Professional Cycling For the Fans - Contador to Garmin

http://tour-de-france.velonews.com/article/95824/contador-for-garmin-vaughters-won-t-comment

Rumors of course

The rumors are going to fly.

Interesting, but that's one team I wouldn't have expected him to sign on.

rumors that are a month old (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vaughters-downplays-contador-rumours).

Stop posting rumors in the headline like they are fact. Scares me:). Just toss in a question mark or something.

Interesting, but that's one team I wouldn't have expected him to sign on.

contador tried to leave astana and was talking to garmin....so rumor has it :D.

i think garmin would be a good fit. they have plenty of support level riders for sure.

ed rader

He won't be leaving through 2010 without a buyout of his contract with Olympus Sarl . . . which happens to owned by one Johan Bruyneel. . . . who will be the DS of the new Armstrong team.

Hello Team Radio Shack.

End of drama.:thumb:

Garmin doesn't have the budget to afford Contador.

Garmin doesn't have the budget to afford Contador.

are you their bookkeeper?

are you their bookkeeper?

No, but they openly admit they are a small budget team. Besides, no other riders on the team espeaka de spanish.

No, but they openly admit they are a small budget team. Besides, no other riders on the team espeaka de spanish.

are you their HR person?

are you their HR person?

Botto, haven't you figured out by now? A ****ty broad-band connection, vague grasp of the English lexicon and a user name on BF makes anyone an authority on anything.

Garmin doesn't have the budget to afford Contador.

:lol: and Astana has deep pockets.

LOL. Botto is the leading authority for sure. But what do I know. I'm just guessing like everyone else on these forums.

LOL. Botto is the leading authority for sure. But what do I know. I'm just guessing like everyone else on these forums.

if you attract top talent like contador that should change the cash situation. and there are plenty of under-achieving gringos on that team that can be replaced with spaniards :).

ed rader

LOL. Botto is the leading authority for sure. But what do I know. I'm just guessing like everyone else on these forums.

Words like "I THINK" or "I RECKON" or "I ASSUME" are guesses words like "don't" "doesn't" "can't" those are statements.

Just sayin'.

are you their HR person?

So you know for sure they can afford them? You are guessing just like the rest.

Well, lots of people can't afford things but buy them anyway. Just look at the U.S. housing market. So I guess there are no absolutes.

So you know for sure they can afford them? You are guessing just like the rest.

Cuz he said that?

So you know for sure they can afford them?

whoosh.


You are guessing just like the rest.

incorrect. again.

whoosh.



incorrect. again.

Wow, a three word post. I guess your parents weren't looking. You are a sneaky one aren't you?

Wow, a three word post. I guess your parents weren't looking. You are a sneaky one aren't you?

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Interesting. Alberto should've taken his chance and bolted after he went unpaid by Astana for several months. Doesn't matter now. He's the clearly the strongest rider of the team and the Tour is almost over. It doesn't seem that Garmin/Vaughters would take a chance on a rider with past question marks from the Operation Puerto scandal, but the Velonews article did state that there was some interest. And Millar was accepted into Vaughters team after he served his doping sentence and was publicly remorseful about his past doping. So, it's still possible for Contador to got to Garmin. I think he'd be better suited, however, with another team, like Caisse D’epargne, Liquigas, or Cervelo.

Didn't think about Cervelo, but that may be a good fit.

I think he would but heads with Valverde, and maybe OP.

Richard


Interesting. Alberto should've taken his chance and bolted after he went unpaid by Astana for several months. Doesn't matter now. He's the clearly the strongest rider of the team and the Tour is almost over. It doesn't seem that Garmin/Vaughters would take a chance on a rider with past question marks from the Operation Puerto scandal, but the Velonews article did state that there was some interest. And Millar was accepted into Vaughters team after he served his doping sentence and was publicly remorseful about his past doping. So, it's still possible for Contador to got to Garmin. I think he'd be better suited, however, with another team, like Caisse D’epargne, Liquigas, or Cervelo.

