This El Pais article has been bouncing around the ‘net for a few days now. A reader translated it and sent it in.
An Italian journalist asks Alberto Contador if he thought Johan Bruyneel, director of the Astana team, preferred Lance Armstrong to win the Tour. He smiled, his eyes brilliant, “Good question. Ask Johan that instead of me. I won one. That counts.” Contador won what he defined the “double Tour, of the hotel and on the road.”
(Contador: The day after Arcalis was psychologically the worst of the Tour. The Spaniard had to come down from Mt .Ventoux in his brother’s car.
On the road and in the team’s kitchen, you can review the history of Contador being by himself in his second tour in 2009.)
1. Abanicos en la Camarga
"The tactic for not getting the yellow too early was so as not to burn up the team," Bruyneel said. "If I would’ve had gotten the yellow, I wouldn’t have had to reliquinsh it. I would’ve defended it," Armstrong said. Acquiring the yellow jersey in the first week was a priority in Lance’s strategy that was happening to paralyze any initiative that Contador might have had to establish his own hierarchy in the team. After realizing his (Lance’s) limits and the talent of Contador at the time trial in Monaco (22 seconds in favor of the Spaniard’s) the Texan found his opportunity on a roundabout and in a change of the wind on the Camarga (the place this happened) which is open to the Mediterranean.
“I was just behind Alberto at that moment,” said Rojas, the Murcian sprinter from Caisse d’Epargne. “He was on Paulinho’s wheel who in turn was behind Zubeldia. Seeing that, I didn’t worry when I saw that Paulinho moved to the side, and Alberto got separated. I thought that the ones who were in front were not too far and that with a sprint, we could have caught them but as soon as we rounded the curve, I saw that we were really far away, that they had discarded Alberto.”
After the circle of his friends from Columbia, and in spite that in the front group was the leader Cancellara, Armstrong made Zubeldia and Popovich work on the front with Alberto in the back. The difference at the finish line was more than the 41 seconds that allowed Armstrong to recover for the leadership in the team. This gave the Texan the reason to pound Contador in his twitter with the same style that he used during Paris-Nice criticizing Contador’s lack of intelligence, tactics, and lack of respect for “The Boss”.
“A winner of seven Tours know how things are going,” Armstrong reminded Contador two days after the team time trial in which Astana destroyed the Tour in which the Texan ended up fractions of a second from the yellow. An example of a punishment, they left him at the back of the peloton, being beaten up by the wind from the coast on the way to Perpignon without any teammates, not even his loyal Paulinho with him. “I felt sorry to see the way they were treating him,” said the Belgian Champion, Tom Boonen. “They were trying to break him.” But Contador, a “hard-head”, in Armstrong’s own word, had some ideas of his own as he demonstrated in Arcalis.
2. The frustration of Arcalis
Contador, as concentrated as he was in controlling his tongue in order not to get into the provocations of Armstrong, he bit his legs more than what he intended on the first mountain in Andorra where he was planning to attack with 5 km left in order to catch up with the yellow jersey contrary to Bruyneel’s wishes because Bruyneel didn’t want to show Armstrong’s strength too soon. Contador had doubts – the wind was blowing too much from the front which put a brake in the attacks that they were hoping to come from Evans, Sastre, and the Schleck brothers, the losers of the time trial. He didn’t want to be the first to attack, it would’ve looked too ugly. Finally, Evans made a move with only 2 km remaining when the one from Pinto made a move. Little space to catch up to the leader – he ended up 6 seconds from Nocentini and two seconds ahead of Armstrong. “The next day in Arcalis, was psychologically the worst of this Tour,” Contador finally admitted responding to the criticisms from the duo Bruyneel-Armstrong. “I always obey the instructions from the team,” repeated Armstrong. “I have won 7 Tours.” From that moment on, he stopped considering the Spaniard a member of the team, acting as if he, Contador, simply didn’t exist. Contador was left without defense; if at least he would’ve attacked from far away and conquered the leadership…After that, he found refuge more in his little group of support: his mechanic, his masseuse, Paulinho, his brother-manager-comforter, and his press agent. While membersof Armstrong’s side on the team didn’t hold back in showing their sentiments, the rest of the members, the independent guys, impartial ones, the ones that thought of only the good of the team, they found themselves in a balancing act. They couldn’t show any signs of happiness or unhappiness for the actions of one or the other so it wouldn’t be misinterpreted because the pride of the champions are very susceptible; also, they had to calculate the hours that they would wear the different team jerseys: the blue Astana, the black Trek….All in order not to throw more fuel on the fire since the fire couldn’t be extinguished.
3. En ingels, no
In English, no
From the beginning, Contador decided to offer his press releases in Spanish with translations in French. The English fell outside of his capabilities. Many people understood that as a territorial demarcation like a reply to the power of Armstrong in the English-speaking press. Bruyneel always thought that it was better for him to express himself in his native tongue even though he recognized that “Contador speaks English better than what people think.” The truth is that this decision hid a message to Armstrong in his particular war of nerves. Many in the media were surprised with the absence of the manager Bruyneel in the press room with Contador. Bruyneel, his director, only showed up at the first press conference in Monaco. Later he, Bruyneel, chose to withdraw from sight: “If not all the questions come to me and it’s not about taking away the limelight from the protagonist.”
For others, it looked more that Bruyneel wanted to isolate himself from Contador. The truth is each one of them has his own agenda of communication. It happened the third week, “the week of Contador’s glory”, was tainted with Armstrong’s news: the criticisms in twitter, interviews with a few journalists, and finally the announcement of his new sponsor. Beaten on the road, Armstrong turned to the battle of the images. Always in English.
4. Armstrong, le ‘roba’ el coache
Armstrong steals the car
If he had any doubts, the time trial of Annecy erased them right away. Contador did his preparations: a ritual training and warm-ups. But when he requested a car to go to the start line, he found there was none available. Armstrong made sure all the cars were used to pick up his family and friends upon their arrival that day in France. Contador, the leader of the Tour, had to go from the hotel to Annecy in his brother, Fran’s, car while Armstrong’s troop had all the Astana cars waiting for them. The psychological warfare reached its moment of guerilla warfare; it was childish. The virtual elimination of Contador was a result of Armstrong’s domination, the day he announced his new team.
The car turned out to be the point of disagreement. On Mt. Ventoux, Contador, the last one to come down because of the appearances with the media, came off the mountain again with his brother’s, Fran’s, car, accompanied with his girlfriend, Macarena. He was obligated to the press room at the bottom of the mountain as required by the leader of the race. It was the worst moment for him to go down when all the spectators were going down the road as well. At one time he was almost bumped by another car – without danger. It surprised the people to see the leader so unprotected in that cluster of cars, people and bicycles. The car was yet another issue facing Contador.
5. El desayuno mas amargo
The most sour breakfast
Lance Armstrong, dressed in his warm-up suit and cap, came down for breakfast in the Astana hotel. He finds the table empty and sits in one corner. Following is Alberto Contador and he sits on the other side of the table. There are no words, no look and no gestures between them. Then the rest arrive. The atmosphere is tense. It’s the day after the stage that ended in the Grand Bornand, the day of Contador’s attacked the Schlecks and he threw away Kloden’s chances. It was Contador’s worst moment, something like the night of the long nights for an arrow in calculation. Armstrong’s twitter was hot. The Texan was saying that he chose to control his tongue. Levi Leipheimer from the distance, accused the Spaniard of taking the German from the podium. Bruyneel didn’t buy the leader’s argument for why he attacked.
