Cycling has been brewing one of the best rivalries in sports – seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong vs. 2009 champion Alberto Contador.
They were Astana teammates through the Tour de France, during which Armstrong announced the creation of his own team for next year, Team RadioShack. Armstrong and Contador traded jabs in the media at the end of the Tour, and it was obvious they were teammates in name only.
Their rivalry has polarized cycling, and competitors are taking sides. The latest was Santa Rosa’s Levi Leipheimer, who broke from the peloton and joined Armstrong’s team last week.
That’s the same Leipheimer who won the Tour of California that started here in February. That’s the same Leipheimer who also took a secondary role to the feud between Lance Armstrong and Contador in the Tour de France.
As Leipheimer races in the Tour of Missouri this week – with neither Armstrong nor Contador competing – keep an eye on other big-name cyclists who could take sides. After all, Contador needs a team, too.
As we wait to hear the date of Sacramento’s stage in the Tour of California next May, let’s hope Armstrong and Contador skip the competing Giro d’Italia to bring this rivalry back to the States. It will be worth it for the news conferences alone.
(Bill Bradley, sacbee.com)
Lance Armstrong vs Alberto Contador
Contador is a great rider, winner of the three Grand Tours. Against who though? Armstrong beat ALL comers over seven long years to be the undisputed all time “Grand Tour” champion. Contador displayed his great climbing & time trialling skills at the last TDF this year, but also displayed his complete lack of tactical nous. He is an individual rider! I admire what Contador brings to cycling, I RESPECT what Lance Armstrong has brought to cycling, and what he will continue to bring. Her is one Aussie that will be supporting all the Aussies riders, and also Team RadioShack in 2010. Now, if we can just find the right team for Cadel!!
Translate the Comment
I second Terry’s sentiments. “Pistolero” needs to learn how to work with and ride as a team member. As I watch a recap of the Spanish Vuelta now, seeing Contador arrive for a press conference, I notice how it is he – out of all the major playing GC riders – who has no real prospects for signing on with a new team next year. Vino will not want him on Astana, and Contador will refuse to share responsibilities. After witnessing his lack of sportsmanship in the Tour, who will want to ride for Contador? Admiration for his achievements, yes. Respect, no. Maybe he should just stick with his fellow Spaniards and take Valverde’s spot on Caisse D’Epargne…. That said, we seriously need to find a new team for Cadel! Good to hear he’s “made peace” with what’s happened in the Vuelta thus far.
Translate the Comment
2010 will be hard for Contador!He needs a strong team and good management is key if you want to win the TDF,which he won’t have next year!!Andy Schleck will run helter skelter next year and Lance will be strong,Nibali,Basso,Sastre,Menchov,Gesink,Levi,Wiggins,Danielson.Some one will take it home but it won’t be Contador and Cadel thats for sure!!
Translate the Comment
It is interesting to hear Americans talk about how classy and a team first guy Lance is. Hear is an opinion from an European person (not spanish). Lance criticized Alberto through all of TdF. And his buddy Leipheimer helped as well. They didn’t talk to Alberto directly but through media and Twitter. Is that they way to deal with team tactics and other team issues? Alberto was clearly much stronger than Lance, and Lance should have supported him instead. When Alerto won, who did the “team mate” Lance spent the evening with? Not his team, not celebrating Alberto victory. He had dinner elsewhere. There is your respectful, classy, loyal Lance Armstrong. A disgrace to the sport and to the image of the next best bicyclist ever (yes, Merckx is better than Armstrong).
Translate the Comment
Something to watch out for regarding Contador… is that he rides, performs, and in some ways, acts like Lance did in his early years (prior to cancer), especially the independent natured personality. It’s seems to be a common problem with rare talents that haven’t yet matured. Lance came out of cancer with maturity and a new sense of vision/direction (combined with his incredible physical abilities) that was an unbeatable combination. If Contador matures and learns to be a team-player … he will be nearly impossible to beat no matter what team he rides with. It will be interesting to see what happens this coming year.