My money is on him going to Caise D'epagrne. Might want to go to a Spanish team and build it around himself rather than jumping to whatever non-Spanish team throws a contract at him.

Alberto's lack of being a team player (so it seems) conflicts with Garmin's atmosphere.

I'd be suprised if Contador isn't on Caisse D'epargne next year.

I think he'd be better suited, however, with another team, like Caisse D’epargne, Liquigas, or Cervelo.

I could really see Cervelo making a push for him. Especially after Sastre's performance in this TdF. Caisse D'epargne would be a good bet too. I don't know about Liquigas. They have some good young talent.

Alberto's lack of being a team player (so it seems) conflicts with Garmin's atmosphere.
I'd be suprised if Contador isn't on Caisse D'epargne next year.

This was never an issue until this TdF. And only because Lance is on the team. Vandevelde wouldn't be able to challenge AC like Lance did for the #1 spot. However, I think Garmin would be less inclined to go after AC because of the riding of Wiggins this year.

Alberto's lack of being a team player (so it seems) conflicts with Garmin's atmosphere.

It's funny how Contador's team dynamics never came into question until Armstrong arrived. I wonder why.

On the plus side of Garmin, he would be the undisputed star. Garmin's "road captain" (is that what they call Armstrong?) appears to be Millar, who has a clearly demonstrated willingness to coach and work like a dog for the team and accumulate palmares on his own time. Also, I believe Vaughters would be more creative than Bruyneel (with Armstrong sitting on his shoulder) has been about integrating Contador with the team and getting consensus. My concerns would be how the arrival of a star would affect the development of Van DeVelde and Wiggo as GC contenders, and how Contador would fit in with a bunch of eggheads who are, by most measures, too smart to be bike racers.

Garmin has already shown outstanding returns (results) on relatively low investment. I don't see money being that much of a problem.

...and how Contador would fit in with a bunch of eggheads who are, by most measures, too smart to be bike racers...

:lol: They are a unique bunch, but that's why I like them. (Aside from when they chased down Hincapie's breakaway group, when he was challenging for the Yellow Jersey.)

I really have no idea where Contador will be next year (none of us do), but let me just say that Garmin is already my favorite team, and it would be even more fun to root for them if they had AC. I think oldbobcat hit the nail on the head with Vaughters creativity, and Garmin might allow Contador not only to dominate, but put on one heck of an entertaining show. I would be said to see VDV and Wiggo given up on as GC guys, but they really seem to have pretty good attitudes, and they could find themselves in as strong a position as the Astana "supporters" (Lance, Levi, Kloden) find themselves these days.

Bottom line, I would be stoked!

Garmin might allow Contador not only to dominate, but put on one heck of an entertaining show.
Hey, watching Contador attack is so much more fun than watching him wait for the Schlecks to do it. That's why we gave up on Evans. And loved Bettini. And still get stoked when Sandy Casar pulls something out of his hat.

Professional sports is entertainment, not warfare.

I'm a big Garmin fan, back to the Slipstream-Chipotle first year team, and I must say that I'm not keen on this. There is just something about AC that has never sat well with me... can't put my finger on it, but I just can't find it in me to root for the guy.

It's funny how Contador's team dynamics never came into question until Armstrong arrived. I wonder why.
On the plus side of Garmin, he would be the undisputed star. Garmin's "road captain" (is that what they call Armstrong?) appears to be Millar, who has a clearly demonstrated willingness to coach and work like a dog for the team and accumulate palmares on his own time. Also, I believe Vaughters would be more creative than Bruyneel (with Armstrong sitting on his shoulder) has been about integrating Contador with the team and getting consensus. My concerns would be how the arrival of a star would affect the development of Van DeVelde and Wiggo as GC contenders, and how Contador would fit in with a bunch of eggheads who are, by most measures, too smart to be bike racers.

