2010 Tour de France thread

[Alonzo84]

Wait - are you telling that Contador stole leadership from Armstrong?

Because it's exactly the opposite. Armstrong tried to get rid of Contador. He wasn't the leader of the team. He wasn't the world champion, as opposed to Contador. So he had to help Contador.

(Naturally, the problem also came from Johan Bruyneel, who let this happen)

It was published in Bicycling Magazine that Contador disobeyed team orders on several occasions. The biggest complaint from the rest of the team was his complete lack of respect. He acted as though he was the only member of Astana. Despite this, Lance and the team rode for Contador. If the issue was with Armstrong, then Team RadioShack wouldn't be last year's Team Astana minus Contador.

 

[highres]

It was published in Bicycling Magazine that Contador disobeyed team orders on several occasions. The biggest complaint from the rest of the team was his complete lack of respect. He acted as though he was the only member of Astana. Despite this, Lance and the team rode for Contador. If the issue was with Armstrong, then Team RadioShack wouldn't be last year's Team Astana minus Contador.

Exactly, it's the way that Contador handled the whole situation with Lance, IMO it really showed a lack of class and respect for a 7 time Tour champion and probably the second best of all time. This isn't just from Lance either, the rest of Astana felt the same way.

We all know that in cycling you have to seize and fight for leadership of the team and it was definitely Contadors time but he could have handled it with a little class and tact and didn't which will in my mind always separate him from the greats of the sport like Mercks, Anquetil, Hinault, Armstrong, Indurain and LeMond.

 

[MacsRgr8]

C'est tout.

Le Tour de 2010 is finished. Strange one... we've had accidents, the waiting, the non waiting, predictable stages and the most defensive race in years.

The polka dot jersey didn't go to the best climber and the green jersey didn't go to the best sprinter.
But, both Charteau and Petacchi just were that bit more smart in getting their deserved points.

Oh well... maybe Le Tour de 2011 has more fireworks, eh?

 

[highres]

C'est tout.

Le Tour de 2010 is finished. Strange one... we've had accidents, the waiting, the non waiting, predictable stages and the most defensive race in years.

The polka dot jersey didn't go to the best climber and the green jersey didn't go to the best sprinter.
But, both Charteau and Petacchi just were that bit more smart in getting their deserved points.

Oh well... maybe Le Tour de 2011 has more fireworks, eh?

That about sums it up.

I did however enjoy the battle between Contador and Schleck, it all came down to one slipped chain/mechanical incident which Contador took advantage of and seized the Yellow. Not the most exciting Tour but it had it's moments.

 

[lewis82]

Not the most exciting Tour but it had it's moments.

The first week was definitely the most exciting one in recent years

 

[doug in albq]

...highest team Radio Shack Placer was 67th...LOL.

 

[R94N]

I love the bikes they have - some of the Giants were amazing.

 

[danielcox]

...highest team Radio Shack Placer was 67th...LOL.

???
Levi was top 20.

 

[arkitect]

I did however enjoy the battle between Contador and Schleck, it all came down to one slipped chain/mechanical incident which Contador took advantage of and seized the Yellow.

Contador, eh… not particularly gracious in victory.

"I would not say that Andy is stronger than last year. It's just that I was not as good.

BBC
Not a lot of class there.

 

[doug in albq]

???
Levi was top 20.

whoops, I must have missed that while quickly scanning the finishing placers, still pretty sad.

 

[danielcox]

whoops, I must have missed that while quickly scanning the finishing placers, still pretty sad.

???
They won the team competition...

 

[highres]

I agree, I was really hoping Andy Schleck would somehow lose Contador and take the Yellow Jersey back but it didn't happen.

I also don't care for Contador much, the way he wins seems a little underhanded sometimes, and the way he took over leadership from Lance when he was on Astana could have been done with a little more class, he came through like a desperate, grasping little gnome. Especially when he was dealing with a 7 time champion and ambassador of the sport like Lance.

Exactly, it's the way that Contador handled the whole situation with Lance, IMO it really showed a lack of class and respect for a 7 time Tour champion and probably the second best of all time. This isn't just from Lance either, the rest of Astana felt the same way.

We all know that in cycling you have to seize and fight for leadership of the team and it was definitely Contador's time but he could have handled it with a little class and tact and didn't which will in my mind always separate him from the greats of the sport like Mercks, Anquetil, Hinault, Armstrong, Indurain and LeMond.

Contador, eh… not particularly gracious in victory.

I agree, that's one of the main reasons why I just don't like Contador. The true greats of all sports combine not only great ability but also class and a little bit of humility and respect for their fellow competitors. His lack of these qualities are the reason why I will always rank him below the greats of the sport I listed above.

Maybe it's just me? Watching him compete over the years has given me a respect for his abilities but not for his personality and character.

 

[highres]

I know it's all over now so just one final comment, I did really enjoy seeing the French do well in several of the mountain stages, even winning a few of them. They were long overdue.

 

[dejo]

...highest team Radio Shack Placer was 67th...LOL.

???
Levi was top 20.

And Chris Horner finished in the Top 10 (+12:02)!