The heavy word of Astana fell that day on top of Contador. There the delicate threads that still held the team together were broken. And there, Armstrong said “enough” to the guy who was breaking his present and future plans. Probably, that day Contador was left without moral support from his team and he heard more than ever the sounds of silence. Life was never easy for Contador on Astana, but on July 22, he experienced absolute war, the feeling of being outside of his home. That day, Armstrong decided that the kid had gone far enough. Contador preferred to be quiet instead of lamenting. Armstrong and Bruyneel were already working in finding the other team in which Contador would be on.
6. Agua en el Ventoux, champagne en el hotel
Water in Ventoux, champagne in the hotel
A mistaken scene on the way to Ventoux left in the memory of many, the difference of Bartali or Coppi – no one will know who offered water to whom. Italian society was divided as well 50 years ago with those idols. Contador refused to accept Armstrong’s courtesy – an offer of water in the Caisse d’Epargne water bottle. “I was in the breakaway when the group of Armstrong and Contador caught up with me. I was on the left of the road when Contador got to me. I offered him my bottle because I saw that he didn’t have any water and I am his friend,” says Ian Gutierrez, who is number one in breakaways (in the entire Tour did 581 miles by himself.) “But, I extended my arm with the water when Armstrong who was a little behind me grabbed it on the fly taking it from Alberto’s reach. After drinking it, he offered it to Alberto, but he passed. And he was going to keep it when I reminded him it was mine and for him to return it.
This detail reflects the patronizing feeling with which the winner of 7 Tours considers not just his relation with his team but with the peloton. He was also the one that decided when to toast the champagne the winnings of the team: in the middle of the jubilee, the night of the team time trial and not without being cold to Contador when he won the yellow jersey in Annecy. “A funeral to celebrate the yellow jersey,” another member of the team said. Owner of his champagne glass, in tradition going into Paris, knocked glasses with everyone except Armstrong.
Please send this to the NY Times, ESPN, MSN, Yahoo!, Google, et al…..
AMERICA NEEDS TO BE EXPOSED TO THIS!!!!!!!
The Tour was easy compared to what Contador went through with his team. I have more respect for him as the Tour winner than I had before I read this. He won this Tour with NO team! I always thought Lance was a selfish jerk, this has taken my disgust to a whole new level. This man is Dangerous and should be prevented from holding public office using any means available. Keep up the great work.
cancer has returned, LA is the cancer of our beloved sport, cancer is upon us
i wonder how radioshack is going to justify sponsoring protour team. i dont think shareholders are all that happy about it
Google translated it
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/uomo/solo/comando/elpepidep/20090727elpepidep_2/Tes&ei=dcJzSt3bG4mSsgPopMDUCA&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/uomo/solo/comando/elpepidep/20090727elpepidep_2/Tes%26hl%3Den
Wow. The behind-the-scenes battles were far worse than anything we saw on the road! Forza Contador!
Childstrong took control of the sandbox.
I remember LA back in the late ’80’s… a brash triathlete…That was the polite spin…he was an asshole…a young spoiled prick…prone to tantrums & outbursts…that was always spun as “competitive”… I never lost that distaste for him…20+ yrs later…he’s the same spoiled prick, a lot richer , with more power (and lawyers) His power is his manipulation on media & circumstance…a hero(?) I think not…i certainly wouldn’t lift my head to look at him, let alone cross the room to meet him. Cancer is his shield to deflect scrutiny into his accomplishments…yet he is the cancer
this seems just as biased as american media’s portrayal of armstrong (overwhelmingly positive)… but it is really good to get a fresh perspective on this. thanks guys!
Great piece and sums Armstrong up for what he is, an egotistic bad loser.
‘a true champion respects his fellow riders’ – Lance Armstrong.
Yea right Lance, what kinda hypocrite are you. You respect who it suits.
Why are you even bothering to come back with RadioShack? You’re not even gonna be able to beat Contador next year either. He’s way ahead of you, admit defeat like a TRUE Champion.
Go spend some time with your kids instead, I’m sure they miss their Daddy, you’ve nothing to prove, you’re just making yourself look dumb.
Eres Un IDIOTA = You are an IDIOT
self-entitled, narcissistic ho. the Twitter thing makes it clear he’s got a raging case of attention-whore-itis as well.
and Radio Shack would be wise to take his Twitter away if he’s going to continue to use it like a 7 year old girl squabbling over a hopscotch match.
though I have to say, he didn’t surprise me as much as JB’s classless, unprofessional twittering did. now he’s whining about not being able to leave his house in Spain… what did he expect? FFS– at least *pretend* to be neutral, asshole.
This is what people do when they know they can’t win. I don’t know why this article seems so shocking to some.
Look back at Lance’s treatment of Bassons or Simeoni. Truly a nasty idividual. And why is he so keen to stick with the Omerta?
And for those of you that have never heard of the Omerata, that just shows how unfamiliar you are with professional cycling. If this means you, then maybe you should do a bit of research before allowing national allegiances to overly influence your opinion of riders.
Ha. The Anericans do not want to believe it. They want to keep the dream alive. the hero Armstrong who is nothing more than a very nasty human being.
Contador would have been sitting 2 years and due to Puerto if Johan didn’t defend him to the UCI. He has blood bags with his blood and everyone knows it. Contador is a wimp and forgets who got him the 1 1/2 wins. For all of you that bash Lance – get over it. He’s the greatest cyclist of our generation and look back at other great cyclists – they didn’t get there being everyone’s best pal.
Everyone also knows that Armstrong is definitely not a clean rider. So if you want to accuse riders. Armstrong is a very smart con man who has expensive lawyers. So many people when they accused him of doping, people that used to work for him, or old friends were sued. I’m sure he also has some expensive doctors. But this is about the disgusting way Armstrong behaved during the tour not about doping.
1. Helicopter was supposed to take Alberto down from Ventoux to meet the press, but could not b/c of high winds. This call was made late in race that day.
2. There are accounts from other riders about the situation in Le Camargue. They all vary, but Contador just got stuck behind there like most in the peloton. It just happened.
3. Lance’s family was at Annecy early on. They were shown on television.
Lance has lots of fans and they love his Twitter updates. Lots of celebs tweet. That’s got nothing to do with this SPanish newspaper article.
Maybe he should start by learning to act like a decent human being – then fight cancer afterwards
Hi my name is Alberto, and I am a bitch. I know now that I can’t control my bitchiness, but with the Good Lord’s help one day I might be such a whiny bitch.
-shrug- it appears everyone has fans … and everyone has haters
All people in Spain know about this article, so as you can guess Armstrong is not wellcome in our country , I guess this article will never been released in the USA media , as many others.
Viva España y viva Contador ¡¡¡
The best bit of news to come out of the 2009 Tour is that next year when Armstrong has his own team, with Levi and Klodi, etc., it’s not going to matter one iota, because without the restrictions of Johan and Armstrong, Contador is going to show who’s the real boss where it matters: on the road.
I can’t believe all of you…Lance sacrificed himself for Contador on the mountain by keeping Wiggins off Contador’s tail! Contador (a great rider) is nothing more than an arrogant little pup who disrespected everyone on his team including those who were loyal to him! Alberto may have won the race, but Lance brought the fans to France and American tv. Versus alone was getting over 2 million hits per day! Doping??? Over 50 random tests were run and all came back clean! As for RSH, they will have a great team next year as most of Astana goes with Lance (NOT ALBERTO!)You must have watched a different race than I did. The dislike was obvious, but I, for one, can’t wait to next year to be in Paris and watch Lance come across the finish line as victor once again!
