Professional Cycling For the Fans - Contador free to go?

Appears to be the case...

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/astanas-protour-application-still-not-in-order-contador-free-to-go

So what's everyone's guess?

Will he choose Quick Step, Caisse d'Epargne or Garmin-Slipstream?

I say he goes to Garmin

That's what it looks like. We'll see in the next week or two, maybe.

I'm thinking Quick-Step. If he goes to Caisse then he'd risk another season sharing the spotlight, and Garmin isn't exactly his style. I think that the rulings a little ambiguous, but he has the agent-brother of his... he'll get out of it.

[The standard UCI rider/team contract (2.15.139 article 8.1.f) states, "if, on 20 October of the year preceding a year of registration covered by the present contract, the UCI ProTeam has not submitted a registration file containing the essential documents," the rider may terminate the contract "without notice or liability for damages".]

That pretty much reads like AC is a free man if he chooses to terminate, assuming he has that standard language in his contract.

I'd bet on him going to Caisse d'Epargne. Of course, Caisse still has to get its license in order for that to happen.

If I was him, I'd go to Garmin... but, I don't think he will. I expect to see Caisse d"Epargne pick him up. There are enough races on the calendar that he can share the spotlight with Valverde - presuming that Valverde doesn't get suspended.

more details:

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/2030/Contador-to-explore-options-agent-confirms-get-out-clause-may-be-used.aspx

Caisse d'Epargne. Valverde is no Tour winner, neither is Perreiro. Would Garmin have enough money to snag Alberto? Any other Spanish riders on Garmin? Alberto seems a bit insecure; he'd want some compatriots.

If Quick Step signed Alberto would they bother sending Boonen to the Tour? Difficult to support a sprinter and a gc rider; didn't ever work for Silence-Lotto.

Caisse d'Epargne. Valverde is no Tour winner, neither is Perreiro. Would Garmin have enough money to snag Alberto? Any other Spanish riders on Garmin? Alberto seems a bit insecure; he'd want some compatriots.

If Quick Step signed Alberto would they bother sending Boonen to the Tour? Difficult to support a sprinter and a gc rider; didn't ever work for Silence-Lotto.

Worked OK for TeleKom, at least once or twice.

If Contador can get out of his contract on this basis, then I would imagine so can Andy Schleck and any other member of the teams that missed the deadline (assuming identical contract language).

Best team for a guy like that is Cervelo Test Team. An aging Sastre and a deep support team are perfect for him... don't think they have the pockets to get him, though.

There is still a question of if this relatively new UCI rule can apply to Contador because he signed his contract with Astana before this rule was put into place. Under normal circumstances the original contract would hold. I think his best hope is that Astana can't get everything into place by november 20th. In which case Astana would lose their pro tour license.

Caisse d'Epargne. Valverde is no Tour winner, neither is Perreiro. Would Garmin have enough money to snag Alberto? Any other Spanish riders on Garmin? Alberto seems a bit insecure; he'd want some compatriots.

If Quick Step signed Alberto would they bother sending Boonen to the Tour? Difficult to support a sprinter and a gc rider; didn't ever work for Silence-Lotto.

Boonen claims he is going to try to come in next season as more or a TT specialist instead of a sprinter. If so, he would be an asset to Contador and wouldn't necessarily distract the teams efforts if they weren't trying to lead out a sprinter every stage.

Best team for a guy like that is Cervelo Test Team. An aging Sastre and a deep support team are perfect for him... don't think they have the pockets to get him, though.

I agree. But will Sastre relinquish his leadership willingly? Quick Step looks like the team best suited for Contador to the extent that they don't have a genuine GC contender. That might not work to Contador's advantage though - the team doesn't look strong enough to support him.

Caisse d'Epargne. Valverde is no Tour winner, neither is Perreiro. Would Garmin have enough money to snag Alberto? Any other Spanish riders on Garmin? Alberto seems a bit insecure; he'd want some compatriots.

If Quick Step signed Alberto would they bother sending Boonen to the Tour? Difficult to support a sprinter and a gc rider; didn't ever work for Silence-Lotto.

Clearly, you didn't pay any attention to this year's Vuelta a Espana. Valverde is a clearly a GC contender in a grand tour.

AC is going to be the #1 rider on any team that he goes to other than Radioshack. The only there is only one rider in the world that would not willingly give up leadership to Contador at this point. And his name ain't Sastre. Most of the pro tour teams will be strong enough to support him in a grand tour. Especially if there is no TTT. In the end, winning the grand tours comes down to individual climbing and TT'ing.

