Professional Cycling For the Fans - TDF 2010 course is announced - Trickier w/even more climbs

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/14/sports/sports-uk-cycling-tour.html

PARIS (Reuters) - Alberto Contador will have to contend with treacherous cobblestones and blustery North Sea winds before sinking his teeth into next year's Tour de France mountain stages after the route was unveiled on Wednesday.

But the Spaniard, Tour champion in 2007 and 2009 and arguably the best climber in the world, can look forward to stretching his rivals in the Pyrenees, which will be the highlight of cycling's showcase event in 2010.

Four stages, including a grueling 16th stage with four daunting climbs, will be held in the mountains that form the border between France and Spain.

One hundred years after first featuring on the Tour map, the Pyrenees could be the scene of a classic battle between Contador and seven times champion Lance Armstrong. ... Full article at link above.

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Comment. Anyone really expect Lance to be Contador's closest rival next year?
I think Schleck should have been mentioned as Contador's closest rival with Bradley Wiggins in the mix. (that guy transformed himself and if not for the injuries to team members would have been even more dangerous)
BTW, article doesn't mention it, but after all the stage wins by Cavendish, I wonder if they will give BONUS time for stage wins. (I think it would be a good idea. It will add another wrinkle into how teams manage the race)

why would you quote the NYT for cycling news?

Comment. Contador and Schleck will crash on the 13km of cobbles.

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/14/sports/sports-uk-cycling-tour.html

PARIS (Reuters) - Alberto Contador will have to contend with treacherous cobblestones and blustery North Sea winds before sinking his teeth into next year's Tour de France mountain stages after the route was unveiled on Wednesday.

But the Spaniard, Tour champion in 2007 and 2009 and arguably the best climber in the world, can look forward to stretching his rivals in the Pyrenees, which will be the highlight of cycling's showcase event in 2010.

Four stages, including a grueling 16th stage with four daunting climbs, will be held in the mountains that form the border between France and Spain.

One hundred years after first featuring on the Tour map, the Pyrenees could be the scene of a classic battle between Contador and seven times champion Lance Armstrong. ... Full article at link above.

---
Comment. Anyone really expect Lance to be Contador's closest rival next year?
I think Schleck should have been mentioned as Contador's closest rival with Bradley Wiggins in the mix. (that guy transformed himself and if not for the injuries to team members would have been even more dangerous)
BTW, article doesn't mention it, but after all the stage wins by Cavendish, I wonder if they will give BONUS time for stage wins. (I think it would be a good idea. It will add another wrinkle into how teams manage the race)

For this 2010 edition, no bonuses will be awarded in intermediate sprints and stage finishes. Official time remains the absolute reference.

I bet Team RadioShack will win 2010 TDf, and a certain guy name Lance is going to own Contador in the mountains.

Seems like an "easier" route through the Alps set up for an epic week in the Pyrenees...climbing the Tourmalet twice! Although, lack of a TTT will make it harder for LA methinks...

Seems like an "easier" route through the Alps set up for an epic week in the Pyrenees...climbing the Tourmalet twice! Although, lack of a TTT will make it harder for LA methinks...

No TTT, Lance a year older (but with full training this time I guess), Contador with a weaker team, big climbs at the end. Looks favorable for Andy Schleck if you ask me.

No TTT, Lance a year older (but with full training this time I guess), Contador with a weaker team, big climbs at the end. Looks favorable for Andy Schleck if you ask me.

Yeah right, especially the 51km ITT day before Paris looks very favorable for Andy :D

Yeah right, especially the 51km ITT day before Paris looks very favorable for Andy :D

Cancellara > A. Schleck > Rasmussen

Andy's not bad for a climber, and I can guarantee he'll be working on his TT even more.

Cancellara > A. Schleck > Rasmussen

Andy's not bad for a climber, and I can guarantee he'll be working on his TT even more.

Correct...

http://www.velonews.com/article/99237/top-riders-react-to-2010-tour-route

Can't lift the artical to paste, but Schleck states that while the final TT doesn't suit his abilities, he is improving...

