Who do you trust? LA & JB versus AC & Spanish media AKA Wheel Gate

[ImmaculateKadence]

I noticed that. But I also notice that wheel (I believe it is the H3D) is only produced/offered by HED. I know that they (HED and Bontrager) collaborated on some of the wheels offered by Bontrager, but again, there is nothing remotely similar to this wheel on the Bontrager website.

Perhaps the Bontrager label was thrown on for marketing purposes since they (Bontrager) are the official wheel sponsor of Astana (for 2009). HED is a supplier for Astana, but they are not a sponsor (this came up in another thread).

I think you're right about the marketing thing. I know Astana used the Aeolus wheels, which are a product of the HED/Bontrager collaboration. I also think AC's front was the H3D (good eye). If HED is a supplier of Astana, why then would AC have to purchase his own wheel? In this regard, I don't believe either side. What I do think happened is there was some confusion as to which wheel AC would use considering the entire team used the Aeolus. He probably had to jump through a few hoops to get them, but I sincerely doubt they (Astana, HED, or Bontrager) would fail to provide a 3 time GT winner with wheels.

 

[Publicus]

I think you're right about the marketing thing. I know Astana used the Aeolus wheels, which are a product of the HED/Bontrager collaboration. I also think AC's front was the H3D (good eye). If HED is a supplier of Astana, why then would AC have to purchase his own wheel? In this regard, I don't believe either side. What I do think happened is there was some confusion as to which wheel AC would use considering the entire team used the Aeolus. He probably had to jump through a few hoops to get them, but I sincerely doubt they (Astana, HED, or Bontrager) would fail to provide a 3 time GT winner with wheels.

I think it turns on what AC said: he wasn't guaranteed that he would have the best wheels. My guess is that he wanted first pick and they couldn't guarantee him that Lance wouldn't take the ones he wanted. So instead of waiting around for Lance to decide, he bought his own.

 

[Smera1]

I think it turns on what AC said: he wasn't guaranteed that he would have the best wheels. My guess is that he wanted first pick and they couldn't guarantee him that Lance wouldn't take the ones he wanted. So instead of waiting around for Lance to decide, he bought his own.

That's exactly the way I see this whole mess.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

I think it turns on what AC said: he wasn't guaranteed that he would have the best wheels. My guess is that he wanted first pick and they couldn't guarantee him that Lance wouldn't take the ones he wanted. So instead of waiting around for Lance to decide, he bought his own.

I think you're right, but it still seems like much ado about nothing, especially if AC weren't forced to purchase his own wheel, just a little impatient (which I would understand).

Could you imagine that phone call?
Receptionist: HED cycling products. May I help you?
AC: Can I speak to someone in your wheel department?
Receptionist: Please hold.
HED sales rep: Wheels-May I help you?
AC: Yeah this Alberto Contador. I need to order a H3D for Stage 1 of the tour, and can I get a graphic with my name on it if possible? Maybe my fingers in the shape of a pistol?
HED sales rep: No really. Who is this?
AC: Alberto Contador! I got some old fart on my team this year taking his sweet time to decide what wheel he'll ride because he's too busy tweeting about it, now can you help me or not?

 

[Publicus]

I think you're right, but it still seems like much ado about nothing, especially if AC weren't forced to purchase his own wheel, just a little impatient (which I would understand).

Could you imagine that phone call?
Receptionist: HED cycling products. May I help you?
AC: Can I speak to someone in your wheel department?
Receptionist: Please hold.
HED sales rep: Wheels-May I help you?
AC: Yeah this Alberto Contador. I need to order a H3D for Stage 1 of the tour, and can I get a graphic with my name on it if possible? Maybe my fingers in the shape of a pistol?
HED sales rep: No really. Who is this?
AC: Alberto Contador! I got some old fart on my team this year taking his sweet time to decide what wheel he'll ride because he's too busy tweeting about it, now can you help me or not?

Funny stuff--I'd only add AC making pistol shot sounds in the background.


I think this had more to do with (or demonstrates) the lack of trust AC had for JB, LA and indirectly the staff of Astana leading up to the TdF. Whether or not you or I agree with whether it was important, I think for him it was important that nothing go wrong with his equipment or himself physically--that's all he could control (not tactics, etc.). One way to eliminate mental games is to eliminate the other person's control over you or your equipment.

 

[Anonymous]

The classlessness of The Uniballer on display for all to see. The best part is that, barring a positive, Contador will still destroy him in the Tour. I think that is what is driving this more than anything. The old man cannot bow out gracefully. Gee, who could have imagined that last year when he Cameback 2.0? Well, they always say, you can take the boy out of the trailer park, but....

 

[Psalmon]

Is there a longer version of the interview somewhere that I haven't read? I'm trying to work out what is making people so upset.

It's not the one interview, but the collective media assault that irks people. There's some legitimate reasons for people to be upset by this:

First, it's obviously an organized, relentless campaign. It's disingenuous - just look at what Hog et. Al said about AC in 2007, when he represented JB's future. It's completely disrespectful to the best GT racer in the world right now (albeit Jan was too busy eating in the off season to trash talk Lance). And it arguably is stinking away whatever reputation American cycling has built with real results on the road.

