Posted on 07/10/2009 11:56:33 AM PDT by lewisglad
Alberto Contador, choosing his moment perfectly after a week of being at the receiving end of Lance Armstrong soundbites, reasserted his authority in the Astana team with a devastating burst of climbing right at the end of the long Arcalis climb in Andorra today.
It was a sight to behold and left no doubt there was plenty more where that came from as the Peloton contemplates another two days in the Pyrenees
Just when it seemed the main contenders had settled for the status quo – albeit that Fabian Cancellara, wearing yellow at the start of the day, had been dropped at the start of the climb – Contador launched an astonishing attack which demonstrated a God given ability on the steepest sections of road.
While Armstrong and his Astana colleague Andreas Kloeden were riding tempo at the front of the group and apparently talking tactics, Contador attacked from 20 yards back and left everybody for dead with only Andy Schleck reacting to the initial surge.
Contador, who started the day in third place overall 19 seconds behind Armstrong, put 22 seconds in the Texan before the finish and is now second overall. More importantly he has re-established the leadership of his team just at a time when some of the toughest stages beckon.
It was raw and compelling to watch and no amount of PR spin from all concerned can negate what we saw with our own eyes. Contador, having definitely come off second best to Armstrong on Monday during the now infamous peloton split en route to La Grande Motte, hit back with a massive body blow of his own. He is standing up to Armstrong and not many have done that over the years.
The next two days should see much more of the same
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Two more days in the mountains. Hope Contador has something in reserve.
Cannot wait to watch TV, especially knowing the end result!
Contador didn’t tell anyone of the attack, and Lance handled it in a very classy way.
+_)@ SPOILER
Contador has been riding conservatively the whole time. Armstrong spent alot of energy in the team trials - imho - to support Contador.
I know! This is the Third time this has happened to me! Sheesh!
My guess is that Armstrong, at 37 years of age, has to really guard against shooting his wad too early in the Tour. He’ll keep pace with Cantador & pick his spot in the later mountain stages. Even then, he may not be able to do it. The oldest rider to ever win a Tour was 36... and you have to go all the way back to 1922 for that one.
“Dont disturb the sleeping grizzly!”
Yep. Lance is only 8 seconds behind. He has them right where he wants them.
At 37, it will be tough but doable for this great rider. He is still in the hunt and much closer than usual at this stage of the race.
I agree that the Telegraph is too much in the ABL but I think that you are correct. I believe that Lance can do this but he does have to husband his resources. Personally, I think that Lance is a unique body driven by an unyielding mind. After that much experience on the Tour he knows the politics and traps.
Anyone who thinks that he could not have caught or at least gotten to the finish line quicker has their blinders on. It is far too early in this TEAM race to become a loose-cannon or independent. Contador already showed himself human by missing that break-away on day 3, and there is a lot of racing left, especially the Alps! This Tour will be one talked about for years!
I guess we will have to Log out of free republic until after the race.
Who know what the country will be after all of that time!
Contador may have more pure climbing ability, but Lance has experience and I don’t think anyone can suffer like he can. Both of those things will start playing a bigger and bigger role as the tour goes on. Lance knew this wasn’t his day to make a move and he didn’t. I have a feeling if/when he goes it will be to take minutes out of everyone and not seconds.
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