Money will probably be the biggest factor in who can sign him.

Clearly, you didn't pay any attention to this year's Vuelta a Espana. Valverde is a clearly a GC contender in a grand tour.

AC is going to be the #1 rider on any team that he goes to other than Radioshack. The only there is only one rider in the world that would not willingly give up leadership to Contador at this point. And his name ain't Sastre. Most of the pro tour teams will be strong enough to support him in a grand tour. Especially if there is no TTT. In the end, winning the grand tours comes down to individual climbing and TT'ing.

Money will probably be the biggest factor in who can sign him.

He probably meant a TDF-like Tour. The field in the Vuelta wasn't as strong.

The Giro and Vuelta aren't real tours.

I recall Sastre saying that the TDF would not be his focus next year.

There is still a question of if this relatively new UCI rule can apply to Contador because he signed his contract with Astana before this rule was put into place. Under normal circumstances the original contract would hold. I think his best hope is that Astana can't get everything into place by november 20th. In which case Astana would lose their pro tour license.

No it looks like the UCI has spoken...

He is free to go:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-confirms-contador-can-leave-astana

Isn't Caisse d'Epargne one of the 5 teams whose riders can go anywhere now?
http://www.examiner.com/x-1155-Cycling-Examiner~y2009m10d23-Alberto-Contadors-now-a-free-agent-let-the-bidding-wars-begin

Quick Step is the logical choice if Contador rules out Radioshack. Would be a coup for Garmin if they can afford him. Contador can rake in the cash, but is the team he chooses strong enough to keep him on the podium?

The Giro and Vuelta aren't real tours.

ha, ha. contador is tired of being a pawn so the sooner he gets out of the vino-controlled
astana nonsense, the better. can caisse afford both he & valverde & the pro tour license
on top of that? they haven't exactly dotted the i's financially. what's taking them so long?
plus, they don't have the payroll of a continental team, regardless of transfers. something tells
me that valverde is going to miss italian & french races for at least a year. if valverde
survives his current troubles unscathed, what a one-two punch that would be! part of me would
love to see contador step out of his comfort zone and go to quick-step but he's been out of
his comfort zone with astana/discovery the last couple of years. can you imagine
alberto doing a couple of classics? flanders & liege? if a schleck can do it...
garmin would possibly be the most stable teammate-wise and i like vaughters as a ds or
gm or owner or whatever but it is still american-based. caisse is the fallback pick here...

Isn't Caisse d'Epargne one of the 5 teams whose riders can go anywhere now?
http://www.examiner.com/x-1155-Cycling-Examiner~y2009m10d23-Alberto-Contadors-now-a-free-agent-let-the-bidding-wars-begin

Quick Step is the logical choice if Contador rules out Radioshack. Would be a coup for Garmin if they can afford him. Contador can rake in the cash, but is the team he chooses strong enough to keep him on the podium?

If he rules out Radioshack? He would rather stay with Astana. If even considers Radioshack expect to see Dor Serling dressed as the devil on all TDF Mountian stages.

If he rules out Radioshack? He would rather stay with Astana. If even considers Radioshack expect to see Dor Serling dressed as the devil on all TDF Mountian stages.

Why in the world would he even consider Radioshack? Didn't you even watch this year's TdF? He'd probably choose Astana over Radioshack at this point. Astana is a longshot to even be around next year. And its highly unlikely that AC is going to want to have anything to do with LA and JB anymore.

The Giro and Vuelta aren't real tours.

Bullllllll
Vuelta maybe, but Giro? aww hell no! You need to speak to some Italians my friend...
I don't think Caisse would be deep enough to support Conta. Cervelo went with both Thor and Sastre so I don't see why QuickStep couldn't do the same with Boonen and Conta. Radioshack? also crazy talk, nay krazy talk. Garmin... I just don't see it happening, maybe if Wiggins goes to Sky, but you still have Zabriskie and Zirbel and CVV etc. QuickStep. Think about it.

Why in the world would he even consider Radioshack? Didn't you even watch this year's TdF? He'd probably choose Astana over Radioshack at this point. Astana is a longshot to even be around next year. And its highly unlikely that AC is going to want to have anything to do with LA and JB anymore.

Keith was agreeing with you.

Astana and RadioShack are two teams he definitely won't be riding for.

Keith was agreeing with you.

