Professional Cycling For the Fans - Contador, 2011 edition

He's already won the Volta a Catalunya and the Vuelta a Murcia, and came fourth in the Volta ao Algarve. He's looking pretty good. Granted, his professional status is still uncertain at this point, but still...

I think he should go for the "Triple" this year. I bet he could do it.

Viva Contador.
I said it before, I'll say it again.
His name means "counter" in Spanish
(as in counting how many more TDF's he needs to be the bestest!).

http://www.bicycle.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/contador_champagne_tdf_stage20_2010.jpg

http://www.lowbird.com/data/images/2010/06/tumblrks8ydwusis1qzs8se.gif

Viva Contador.
I said it before, I'll say it again. :mad:
His name means "counter" in Spanish
(as in counting how many more TDF's he needs to be the bestest!).

http://shavarross.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Alberto-Contador-2010-Tour-de-France.jpg

http://www.lowbird.com/data/images/2010/06/tumblrks8ydwusis1qzs8se.gif

yes contador is one of my favorite riders now. Andy won't beat him unless he become better at the tt. Contador can climb and tt wich makes him a better cyclist.

He's going for a double this year, Giro and the TDF. He hasn't done that one so far, only the Vuelta and Giro double.

Personally, I think he can do it; also I strongly believe he will be up there as the biggest grand tour winners in history, at 28 and with 5 GT's under his belt.

Granted, Merckx won 11 GT's but I can see Contador winning 8-10.

I did hear Lance Armstrong say that he would have been difficult to beat even when Lance was at his peak. He has a ways to go before he beats Lance's record though.

I did hear Lance Armstrong say that he would have been difficult to beat even when Lance was at his peak. He has a ways to go before he beats Lance's record though.
Not really. Lance won 7 TDFs, yes but he didn't win anything else. No Giros, no Vueltas, 4 stage races and 1 classic.

By comparison Contador is one of 5 (along with merckx, anquetil, hinault and gimondi, some nobodies) to win all three GT's and he's only 28. Also, he's won 11 stage races.

I would say Contador is close to Armstrong on the overall achievements list, and will definitely surpass him unless a superhuman new cyclist appears(ie. hinault/lemond).

"Better living through Chemistry??"

huh? isn't contador still facing a ban and having last years tour victory stripped? and if that happens isn't he gonna quit cycling like he said months back? oh btw wrong forum.

huh? isn't contador still facing a ban and having last years tour victory stripped? and if that happens isn't he gonna quit cycling like he said months back? oh btw wrong forum.

I think the spanish PM got the spanish cycling federation (or whatever) to reverse that decision.

It's all politics. Such silliness.

I am not the biggest Contador fan, but I do feel he is innocent. The amount of Clenbuterol they found in his system is so minute that it had to be ingested via a contaminated food source. The professionals even agree with this. I know they are supposed to watch what they ingest, but I feel he already served his provisional suspension that was handed down to him immediately after his 'B' sample came back positive. The one to worry about is the plasticizers. This is something though that will probably take years to unfold. The new WADA/UCI appeal shouldn't even continue honestly, but I think they will keep it open hoping that one day the plasticizer test becomes sanctioned by WADA.

Couldn't find this quickly, but say WADA sanctions the plasticizer test, then does that mean they can go back and test all of those old blood samples they store and if one comes up positive levy consequences on the rider?

This is probably not the best place to get into an argument, and it's entirely possible AC's clenbuterol was positive from tainted meat...but I think it more likely that he used the stuff early in the season, banked some of his own blood and got it transfused back just before the Tour. That would explain the plasticizer and the very low level of clenbuterol.

But I am sure the lawyers and governments will get involved and eff it all up with their investigations etc.

This is probably not the best place to get into an argument, and it's entirely possible AC's clenbuterol was positive from tainted meat...but I think it more likely that he used the stuff early in the season, banked some of his own blood and got it transfused back just before the Tour. That would explain the plasticizer and the very low level of clenbuterol.

But I am sure the lawyers and governments will get involved and eff it all up with their investigations etc.

The thing is though, it didn't show up in any of the previous samples they took from him during the tour. So now that you brought that up, what if he did do a transfusion on his rest day with blood that was tainted earlier in the season from CB? Hrmm, HANG HIM! :p

ibtm

This is probably not the best place to get into an argument, and it's entirely possible AC's clenbuterol was positive from tainted meat...but I think it more likely that he used the stuff early in the season, banked some of his own blood and got it transfused back just before the Tour. That would explain the plasticizer and the very low level of clenbuterol.

But I am sure the lawyers and governments will get involved and eff it all up with their investigations etc.

Bingo



I think he should go for the "Triple" this year. I bet he could do it.

Clen, HGH & Epo ??

Couldn't find this quickly, but say WADA sanctions the plasticizer test, then does that mean they can go back and test all of those old blood samples they store and if one comes up positive levy consequences on the rider?Taking in fluids (saline etc) intravenously is not banned is it?

Taking in fluids (saline etc) intravenously is not banned is it?

