Professional Cycling For the Fans - Contador to Leave Astana

Just saw this on the Eurosport website a few minutes ago:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/28072010/58/contador-leave-astana.html

Big money talking, there. He was a free agent going in to the TdF - with his contract up for renewal. Had he taken no prize, he could have re-upped for another year with Astana. Since he took it all, he's exercising his right to go elsewhere.
Im thinking he's being lured by one of the home teams.

From the article, the more accurate headline is - Contador doesn't renew contract with Astana.

So where do people think he's going?

Sunguard (Saxo)?
Caisse D'Epargne?
Euskatel?
BMC?
Cervelo?
Team Radio Shack?
New Spanish Team?
Back to Astana?

I very much doubt he'll go with Euskatel (he's from the Madrid area - not a Basque), or Team Radioactive Shack (due to the uncertainties from the investigation).

So where do people think he's going?

**Sunguard (Saxo)?**

It's practically a done deal. "Solo falta la firma".

From the article, the more accurate headline is - Contador doesn't renew contract with Astana.



True.

I could see him going to Saxo/Sunguard now that the Schlecks are leaving that team. Like USAZorro, I can't see him going to either Radio Shack or Euskatel.

If Saxo swaps out AS AND FS for AC you can bank on next years TDF going to AC.

Sunguard is my guess.

It's practically a done deal. "Solo falta la firma".

Wouldn't that depend on the certainty of the Schlecks leaving? I can't imagine they'd just leave unless they had a sure place to go to. Perhaps they do, but I've not heard any official announcement.

If Saxo swaps out AS AND FS for AC you can bank on next years TDF going to AC.

This should be an interesting shuffle. There could be an outflow of Saxo/Sunguard riders to the new Lux team but an inflow of some of the riders from Astana that protected AC this year (Novarro and Rodriguez come to mind).

This should be an interesting shuffle. There could be an outflow of Saxo/Sunguard riders to the new Lux team but an inflow of some of the riders from Astana that protected AC this year (Novarro and Rodriguez come to mind).

Not to mention a possible retirement or two from the current Saxo squad.

It would seem to me that Liquigas and HTC/Columbia are going to have a hard time retaining all their younger talent. Some of them are going to go elsewhere. Perhaps BMC will pick up someone.

He's going to the new team with Andy and Frank Schleck.......


Ok probably not lol.

I think I should have a say in this considering i'm an employee of Sungard. I'll put a call into the CEO and see what I can do :P

Saxo would be the most likely option, yeah, with Riis as the DS. No way he goes back to teaming up with Bruyneel.

Wouldn't that depend on the certainty of the Schlecks leaving? I can't imagine they'd just leave unless they had a sure place to go to. Perhaps they do, but I've not heard any official announcement.

Gazetta reported the Riis-Conta deal.
AS.com says the Sclecks are outtathere, lists a couple of other posibilities;

En cualquier caso, al madrileño no le faltará dónde elegir, ya que también tiene ofertas del Abarca Sports de Eusebio Unzúe y del Quick Step belga. Además, el Footon Servetton también se ha interesado por el ciclista español.

I think I should have a say in this considering i'm an employee of Sungard. I'll put a call into the CEO and see what I can do :P

Maybe you can get free merchandising crap of the new team or so, or at least will be allowed to watch Tour de France during work hours. ;)

Not sure if I was allowed or not, but I did watch the Tour during work hours ;-) And we do get a sponsor's discount on team gear now, it's much much of a discount but it's something.

. . . at least will be allowed to watch Tour de France during work hours. ;)

yah like that worked for me when CSC was still in the game.

I would say he might surprise us all and go with Columbia or even Garmin, why not? They would LOVE to start winning grand tours, and they arent going to do it with the monkeys they have. I see Garmin needing to make a huge change, and they have the ambition to be one of the best. Sure they have the whole American/Canadian rider crap going, but at the end of the day, tasting a GC victory is a far more sensational attraction. But then again, the sponsors Im sure want it to be an "English" kinda person (read white, from America or Canada). Columbia would be a little more open to someone like AC, but it would be tough to negotiate half the team for Cavi, and the other half for AC... so I donno. But what I do know is that both these teams are itching, and itching bad for a GC placement.
The only problem is that right now they are a classics/stage team, not a GC team, and thats why it might be a possibility.
I dont see him on a French team, so that rules out a bunch.

