Le Tour: The Race Thread
07-10-09, 09:55 PM
#401
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Schleck claimed that AC didn't have much wind as the cars/motos were blocking it. Not sure if that is true, but that is the 2nd half of the Schleck quote.
07-10-09, 09:58 PM
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Yes - 1986 all over again, though no blatant lies (yet) like Hinault was spewing. Given LA's puppet-master abilities with the media, he will surely continue to use them as he pleases to add to the confusion.
07-10-09, 10:08 PM
#403
King of the Plukers
07-10-09, 11:15 PM
#404
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I don't know about the lack of harmony. I think Contador attacked today because he could, I think Lance had to sit back like he did, and ultimately, Contador is the strongest of the two and everybody understands that. If Alberto can attack, he can, he will, he should, it's not so complicated really.
Lance did what he should do today. I doubt Lance can or will win the Tour. But he can gain the podium while supporting the heir apparent. And it's a long race. Alberto can get sick, crash, bonk, etc. I'm sure JB likes having Lance as his Plan B. And I don't get the impression that this really bothers Lance all that much. It's his chance to give something back, and that will really make him look better than winning the Tour.
If Lance finishes 2nd or 3rd he gets more. He proves to the world that he's racing clean (or to some of them), he gets major points for being a team guy and for coming back and riding at such a high level at age 37.
Great story in my view.
Lance did what he should do today. I doubt Lance can or will win the Tour. But he can gain the podium while supporting the heir apparent. And it's a long race. Alberto can get sick, crash, bonk, etc. I'm sure JB likes having Lance as his Plan B. And I don't get the impression that this really bothers Lance all that much. It's his chance to give something back, and that will really make him look better than winning the Tour.
If Lance finishes 2nd or 3rd he gets more. He proves to the world that he's racing clean (or to some of them), he gets major points for being a team guy and for coming back and riding at such a high level at age 37.
Great story in my view.
07-11-09, 05:21 AM
#405
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After yesterdays events I am now less certian that AC will win this tour...AC went against a direct order not to attack (I know this to be a fact but I can't tell you how I know this..I'm dead serious about this). In doing so AC showed the world that he is the man in this Tour but he also pissed of his team. There is a long way to go and a lot of bad things can happen along the way. One off day for AC and he just may well find himself alone and isolated when he needs some help.
07-11-09, 05:24 AM
#406
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The time lapsed implosion of Astana is immanent, possibly as early as the conclusion of the Tour but certainly by season's end. AC has openly shopped himself to other teams.
Next year LB and Lance will have their own team. Lance will draw strong sponsor support which will pay the bills and salaries. So much of the current team are rehashed USPS and Disco riders it's not even funny. They will want/need jobs next year.
What AC did today was not necessary at this point, even if he is the strongest rider in the Peleton. Figure AC has two allies on the team right now. He just may find himself a very lonely man on the road if Lance, Klodi, or Levi continue to be in a position to apply pressure to the MJ.
Next year LB and Lance will have their own team. Lance will draw strong sponsor support which will pay the bills and salaries. So much of the current team are rehashed USPS and Disco riders it's not even funny. They will want/need jobs next year.
What AC did today was not necessary at this point, even if he is the strongest rider in the Peleton. Figure AC has two allies on the team right now. He just may find himself a very lonely man on the road if Lance, Klodi, or Levi continue to be in a position to apply pressure to the MJ.
07-11-09, 05:48 AM
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I think Astana will let him burn himself out.
07-11-09, 06:18 AM
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07-11-09, 06:48 AM
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Pereiro just quit.
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07-11-09, 07:02 AM
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Nobody has said. He just abandoned.
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07-11-09, 07:29 AM
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while I think AC will probably win. for all you lance haters AC attacked because he is afraid of LA. no one else. WIth the time and position the team had it made sense to let others attack and I think ACs lack of experience showed. He wanted yellow to unite the team behind him, which it would have forced even begrudgingly. since he missed yellow he comes across as a rouge rider (and a d*ck).
With that in mind now think there are ways of AC losing (without team support), where as before he had it in the bag. Not worth the 20 seconds he gained at all.
With that in mind now think there are ways of AC losing (without team support), where as before he had it in the bag. Not worth the 20 seconds he gained at all.
07-11-09, 07:32 AM
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^^ I guess then he was blushing over his move?
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07-11-09, 08:56 AM
#418
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while I think AC will probably win. for all you lance haters AC attacked because he is afraid of LA. no one else. WIth the time and position the team had it made sense to let others attack and I think ACs lack of experience showed. He wanted yellow to unite the team behind him, which it would have forced even begrudgingly. since he missed yellow he comes across as a rouge rider (and a d*ck).
With that in mind now think there are ways of AC losing (without team support), where as before he had it in the bag. Not worth the 20 seconds he gained at all.
With that in mind now think there are ways of AC losing (without team support), where as before he had it in the bag. Not worth the 20 seconds he gained at all.
07-11-09, 09:19 AM
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Seemed like the stage winner sat up quite early and could've gotten nipped easily. If I had a chance to win a tour stage, and was that close in a sprint, I'd make sure I powered through the finish.
07-11-09, 09:32 AM
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while I think AC will probably win. for all you lance haters AC attacked because he is afraid of LA. no one else. WIth the time and position the team had it made sense to let others attack and I think ACs lack of experience showed. He wanted yellow to unite the team behind him, which it would have forced even begrudgingly. since he missed yellow he comes across as a rouge rider (and a d*ck).
With that in mind now think there are ways of AC losing (without team support), where as before he had it in the bag. Not worth the 20 seconds he gained at all.
With that in mind now think there are ways of AC losing (without team support), where as before he had it in the bag. Not worth the 20 seconds he gained at all.
07-11-09, 09:58 AM
#425
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