Sacrificed? WTH. Contador could have won 3 more races but he was not allowed cause he had to save Armstrong’s third place. Sacrifice my ass. Its tahnks to Alberto Armstrong did manage to keep his bloody podium spot.
And yes he can tweet but it is disgusting if you use twitter to talk nasty about your teammate.
AC,
Please remember that I cannot win this race without you, and you cannot win this race without a team. It doesn’t matter how well I convert watts to momentum; you cannot pedal long and fast enough alone to beat an organized effort of 9 world class athletes.
Thank you,
The bike
P.S. I know you will not heed these wise words, but at least now there is no one to blame but yourself.
Once again people (Lance lovers) the race was raced to win not to save spots for others on the team. If you deserve it you earn it, Lance got dropped plain and simple, who saw Frank Schleck rejoin the break with Andy and Contador and Lance just sat back? That was because he couldn’t rejoin them! If you scream team tactics wouldn’t it been best of Lance bridged up with Frank to give Astana two men in the lead instead of two Saxo and one Astana? Does that mean Lance has terrible tactics since he did not see this or he just simply could not bridge up to them? Either way he sucked (Lance).
Hello 10:47, I’m Earth. Have we met?
Are we all just a little jealous of a great athlete?? LOL It’s tough to be on the top, way too many critics who don’t understand the tactics of the race. Lance did bridge the gap if you remember and Alberto didn’t need to win any more stages just protect his position which Lance helped him do! There are none so blind as those who refuse to see!The little “pistolero” with no class needs to deal with it. Oh yes, and just who were the fans screaming for? Not Alberto!
Love him or hate him, Lance is the greatest rider of all time. That is a fact. 7 Tour wins in a row is big medicine. Cuntadork will never win again. Who would want to ride with him? Spainards are just so happy to have any small thing that puts them on the world map right now that they think he is a great champion. 2 Tour wins, and the Giro and the Vuelta do not stack up with loads of other riders, past and present. He also DID INDEED have blood bags with him as reported earlier. He’ll most likely flag a blood test soon and fall away like Floyd What’s-His-Name while crying about the injustice that the world put on him. Albarfos 15 minutes are up. Go become a trivia question answer, that probably no one will remember. Does Lance have a bit of a dark side? Probably. Great men often do. He never crapped on his teammates, however. Alberto is now well on his way to obscurity. See you on the Autobus in 2010, Contadick!
more and/or better PEDs to beat young-whipper-snapping-more-talented-(but probably doped)Spaniard. Spaniard isn’t a prick though. Hey, Armweak, gonna jack up your program with Ferrari?
Know you read this site which brought about your twittering about this article. Question: how bad is it killing you that you have to stay with your latest dame for the mere sake of appearance? That Max is the connecting cord between you – when will you cut it?
Poor Alberto had to ride down Ventoux with his brother and all the fans around him: so vulnerable and unprotected. My opinion is that he isolated himself. He made an attack on Verbier for no reason, and without consent from Bruyneel; he attack Kloden knocking him off the podium for absolutely no reason.
AC is an excellent cyclist, but he does not know how keep things together–most importantly his team. He could of allowed Armstrong some glory by letting him wear yellow until the Alps. He could have stayed put with the Schlecks and kept Kloden in it, and who knows what other stupid things he had going on in his own mind (i.e. “psychological warfare”). This man was outright, head and shoulders, above everyone–includingAndy Schleck and Lance–but he was fighting against those that were on his own team. My opinion is that AC has to control his pride and get rid of the “pistelero” gesture. He’s not a lone ranger at five feet tall, 150 lbs, wearing skin-tight spandex; and I don’t know if he realizes this paradox.
Please show me the dates of his Vuelta and Giro wins. Great champion of the Tour, perhaps. But, a great champion of cycling Grand Tours, nice try but not even close. He is not in the same league as Indurain, Merckx or Hinault.
Hopefully, Contador will usher in a new era of cycling champions with considerably less ego and more tangible results.
12:54 yea and kenny v will take his place as the tour champ.
Maybe you should take the time to really research Simeoni and his doping problem, and other viewpoints of that 2004 stage. Simeoni was a doper back in the early 90’s. BTW, wasn’t/isn’t Contador’s manager/coach also involved with the Dr.?
I can’t say I am surprised at the dirty, underhand tactics used by Armstrong to belittle and undermine Alberto, but, I have to say, I am amazed that so many people STILL believe in that man. He did everything in his power to break Alberto mentally on the Tour, good for Alberto that he didn’t succeed. It is funny how Armstrongs’ ‘sheep’ cannot see what was right in front of their eyes. They complain about Alberto leaving Kloeden on Mont Ventoux, therefore costing him a place on the podium. Kloeden, to my mind, was working to LAs instructions, ‘tell him you’ll go with him then don’t’, just about Armstrongs level. Alberto stopped attacking as soon as he saw Kloeden was NOT on his wheel and was constantly looking back for him. THEN he had the decency to HELP LA get to the summit! I would have left the egotistical prat to get their alone! Armstrong has severely tarnished the image of the tour and should be banned for life as far as I am concerned! His smarmy tactics of talking to others in the Peloton on the last day did NOTHING to redeem him. I loved the photo of him on the podium looking longingly at the trophy held aloft by Alberto. You could almost hear his thoughts, “that should be mine”. No Armstrong, it shouldn’t, you couldn’t win it.
Thanks for posting the photo. Road Bike Action referenced the El Pais article and said that the morning of the Time Trial, Armstrong had Astana support vehicles transporting not just family and friends, but Radio Shack VIP’s? Pretty much the last people in the world who should be in an Astana vehicle, as they seek to cherry pick the team and staff.
Here’s the BBC translation of the most important part of the Contador video:
“Well, my relationship with Lance is zero. My relationship with him is zero. I think that independently of what his character is, he’s still a great champion. He’s won seven Tours and played a big part in this one, too. But it’s different to speak at a personal level. I have never really admired him that much, or will ever, but of course as a cyclist, he is a great champion.”
We all see what we want to see. I see Alberto as a spoiled egotistical little brat. I see Armstrong as a team player; the role he said he would play and the role he accomplished well. So long Astana, and maybe, if he is lucky, some team will want Contador next year.
Oh who cares. Am I the only one who thinks this debate is turning into a total yawn?
I think Giro makes ugly helmets
With year’s experience in the bicycle business, I always thought Trek was crap. How things change and in years past it used to amaze me that riders were actually on something made by Huffy!
But, I have +/- been following along. My opinion – for what it is worth – without the 7 time winner racing this this year, there would not have been much interest in the tour. Regardless of what anyone thinks about either rider, this year brought the tour back to greatness.
My only comment – I believe that Contador finally realized the same thing and although he did not want to, he helped Armstrong to 3rd and to keep 3rd. For that I give the young rider credit.
LA is a total dick. Most men of power are. Get over it.
AC is doped. Not once did you see a moment of fatigue the entire TDF.
None. Did not even have the decency to fake it.
Yeah right, he all of a sudden became one of the best TT’ers in the world because he decided to ride his TTX more. Not.
The guy is incredibly shrewd, a great businessman and a superior athlete. This petty nonsense is getting tiring (on both sides, pro- and anti-Armstrong).