Yes .... although I think there are some very specific circumstances that allow it, so if that were the case, he would have had to fill out forms & get permission first.

217. And thanks for putting spoilers, no matter how old, in the first line so you see it when you hover your mouse over it.:notamused::notamused:

I have no good reason to dislike Contador yet I do. I guess he makes a good villain to cheer against.

He's going for a double this year, Giro and the TDF.
Where'd you get the info?


217. And thanks for putting spoilers, no matter how old, in the first line so you see it when you hover your mouse over it.
Is this some kind of secret code?

Where'd you get the info?

http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/03/news/alberto-contador-confirms-giro-ditalia-plans_162123
http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/7621/Schleck-believes-Contador-is-taking-a-big-risk-by-riding-Giro.aspx

What a slimy "champion". Has the same slimeball type aura like Barry Bonds.

Where'd you get the info?


Is this some kind of secret code?

It's secret 41 code.

It's secret 41 code.
You've completely lost me. I shrug my shoulders at you.

Can't wait until May for the Giro!

41 - road forum
217 - professional cycling forum (where this thread should be)
spoiler - giving the results to an event without warning, so that those who want to watch the event after the fact have the result "spoiled"

You've completely lost me. I shrug my shoulders at you.

Can't wait until May for the Giro!

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/41-Road-Cycling

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/217-Professional-Cycling

41 - road forum
217 - professional cycling forum (where this thread should be)
spoiler - giving the results to an event without warning, so that those who want to watch the event after the fact have the result "spoiled"

URL numbers as code for forums is too arcane for me. Moderators, please feel free to move this to the pro cycling forum.

The races have been over for weeks and/or days. I can understand consternation over same-day spoilers, but the Volta ao Algarve was in February, fer christ's sake!

I am not the biggest Contador fan, but I do feel he is innocent. The amount of Clenbuterol they found in his system is so minute that it had to be ingested via a contaminated food source.

don't be so naive dude.

99% of athletes are on gear or doping in some fashion. its pretty much been that way since atleast the 70's

graehm obree (sp?) and the other few cyclists that never cheated has repeated the same thing time and time again.

don't be so naive dude.

99% of athletes are on gear or doping in some fashion. its pretty much been that way since atleast the 70's

graehm obree (sp?) and the other few cyclists that never cheated has repeated the same thing time and time again.

I don't want to be, but seeing as they are removing pictures of a girlfriend in bibs in the hot-or-not thread cuz it might inflict pain on a child, I didn't want to let all the children know that their cycling hero is nothing more than a doper :) The whole plasticizer thing is what makes me say he is guilty as sin, and he could have possibly taken out blood when there were just some trace amounts left. Or he ingested it on his off day, which wouldn't make sense with CB, and used a blood transfusion to try and cover it up. Hell, the more I think about it really, the more I say he is guilty as sin.

On another note, US taxpayers are in well over a few million dollars now hoping to prove that Lance doped. :/

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/catalog/medium/PDRT0153410.jpg
just got some of these. notice the signature.

Can we just agree that they're all on dope?

Having said that I like Contador he is exciting to watch and isn't a ******bag like Lemond and Armstrong (at times). He isn't as likeable as Andy but he is more exciting and as others have mentioned a better tt'r.

didn't he use some illegal beef or something like that?

I like his youthful energy, willingness to attack, and his "dancing" climbing style.

Regardless, I don't like him. I think it's because he doesn't speak English and his large "chicklet-esque" teeth scare me.

http://cdn.wn.com/ph/img/da/83/5a31ce8fbdbf6286dcefdb9d1a68-grande.jpg

That said, I've been watching as many ProTour races as I can so far this year and haven't seen him yet. Is he riding non-UCI/ProTour races until the drama is cleared up? I thought he was cleared by the Spanish Federation thingy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aISkVvi5iI8

http://www.bicycle.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/contador_champagne_tdf_stage20_2010.jpg

Dood. His watch is upside down and his helmet straps look ridiculous!

Not really. Lance won 7 TDFs, yes but he didn't win anything else. No Giros, no Vueltas, 4 stage races and 1 classic.

By comparison Contador is one of 5 (along with merckx, anquetil, hinault and gimondi, some nobodies) to win all three GT's and he's only 28. Also, he's won 11 stage races.

I would say Contador is close to Armstrong on the overall achievements list, and will definitely surpass him unless a superhuman new cyclist appears(ie. hinault/lemond).

Armstrong won 2 classics, a WC RR, podiumed twice at LBL - a monument - and all those other GTs and shorter tours.

Nice to see Contador at La Fleche and LBL last year. Hope he comes back and takes a few of the Ardennes races over the next few years - he's capable - and goes for a WC. Until he does, he's on track to "only" be one of the best GT riders.

There is something annoying about Contador. I can't quite put my finger on it but I think I would like to see him get his butt kicked.