Astana and RadioShack are two teams he definitely won't be riding for.

Yeah, I was actually responding more to this post:

"Quick Step is the logical choice if Contador rules out Radioshack. Would be a coup for Garmin if they can afford him. Contador can rake in the cash, but is the team he chooses strong enough to keep him on the podium?"

Should have quoted it instead.

Great news if he is able to leave. He would have prolly won in 08 had Astana been invited. Best of luck to ya Pistolero!!

Bullllllll
Vuelta maybe, but Giro? aww hell no! You need to speak to some Italians my friend...


My post sailed completely over your head.

good for him. hope he will find a team that will help him crush LA next year.

Why in the world would he even consider Radioshack? Didn't you even watch this year's TdF? He'd probably choose Astana over Radioshack at this point. Astana is a longshot to even be around next year. And its highly unlikely that AC is going to want to have anything to do with LA and JB anymore.

he wouldn't of course. anyone except a zip damn fool would know that :eek:

ed rader

My post sailed completely over your head.

Yep, he bit hook, line, and sinker.:p

he wouldn't of course. anyone except a zip damn fool would know that :eek:

ed rader

Unfortunately, there are quite a few of those that like to post on BF.

Unfortunately, there are quite a few of those that like to post on BF.

i used to think it was an act but now i'm not so sure :lol:.

ed rader

There is still a question of if this relatively new UCI rule can apply to Contador because he signed his contract with Astana before this rule was put into place. Under normal circumstances the original contract would hold. I think his best hope is that Astana can't get everything into place by november 20th. In which case Astana would lose their pro tour license.

Didn't Zubeldia sign relatively recently? That means he's (probably) gone.

I wonder if Astana will have enough riders left to have 12 signed contracts by Nov. 20? ;)

"If Alberto Contador leaves tomorrow, we can only say that this option would be complying with our rules," confirmed UCI spokesman Enrico Carpani to Cyclingnews on Friday evening.

I dunno if it really means he's free to leave. The UCI isn't a government. It may be okay with UCI, but I bet Alberto could still be sued - with a good chance at a judgment - for breach of contract. I wonder what the controlling jurisdiction is? The team is based in Luxembourg, so I hear.

OTOH, if the contract has a clause like "hereby incorporates all Rules and Regulations of UCI", then he's clear. But without the contract no one can know that for sure.

I dunno if it really means he's free to leave. The UCI isn't a government. It may be okay with UCI, but I bet Alberto could still be sued - with a good chance at a judgment - for breach of contract. I wonder what the controlling jurisdiction is? The team is based in Luxembourg, so I hear.

OTOH, if the contract has a clause like "hereby incorporates all Rules and Regulations of UCI", then he's clear. But without the contract no one can know that for sure.

The whole point of him being under contract is to ride in races which UCI regulates, or plays an auxiliary role in regulating. Face it. Astana can't stop him from leaving if he chooses to.

I dunno if it really means he's free to leave. The UCI isn't a government. It may be okay with UCI, but I bet Alberto could still be sued - with a good chance at a judgment - for breach of contract. I wonder what the controlling jurisdiction is? The team is based in Luxembourg, so I hear.

OTOH, if the contract has a clause like "hereby incorporates all Rules and Regulations of UCI", then he's clear. But without the contract no one can know that for sure.

The UCI is the governing body. If Astana doesn't have a license then its a moot point. The UCI has to grant it to them. The way its going with Astana, they won't have team to race next season. Let alone be worried about Contador. There is greater chance of AC suing Astana than vice versa.

There's a lot of wishful thinking by the fanboys hoping that AC will be stuck on Astana. :rolleyes:

Didn't Zubeldia sign relatively recently? That means he's (probably) gone.

I wonder if Astana will have enough riders left to have 12 signed contracts by Nov. 20? ;)

I haven't heard about Zubeldia yet. But it looks like he will be free to go now at this point according to UCI's interpretation of the rule.

I dunno if it really means he's free to leave. The UCI isn't a government. It may be okay with UCI, but I bet Alberto could still be sued - with a good chance at a judgment - for breach of contract. I wonder what the controlling jurisdiction is? The team is based in Luxembourg, so I hear.

OTOH, if the contract has a clause like "hereby incorporates all Rules and Regulations of UCI", then he's clear. But without the contract no one can know that for sure.