As an American, I am disappointed by Lance. Although much good has come to the battle on Cancer from Lance’s celebrity, it seems like Lances uses LIvestrong as much to promote himself. It is purely PR the reason Lance came back was for Livestrong’s global campaign. Lance just wanted to be back in the news and his type A personality wanted to win. This is reflected in the way he treated Contador so badly and acted so arrogant.
Lance has all the money, connections and people beholden to him (because of his money and influence). Contador was the underdog and I am glad he beat Lance.
p.s. Let’s not even talk about Lance’s personal life. The guy is a male slut
What unmitigated drivel! Contador sounds like he’s still in high school. He should take a page out of Michael Phelps’ book and do his talking on the bike.
7 consecutive tours trumps two…at least Lance was clean. Wasn’t it AC who was suspected of being involved in Operation Puerto? AC will never be a great champion because he is a petty, whining, backstabber who has yet to realize that there isn’t an I in T.E.A.M.!!! But go ahead and ask him, he’ll tell you there is a ME. 5 will get you 10 Lance kicks his ass next year with the same guys who helped AC win this year. Bet Lance won’t forget to give credit where credit is due, bet AC DNF’s or misses the podium completely. Honestly AC, you need to get over yourself pistolero!
From Australia. Did you people watch the same Tour?? Get over yourselves. Lance had every right to be there and they are all big boys who can look after themselves. Stop whinnying AC you won a magnificent Tour! Lance look forward to see you again.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/08/contador-on-armstrong-and-tour-in-el-pais.html
Good thing Berto dropped Kloden, otherwise Klodi might’ve ended up 3rd instead of Old Washed-up Crybaby Lance.
Not having team vehicles to take AC to the time trial makes Bruyneel look like a piss-poor director.
Hincapie was not in yellow as DS could not give up two days of media attention. With friends like that…………….
Clean, yeah right. He is the greatest fraud of all time. Even if he did it clean, he is probably not in the top three riders of all time.
He is a vindictive douche bag. He attempted to chase Contador down when dropped in the Alps but couldn’t.
I have inappropriate releations with my 808s.
Make it stop please. Can I have Schmalz Log back and TT Vegan. The only thing worse than the Lance lovers are the Lance haters – equally tedious
Alex, help!
Guy raced about 5 TTs and a few Cat 4/5 crits, some how got a cat 2 upgrade without earning any points for cat 3 and now stops racing. No TTs? We want the Vegan Back. What Happened to Coach L, Bullwinkle, mini cobra, upstate hardmen, “Pro as Shit” junior racer guy, Queer eye for the cat 3/4 guy, Historicus guy, “Big Mengoni” crashed me guy, they were much more entertaining than these “I hate”, “I love” Lance D-bags. We get it. Lance is a jerk. A great talent, likely a cheat and a huge boost to cycling like it or not. Move on.
What was the basis of the article? Contador’s comments, other rider’s comments, or those of a sensationalist Spanish press. I don’t believe that Armstong hates Cantador as much as the article claims or that the events of the car and the water bottle went down as the article claims. Some facts are clear. Contador was the strongest rider. He would not have been in a position to win without Armstrong or the Astana team. Armstrong did not attack Contador on Arcalis, dragging the Schlecks with him. Contador did go on an unecessary attack that caused Kloden a place on the podium. I do respect Armstrong as a cyclist, but he is not a “nice” person. Next year’s tour will answer all questions!
I’m still mad that Lance didn’t go lower than me on the phallometer!
Well, hello Lance Armstrong!
Hello, Johan Bruyneel!
You guys lost in July,
We know how you feel.
You tried in the mountains.
You tried in the rain.
But the one that would stop you,
Was your teammate from Spain.
You tried to intimidate.
You tried to disown him.
But El Pistolero,
Is not Filippo Simeoni.
We know you won 7.
And raise money for Cancer.
But regarding the Dr. Ashenden:
We’d like you to answer!
https://nyvelocity.com/content/interviews/2009/michael-ashenden
I’m really getting tired of Contador playing the victim in this soap opera. Really, for a guy who competes in one of the toughest sporting events in the world, his whining and complaining is really suprising. Grow a pair, dude!
Yep the cancer is back, what is he going to win the tour at 50? Oh but I’m the most tested athlete..ah but I’m 50 and won the tour ahhhhh, but what? that’s normal right..well you know those other youngs guys they are just not smart enough, they have a lot to learn, not bad for the old fart! hmmmmmmmmm yeah right buddy…
Your only fooling the the Lance homo’s!
Contador isolated himself from his teammates with his actions of attacking when he was ordered not too. This was his biggest mistake and lost him the trust of his teammates and DS.
Anyone that as ridden on a pro team (I have) knows that this type of thing is not tolerated and you will do nothing but ostracize yourself from the team if you pull this these types of selfish stunts.
Selfish riders are not tolerated and not desired teammates. Look at Jeannie Longo, she is great but no one ever wanted to ride with her as a teammate.
Contador should also speak in English ( I read he knows the language) so the non-Spanish speaking public can learn his personality. He seems to have none or maybe he does but we can’t tell cause he doesn’t speak English in interviews.
Wow, man. We should all listen to you because you’ve ridden on a pro team.
Maybe you should speak all the time in French, or Spanish…
A rey muerto, rey puesto
http://www.lemonde.fr/sports/article/2009/07/23/alberto-prouve-moi-qu-on-peut-croire-en-toi-par-greg-lemond_1221871_3242.html
If you search this site for “verbier” you will see a lot of indications (via schmalz) that this was the fastest climb in tour history.
What I didn’t find on this site was a reference to Lemond’s article. I wasn’t aware of this article until now.
it was posted already, thanks.
Is that it doesn’t match what happened on screen. Armstrong’s riding strategy was completely in support of Contador. he never counter attacked Contador’s attacks, knowing that this would violate team tactics. Contador, on the other hand, completely, and intentionally, destroys Kloden’s podium chances and Jeopardizes Lance’s with a completely unnecessary attack on the grande bornand. It’s also hard to overlook criticisms from Leipheimer, a guy who could have clearly taken a shot at winning the 07 Tour or last year’s Vuelta, but instead chose to play the good lieutenant to Contador. It’s also quite telling that most of the Astana squad is choosing to stay with Lance and not Contador. Clearly, no one wants to follow a selfish cry baby (wah! wah! Lance stole my water!).
How to win 7 tours.
Train hard.
Have talent.
Leave your wife and kids.
Wow what a great man he is.
Teams ride the TdeF to win either the yellow, green, or polka-dot jersey. Astana was was riding for the yellow. Riding for podium spots jeopardizes the yellow. Check all of LA’s TdeF wins – any team members in the top ten? Teams must ride for the strongest rider – in Astana’s case that was/is AC.
As far as LA’s legacy is concerned, he is nothing compared to Eddie Merckx who dominated pro cycling in his day.
I think Lance playing the “7 Tours counts for Something” card was a bit desperate. I think most who are around the sport enough appreciate his wins but, come on Lance, let the sport evolve. If Contador had a team that were all on the same page that he is going to win and that they (the team) have a job to do riding in his support, then that makes Lance nothing but a whiny ass. It was perfectly clear that Lance was not going to challenge Contador, not because “he would attack a teammate”, because he couldn’t, he’s not that strong, and will never be the younger Lance. Yet still throws a fit and spins it into Contador is the whiner.
Are you a Lance worshipper? Church of Lance Armstrong is now taking cult members. Hurry!!