From the article, the more accurate headline is - Contador doesn't renew contract with Astana.

So where do people think he's going?

Sunguard (Saxo)?
Caisse D'Epargne?
Euskatel?
BMC?
Cervelo?
Team Radio Shack?
New Spanish Team?
Back to Astana?

I very much doubt he'll go with Euskatel (he's from the Madrid area - not a Basque), or Team Radioactive Shack (due to the uncertainties from the investigation).

Caisse D'Epargne maybe, but like BMC, Cervelo, and Euskatel they probably can't afford him. My bet is on Saxo/Sunguard, or maybe the deep pockets of Sky will win him over.

There is no possible way he'd go to Radio Shack, that'd be like moving back in with the psycho ex-wife after a messy divorce.

There is no possible way he'd go to Radio Shack, that'd be like moving back in with the psycho ex-wife after a messy divorce.

Plus the uncertainty of the Radio Shack team with what they having going on.

My guess is a new Spanish team built around him and managed by MS.

where are the shlecks supposed to be going?

From the article, the more accurate headline is - Contador doesn't renew contract with Astana.

So where do people think he's going?

Sunguard (Saxo)?
Caisse D'Epargne?
Euskatel?
BMC?
Cervelo?
Team Radio Shack?
New Spanish Team?
Back to Astana?

I very much doubt he'll go with Euskatel (he's from the Madrid area - not a Basque), or Team Radioactive Shack (due to the uncertainties from the investigation).

I think you should include Astana on that list. We sat here a year ago speculating about this exact thing. And he stayed with Astana. Now the circumstances are a little different, but all of the issues that everyone thought would happen with Astana did not occur. And Astana has shown the willingness to pony up large amounts of cash to him. At this point, he turning down their offer is to be expected of any free agent who is the best in his sport. He's officially opened up the bidding.

He's going to the new team with Andy and Frank Schleck.......


He's pulling a Lebron.

I think he's going to end up with Riis on Saxo Bank.

I thought Riis is heading up the new Schleck team...

I think you should include Astana on that list. ...

I did. :D

where are the shlecks supposed to be going?

Probably here (http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/06/news/andersen-quits-as-saxo-director-ahead-of-tour-de-france_123437).

I did. :D

oops, didn't see it at the bottom. I wouldn't be surprised to see him re-sign with Astana. They can come up with a load of cash, when they want to. Although, I would think Caisse D'Epargne will be a serious suitor. They probably are disappointed not to have a rider crack the top ten in the TdF.

My wildcard pick is.....<drum roll please>.....Garmin-Transitions. I know, I know Ryder rode a great tour. Well, they're number one rider crashed out again. How long are they going to pin they're hopes on VdV? Ryder looked good. But he was never really attacked in the mountains. For as great as he rode, he still finished 10 minutes down. It seems like Garmin wants to be a GC contender team even though they have Tyler Farrar. The odds are slim that they will seriously dethrone U.S. rival Columbia from the top of sprint heap. Garmin sells a load of GPS's. They could come up with some heavy cash. If they could pull AC, that would be a major coup. There are some who think that American's wouldn't embrace him. Bull, American's love a winner. Some savy marketing, some healthy advertising on Versus, a few positive words from Phil and Paul, and all will be good. It could happen....maybe....Okay, probably not.

Knowing Spanish people (not latin americans ok?), An american team might be the last name in their lists. Besides the Schlecks are going with that new team next year, so saxobank needs a new star now. Sky has money also and had been doing pretty bad, if i was them i would be talking to him already. Regarding other spanish teams, they have no cash si i doubt he will go with them at all.

I very much doubt he'll go with Euskatel (he's from the Madrid area - not a Basque), or Team Radioactive Shack (due to the uncertainties from the investigation).