Yeah right, especially the 51km ITT day before Paris looks very favorable for Andy :D

Andy finished 18th and 21st in the two ITTs last year, losing about 2'45 total, and another 0'40 in the TTT. Not good enough to keep up with Contador or some of the other GC favorites, but not terrible. He should be able to get some ground in the other stages just because Astana will be so much weaker next year. I certainly wouldn't trade Lance/Kloden/Levi/Johan for Vinokourov. Anyways, it's 9 months away, so we'll resume this talk in about 8 months :).

I bet Team RadioShack will win 2010 TDf, and a certain guy name Lance is going to own Contador in the mountains.
you really should go to 217. you'll fit in nicely with the other ignorant idiots. :thumb:

the smiley at the end doesn't mask your smugness.

the smiley at the end doesn't mask your smugness.

He should be smug. I don't know how people could watch the races I've seen over the past few years and bet against Contador. The only chance he loses is a crash/etcetera.


<insert the blank> is going to own Contador in the mountains.

Have you never seen Contador race up a mountain? The only guy who I've seen that stood a chance was Rasmussen, while Contador was still pretty young, and Rasmussen was, at a minimum, breaking the rules.

I bet Team RadioShack will win 2010 TDf, and a certain guy name Lance is going to own Contador in the mountains.

Might I suggest:

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/images/galogo.jpg

I don't think LA has a chance against AC, but what kind of support will AC have and what team?

I'm thinking no TTT because last year showed how one team can dominate the GC standings just based upon that.

I wish they'd bring back time bonuses - I think it makes for a bit more spirited racing.

I'm thinking no TTT because last year showed how one team can dominate the GC standings just based upon that.

The team time trial has had a rough history with the Tour.

If the organizers take actual time, then teams can dominate like Discovery did.

If the organizers limit time losses, it disincentivizes teams to go 100%.

If the organizers remove the TTT, people complain because - let's face it - they're a spectacle.

I would appreciate a Lance fan to identify where and how LA is going to put time on AC. AC rode this years tour solo, pulled an old man along in the TTT, fought off tactical and psychological attacks from his own"team" and still rode away from everyone when ever he wanted to. I don't see any reason for AC not to be stronger and on a better "team" next year.

Contador with a weaker team

Who said? Nobody knows for sure where he's headed yet. If it's Caisse, you'll be eating those words.

What ever taem AC is on they won't be able to support him less than Astana did at the 09 Tour. Unless of course if he takes Cadels spot on Silence lotto.

What ever taem AC is on they won't be able to support him less than Astana did at the 09 Tour. Unless of course if he takes Cadels spot on Silence lotto.

The preceding statement was checked and verified for factual accuracy by AccuFact.

AccuFact: Where the truth comes to party.

The team time trial has had a rough history with the Tour.

If the organizers take actual time, then teams can dominate like Discovery did.

If the organizers limit time losses, it disincentivizes teams to go 100%.

If the organizers remove the TTT, people complain because - let's face it - they're a spectacle.

dude,

you really need to step back from comments about the tour and its history, especially when you cite discovery, and their 'historical' three year run.

just sayin'

you really should go to 217. you'll fit in nicely with the other ignorant idiots. :thumb:

Typical Botto insulting post. :thumb:

I still will miss the team TT.
I also would not mind seeing the alp duez TT again. that made things interesting. in fact, that would make one CRAZY prologue.

Who said? Nobody knows for sure where he's headed yet. If it's Caisse, you'll be eating those words.

When does his contract end? All I've heard is that Astana will enforce his 2010 contract year and not let it go, but not sure if that runs into July.

And I don't expect Lance to win, but I would expect an even better showing than this year. He's older, but he had more full training time under his belt, and he broke his collarbone at the end of March which interrupted some training as well.