Translate the Comment
I didn’t expect Lance to podium in the Tour de France, especially after his showing in the Giro before he broke his collarbone.
The Lance Armstrong era of the Tour de France was great. I think that era is over. Lance will be competitive, but I don’t believe he will ever be on the podium again.
Alberto is constantly improving & Johan Bruynel stated that he has never seen a cyclist who can accelerate on mountains any better than Alberto.
Johan saw Lance win 7 TDF & I was amazed at Lance’s climbing during those events.
I think the Lance vs Alberto rivalry is more of a wish than a reality. I respect Lance, but I just think Alberto is that much better. Alberto is a better time trialist and a better climber. Lance is a superior at race tactics.
Translate the Comment
I was in France for the TDV and enjoyed it immensely. Lance Armstrong’s last minute entry brought at least a third more viewers according to Fr. TV sources. The crowds lining the roads were huge! Even the French had a change of heart and were rooting for the old guy! Whatever team Astana’s strategy effort was, Contador did indeed go off on his own a couple times for whatever that’s worth. I am glad to see Radio Shack stepped up as the primary sponsor of the new team Lance is putting together. It would be a huge plus for other sponsor who comes on board as well. I think next years Tour de France will have even a larger audience. No doubt Lance will lead in the team work. Lance, a man of character, win loose or draw will be the lead attraction over everyone. Personally, I would prefer to see Contador on another team then we will see what team does best.
Translate the Comment
I think Lance would have worked with AC until he disobeyed team orders a few times then LA lost respect for him. Hope Lance drops the hammer down on him next year! Lance rides best when angry–look out.
Translate the Comment
I am one of the biggest Lance fans but I do think AC gets a tough deal. I think all should watch the climb of ventoux and, correct me if I wrong, it seemed as AC was helping his team mate. I have watched this several times on you tube and you can see AC talking with LA as they worked as a team to get two riders on the podium.
Dave I agree with you and AC breaking team orders. We wont know for a while but I think the team’s goal was to put lance in yellow so boost the teams profile…. even more. I’m not sure if the big man was ready to take on Andy S and AC on the big climbs. Next year could be different as he is already at race weight and will be in great position to challenge. I for one can’t wait and I will be there on the slopes of Tourmalet giving him my all in support.
Translate the Comment
hey all, yes lance is a 7 time winner, cant take that away from him, but my thing is, do you know of any american in any sport that likes to loose, no way, i do like the under dogs, but when everyone praises lance its too much, he is good, but come on people, you got to come to grips that there is more talent out there, and will surprise many of you, so i won’t be surprised if he makes it in the top ten next year.
Translate the Comment
I have to agree with European. I have all the respect in the world for Lance’s achievements. 7 Tours speak for themselves, but his public trashing of his own team leader during the last Tour was disgraceful. It wasn’t Lance’s place to criticize Contador’s tactics. Can you imagine the outrage if any of Lance’s supporting riders had publicly criticised him during the US Postal years? It was his job to support his team leader. He failed in that. With Bruyneel clearly lining up his job for next year with Lance, can you blame Contador for feeling a little paranoid and wanting to put some time between himself and Lance? Clearly Lance isn’t wired to play second fiddle. He’ll continue to make snide comments about Contador next year, and now he’s got his own team, that’s fine, but last year it was the height of hypocrisy.
Translate the Comment
Hi thanks a lot for a perceptive post, I actually found your blog by mistake while looking on Goole for something else closely related, anyhow before i ramble on too much i would just like to state how much I enjoyed your post, I have bookmarked your site and also taken your RSS feed, Once Again thanks for the blog post keep up the good work.
Translate the Comment
Looking forward to the big showdown at this summer’s Tour which isn’t actually that far away now, especially given Alberto’s good showing during the Liege, plus the fact that he’s got his super domestique Vinokurov along for the ride.
Translate the Comment