I guess my question is: how much uncertainty is there about Radio Shack? Lance is already retiring, he's repping The Shack as a triathlete as of next year. IMO, I doubt anything will happen to lance unless someone can prove he sold bikes or used federal money as an owner with proceeds going to doping, or that more than hearsay puts him to doping. Neither of those seem likely to me. Lance is only a co-owner, so they can drop him, and continue if the need were to arise.

There are a ton of U23 Trek guys with a boatload of talent, and if his buds from Trek/Livestrong can lure Van Garderen to Radio Shack, that'd be a significant force to be reckoned with in the future.

I think there's more risk to the U23 Trek team, because Lance is the full owner there.

oops, didn't see it at the bottom. I wouldn't be surprised to see him re-sign with Astana. They can come up with a load of cash, when they want to. Although, I would think Caisse D'Epargne will be a serious suitor. They probably are disappointed not to have a rider crack the top ten in the TdF.

My wildcard pick is.....<drum roll please>.....Garmin-Transitions. I know, I know Ryder rode a great tour. Well, they're number one rider crashed out again. How long are they going to pin they're hopes on VdV? Ryder looked good. But he was never really attacked in the mountains. For as great as he rode, he still finished 10 minutes down. It seems like Garmin wants to be a GC contender team even though they have Tyler Farrar. The odds are slim that they will seriously dethrone U.S. rival Columbia from the top of sprint heap. Garmin sells a load of GPS's. They could come up with some heavy cash. If they could pull AC, that would be a major coup. There are some who think that American's wouldn't embrace him. Bull, American's love a winner. Some savy marketing, some healthy advertising on Versus, a few positive words from Phil and Paul, and all will be good. It could happen....maybe....Okay, probably not.

I had a what-if discussion about this very thing yesterday. I definitely think Vande Velde's days as a much hyped GC rider are over (I never understood the hype about him anyway). So does JV nurture another dark-horse talent to become a GC contender, probably only to have them bought out from under him again when they mature? Or does he pay for a big name (Contatdor, Shleck, Menchov, etc)?

I don't know, but I think nationality may play a part in any decision they make. Yes Garmin is an international company but I think it might be a hard sell to bring the non-english speaking Spanish guy in as the hero of the American team. And Canadians are like honorary Americans :)

I guess my question is: how much uncertainty is there about Radio Shack? Lance is already retiring, he's repping The Shack as a triathlete as of next year. IMO, I doubt anything will happen to lance unless someone can prove he sold bikes or used federal money as an owner with proceeds going to doping, or that more than hearsay puts him to doping. Neither of those seem likely to me. Lance is only a co-owner, so they can drop him, and continue if the need were to arise.

There are a ton of U23 Trek guys with a boatload of talent, and if his buds from Trek/Livestrong can lure Van Garderen to Radio Shack, that'd be a significant force to be reckoned with in the future.

I think there's more risk to the U23 Trek team, because Lance is the full owner there.

My point is that Contador already had to sit out a TdF due to settling on a team that wasn't invited. I seriously doubt he's going to risk that again. I think the same goes for anyone who has serious aspirations of winning a Grand Tour (note that that is a short list), but possibly also is a concern for any pro rider. I would think a good portion of them would rather not want to find themselves looking for a new team in January - after the salaries of most teams are already spent. Frankly, I don't think the timing could be any worse for them.

Knowing Spanish people (not latin americans ok?), An american team might be the last name in their lists. Besides the Schlecks are going with that new team next year, so saxobank needs a new star now. Sky has money also and had been doing pretty bad, if i was them i would be talking to him already. Regarding other spanish teams, they have no cash si i doubt he will go with them at all.


I had a what-if discussion about this very thing yesterday. I definitely think Vande Velde's days as a much hyped GC rider are over (I never understood the hype about him anyway). So does JV nurture another dark-horse talent to become a GC contender, probably only to have them bought out from under him again when they mature? Or does he pay for a big name (Contatdor, Shleck, Menchov, etc)?

I don't know, but I think nationality may play a part in any decision they make. Yes Garmin is an international company but I think it might be a hard sell to bring the non-english speaking Spanish guy in as the hero of the American team. And Canadians are like honorary Americans :)

When it comes to professional sports and elite free agents, money almost always trumps other concerns. It would depend largely in part on how much cash a team can push towards him. Last time I checked, they don't speak Spanish in Kazakhstan.