Garmin has already shown outstanding returns (results) on relatively low investment. I don't see money being that much of a problem.

yeah that's a ridiculous comment. garmin is a team of also-rans and deadwood. i think vaughters would make some major changes to get someone like contador.

ed rader

I'm kind of liking Andy Schleck more than Contador. That guy just seems cool. One thing is for sure, AC will not be on Radio Shack Team, Saxo Bank, or Astana. I think AC could go to Cervelo or Rabobank maybe?

Hey, watching Contador attack is so much more fun than watching him wait for the Schlecks to do it. That's why we gave up on Evans. And loved Bettini. And still get stoked when Sandy Casar pulls something out of his hat.

Professional sports is entertainment, not warfare.

Casar is one of my favorites as well.

One thing about Garmin, they do seem to want to be THE U.S. team. They seemed irritated that Columbia was cashing in victories with Cavendish while there guy, Farrar, was just missing out. They just couldn't take when it looked like Columbia was going to get all that pub from George wearing the yellow. So they went out and took it from him. I kinda like that Garmin did that. It makes for a nice little rivalry between two U.S. sponsored teams.

It would be a major coup for them if the pulled Contador onto their team. And now that there is another major U.S. team with Radio Shack/Livestrong, maybe Garmin going for Contador isn't that far out of the realm of possibility.

yeah that's a ridiculous comment. garmin is a team of also-rans and deadwood. i think vaughters would make some major changes to get someone like contador.

ed rader

What part do you find ridiculous?

Also-rans and deadwood is a little damning. I see it more as a function of Garmin's limited budget and Vaughters' willingness to work with it. Maybe he would overhaul the team if he had the money, maybe he would have to overhaul the team to get Contador, but that all seems beside the point. I was merely trying to point out Vaughters' creativity and the entertainment value of Contador in the midst of "also-rans and deadwood."

Besides, right now Garmin has a hell of a lot more deadwood in the GC top ten than Columbia does.

What part do you find ridiculous?

Also-rans and deadwood is a little damning. I see it more as a function of Garmin's limited budget and Vaughters' willingness to work with it. Maybe he would overhaul the team if he had the money, maybe he would have to overhaul the team to get Contador, but that all seems beside the point. I was merely trying to point out Vaughters' creativity and the entertainment value of Contador in the midst of "also-rans and deadwood."

Besides, right now Garmin has a hell of a lot more deadwood in the GC top ten than Columbia does.

i was agreeing with you ;). the post you responded too was ridiculous, imo.

i don't really want to get in a garmin/columbia pissing contest but columbia has won a hell of lot more races than garmin and they have the sprint champ on their team...they really don't need a GC guy.

if garmin could get contador they would overhaul the team with focus on the big stage races... i.e., the TDF. wiggins is having a career year...but i don't expect him to ride this well or better in the future.

getting a rider like contador is a no-brainer for a team like garmin.

ed rader

i don't really want to get in a garmin/columbia pissing contest but columbia has won a hell of lot more races than garmin and they have the sprint champ on their team...they really don't need a GC guy.

if garmin could get contador they would overhaul the team with focus on the big stage races... i.e., the TDF. wiggins is having a career year...i.e., i don't expect him to ride this well or better in the future.

getting a rider like contador is a no-brainer for a team like garmin.

Oh.

No argument here regarding overall impact. Vaughters always said that with their budget Garmin had to be selective about what they went after. The Tour was important right from the start--US markets, the Lance factor, and affection for team time trialing no doubt playing a role. Regarding Wiggo, you might be right, but I'd like to wait and see. Regarding the no-brainer part, that depends on Vaughters' motives--does he want to go big-top or remain small and plucky?

Oh.