Details here – http://cozybeehive.blogspot.com/2009/07/church-of-lance-armstrong.html
With all of the variables in a bike race, crashes, wind, ability, etc. the only thing that gives the edge is mental toughness. Say what you will against him, but that part of Lance’s game is clearly still intact. He said he’d ride for the strongest rider, he clearly did so no matter what sniveling AC comes up with. If I was in Contador’s shoes I wouldn’t be complaining one bit, I’d say it was easy no matter what and that Lance might get the podium again if he trains hard. I’d say it in broken English in an interview with Phil Liggett!! He’ll be racing for 2nd place next year, guaranteed.
Whatever the facts are, it’s quite clear that its isn’t really cool to attack a teammate in public during the competition and this is what lance did continually. Lack of class or manners
If he was that much of a team player, why couldn’t he wait a couple of days more to announce his team? Or celebrate Contador’s victory with the team?
Why can’t people see that Lance will employ any means whatsoever to win. He’s an alpha dog.
Too bad Contador didn’t go with the ‘plan’
Surely you and your gang must be getting tired of trolling every single cycling website and posting responses to all of the sad reality of your pathetic antics. Paul Kimmange went easy when he called you a cancer on cycling.
AC was mentally & physically stronger than Lance. He never cracked, at all. He didn’t “tweet”, he didn’t make pity little comments to the press rolling his eyes about his teammates or tactics, “biting his tongue”. He won the tour. He beat the guy who “won 7”. Lance tried all the tricks he had, from winter camp on, but Contador still beat Lance. Soundly.
Lance, it’s time to grow up.
-The Shrink
100% of her readers agree: Pucin is an idiot.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/08/contador-on-armstrong-and-tour-in-el-pais.html
Oh poor pitiful Alberto. He may have won the tour but he’s not the star nor the hero. Maybe another day and maybe not. Go whine elsewhere!
First of all, if Lance took all the Astana cars (don’t they travel in buses?), why were there no other Astana riders left behind? The question should be why was Contador not ready to go with the rest of the team?
It was the ITT. Riders go in reverse order of GC, so Contador was last to go. Watch bike racing much?
I just want to point out that Lance clearly stated to the press, both before and after the race, that he thought that Contador was the superior rider. He even went so far as to state that Contador would probably have beaten him when he was at his best. Armstrong did not whine or make excuses.
This article is just trying to stir up discord.
Two great riders. The best one won.
I hope that Lance does well next year, but he will only win if Contador and Schleck have weak teams. Give credit to him for being happy with 3rd.
What a total bunch of BS. Lance couldn’t have attacked Contador if he had wanted to; all this talk of him riding as a team player is a joke. Contador was the strongest rider and the move of Armstrong earlier in the race to gain time on him was obvious and petty. When the “team leader” isn’t in the move you ride with not DRIVE the pace. Go AC you should have attacked that egomaniac a mile or two earlier!!!
AC reminds me of that asshole on a typical ride that blows the whole pack apart for no apparent reason…such a little bitch. Go to hell AC and stick that little spanish pistolero finger up your ass!
You can not compare the idiot that blows the typical ride like you call it,to what Alberto C did. He is in the tour de France, and to win you have to attack you dumb ass.not for no apparent reason.Only that Armstrong was not happy because if AC gets yellow then he gets nothing,and Lance wanted an 8th tour.of course he never said that in public,he said it with actions.He can not scream out “I want to come to Alberto’s team, take the leadership of his team,screw him and steal the tour right under his nose”
Nicely put, Thanks.
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Alberto Contador has won 4 grand tours so far. By the time he turns 38 he will have at least 10 maybe more. Lance is a sore loooser. He’s no better than Lemond.
Both had great rides and I thought Lance was good to point out Contador’s strength. No doubt it was tough for AC to have Lance come back, though. Truth is, both could have handled things better – especially after the win. Lance could have been more gracious after picking up the 41 seconds, AC should *never* have attacked when he didn’t need it. (Mind you, I have no reservation about dropping Kloeden or Lance, but it was stupid to isolate yourself against two competitors.) It was a great tour to watch and everyone knew both were trying to ‘prove’ they deserved it. Once AC won, he should have showed some statesmanship and just dropped it. He had *nothing* to gain by getting in a battle – especially when he needs to find a new team. Likewise, as the most famous cyclist of all time, Lance would have been better off to drop it. The media war isn’t useful and (as Phelps proved this weekend) you don’t want to give your competitor motivation in training. Still, *everyone* will be watching next year’s Tour!
Just curious…What flavour is the Kool-Aid in LA’s church?
Does he have alter boys? Levi would have to be one for sure…
Lance is a tremendous cyclist and his record of of 7 Tour de France wins may never be equaled. This year, he had an amazing Tour, after being away from competitive cycling for three-plus years.
His fight against cancer and the attention that he has brought to that struggle is beyond criticism.
However, with his behavior during the Tour towards Alberto, Lance has certainly shown that he can be petty and selfish. It was clear from the opening stage that Lance was not the cyclist he was in 2005. He finished the first stage behind Alberto, Levi and Andreas.
On the third stage, Lance, after being tipped off by George Hincapie about Team Columbia’s intention to to try to split the peleton when the road turned, did not tell Levi, Andrea or Alberto, but instead had his domestiques drive the breakaway group to put time into not only Alberto, but also Levi and Andreas. Hardly the actions of someone thinking of his team.
Lance’s attacks on Alberto during the Tour were very unprofessional. Why wasn’t Lance at the team party after the Mt. Ventoux stage? He should have been there if not to congratulate Alberto, but also to publicly thank his teammates for delivering him to the third spot on the podium.
Despite Lance’s and Johan’s comments, the reality is that Alberto’s attack on the Schlecks on Stage 16 did not cause Kloden to lose a spot on the podium. Alberto’s attack was very short and he backed off when it became clear that Andreas could not follow. Instead of attacking further, Alberto followed the Schlecks up the mountain rather than attack them further and put even more time into Andreas. Kloden was ultimately passed on that stage by Lance and others. Also, Kloden could not keep up with Lance, Alberto and the Schlecks on the Mt. Ventoux. It is clear that Andreas Kloden cannot believe that he would have made the podium in Paris but for Alberto’s attack on Stage 16.
Alberto was clearly the strongest cyclist in the Tour and deserved to win. On several of the mountain stages, It appeared as though he could have put even more distance between him and the other top cyclists. Contador’s race results for several years show that he has been an excellent time trialist. His success in that area is not new.
Lance could have been a true champion and graciously accepted the fact that Alberto was the stronger rider and assisted him. But, his pride would not let him do that. And his pettiness and selfishness took over when it became clear that Alberto was not going to sacrifice his ambitions to let Lance try to win another Tour.
The reality is, even if Alberto was not in the Tour, Andy Schleck would have beaten Lance.
The Tour de France is not a typical ride.
There is good reason to blows the whole pack apart.
It’s called RACING. And the end of the RACE (not a ride) there is a WINNER.
Contador was the WINNER of the RACE. It wasn’t a ride.
See? simple really
Lance I lost all respect for you in this tour. You tried to subvert Alberto every step of the way. You were never a part of Team Astana but you join it and think you are the leader. FYI Alberto was the leader of Astana he won 3 tour and it would have been for if the team had been allowed to be in last years tour.