I'm not really sure how I'm going to rectify my comments that Andy Schleck will win, Lance will do better, and Lance won't beat Contador, but there we go. Should be one of the more entertaining tours in recent years. The young sprinters, the Schleck brothers, RadioShack, Lance vs Contador, wildcard comebacks (Vino, Rasmussen).

dude,

you really need to step back from comments about the tour and its history, especially when you cite discovery, and their 'historical' three year run.

just sayin'

Way to nitpick. US Postal, Discovery, whatever you want to call it, was certainly around longer than three years. And "history" doesn't have to mean dating back to the founding days of the Tour.

I just listened to a podcast on Bicycling.com about the 2010 route. It sounds quite interesting.
Who knows who will do well or not. It is much to early. Illnesses, injuries, Murphy, etc. all play a hand in the Tour and season itself.
The TTT is interesting but takes a ton of planning, logistics, preparation, etc. and it can all go to hell in a hand basket real fast if Murphy takes a hand at the wrong time.
I prefer a Tour that is very dramatic with 5 riders contending for the "Yellow". For me that is drama and racing at its' best.

Is it July yet?

Who said? Nobody knows for sure where he's headed yet. If it's Caisse, you'll be eating those words.

Or Garmin. As long as AC is on any team other than Astana he's the odds on favorite for the win. Honestly I can't understand why the Lance FanBoys just can't accept that he's aged.

Or Garmin. As long as AC is on any team other than Astana he's the odds on favorite for the win. Honestly I can't understand why the Lance FanBoys just can't accept that he's aged.

Has anything else been said about Contadors team? All I've heard is that he is locked into Astana into 2010, but I have no idea how long into 2010, and it would take a fool to release him early. Astana is definitely a weak support team for Contador with the departure of Lance, Levi, Andreas, and, most importantly Johan. He still has to be the favorite if he is on Astana, but on most other teams he has better odds.

As for Lance, I doubted him last year, but no longer. The dude finished 3rd place in the Tour at 37 years old. He's a freak of nature. I don't expect him to win, but I expect him to be as competitive as any person not named Alberto Contador. I won't count him out again until he proves he can't hack it, no matter what his age.

Has anything else been said about Contadors team? All I've heard is that he is locked into Astana into 2010, but I have no idea how long into 2010, and it would take a fool to release him early. Astana is definitely a weak support team for Contador with the departure of Lance, Levi, Andreas, and, most importantly Johan. He still has to be the favorite if he is on Astana, but on most other teams he has better odds.

As for Lance, I doubted him last year, but no longer. The dude finished 3rd place in the Tour at 37 years old. He's a freak of nature. I don't expect him to win, but I expect him to be as competitive as any person not named Alberto Contador. I won't count him out again until he proves he can't hack it, no matter what his age.

The whole Astana thing is in flux. They claim to have their financing in place but that is no guarantee that they'll get their license renewed. Then there is the very real possibility that ASO won't invite them to the Tour because of Vino's involvement with the team. Contador is going to need some good lawyers to get out of this mess but I think he'll manage to get out the contract.

I'm moving this over to Pro Cycling. October is too early for the "Lance Drama" to start.

At least in Pro it's 24/7/365 drama. :)

If the organizers remove the TTT, people complain because - let's face it - they're a spectacle.

Thats why I wish they would keep it in the tour.
Anyways, I cant wait!
Only 9 months away!

I bet Team RadioShack will win 2010 TDf, and a certain guy name Lance is going to own Contador in the mountains.

Oh dear lord.

Thats why I wish they would keep it in the tour.
Anyways, I cant wait!
Only 9 months away!

And the Tour of Lombardy is only a few days away.

Why no TTT this year?

I'm thinking no TTT because last year showed how one team can dominate the GC standings just based upon that.


The TTT has not always been featured in the TDF. The reason it is not there next year likely has nothing to do what you think.

...Then there is the very real possibility that ASO won't invite them [Astana] to the Tour because of Vino's involvement with the team.

This could be the single biggest threat to Contador winning the 2010 Tour.


Contador is going to need some good lawyers to get out of this mess but I think he'll manage to get out the contract.

