[frithguild]

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.

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.

[Retired Greyhound]

Right now, nobody can climb with Contador. He is awesome.

Lance circa 2004 would have been up to the challenge, though. I don’t think 2010 Lance will be.

Torch has been passed.

[Recon by Fire]

Agreed, Contador is an animal in the mountains. Armstrong stunk up the joint in the time trails and in the mountains.

IMO Armstrong needs to retire, just like Brett needs to retire from the NFL.

Armstrong might come with a team next year, but he will still be beaten like a rented mule by more than one rider.

Armstrong should have taken his 7 TDF wins and rode off into the sunset.

[longjack]

Lance couldn't cover Schleck. Next year will be no different. Nobody can climb with Contador.

I agree.

Actually, I thought Contador was riding for Lance on Ventoux. Contador had Lance's wheel the entire time. The chance that a rider behind Lance in the GC would overtake Lance were greater than Schleck overtaking Contador.

From the sounds of this comment today, it may have been team orders.

Contador gave me the impression he could have gone at any time.