Alberto beat you at your own game in the opening stage and should have been given consideration to be the leader of the team. On the windy that broke up the peleton you did everything you could to get the lead over AC. You didnt ride for the leader you rode for yourself. You would have liked to have picked a couple of minutes on Alberto but you didnt. If you had you would have demanded control of the team and demanded that Alberto ride for you. You would have wanted Alberto to give up his tour aspirations.
Alberto was held up in the Pyrennes mountains, if their had been more mountain top finishes Lance you would have bee finished early. The reason you made the podium is because of the Team time trial. That allowed you to build up a lead over the Schleck brothers, Cadel Evans and other contenders. Hopefully there will be no Team time trial in next years tour and you will have to earn your spot on your own. Aberto and Andy owned you on the mountains, you were their bitch! Alberto is developing into a excellent Time trialler, that sucks for you. Lance you are a sore loser and you are very SELFISH. Your behaviour tainted those 7 Tours you won as bad as if you had been caught doping, which you probably did do. Hope you lose bad next year. Ex Lance fan out.
Wow, those comments in the Pucin article. No one agrees with her.
I was for Lance before the tour.
Now the way he treated AC even he knew AC was the dominant
rider he is selfish and arrogant. No support from Astana-
He was so dominant he did not show any signs of weakness.
AC will win more Grand tour than Lance by time he will be 38. Lance cant even win the Giro or Espana.
You think lance look really bad wait till next year.
No one can climb and time trial like Alberto Contador the Conquer. Sorry but thats a fact.
I never comment on these things, but this is too funny. You guys act like AC is some little kid, he is a grown ass man. This article is just that, an opinion. Two sides to every story.
you say, grown-ass man
i think, grown ass-man
http://xkcd.com/37/
The Shack:
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/radioshack-prepares-rebranding-shack/2009-08-03
2010 TDF fight card
Lance vs Berto
… come on, most of this is fabricated
King Alberto:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b_WYnMJYRME/SncFUrmo6RI/AAAAAAAAClI/fetUKD1OQE0/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG
In an otherwise wonderful comeback for LA, the childish antics against AC were amazing. This sets up 2010, the Showdown. Will AC’s ability outshine LA’s powerful team?
Next year Lance Armstrong will be 38.
He will not win the tour de france. He’ll win a few small MTB races and criteriums. He’ll enter a triathlon, but wont win that either.
lance will turn 39 in september 2010.
maybe he can race in the TDF master field?
Chopper(Greg Randolph)had it right. Lance Armstrong will do anything to remain in the limelight. Lance is a JACKASS as a racer. He should stick to fighting cancer and shut the #@%^ up.
This is typical Euro trash talk. Sounds pretty
insecure to me. The Euros still can’t come to
grips with the fact that the Americans have
dominated the TdF for so long.
Lance fights cancer? He uses it as a deflector. He should be “Deflector Man”.
tabloid reporter: Lance how do you explain your numbers are different now than when you first reported them?
Deflector Man: Did you know I fight cancer? Cancer is bad!
tabloid reporter 2: Lance, how is it possible you couldn’t even finish a Tour until after you got on Ferrari’s exclusive program?
Deflector Man: Did you know that the LAF gives a whopping 31% of money to grants (based on 2006-2007 information true)
tabloid reporter 3: Why’d you leave Contador stranded before the time trial?
Deflector Man: Talk to the twitter because I’m done with you! PressAgent, Higgins, Hog, blacklist ’em – unless it’s Frankie, I need his credibility.
it will never end!
is lance a doper? a dick? he’s a doper AND a prick? he uses cancer as a shield!
floyd landis, you got a hip replacement, where are the RESULTS now, huh? huh?
AC=whiner, doper, truth teller, or all three? the trifecta?
Just race your bike. Become a fruitarian, do the Nyack loop every day on a fixed gear, drink water and eat pasta and clown around with your teammates. Climb a mountain or play golf or frisbee with your kids.
Ride a 36 spoke wheel. Enough is enough.
signed,
crank (What doesn’t belong: Hub, spoke, rim, crank.: *)
Without Bruyneel to shield him it’s only a matter of time before Contadoper tests positive. Lance is already deep into his head. Move over Contabitch. Daddy’s home.
that Alberto beated Lance, physically and mentally and beated Lance at his own game.
I love how everyone’s all over LA. He’s 38, has 7 Tour wins, and has come back from 3 years of retirement at an old age for cycling and got 3rd on the podium. Sorry but that takes talent regardless of his ego, etc.
All you AC fans suck it as the kid is a whiner with talent. Attacks when he doesn’t need to and can’t even be in the right position in the peleton to not be dropped by his team. Still some learning to do as LA has eluded to.
1. CONTADOR Alberto 21 ASTANA 85h 48′ 35″
2. SCHLECK Andy 31 TEAM SAXO BANK 85h 52′ 46″ + 04′ 11″
3. ARMSTRONG Lance 22 ASTANA 85h 53′ 59″ + 05′ 24″
Maybe my post below should be the CAPTCHA for this thread.
Which one does not belong.
But of course –
they all get popped once they’re no longer part of Lance’s UCI protection program. If Contador (or any of the others popped positive) gave tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) to the UCI/Hein like Armstrong and his posse, he’d (they’d) be protected too. Oh, yeah, cancer helps.
Let’s see ALL FACTS:
*Lance can’t remember how much he gave Hein. Testifies in SCA case he has no idea how much he gave or what type of transaction it was. Only because opposing counsel keeps pounding the issue he agrees it could’ve been $25,000 but just has no idea.
*Syvlia Shenck says her relationship with Hein changed dramatically when she kept asking what happened to that large sum of money (check cyclingnews.com archives)
*Riders not popped when on Team Pharmstrong. Only when off the team are they not protected (kinda like Anna, the newest and latest flave).
A bazillon posts and no one has said it yet?!?
HEEEEEEYYY Macarena!!!
Whether this is all partly or fully true or just made up – I wonder if AC and his brother/manager arn’t leaking some of this to the media in hopes Bruyneel will let him out of the final year on his contract. The riders contracts are with JB’s company – Olympus (Zubeldia confirmed this). Johan lives in Spain so he is seeing all of these stories. I think the scenarios are a) AC gets let out of his contract; b) He is not let out of this contract and we have a repeat of this year; c) He is not let out of his contract and as punishment for all the bad press he will only ride crappy races in support of neo-pros; or d) He sues to get out of his contract. Now if he sues he will have to pony up evidence of all these things – and man i man I’d like to be part of the jury at that trial.
Lance posted about this on his twitter. He wrote
“Gotta love the Spanish press. I understand their enthusiasm but does it really have to change reality?? C’mon, fellas. We aren’t stupid.
6:11 AM Aug 1st from UberTwitter”
I checked on Wikipedia a while ago, and he said he was an atheist. I checked yesterday, and now he’s an agnostic. I see a picture of him today (right here) and he’s wearing a cross around his neck. Is he going to become a monk and join a convent next?
How can I email Contador and tell him Bravo for pummeling L.A. and let him know a lot of Americans were routing for AC?
I don’t remember L.A. having to hold back to drag his teammates on the podium. Since when is that the responsibility of the team leader?
No, we’re THAT stupid! We eat up all the Pharma-strong lies just as we ate up all the crap from the other dimwit Texan (OK, fake Texan) and the Alaskan idiot.
Radioshack is launching a marketing campaign on Aug 6 to re-brand the business to “The Shack”…LA’s new squad just got lamer.
LA returns and the TDF goes bonkers in terms of popularity/TV/competition and LA is a cancer for cycling? Yah.