Most people would agree that it's in Contador's best interest to do whatever it takes to get out of Astana. Vino's presence could be an obstacle to the team getting invited to any race organized by the ASO. The team appears to be greatly weakened by the mass exodus to Team Radio Shack, and their financial stability seems to be consistently in doubt. Contador's best hope is that Astana's Pro Tour license doesn't get renewed. Otherwise, the paying the buy out clause for escaping the final year of his contract would be worth almost any price.


And the Tour of Lombardy is only a few days away.

I can't wait, it's one of my favorite classics! I just wish that Versus or Universal Sports were broadcasting it.

The TTT has not always been featured in the TDF. The reason it is not there next year likely has nothing to do what you think.
I'm sure that what I think has no bearing on what ASO does.
I realize the TTT is an interant visitor to le Tour.
I think the team dominance problem is one of the aspects against including it this year. I don't even know if the TTT has ever been in consecutive years.

The Tour de France ain't no Nobel Peace prize. Let the ride decide.

As far as I know, Contador has no buyout clause in his contract. I think if he coughs up enough money he'll get out of there. Astana doesn't have many riders left at this point; to field a good team to ride for Contador would be difficult.

Contador is the heavy favorite IF he gets to ride. If not, I'd go with Andy Schleck or Lance. Andy will do better in the mountains but lose time on that long time trial. Saxo Bank and RadioShack will both be strong teams for the Tour. I wouldn't discount Cadel or Sastre or Menchov if he doesn't ride the Giro next year.


They took the TTT out because it did decide the winner early on last year. There's a couple of teams that would've dominated it and several that would've sucked at it and thrown their GC riders into trouble.

The stages in the North could be tricky; breakaways could well succeed here. the Classics riders are happy about these stages.

They took the TTT out because it did decide the winner early on last year.

Cite please.

... and a certain guy name Lance is going to own Contador in the mountains.
Hey, the real Lance may be back next year, but don't bet on that happening. Contador is just too damn good. At best Lance can hope to draw.

The team appears to be greatly weakened by the mass exodus to Team Radio Shack,
True but, as of the 13th, according to velonation (http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/1942/Bruyneel-riders-locked-into-Astana-contract.aspx) Astana has also refused to release Andreas Klöden, Gregory Rast and Haimar Zubeldia. So if the contracts are iron-clad Contador might still have some help.

As far as I know, Contador has no buyout clause in his contract.

I think that he does, but perhaps I was making assumptions. For example, it had been speculated that Garmin might release Bradley Wiggins to Sky, and use that money to finance Contador's transfer to Garmin. (Of course it doesn't look like Wiggins will be leaving Garmin in 2010.)


True but, as of the 13th, according to velonation (http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/1942/Bruyneel-riders-locked-into-Astana-contract.aspx) Astana has also refused to release Andreas Klöden, Gregory Rast and Haimar Zubeldia. So if the contracts are iron-clad Contador might still have some help.

Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen that. When I looked for an article I saw recently about Bruyneel finally being able to leave Astana, I discovered this article (http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/more-radioshack-transfers-confirmed) (from today) stating that Kloden and Rast will be able to leave Astana as well. However, it looks like Haimar Zubeldia will be staying at Astana. It will be interesting to see who Astana manages to sign to fill all the gaps in their roster.

Bruyneel sat down with Kazakh officials to sign the deal finally opening the way for him and the other three riders [Popo, Kloden, Rast] to join Armstrong...

Hmm? I heard some time ago that Popo had already been separated.

Regardless, this confirms to me the truth of the claim that the riders' contracts are actually with the SD (Bruyneel) rather than with the team. I bet the assignment of Contador's contract was the price for releasing Bruyneel et al.

See, Alberto? It doesn't pay to piss off your SD.

The fact they removed the TTT shows that the TDF is still a real sport unlike nearly every other major sport which focuses entirely on ratings and how many viewers they can snag.

Lance will be on form but will only win if the race gets "tactical" Contador is hands down the favorite and the best tour rider in the world right now (would have been amazing to see Armstrong vs Contador in their prime) , but Contador he has never won any of the tours without Johan. Will be interesting to see how critical Johan is. This Tour also favors Andy as there is only 1 TT and a lot of climbing. But I see a repeat of this years podium.