Team Astana Sponsership
#51
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#52
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Did anyone else think of this while reading this argument?
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Contrador is already rumored to be starting a team backed by Fernando Alonso. Its my understanding that the protour license is actually held by Johan and not Astana.
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Contador is strong and shrewd and isn't whining.
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You can laugh if you like but I'm just stating the facts: Contador doesn't control the team. After he's won a few more tours and paid his dues he will likely be able to play the rainmaker role and be capable of controlling a team like Lance did. In Astana's case I'm not familiar with all the details but it appears to me that Bruyneel is the one who re-built the team and calls the shots.
Contador is strong and shrewd and isn't whining.
Contador is strong and shrewd and isn't whining.
one thing i do is contador will never work for bruyneel again, and that may be something bruyneel will live to regret.
ed rader
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Other than increasing his 'stress' level I still don't see how bringing Lance onto the team has hurt Contador's chances this year. It's not like Contador has been riding on his own with no support. Perhaps not your first choice, but bringing Armstrong on board seems perfectly understandable from Bruyneel's point of view. Hardly seems despicable to me...
#57
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I don't know if that's true or not Ed.
In the end, it wouldn't surprise me if Contador stays with the Armstrong / Bruyneel combination if he feels like they supported him in the Alps and he sees they can put by far the best team in the world on the road. I think it would be a shame for the sport if Bruyneel and Contador split, since they so clearly work very well together and Bruyneel's tactical mind has wrung the most out of Contador's ability and somewhat free spirit.
We'll see how it shakes out. It will surely be interesting, that's for sure.
In the end, it wouldn't surprise me if Contador stays with the Armstrong / Bruyneel combination if he feels like they supported him in the Alps and he sees they can put by far the best team in the world on the road. I think it would be a shame for the sport if Bruyneel and Contador split, since they so clearly work very well together and Bruyneel's tactical mind has wrung the most out of Contador's ability and somewhat free spirit.
We'll see how it shakes out. It will surely be interesting, that's for sure.
#58
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I don't know if that's true or not Ed.
In the end, it wouldn't surprise me if Contador stays with the Armstrong / Bruyneel combination if he feels like they supported him in the Alps and he sees they can put by far the best team in the world on the road. I think it would be a shame for the sport if Bruyneel and Contador split, since they so clearly work very well together and Bruyneel's tactical mind has wrung the most out of Contador's ability and somewhat free spirit.
We'll see how it shakes out. It will surely be interesting, that's for sure.
In the end, it wouldn't surprise me if Contador stays with the Armstrong / Bruyneel combination if he feels like they supported him in the Alps and he sees they can put by far the best team in the world on the road. I think it would be a shame for the sport if Bruyneel and Contador split, since they so clearly work very well together and Bruyneel's tactical mind has wrung the most out of Contador's ability and somewhat free spirit.
We'll see how it shakes out. It will surely be interesting, that's for sure.
i'd be surprised if they remained together but like you said we'll see .
ed rader
#59
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It will in fact be interesting. Who other than Contador will Nike/Livestrong find to fill the role of proven "Young GT Contender"? And what team is Contador going to find that can offer the sort of support and incredible strenght and depth that Nike/Livestrong will likely have?
All any of us know, is what has been in the press. We have absolutely no idea what's been discussed over the dinner tables and what these guys true thoughts are. I for one, all be it a slim chance, won't be surprised if we see JB/LA & AC on the same team next year. Plus, doesn't Contador still have one year to serve in his contract with JB?
All any of us know, is what has been in the press. We have absolutely no idea what's been discussed over the dinner tables and what these guys true thoughts are. I for one, all be it a slim chance, won't be surprised if we see JB/LA & AC on the same team next year. Plus, doesn't Contador still have one year to serve in his contract with JB?
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#60
so whatcha' want?
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Simply, Armstrong will be Contador's domestique next year. LA's role will be manager/rider/coaching/mentor et al. JB Director. Contador team lead.
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I'm betting Contrador will not be on the LA/JB Team. I think Contrador will be a Spanish oriented team. Contrador is not really a good fit for a US oriented team. From a sponsorship perspective, he is a tough sell. Sure, he is probably the best GC guy out there by far, but its not just about winning.
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I'm betting Contrador will not be on the LA/JB Team. I think Contrador will be a Spanish oriented team. Contrador is not really a good fit for a US oriented team. From a sponsorship perspective, he is a tough sell. Sure, he is probably the best GC guy out there by far, but its not just about winning.
Look at what Cavendish has done for Columbia. And its not because he speaks english. He wins, a lot. Nobody cares what he has to say.
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there's a poll and a discussion here.....
https://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthr...2488#post52488
ed rader
https://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthr...2488#post52488
ed rader
#64
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I have a feeling that JB and LA will be doing some serious sweet talking to Alberto Contador. JB and LA are both used to winning. Watching Contador go to another team and win multiple grand tours is not going to sit well with them. They're not dummies. I think AC will walk if he really is fed up after this Astana situation. But I don't think it will be because JB and LA don't want him.
I wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Andy and Frank Schleck if Contador walks.
Outside of Andy Schleck, there isn't anybody with near the upside as Contador for the next 5 years.
I wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Andy and Frank Schleck if Contador walks.
Outside of Andy Schleck, there isn't anybody with near the upside as Contador for the next 5 years.
#65
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I'm betting Contrador will not be on the LA/JB Team. I think Contrador will be a Spanish oriented team. Contrador is not really a good fit for a US oriented team. From a sponsorship perspective, he is a tough sell. Sure, he is probably the best GC guy out there by far, but its not just about winning.
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#66
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I didn't think Lance was getting paid by Astana to ride this year, and may have even used some of his own (as in personal sponsors like Nike) money to keep Astana going through the tour............. You can not work for someone if you are paying them..... they work for you...
nobody. duh.
#67
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I'm betting Contrador will not be on the LA/JB Team. I think Contrador will be a Spanish oriented team. Contrador is not really a good fit for a US oriented team. From a sponsorship perspective, he is a tough sell. Sure, he is probably the best GC guy out there by far, but its not just about winning.
Who is this Contrador person of whom you speak? Or this is a lame attempt at humor?
If it's not about winning, then what is this about? This is not the kids soccer league, of which you appear to be familiar, where everybody gets a little trophy.
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Contador may be wise to stay with JB. How was he doing before he signed with JB?
Say what you want about JB, he knows how to win, and that's all that matters to them.
Say what you want about JB, he knows how to win, and that's all that matters to them.
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#74
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Contador will go on his own to a new Spanish based team.
The whole rest of Astana including Bruyneel will create a new team with Oracle / Trek / Nike as sponsors.
https://oraclecycling.com/
Just a thought.
The whole rest of Astana including Bruyneel will create a new team with Oracle / Trek / Nike as sponsors.
https://oraclecycling.com/
Just a thought.
#75
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More than that I'm not privvy to say. Oh, I work for a major news company