However, I think there are also reasons to welcome their show:

It really demonstrates how much Armstrong fears AC. They know they can't beat AC mano a mano, team or no team. Armstrong used to praise Jan when he knew he could win. Second: True Colors - if your not an LA fan, you should love this stuff. Lastly, given it's not-so-subtle delivery, it's easy to take this as off-season entertainment. Ali used to get everybody worked up, but it was mostly promotion. Boxing has never been the same.

As for trust, desperate people will do anything, and LA and JB seem past that. I only hope it remains just a media circus.

 

[ImmaculateKadence]

Funny stuff--I'd only add AC making pistol shot sounds in the background.

haha, and when the package arrived he probably shot at it with his fingers

I think this had more to do with (or demonstrates) the lack of trust AC had for JB, LA and indirectly the staff of Astana leading up to the TdF. Whether or not you or I agree with whether it was important, I think for him it was important that nothing go wrong with his equipment or himself physically--that's all he could control (not tactics, etc.). One way to eliminate mental games is to eliminate the other person's control over you or your equipment.

I agree completely. Well said.

 

[Polish]

The Trek vs Specialized competition will be interesting to watch.
Trek may be broke after Greg gets done with them.
Specialized has great marketing - looking forward to the Alberto adverts.

Will Alberto ride the Rovals

 

[Psalmon]

Hey, Hog! Welcome back!

Susan

Susan,

May I request CN start a story log on the AC-LA-JB-Astana stories?

Admittedly, this is not Puerto. However, shedding some light on who has said what, when, over the past six months may help readers objectively see/review the balance of communication.

Thanks.

 

[Publicus]

The Trek vs Specialized competition will be interesting to watch.
Trek may be broke after Greg gets done with them.
Specialized has great marketing - looking forward to the Alberto adverts.

Will Alberto ride the Rovals

I heard Astana will be using Zipp Wheels in 2010, but I don't think that's anything other than rumor at this point.

 

[pedaling squares]

He´s pathetic more than anything really.

That's my take on this as well. He doesn't come across as a guy trying to outfox his opponent, build hype for the 2010 tour, or even a guy just trying to be funny. He just looks like a sad, once great, former champion who cannot accept being beaten to the finish line by a stronger rider. And he cannot let it go or let anyone else have the last word. And that is just sad and pathetic. I hope, for the sake of himself and the charities he represents, that he can regain some sense of dignity.

 

[mcahill844]

Burden of Proof

It seems to me that if Contador is making the amazing assertion that he had to buy his own wheels that he is the one that needs to prove it.

 

[racerralph]

And now for a recap of this Thread. In short,LA sux, and has no class. Not a new revelation, but now it is just being confirmed by the man, himself.
However, contrary to previous opinions that he might in fact be a smart man, he is showing how absolutely stupid(and desperate for attention) he truly is, by setting fire to his own house, and exposing himself. His penchant to manufacture aggravated environments, is going to embarrass him this time around, because it seems he missed the interview with AC, in which Alberto stated that although he went through a rough year with Lance, he might race better when there is tension, and things are NOT "tranquilo". Lance can hypocritically condescend to AC all he wants, but the reality remains in place: LA will have a lot more to worry about than just Alberto, come the 2010 TdF. The sooner he stands in front of the mirror, and understands that fact, the better off he'll be. And maybe he'll even see how embarrassing he has become, to himself, and shut up!..... But, I doubt it.(You had to love his "politicians" language, as he described AC, “So many dirty things, unbelievable. Complete bull****, pieces of slime, fat lies.” nice, huh?)
So, in summing up the evidence, there is no hope for the former Legend. This chapter is now forever in his book, whether he, and his legions like it or not, and the only sure thing is that, he WILL fade away at some point. Unfortunately, not fast enough.

 

[BikeCentric]

And now for a recap of this Thread. In short,LA sux, and has no class. Not a new revelation, but now it is just being confirmed by the man, himself.
However, contrary to previous opinions that he might in fact be a smart man, he is showing how absolutely stupid(and desperate for attention) he truly is, by setting fire to his own house, and exposing himself. His penchant to manufacture aggravated environments, is going to embarrass him this time around, because it seems he missed the interview with AC, in which Alberto stated that although he went through a rough year with Lance, he might race better when there is tension, and things are NOT "tranquilo". Lance can hypocritically condescend to AC all he wants, but the reality remains in place: LA will have a lot more to worry about than just Alberto, come the 2010 TdF. The sooner he stands in front of the mirror, and understands that fact, the better off he'll be. And maybe he'll even see how embarrassing he has become, to himself, and shut up!..... But, I doubt it.(You had to love his "politicians" language, as he described AC, “So many dirty things, unbelievable. Complete bull****, pieces of slime, fat lies.” nice, huh?)
So, in summing up the evidence, there is no hope for the former Legend. This chapter is now forever in his book, whether he, and his legions like it or not, and the only sure thing is that, he WILL fade away at some point. Unfortunately, not fast enough.

