henrythenavigat

Well they are negotiating according to l'equipe. The gist, for those not fluent in French, is that the negotiations have one sticking point: Frank. Andy wants him along; Lance doesn't. If this is true, it is somewhat of a throwback to the old days when Lance literally purchased the best riders and possible GC threats from other teams to ensure his own victory. Thank god AC not for sale -- and no wonder Lance is so upset.

The link: https://www.lequipe.fr/Cyclisme/breve...armstrong.html

julian

Contador has been an “orphan” ever since his mentor and advisor Manolo Saíz went down in flames as part of the Operación Puerto scandal.

monosierra

Andy likes LA a lot, but he is not going to abandon his brother. TRS either gets both Schlecks or none at all.

Clearly, LA rates AS as the best challenger to AC.

henrythenavigat

I wonder why.

OrionKhan

Not just LA. Its fairly obvious that AS is the only rider close to AC, despite his TT shortcomings. This would be interesting situation if they can get the Schlecks. That would leave an opening for a number one rider on Saxo Bank.

Hmm, wonder if there are any of those available?

It would make for a very interesting season if the Schlecks went over to TRS and then AC ended up on Saxo. Now that would be a great rivalry for the next 5 or 6 years. Contador v. Schleck, Armstrong v. Riis. I like it.

I'm looking forward to the off season transfers. It will be very interesting.

henrythenavigat

Non sequitur. For this kind of jump in subject matter I recommend 33, specifically the Tour thread. One post is AC, the next Michael Vick. You'll love it!

julian

Just needling.

henrythenavigat

33 is the best place for that.

40 Cent

The equipe article says Lance thinks Frank will hinder Andy's progress. If Andy goes with Lance, it'll be interesting where Frank ends up.

monosierra

Well, that might be the case if Andy kept trying to look out for Frank as he did in Ventoux, when he stopped attacks halfway to check if Frank was catching up. But Frank also played a big role in helping Andy as well.

Mr_Christopher

it's difficult to imagine the schleck boys attacking one another or trying to make the other one fail. LA should pick them both up or neither.

daveF

This isn't even your own words. It's a quote from this article https://tour-de-france.velonews.com/a...-contador-land by Andrew Hood.

erader

oh please. these guys are pros. they aren't joined at the hip.

ed rader

julian

Looked like that from the tour I saw.

monosierra

Yeah, they have a really deep bond. AS could have attacked more on Ventoux, but he always stopped to look out for FS.

Caveman

It's not like Frank is a chump. That dude can ride. He's a bonafide podium threat and will tear his own guts out to get Andy in yellow. No brainer, get both of them.

monosierra

Yeah. But I think LA wants to influence AS and bring him under his wing. Think about it: AS's photogenic, young, adept at dealing with the press....he might be the next face of cycling. Plus, he speaks English well. Maybe LA wants to play the father figure to AS. He knows AS is a big fan of his, unlike AC.

USAZorro

fify

bailcash09

Why wouldn't they want Frank too? He stacks up with Levi or Kloden or even Lance
And there is no question he will ride his heart out to put his brother in yellow. With a team that strong there is no reason they shouldn't be able to beat AC, who will almost surely be on a weaker team next year.

monosierra

Tt's why I suspect LA wants to influence AS, and take over the father figure role. FS will stand in the way.

rogwilco

That was smart team tactics as much as looking out for family. If eg Jens Voigt had been in Frank's position, Andy probably would have done the same thing. He wasn't going for the yellow jersey anymore at that point.

yes

Jeez - the battle for first and second was won. Andy and Contador were both trying to help their teammates win the battle for 3rd. If Frank was holding back Andy, then so too was Armstrong holding back Contador. But of course it was neither. Andy said that the yellow was out of reach and that he would focus on Frank's chance at 3rd before the stage. No bear had attacked Astana in the Pyrenees, so as Jens said - Astana had the yellow.

Andy - don't go without Frank. You will need him to help make sure you get a ride to the time trial and make sure that you don't get hammered in the press without an ally. Frank will also help with team dynamics. Do you really think that Lance won't try to marginalize you into supporting him next year?

Pedaleur

He should have towed Contador up to the stage win instead?

wearyourtruth

wait... so lance doesn't intend to be the leader of his own team?? or does he, and he expects Andy to stand down like he expected Contador to?

if i was Andy, i would gladly train under Johan, but not until i knew that Lance was over trying to win and let me do my job.

puppypilgrim

Absolutely. Judging from the mountain stages, Lance is already planning how to defeat Alberto in next year's TdF! Lance is thinking, "If I can't take you in the mountains, I'll get someone who can!" LOL.