.

 

[180mmCrank]

where he is valued...

Not sure which of the Contador / Astana / Armstrong threads this should go so have put it in a couple – apologies if this breaks with forum protocol…

Contador is the leader of Astana by virtue of the fact he is the best rider – best climber and best ITT. It is his job to win the race. It's the job of the team to support him to win the race.

Contador is doing his job with bells on. His tactics have consistently been about winning the race. He has been singly focused on this – and frankly that’s the best way to make sure of winning the toughest bike race in the World. You can’t be looking over your shoulder and worrying about everyone else.

The team on the other hand have in my opinion been somewhat more mixed in their support of their team leader. Some of the moves on the road well documented in this thread would leave any team leader asking a few questions about people’s priorities and personal agenda at the dinner table.

While the motives behind road tactics are open to interpretation some of the stuff that’s been on twitter or said to the media is totally out of order in my opinion. If anybody said anything like that on any team I have ever been on they'd be called on it. A team mate should not be questioning the team leader’s choices or commenting on his performance in public. How does any of the comments made make it more likely for Alberto to be in yellow in Paris – they don’t. It’s totally unacceptable and to me it's in a different league than anything that Contador has done on the road.

I accept there are some unique circumstances here – the Lance Factor if you like. I have nothing specifically against Lance – I actually think his achievements rank up there with the best of the best. But my sense of what is appropriate has been stretched to breaking point with the Radio Shack thing. How does anyone while a member of one team fighting for a podium place think its ok to announce your intention to launch a new team in the middle of the race? What about that will focus the team on supporting their leader to be in yellow in Paris? I find it hard to imagine anything more distracting or more designed to challenge loyalties on the team. Never mind you also announce Trek will coming along too – the bike sponsor of your existing team!

I think tomorrow Contador will sit in the wheels on Ventoux. He will only follow Andy S and I expect if he has the opportunity to win the stage he will attack in the last couple of kilometres. I don’t think Armstrong or Wiggins will have the legs to put any distance into anyone – they will be hanging on. There is a good chance that Frank will make up the 40 s he needs to get on the podium and push Lance into 4th.

I would not expect Contador to be doing anything to help Lance – it’s not his job! And it won’t matter on Ventoux – Armstrong will either be able to stay up their or not.

Contador is the cycling equivalent of a genius in my opinion. I hope he finds a team that is more definitive in its support and worthy of his prodigious talent.

 

[Blakeslee]

There is no way Contador is going to stay with Astana next year. Alberto already lost one chance of racing the Tour De France due to Vino. With all of the friction that is likely to play out between Vino and the tour organizers next season, I don't see Contador taking any chances on being stuck in the middle of that situation again.

I think it is also unlikely that Contador will go to Radio Shack. Armstrong has already stated his intentions to race the Tour De France next season, and knowing his aggressive personality he will probably try to ride it to win even though he will be 39 years old next year. Contador will want to be riding for a team where he is the undisputed leader.

It is most likely Contador will go to a Spanish team, either the rumored new team or one of the existing teams such as Caisse.