Hi everyone.

I agree that nationality shouldn't play a significant part. Most of Astana's Spaniards are going with Alberto (Navarro, de la Fuente, Noval, Hernandez), he probably won't mind if there're bigger money in non-Spanish team.
Also, Schlecks have just confirmed that they won't be riding for Sunguard next season. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/schlecks-and-riis-part-company
And I don't think that Astana is among Contador's possibilities anymore. Maybe I'm mistaken here, but it seems that guys from Kazakhstan wanted definitive answer and now they're already looking for the new leader (looks like they're interested in Menchov, who's also interested). Even Vino said that Alberto had enough time to make up his mind and it was him who put pressure on them to prepare the new contract. Not to mention Fran Contador's statement: "Our decision not to stay with Astana is firm and final".

Hi everyone.

I agree that nationality shouldn't play a significant part. Most of Astana's Spaniards are going with Alberto (Navarro, de la Fuente, Noval, Hernandez), he probably won't mind if there're bigger money in non-Spanish team.
Also, Schlecks have just confirmed that they won't be riding for Sunguard next season. http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/schlecks-and-riis-part-company
And I don't think that Astana is among Contador's possibilities anymore. Maybe I'm mistaken here, but it seems that guys from Kazakhstan wanted definitive answer and now they're already looking for the new leader (looks like they're interested in Menchov, who's also interested). Even Vino said that Alberto had enough time to make up his mind and it was him who put pressure on them to prepare the new contract. Not to mention Fran Contador's statement: "Our decision not to stay with Astana is firm and final".

Thanks for the perspective. It's looking like Sunguard, or Caisse D'Epargne - in that order. Any word on what Riis is doing, or Cancellara?

Unless de la Fuente had some reason (injury or illness) to be riding like he did in the Tour, it might be time for him to call it a career. If there's a TTT in the Tour next year, Contador can't afford to have too many climbers who will slow things down, and that's never been de la Fuente's strong suit.

Thanks for the perspective. It's looking like Sunguard, or Caisse D'Epargne - in that order. Any word on what Riis is doing, or Cancellara?

Caisse d'Epargne isn't continuing as a sponsor.

Willie Sutton move...

http://www.atwistedspoke.com/2010/07/28/saxo-bank-finally-nails-contador/

Caisse d'Epargne isn't continuing as a sponsor.

Is the squad kaput, continuing with a new sponsor, or up in the air? I had presumed it was a matter of sponsorship change, and not knowing what better to call them...

I don't see AC going to any American team. Just not in the cards.

RS and U23 have the sponsors with the cash and they're going wherever Lance goes and he's found a home. If he can recruit a major talent for RS, AS / FS for instance, then his position is sealed. There's no uncertainty. The sponsors love him. He makes them a boatload of money and they get exposure wherever he shows up. He'd really have to screw up for Nike to drop him. Last I checked, Kobe V shoes are going for $129.99.

Is the squad kaput, continuing with a new sponsor, or up in the air? I had presumed it was a matter of sponsorship change, and not knowing what better to call them...
I think they have problems with finding sponsorship thanks to Valverde. It was said at one point that Banco Santader is interested (though I'm not sure if it wasn't more about Alonso's project involving Contador, it was connected with current Caisse d'Epargne team). And during Tour de France there was news that they found someone (at least to begin with), but didn't say who the sponsor will be and it wasn't confirmed later.

As for Riis, I guess he's staying with SunGard, it'll practically be his work- he was the one looking for sponsors and the one negotiating with Alberto's brother. And Schlecks made clear he isn't coming with them.

My point is that Contador already had to sit out a TdF due to settling on a team that wasn't invited. I seriously doubt he's going to risk that again. I think the same goes for anyone who has serious aspirations of winning a Grand Tour (note that that is a short list), but possibly also is a concern for any pro rider. I would think a good portion of them would rather not want to find themselves looking for a new team in January - after the salaries of most teams are already spent. Frankly, I don't think the timing could be any worse for them.