So many here choose to overlook Armstrong saying that even at his best he probably couldn’t have beaten Contador. Or how about when Contador first took the yellow jersey and LA said, Alberto is clearly the best climber, the best rider in the Tour? Or that LA was the last Astana man with AC and buried himself for AC on Ventoux? That’s what a real cancer says and does to his team and the TDF. I bet most of the haters didn’t even watch.
And if “they” can keep this controvery going, just wait til next year. You’ll all be lapping up those commercials and making the sponsors and Versus very prosperous and happy! Do ya’ think this is the prelude to the great climax!!!!!!!!!! LOL
hey guys, the average person still gives a rats ass about the tour de france. most laypeople didn’t even know it was happening, besides blips in the NYT or google news.
when your local sports news starts reporting on the tour daily, i will retract that statement
…great rebranding…now I’ve got the B-52s’ “Love Shack” running through my head. Will be interesting to see who joins LA in the Love Shack.
http://eurosport.yahoo.com/04082009/58/tour-de-france-blazin-saddles-retroactive-tour-awards.html
It might be written as a bit of a laugh, but nice to see someone was actually paying attention to the race and not just sucking up all the versus BS
“I don’t remember L.A. having to hold back to drag his teammates on the podium. Since when is that the responsibility of the team leader?”
Exactly. AC could’ve won the TdeF by much more if LA et al hadn’t held him back. LA has morphed into a whining hasbeen / wannabe.
i hate you all.
Got no issue with Lancehaterade but honestly, the joke is on you if you think Berto occupies some moral high ground. Good luck with that position.
Seems the hate is most intense from Cat 3/4 squids. It’s a rite of passage – you get into the sport because of Lance, then everyone tells you what a dick he is, and the way to show you’re ‘in the know’ is to rail on about what a dick he is to the rest of the squids. Shows you ‘know your stuff.’ But you wind up sounding as dogmatic and cliched as some toad who goes to Europe for the summer and comes back telling everyone that America sucks.
Interestingly a lot of the old timers out there who hated Lance forever seem to give him a little credit now. Yeah they’re grossed out by his antics and are not naive about his past but the SOB is old as dirt like them and in the hunt.
Anyway, choose your idols wisely. Enjoy the sport; don’t fall in love.
all of us! tell me how much faster i am with ceramic balls!
spot on
He wears it because it was a gift and it honors the giver, not for religious purposes.
The amount of paranoia and fantasy on these threads is just unbelievable. These people (cyclists and their teams) are just not smart enough to think of all the machinations that are conceived here. They just race bike, some cheat and get caught, some cheat and don’t get caught and some don’t cheat. Only thing for sure is the ones caught.
today JB was asked via twitter if it was true about AC being left without a car, and whether LA used Astana cars to transport his family and Radioshack peeps. His response:
@johanbruyneel @EquipoPistolero – stop wasting your time will you?
clearly not a denial.
This story is really odd as it has almost no representation from contador, artmstrong or anyone else. It seems that it lacks facts or context of facts that would provide deeper insight into what happened and what will happen in the future. Some may respond to this with crass or crude remarks but it seems that this story and related comments actually pose a risk to cycling. AC killed it this year and everyone, including Armstrong, said that he was unbeatable. LA also did an amazing ride and there are stages and moments where the two clearly did ride as a team. Rather than dwell on what did or didn’t happen I’m looking forward to next year’s tour and what I hope will be a great rivalry.
I frequently read issues of BiciSport from Italy and I see a common thread between that rag and this article.It seems that these writers love to play to the audience via sentimental overtures and not facts. In Bici Sport you constantly see references to ‘i nostri’ or ‘our guys’ vs. everyone else. I guess these types of stories sell over there and that is why they are written, not because they portray factual content. The El Pais article certainly plays to the Spanish audience and everyone who is not a Spaniard is the villain.
if i could cut this thread off, tie it to a cement block, drop it in the hudson and drown you all, i would.
thankfully, i know you’ll all just eventually leave, and that is the only thing that gives me succor and comfort. you shill-trolling cretins.
Just wanted to remind everyone that this is an article by the Spanish press. It’s based off of things other riders have said and things the members of the press saw. Certainly, some of the incidents they reported on did not happen exactly as written. But the most important thing to remember is that Alberto himself did not say all these things. He made the one statement–that he respects LA as a rider but does not have a personal relationship with him. The rest of the words are those of very pro-AC, anti-LA reporters. I’m sure some are true. I’m sure some are false. But stop acting like Berto wrote the article himself–he is not whining. He has been remarkably quiet (quieter than LA, since he’s not constantly releasing drivel on a twitter account).
8/4 9:22 You can join AC’s fan club (it’s free) and leave him a message there…you’ll be in good company–plenty of Americans have sent him messages saying how they supported him and not LA.
Nooooooobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
i love Lance
lance was just being the role of super domestiqe, grabbing the bottle for contador and testing it to make sure it didn’t contain anything like hot sauce. what’s wrong with that?
Hey, relax asshole, it’s just trolling you shithead troll, you
troll or gnome?
i say, squid.
squid, squirrel, fred, goose, duck, idot, geek, dork, tool, sure sounds like Inson…
It looks like Lance is a little evil,but then again,”he’s a Virgo we tend to be that way sometimes,when we are pushed.”
Vino: Look, there is a woman in a car! Can we follow her and maybe make a sexy time with her?
Lance: No, no, no, no, no, no!
Vino: A-why not?
Lance: Because a woman has the right to choose who she has sex with.
Vino: [stunned] WHAT…? You joke?
Lance: It must be consensual. How ’bout that?
Vino: Ahahahahaha!
Lance: That’s good, huh?
Vino: [stops laughing] Is not good for me.
None of you have a clue. Have you had cancer yet? Metastatic cancer? been told your probably gonna die waaayy too young?
You’re all worse than the cycling media, trying to sell the importance of the bike race to all of the “new” fans.
Of course you don’t get it. You are like teenagers – no life experience, but know everything in the world because you read it on the internet.
LA’s world is bigger than racing and celebs, but you’ll never see it, with your heads buried in unqualified anonymous pseudo-journalism.
I will expel you all with one more f- up! Its all going down on your record!!!
Vino is not guilty!
Kash
Tyler
Floyd
Heras
Basso
Ullrich
Valverde
Mayo
only the most unjustly accused of the 00’s
should I go into the 90’s?
80’s?
So Lance cures cancer, (or makes a buck or 2 exploiting pain and suffering, just as he has on the bike/triathlon for 2 decades…) people!!! Have you not listened to Sir Charles??? PRO ATHLETES ARE NOT ROLE MODELS!!!
The only person that LA is a saint is Elmer Fudd!!!
Thanks for that. I’m a cancer survivor, about to commit mass murder. Thanks for letting me know it’s ok.
LA has raised millions to fight cancer. That is an absolute face. He isn’t hiding behind it (using it as a shield) or exploiting it. He is doing more to help people (millions of people all over the world) than any other athlete has ever done before.
He didn’t need to come back to racing, except that running marathons and banging celebs wasn’t generating the interest needed to attract more funding for cancer research and patient advocacy.
To suggest that he exploits cancer or uses it as a shield is ridiculously ignorant.
Chances are this whole stupid LA vs AC bullshit was cooked up by his PR machine to generate even more spin about the TdF. Good job, it has all you geniuses spouting off about it long after the race over!