No argument here regarding overall impact. Vaughters always said that with their budget Garmin had to be selective about what they went after. The Tour was important right from the start--US markets, the Lance factor, and affection for team time trialing no doubt playing a role. Regarding Wiggo, you might be right, but I'd like to wait and see. Regarding the no-brainer part, that depends on Vaughters' motives--does he want to go big-top or remain small and plucky?

you mean if he just wants to promote argyle or win big races :D? i'm not really sure about vaughters any more but you'd think after the way columbia clowned them this year they would be motivated to win.

they have some guys who would be great domestiques for contador....in fact a few too many.

ed rader

yeah that's a ridiculous comment. garmin is a team of also-rans and deadwood. i think vaughters would make some major changes to get someone like contador.

ed rader

Um, VdV had a major injury in the Giro. I don't see how you can say that they're also-rans when VdV is still in the top ten, and Wiggo is within spitting distance of the podium. (He would be on the podium, if the guys did not go back to Farrar to talk about the sprint, and missed out on the split in the peloton costing him 40 seconds that day early on.)

Really, there are 18 teams in the tour, so how many of them can have a rider on the podium? To bag on Garmin because they are not the top team is ridiculous.

I'm a big Garmin fan, back to the Slipstream-Chipotle first year team, and I must say that I'm not keen on this. There is just something about AC that has never sat well with me... can't put my finger on it, but I just can't find it in me to root for the guy.

I too have like Slipstream for many years:
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/186.jpg
http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/187.jpg

I also don't know what it is about Contador that rubs me the wrong way.

Um, VdV had a major injury in the Giro. I don't see how you can say that they're also-rans when VdV is still in the top ten, and Wiggo is within spitting distance of the podium. (He would be on the podium, if the guys did not go back to Farrar to talk about the sprint, and missed out on the split in the peloton costing him 40 seconds that day early on.)

Really, there are 18 teams in the tour, so how many of them can have a rider on the podium? To bag on Garmin because they are not the top team is ridiculous.

how many stages have garmin won? sprints? woulda coulda shoulda. i just don't see this team winning anything. they need a major shake-up and some new blood.....imho of course :D.

ed rader

I could really see Cervelo making a push for him. Especially after Sastre's performance in this TdF. Caisse D'epargne would be a good bet too. I don't know about Liquigas. They have some good young talent.

i can't.

Yeah, Garmin seems ready for new blood, but with Wiggins doing so well this year, and him getting along well with CVV, I cant imagine they wouldnt want to build the team around Wiggins. Looks like no room for Contador to me.

Yeah, Garmin seems ready for new blood, but with Wiggins doing so well this year, and him getting along well with CVV, I cant imagine they wouldnt want to build the team around Wiggins. Looks like no room for Contador to me.

i think wiggins has had a career year. you know another boardman or a millar. i think if you have the opportunity you go with the sure thing, not a longshot.

i'm not sure what vaughters will do but i know what a riis or bruyneel would do.

ed rader

Maybe this is a ploy by Garmin to find the truth about AC and exposing him. The article says, that he has to submit his medical records before they even begin negotiating with him. This could give them proof to show he is a dope feign.

Maybe this is a ploy by Garmin to find the truth about AC and exposing him. The article says, that he has to submit his medical records before they even begin negotiating with him. This could give them proof to show he is a dope feign.

Well that could be the reason Garmin didn't do so well this year. IF they are truly clean then they are probably operating at a disadvantage.

Oh.

No argument here regarding overall impact. Vaughters always said that with their budget Garmin had to be selective about what they went after. The Tour was important right from the start--US markets, the Lance factor, and affection for team time trialing no doubt playing a role. Regarding Wiggo, you might be right, but I'd like to wait and see. Regarding the no-brainer part, that depends on Vaughters' motives--does he want to go big-top or remain small and plucky?

I actually think Alberto would be a better fit on Columbia. He needs some support, but not a heck of a lot. Montfort, Martin and Kirchen would be plenty to keep Alberto out of trouble until he gets to where it's just him and a select group of the "heads of state" on climbing stages.

Imagine a team winning half the stages in the Tour. :eek:

That would give me someone to root against, at least. It would be like Sonics v Bulls all over again for me.