I don't want to be, but seeing as they are removing pictures of a girlfriend in bibs in the hot-or-not thread cuz it might inflict pain on a child, I didn't want to let all the children know that their cycling hero is nothing more than a doper :)

oh god lol

but yeah, agreed with everything said

I am a big fan of Contador - possibly one of the best GT riders of our era. To me, his TdF win last year is probably more impressive than the 09 win, b/c last year, he was obviously *not* in good form and was suffering like a dog. And still managed to win.

And after reading his tweets and Facebook updates, I find him a very, very classy guy.

Velonews indicates that the Spanish Federations' results are actually quite well reasoned. A few other athletes this past year have been cleared of similar charges as well. So I am hoping this CAS appeal is merely a matter of due process and this whole thing is put to a rest soon.

A three way contest between Contador, Basso and Schleck for the TdF - isnt that going to be an absolute treat for cycling fans?

Zero tolerance... And plasticizers too??? 1 + 1 still equals, 2 right?

There is something annoying about Contador. I can't quite put my finger on it but I think I would like to see him get his butt kicked.

+1

Out of the GC guys, Andy Schleck is so much more likable.

Team LAY-O-pard, OTOH, gets my ******bag radar pinging.

He just has this way about him that says he expected to win. I never get the impression that he's grateful. If he lived where I do he'd be in a frat, drive a sweet lifted pickup with black rims, wear Ed Hardy, and yell "******" at cyclists.

Also I swear if I ever see him do that pistol salute in real life I'm taking that finger home with me.

Yeah...that salute IS the thing that turns me off.

He just has this way about him that says he expected to win. I never get the impression that he's grateful.

Read his tweets and FB updates? All he does is thank his team and his fans. Repeatedly.

I agree about something annoying about him. Like that kid in HS that always got 100's on tests, and blew the curve for the rest of us! Hard to like.

Agree with andyk... my problem with contador is that he doesnt have the spark that hinault, lemond, armstrong or EM had... to just say "i'll crush you the next stage" and just go in solitary to just prove a point. His attacks are all measured, tasteless. Even Vino has more courage than contador, some vino attaches are simply amazing. His wins arent that spectacular as cancelara's for example (hope you guys saw the last race), i never seen AC doing stuff like that and it sucks. The wins are tasteless in my opinion.

Dood. His watch is upside down and his helmet straps look ridiculous!

And he still won a TDF. ;)


For all those that don't like his "style"...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbkrWJsEpSE

Agree with andyk... my problem with contador is that he doesnt have the spark that hinault, lemond, armstrong or EM had... to just say "i'll crush you the next stage" and just go in solitary to just prove a point. His attacks are all measured, tasteless. Even Vino has more courage than contador, some vino attaches are simply amazing. His wins arent that spectacular as cancelara's for example (hope you guys saw the last race), i never seen AC doing stuff like that and it sucks. The wins are tasteless in my opinion.

For real? Did you watch the 2009 TdF when he ripped the legs off pretty much EVERY other rider in the race on the climbs? You talking about the same Contador who, until last year, was always considered an impetuous, instinctive rider and not "strategic" enough (a charge started by Lance)?

I dont care if people like/dont like him... but some of the arguments I've heard are just incorrect. Hey, if you arent going to like him, do so for the right reasons (he looks funny, he's one of those darker-hued, non-English-speaking funny furrigners, he's got a stupid victory salute, etc. etc).

Edit - Winning. It isnt just for Charlie Sheen.

V.

For real? Are you really saying that you Did you watch the 2009 TdF when he ripped the legs off pretty much EVERY other rider in the race on the climbs? You talking about the same Contador who, until last year, was always considered an impetuous, instinctive rider and not "strategic" enough (a charge started by Lance)?

I dont care if people like/dont like him... but some of the arguments I've heard are just incorrect. Hey, if you arent going to like him, do so for the right reasons (he looks funny, he's one of those darker-hued, non-English-speaking funny furrigners, he's got a stupid victory salute, etc. etc).

Edit - Winning. It isnt just for Charlie Sheen.

V.

Q, it's like "not" liking Obama. People don't know why, they just don't like "that" feller (despite him being on Team Sheen).

+1.

And, I always saw him as raw. He doesn't fit the "pro" mold. He gets slammed for winning.
So? Good! Keep winning, keep their teeth gnashing. Everybody loves/hates a winner.

And, for whatever was wrong with him last year, I remember him giving up one stage to Andy.
I SAW it in his face when he looked at him and turned the power off and let Andy take it.
(Maybe because of Andy's earlier mishap with his chain, whatever.)
But I don't have to be a cycling afficionado to recognize a little class.

I'd love to see him and Ivan (B.) go at it in a sprint.
To me, Al looks like he might not be great in any one discipline, but just damn good in all of them.

I love to see those power racers that just pull away from the others when
THEY decide it's time like a locomotive and leave them in the dust wheezing.

He's relatively young, he's still growing, he's got heart.

+1

Out of the GC guys, Andy Schleck is so much more likable.

I really like both, but I was pulling for Andy last TdF. I have to say that I like Contador's humbleness in interviews and even when Lance had negative things to say to him he still spoke of Lance positively.