Get a life. Enjoy the world while you are healthy (especially on two wheels) and maybe try giving something back to society.
http://www.radioshack.com/theshack/
get your namaste on and join the “netogether” here in nyc!
“To suggest that he exploits cancer or uses it as a shield is ridiculously ignorant”.
To suggest that he doesn’t exploit cancer or use as a shield, even if he isn’t a doper, is ridiculously ignorant.
I don’t know. You have to be a heart-hearted MF to not at least acknowledge that some people are really engaged by the guy and the organization does very positive work even if just from a PR standpoint. It’s possible to be dubiously motivated and ethically complicated and demonstrably good at the same time. See also: mostly every leader/figurehead since the beginning of time.
This whole comeback thing would be perceived a lot better if LA had simply built a team around himself and then gone out and did his thing.
But he did not. He and the f-up Bruyneel attempted to subjugate an existing team – at team that had a serious adversary and tour winning leader under contract who was clearly stronger than LA. Un-cool, unsportsmanlike and a very douchey thing to do. And yes, we, the cycling community who race noticed and have an opinion.
So don’t act all surprised when we see his dick moves and start wondering if he is a dick in the rest of his life, including his motives in the whole Cancer thing.
And btw/ he is far from the first morally ambiguous person to seek salvation and credibility though a foundation. Ever hear of dynamite – you know the stuff that’s been used to blow up all sorts of things, including people. Invented by a guy named Nobel…yes, that Nobel.
LA is proving he isn’t all that complicated of a person at all. Incredibly tenacious, crafty, selfish, arrogant, petulant and petty, oh and sometimes generous with the Cancer thing…pretty much sums it up.
let me guess, you are a birther too
Can we just talk about how pathetic the whole Radio Shack rebranding is? There is nothing sadder than an outmoded suburban strip mall company amid a certain death spiral turning toward…hang on….a Euro cycling team fronted by a 37-year-old…for its business salvation. Why don’t they just build a monorail?
If you click on this link radioshack.com/theshack you get to see the rebranding in all its sad glory — watch The Shack “get down” with skaters and bike messengers and so on – reeks of mid-90s style “Poochy” branding — wanted to see Spuds McKenzie to blaze in on a surfboard
Lance The Bagger:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/armstrong-wins-in-snowmass
Sand.
many of the top MTB pros were in Mt Snow VT this weekend
LA might have suffered in this field, on this course.
http://velonews.com/article/96441/kabush-and-pendrel-win-at-mount-snow
I think it’s an interesting article, but obviously it is completely biased. Any one who didn’t know this was going on had his or her head in the sand. I think both riders could have been more professional at times and maybe now wish they would have handled things differently, but we all make mistakes. Alberto proved he was by far the stronger rider, and Lance proved he’s still a legend. They each made sacrifices for each other at times, and they each rode without consideration for the other as well. I don’t understand all the blind hatred. Respect them both, accept the outcome and just move along. Next year promises to be interesting either way.
And what’s with all the pro-cancer talk? You might hate Lance but he is doing great work and inspires thousands. Just because he doesn’t inspire you doesn’t give you the right to judge those who find solace and strength in his story and the support of his foundation.
“None of you have a clue. Have you had cancer yet? Metastatic cancer? been told your probably gonna die waaayy too young?
You’re all worse than the cycling media, trying to sell the importance of the bike race to all of the “new” fans.
Of course you don’t get it. You are like teenagers – no life experience, but know everything in the world because you read it on the internet.
LA’s world is bigger than racing and celebs, but you’ll never see it, with your heads buried in unqualified anonymous pseudo-journalism.”
It’s strange hearing Lance refer to himself in the 3rd person
“…unqualified anonymous pseudo-journalism.”
Lance, these kinds of statements just help to show what you really are – a paranoid control freak.
Trying to chase down Contador on the climb Verbier when you should have been sucking Frank Schleck’s wheel proved to all just how egotistical you are. It’s all about Lance.
“None of you have a clue. Have you had cancer yet? Metastatic cancer? been told your probably gonna die waaayy too young?
You’re all worse than the cycling media, trying to sell the importance of the bike race to all of the “new” fans.
Of course you don’t get it. You are like teenagers – no life experience, but know everything in the world because you read it on the internet.”
Hey, Reality,
Here’s the reality: Cancer isn’t the biggest problem in the world. Granted, it takes lives, it kills. But worse yet, is the cancer in our hearts. That’s why things like Rwanda happen, while Bill Clinton & the world look on and do nothing. Or why people in Iraq burn George Bush’s effigy and chant anti-American slogans, and Bush and the U.S. strike back with bombs.
Please tell, why does everyone have to ride a bike for cancer these days? Why can’t I ride by bike for the pure enjoyment of it? Why can’t we just raise money for cancer? Let’s see… yes, I want there to be a cure for cancer so I’m doing an Ironman. I’m going to bust my butt 6 hours a day so that, one day, the world can be a better place.
But see, it’s not really about cancer here… Otherwise, I would be in a lab busting my butt 12 hours a day trying to find a cure for cancer… It’s about me, and how I can find an excuse to waste 6 hours/day training.
I don’t mean to get sour on Lance. I mean, granted, the guy is raising money for cancer. He’s doing a lot, a LOT, of fundraising. And that’s good for the world, good for cancer.
But maybe, just maybe, him & his fans would realize that people don’t like him… not because he doped/didn’t dope… not because he won 7 Tours… but because he comes across as arrogant and self-centered. For one, he disposes of teammates like he disposes of the women in his life.
What can I say? He’s not my kind of role model, sorry if you disagree…
Most of us agree, he’s an assneck. For those who don’t know this, the assneck is the area between your balls and taint. Yes, that little area, that’s the assneck. That’s Lance.
the talk of Armstrong as ‘the greatest’takes no account of the ‘modern’way he dominated the event,training purely for that event and creating a team of ‘super domestiques’ to help him do it.Just as Cavendish has his ‘line-out’men to drag him to a sprint finish Armo had climbers to set a cadence on the big mountains that negated attacks and helped drag him to the top.His yearly racing programme has no comparisons to the days of Coppi,Bahamontes or even the other ‘Cannibals’Merckx , Hinault or Indurain.
One of the things that I have hated about Armstrong, is When he said to Alberto before the race began, that the route of the tour would decide who the leader of the team would be.Who does he think he is? He had just come out of retirement and is challenging the best grand tour rider of the moment for leadership of the team.Imagine Miguel Indurain coming out of retirement and going over to Armstrong and telling him the same for example in the year 2000.Do you think he is going to accept that? no, of course not.He would have said I am the leader of the team and that is that.you come to my team only if you work for me period.one question for all of you Lance lovers.since Armstrong won his first tour did he have to prove himself year after year to prove his worth in the team for leadership? the answer is no.He was the unquestioned leader of the team for seven years.Why did Contador have to prove himself? winner of the tour in 07, Giro d Italia 08,and Vuelta a espana 08.
Lance who?
I know that most of what is in the paper El Pais is true b ecause I saw it on tv. Anyway I read Lance’s latest book and It shows that Lance was a dick since he was a kid.What can you expect from him now as an adult? I am glad that he never got the yellow jersey from the beggining otherwise he would have forced Alberto to work for him.that is what he wanted in the first place,so that once he was in that position,in the lead, then Alberto would have looked like the bad guy if he attacked him.He loves to manipulate people.He is a jerk,and an asshole.If he seeks political office like most people keep saying,he will fit in perfectly with all the dirty polititians.