Most likely the contracts have to comply with UCI regulations but since the rule wasn't in place when the contract was signed it may leave a loophole for Astana suing Alberto. However, since suing Alberto would be in conflict with the spirit of what the UCI wants to accomplish with this rule. If they did, the UCI would probably withhold a license from Astana for unprofessional team conduct.

UCI already said he can move. Astana has broken the rules. Contador is free to go. Simple as that.

Out of the 4 options (Astana, Quick Step, Garmin and Caisse d'Epargne), of course Astana is the least attractive choice with Quick Step fairly close. Quick Step's history of signing riders with Tour gc aspirations and/or managing and then implementing a strategy for the same has been abysmal. They signed 2 Spaniards years ago as Tour gc contenders and I'd challenge anyone to first name them and then tell what the hell happened to them. They're likely on some Continental team or completely out of the sport. They more recently convinced Stijn Devolder that he was a grand tour gc contender. That worked out swell.

Caisse has the best lineup to support Contador without reliving the drama of Astana 2009. Valverde has been quoted as saying that he would support Contador at the Tour and has no qualms about him joining the team. Although they've lost the rising star Joaquim Rodriguez to Katusha, they've signed Juan Mauricio Soler and Juan Jose Cobo, two fine climbers with excellent grand tour pedigrees. They have a fine mixture of up and coming riders like Rui Costa, Daniel Moreno, Jose Joaquin Rojas, Rigoberto Uran and of course Luis Leon Sanchez among others.

Garmin being an American team would be somewhat of a divided house with Farrar rising as an elite sprinter, Wiggins rising as a Tour contender (at least in his mind with his newly inflated ego) and Vande Velde returning to top form after his extensive injuries from the Giro. I think Wiggins primarily would be less than agreeable to the addition of Contador right when he thinks that he's shown that he can be a factor in the Tour. Farrar and Vande Velde seem grounded and would take whatever is left from Contador's scheduled goals, but not Wiggins in my opinion.

I too agree that Caisse d'Epargne would be Alberto's best choice. If the finances can be worked out. Short of that it looks like Garmin is the next best choice for him.

...
Garmin being an American team would be somewhat of a divided house with Farrar rising as an elite sprinter, Wiggins rising as a Tour contender (at least in his mind with his newly inflated ego) and Vande Velde returning to top form after his extensive injuries from the Giro. I think Wiggins primarily would be less than agreeable to the addition of Contador right when he thinks that he's shown that he can be a factor in the Tour. Farrar and Vande Velde seem grounded and would take whatever is left from Contador's scheduled goals, but not Wiggins in my opinion.

Isn't it expected that Wiggins will go to Skye once his contract is up?

Isn't it expected that Wiggins will go to Skye once his contract is up?

Not sure about that. It would make perfect sense if he does go, now that they've signed up a couple of promising young riders. Still, Sky as it is now is hardly a top tier team on par with Garmin. Since Vande Velde is a nice enough guy to concede GC leadership to Wiggins, ego shouldn't be a problem.

Contador seems to be a rather reticent guy who prefers hanging around his compatriots. From the looks of it, Caisse is the perfect choice.

My post sailed completely over your head.

I feel silly... Was the hook line and sinker comment really necessary? But yes, I feel silly.

And I'm switching my guess to Caisse, going off the Valverde quote and the fact that is a primarily Spanish team.

I feel silly... Was the hook line and sinker comment really necessary? But yes, I feel silly.


No, it wasn't necessary. Just pokin' fun. :lol:

I dunno if it really means he's free to leave. The UCI isn't a government. It may be okay with UCI, but I bet Alberto could still be sued - with a good chance at a judgment - for breach of contract. I wonder what the controlling jurisdiction is? The team is based in Luxembourg, so I hear.


I'm quite sure Astana has a contract with the UCI stating that its contracts with riders will conform to UCI regulations.

Any other Spanish riders on Garmin? Alberto seems a bit insecure; he'd want some compatriots.

Amazing how this myth of insecurity, planted by three pundits on Versus, keeps on living. An alternative reading of the same evidence: With only his brother for counsel, taciturn Alberto Contador upholds professionalism, plays his cards close, and wins tour despite receiving only dubious support from his team.

Chris Horner reported that Alberto demanded a compatriot be included on the TdF team. One could hardly call him a pundit.

Bruyneel said Lance wanted Horner and Contador wanted somebody else, while the Kazakhs wanted 2 Kazakh riders. Johan picked none of the above...

The Giro and Vuelta aren't real tours.

:roflmao2: very funny!..... It was a joke right? :notamused: