I am a big TDF follower. Contador is a very strong rider. He showed it this year. The psychological warefare between he and Armstrong was as intense as the riding. His comments are just the fallout.
In Alberto’s defense, he was slated to be the Alpha dog for his team prior to Lance joining. So there was a power struggle right off the bat. Eventually Contador showed he was the stronger rider, and Lance gracefully praised him and promised to be his wingman for the good of the team.
But...Lance continued to get under his skin. His post-ride Tweets were often used to raise questions about Alberto’s strategy and loyalty to the team. The day Contador essentially sealed the deal, Lance upstaged him by announcing that he was forming his own team next year.
So it has been tit for tat. Lance said yesterday that Contador would have beaten him in his prime. BS. I believe that is more psychological warefare.
It will be quite a showdown next year. For Lance to roll in after 4 years and finish third is very impressive. Though he couldn’t keep up with the much younger Contador on the Alps climbs, he rode stride for stride with him for the Tour’s last mountain stage, sending a message that he will be ready for 2010. And he mended a lot of fences with other riders this year with his display as a devoted teammate. The French still hate him, but they can go choke on their snails.
Next year’s Tour will be very exciting.
Lance and Contador never went against each other - so Lance did not match him stride for stride. Contador was covering Schleck - that is all. Contador covered every move Schleck made and never fell back - not once. Contador could have rode away from Schleck if he wanted to - but there was no reason to do that.
Lance couldn't cover Schleck. Next year will be no different. Nobody can climb with Contador.
Kind of almost makes us pine for the start of football season and the latest comments of Terrill Owen and input from everyone about Eagles and Bears quarterback issues just to get back to civility and lack of controversy.