Wish he would take Neil Young's advice: "It's better to burn out than to fade away."

 

[lucybears]

It seems to me that if Contador is making the amazing assertion that he had to buy his own wheels that he is the one that needs to prove it.

Bruyneel corroberated his story yesterday in
http://www.elmundo.es/encuentros/invitados/2009/12/3976/
where he said that all riders were provided with the same equipment.
and we have seen earlier in this thread a different wheel on ACs bike

 

[Anonymous]

Whatever the bull**** out here via Egostong and A.C....personally, I am just waiting for the first time in a decade to see the Tour...to see A.C **** this idiot over hard and in the sun...ruin him...it is going to be good...

 

[karlboss]

Bruyneel corroberated his story yesterday in
http://www.elmundo.es/encuentros/invitados/2009/12/3976/
where he said that all riders were provided with the same equipment.
and we have seen earlier in this thread a different wheel on ACs bike

Maybe thats the catch, provided the same equipment that contador didn't want.

 

[Polish]

These latest dickwad comments by Lance are a bit more colorful
because they are translated from English into Spanish/Etc and then
re-translated back into English.

Not sure what point Lance was trying to make in this exerpt
from the Cyclingnews re-translated story on the story...
Did Lance really say "pueblo (district) resident"?

But Contador is totally different from me. It is very difficult,” the seven-time Tour winner continued. “He knows no better. He is a Spanish guy who is always in the same pueblo (district) resident. He has his friends, family, the street where he grew up, his country, his people. A great athlete like him must employ individuals who support him and have patience with him. But he is surrounded by yes-men.”

 

[lucybears]

Maybe thats the catch, provided the same equipment that contador didn't want.

which is what AC has always said. Not that the team did not provide wheels, just that they refused to supply the wheels he wanted to use

 

[hfer07]

I think you're right, but it still seems like much ado about nothing, especially if AC weren't forced to purchase his own wheel, just a little impatient (which I would understand).

Could you imagine that phone call?
Receptionist: HED cycling products. May I help you?
AC: Can I speak to someone in your wheel department?
Receptionist: Please hold.
HED sales rep: Wheels-May I help you?
AC: Yeah this Alberto Contador. I need to order a H3D for Stage 1 of the tour, and can I get a graphic with my name on it if possible? Maybe my fingers in the shape of a pistol?
HED sales rep: No really. Who is this?
AC: Alberto Contador! I got some old fart on my team this year taking his sweet time to decide what wheel he'll ride because he's too busy tweeting about it, now can you help me or not?

LOL

HED Sales rep:Mr Contador- I cannot help you directly, but I'll transfer your call to my manager-and while you're waiting sir- would you like to make a donation to the LIVESTRONG charity?
AC: oh god.......

 

[auscyclefan94]

From the recent article of LA & JB talking about contador they seem to be backing off on the insults to Contador. Why?

 

[Francois the Postman]

These latest dickwad comments by Lance are a bit more colorful
because they are translated from English into Spanish/Etc and then
re-translated back into English.

Not sure what point Lance was trying to make in this exerpt
from the Cyclingnews re-translated story on the story...
Did Lance really say "pueblo (district) resident"?

Not to Spanish and back, it was published Belgian (and Dutch) newspaper.

They made a point of using the word pueblo, untranslated, in italics, explaining exactly what it means for its audience. It was thus the exact word used, it stood out to the journalist, who made sure we got the significance of the peculiar word choice by Armstrong. A Spanish boy/bloke still living in a pueblo.

The Telegraaf has cut it all up in various snippets, Belgian's Het Nieuwsblad seems to have the longest online version that people are quoting from.
Niewsblad version in bablefish (good luck)

2-part story - 2nd part to published on the 31st (tomorrow).

 

[Francois the Postman]

From the recent article of LA & JB talking about contador they seem to be backing off on the insults to Contador. Why?

The Bruyneel one for the Spanish press was quite measured. Apart from an obvious schism between Bruyneel and Contador, it is a failry reasonable one, I would say. At least the translation is.

If the reporting in Het Nieuwsblad is accurate, and you are able to pick up the subleties of the Dutch language, it is striking just how condescending Armstrong is here. And the reporter makes it clear on several occasions exactly how LA talks about Contador, not just what he says. I would say that LA's interview is the opposite of backing off, he is showing wilful and considered disrespect throughout.

As the reporter states at the top, time and distance hasn't made LA any milder when it comes to AC.

 

[Polish]

Not to Spanish and back, it was published in a Dutch and Belgian newspaper....


The Telegraaf has cut it all up in various snippets, Het Nieuwsblad seems to have the longest version that people seem to be quoting from.
Niewsblad version in bablefish (good luck)

Thats for the link. It was fun to read the translated into english version.

Alberto farted upon hearing the news of Lance's Comeback?

"When ell Pistolero heard the news, its flatulence turned immediately"
.
.
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