While I agree in principle, I don't think there's any serious risk of Radio Shack not getting invited, unless someone there pops positive now. The rumors havent changed "lance cheated back then" and the investigation of the sport has only so far it can go now. too little proof left from so long ago. Its not like if they sold the bikes and bought drugs there will be receipts. Worst case scenario someone else takes over as part owner, but with the strong performance of the various riders in this years tour, having the team excluded next year would seem very unlikely.

Now Astana's saying that they didn't want to put pressure on Contador and that they're waiting till next week for final decision. It still doesn't look like he's staying though- after Fran's statement and all the other things that were said.
And it appears that Caisse d'Epargne team has one new sponsor, who's willing to put in three million euros- they need twice as much, so they're still looking for another one and fearing for their ProTour licence (also, they're losing Lulu Sanchez who's joining Rabobank and maybe Arroyo too- he's negotiating with Astana).

Now Astana's saying that they didn't want to put pressure on Contador and that they're waiting till next week for final decision. It still doesn't look like he's staying though- after Fran's statement and all the other things that were said.
And it appears that Caisse d'Epargne team has one new sponsor, who's willing to put in three million euros- they need twice as much, so they're still looking for another one and fearing for their ProTour licence (also, they're losing Lulu Sanchez who's joining Rabobank and maybe Arroyo too- he's negotiating with Astana).

This is why I still think Astana will be in the running just because they seem to be willing to throw a lot of cash at the situation. One year ago we were all speculating on the same thing. Everyone thought he was gone. And he ended up staying. Then everyone thought Astana would be disaster, not strong enough to win. We'll AC has repeated as TdF champ and Astana was plenty strong enough to support him. We'll see if someone creates a situation that AC thinks is better than what he currently has. All he's done by turning down the re-signing is open the door for all possible offers.

Looks like Cancellara is under contract with Riis for 2011 (and Porte too), would be cool if he was in the team with Alberto. And as for Riis, he's expected to announce some things at a press conference in Copenhagen tomorrow (it can only be about sponsorship though).

Edit: Saxo stays as the second sponsor (signing Alberto made them change their mind?), Contador's in Riis' team for two years. Good for him I think- he should profit from working with Riis, Specialized will be pleased and it'll be even better if Cancellara really stays.

On his Twitter just now:

"Now i am a Saxo Bank-SunGard boy.I believe in 2011and i'm sure that is the best for me.I'm happy with the new team!"

http://www.twitter.com/albertocontador

It's official... SaxoBank it is:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/contador-to-ride-with-riis-in-2011

Well, I have to say, Contador teaming up with Riis is a scary combination. Schleck's gonna need a ****load of luck next year to beat him.

Well, I have to say, Contador teaming up with Riis is a scary combination. Schleck's gonna need a ****load of luck next year to beat him.

I know I must be missing something but I don't get the hype about Riis. He was a great rider, but his management has not shown a ton of greatness. I wonder if a better fielded team for the TDF could have helped Schleck win. Having a team that can kick anyones butt on the flats is not going to win you a TDF. Feel free to tell me why I am wrong. And yeah I would rather ride for Riis then Vino.

What's not to get about the Riis hype? He seems to be able to attract great riders and CSC/Saxo has won everything from the big classics to the Tour de France. He's had one of the top teams for years.

Maybe Schleck could have used another climber, but what if Frank hadn't crashed out? That may have been all the mountain support Andy would have needed. You say the flats don't matter, but they sure mattered a lot this year. What if Cancellara wasn't there to put on the hurt for the cobbled stage? What if they bring back the TTT next year?

I don't think it guarantees Alberto a win next year, but he should have a stronger team and at the very least Saxo Bank seems like a more stable situation than Astana. I'll be interested to see who all goes along with the Schlecks and how their team fills out.

I mean I get that Riis has one of the best teams out there, and I had forgotten about Sastre win with them. I guess the thing I was thinking is that they have strong riders but don't see the team strategy as clearly better then other teams. Better riders yes. But does that make you a better manager, that is like saying that Joe Torre was a better manager when he was coaching much better talent.

Winning Paris-Roubaix with a guy that just rides his competition against him means you know how to spot and retain talent, important but if your that talent that does not mean you will necessarily get the win.