Gr8Scott

so i saw this today about big tex...can't say i would have blamed him, it's not like he needed the $!

https://www.velonation.com/News/ID/20...ne-mishap.aspx

monosierra

I like this interview (read the version on cyclingnews). Gives a inside-look, albeit a biased one, into how Astana functioned. Interesting how Contador seemed rather arrogant.

rouleour

Quote:

Originally Posted by monosierra

I like this interview (read the version on cyclingnews). Gives a inside-look, albeit a biased one, into how Astana functioned. Interesting how Contador seemed rather arrogant.

really? I thought he had a look more of focusing on the task at hand!Team! but arrogant?! not sure!

txags92

I thought it was interesting that Bruyneel said Contador was questioning tactics and plans and withdrawing from the team before Lance ever got there. So much for blaming it all on the evil Texan.

gear

Bruyneel's methodical approach to a race is a bit different than an emotional type rider might choose, since Contador is an emotional type rider I would not be surprised that the two had "discussions" about tactics; the rider might even begin to question why he is on that type of team if his talents can't be let loose.

But what happened once Armstrong came on the scene is something else, Bruyneel now seems to want to tie the two events together and so provide evidence to shift blame solely onto Contador and away from Armstrong.

Seems like a good strategy in dealing with a competitor for the upcoming season. He's trying to get into Contador's head; which I believe is what Armstrong slyly suggested was Contador's weakness. A riders' legs aren't the only thing he races with; so if you can't beat his legs maybe you can beat his mind. I'd look for more of this from the Bruyneel camp next year.

gear

Believing that you can beat another human at something is arrogant, you need some of that to compete in the first place. I wish you good luck trying to find an athlete who isn't arrogant on some level.

txags92

I don't disagree with anything you are saying. Johan obviously has taken a side in the whole thing and it is to his advantage to make his side look good. However, there is also truth in what he says that paints much more of a "two to tango" picture of the issues between Contador and the rest of the team. If you are on a team that commits to a team strategy and buys into what the coach is telling you to do...and there is one guy who is always disagreeing and questioning, and doing his own thing (sometimes in opposition to what the plan was), why wouldn't the team start to shun him?

I think it is pretty clear that Contador is young and rides with alot of emotion, and I expect that Lance and Johan will do everything in their power to take advantage of his weaknesses. Should be an entertaining season next year.

DMF 

+1