The writing is on the wall with Contador
09-26-08, 11:10 AM
#26
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Completely ridiculous. Contador has won all three Grand Tours in the last 15 months, is clearly the best Grand Tour rider on the planet right now, and we're talking about him being supplanted by a guy who's been retired for three years?
If I were Contador, I'd tell Bruyneel and company what they can do with their roster spot.
Saxo-Bank might be happy to have Contador along with the Schleck brothers.
If I were Contador, I'd tell Bruyneel and company what they can do with their roster spot.
Saxo-Bank might be happy to have Contador along with the Schleck brothers.
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09-26-08, 11:13 AM
#27
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Whoever wants AC not only has to pay him skillions but they have to buy him out from Astana. Who has that much money left AND enough to hire helpers?
09-26-08, 11:17 AM
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09-26-08, 11:36 AM
#29
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Contador is an idiot if he stays. He's got a totally legit reason right now. Saxo bank (or whatever it is) should go for it.
If he waits 6 months and Lance beats him in a stage and then quits, he'll look like a whiner.
If he waits 6 months and Lance beats him in a stage and then quits, he'll look like a whiner.
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Last edited by SpongeDad; 09-26-08 at 11:41 AM.
09-26-08, 11:43 AM
#30
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09-26-08, 11:50 AM
#32
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Sastre won the TDF last year without a true designated leader on CSC. Up until Sastre's finish on Alp d'Huez the team was supporting Schleck (Frank) and Carlos.
Just sayin…
Just sayin…
09-26-08, 11:57 AM
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09-26-08, 12:50 PM
#34
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In 1986, Hinault and LeMond were co-leaders of the La Vie Claire team. Granted, Hinault did try and attack his own team mate, but there are a number of examples out there where teams have had more than one Tour contender.
09-26-08, 02:03 PM
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I'm pretty sure Contador's going to land up leaving.
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09-26-08, 03:10 PM
#36
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09-26-08, 03:54 PM
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Levi would of had Contador's win in the 07 TDF if he didn't crash and get a penalty. Almost anything can happen. Just because you win doesn't mean your the strongest. In a ground tour so much can happen that it's not open for just the "strongest." It's a survival skill to win a grand tour. That's why I think Levi is stronger than Contador.
09-26-08, 06:22 PM
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Loosing contador would be idiotic. Dude is young. How long is Armstrong going to be around for? I seems to me that contador would be a better investment in the future.
09-26-08, 06:28 PM
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Funny how AC is suddenly all threatened by LA but has no problem riding with Levi. He is obviously worried that Lance is more capable of beating him than Levi.
09-26-08, 06:28 PM
#40
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As much as I think Lance's coming back to competitive cycling is a good thing for the sport in the US, I think Contador is getting screwed, plain and simple. I'd love to see him go to the Spanish team Caisse D'epargna where I think he would be great working with Valverde and some of the other Spanish riders.
And as much as I love Lance, I would love to see Contador give him "the look" on one of the finishing climbs in the Alps or Pyranees.
And as much as I love Lance, I would love to see Contador give him "the look" on one of the finishing climbs in the Alps or Pyranees.
09-26-08, 06:46 PM
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09-26-08, 06:47 PM
#42
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09-26-08, 08:14 PM
#43
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IF Contador decides to stay, Astana (read Johann) will use him like a wet dish rag.
Lance needs Contador's help, becasue without him (and potentially several other strong members...i.e. Levi) he'll have to contantly be on the defensive.
With Contador staying (assuming he does), publicity for Astana will be huge, Johann will ride a massive wave of re-popularity, Lance has a fighting chance to be in a very good position for a win, and Team Astana will be on the offensive vice the defensive throughout the race.
I cannot believe that Contador can't see through the fog. Contador deserves better and needs to get out fast...find a new team and pronto.
Lance needs Contador's help, becasue without him (and potentially several other strong members...i.e. Levi) he'll have to contantly be on the defensive.
With Contador staying (assuming he does), publicity for Astana will be huge, Johann will ride a massive wave of re-popularity, Lance has a fighting chance to be in a very good position for a win, and Team Astana will be on the offensive vice the defensive throughout the race.
I cannot believe that Contador can't see through the fog. Contador deserves better and needs to get out fast...find a new team and pronto.
09-26-08, 08:17 PM
#44
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I can see both Levi & Contador moving on. Lepheimer was chafing in the supporting role & Alberto wants nothing to do with it.
09-26-08, 09:08 PM
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Lance said he wasnt coming back to loose the TDF..... pretty much saying he expects to win.
09-26-08, 09:19 PM
#46
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From a cycling fan's perspective though, I don't want them on the same team. If Lance is going to come back, I want him riding against Contador, not with him.
09-26-08, 09:25 PM
#47
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I think he's more worried about who'll be calling the shots during the race. It's more of an ego/respect thing. Contador has a right to have a big ego. Winning three grand tours is certainly ego worthy.
09-26-08, 09:44 PM
#48
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Lance needs Contador's help, becasue without him (and potentially several other strong members...i.e. Levi) he'll have to contantly be on the defensive.
With Contador staying (assuming he does), publicity for Astana will be huge, Johann will ride a massive wave of re-popularity, Lance has a fighting chance to be in a very good position for a win, and Team Astana will be on the offensive vice the defensive throughout the race.
I cannot believe that Contador can't see through the fog. Contador deserves better and needs to get out fast...find a new team and pronto.
With Contador staying (assuming he does), publicity for Astana will be huge, Johann will ride a massive wave of re-popularity, Lance has a fighting chance to be in a very good position for a win, and Team Astana will be on the offensive vice the defensive throughout the race.
I cannot believe that Contador can't see through the fog. Contador deserves better and needs to get out fast...find a new team and pronto.
It certainly is and so is seven Tours. My point is is this - I don't think Contador will find another team that has ALL the parts needed to support a Tour winner. Most of the teams that still need a leader also don't have enough climbers anyway. Lance will probably only be around for a year. Why leave for team building project when you know in 2010 the perfect team will be yours again?
09-26-08, 09:57 PM
#49
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... I don't think Contador will find another team that has ALL the parts needed to support a Tour winner. Most of the teams that still need a leader also don't have enough climbers anyway. Lance will probably only be around for a year. Why leave for team building project when you know in 2010 the perfect team will be yours again?
09-26-08, 10:06 PM
#50
King of the Plukers
The best time to change jobs is when you're the hottest commodity on the market. I think AC is doing a good job of stirring the pot to see what offers pop up.