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Alberto Contador Welcomes the Fellowship

I’m really tired of this guy. He’s cold, eternal-hater Greg LeMond says he’s doping, and why does he always use the “gun” on the podium? Watching Stage 18 TT video reminds me of villains I love to hate, like Val Kilmer in Top Gun or Kevin Spacey in Seven. They’re good, “too good.”

BTW, much like I know all too well that Saab’s are born from Jets, I now know that buying a car is like trying on a dress. I hate you Cadillac.

Update: He actually acted as a teammate to Lance on Saturday up Ventoux. It worked well to have Alberto cover all of the Andy Schleck’s attacks, especially since Lance seems to be as strong as Frank. Nice riding Astana!

If you haven’t been watching, there is still time. Stage 15 started a whole new race in Le Tour. The first day in the Alps gave us the action we have been waiting for, as well as a resolution in the conflict about the real team leader of Astana. Alberto Contador kicked it into high gear (well, not literally. he was probably in a low gear, but that is how the saying goes…) on the last climb of the day, leaving a trail of the best riders in the sport struggling to catch up to him. Finally, we can put to rest the question: who is the leader of Astana? Even Armstrong had to admit, “Contador was the strongest man…” and so, pledged his support. 

The overall standings have Contador and Armstrong in one and two with teammate Kloden in fourth. Team Astana is really showing they are a Tour de Force and will most likely win the team competition.

These last few days will prove to be grueling for the riders and exciting for the audience as we watch them ascend and descend some treacherous terrain. Starting with 180 riders, we are down to 163 with the news that Tom Boonen abandoned today. But it’s not over until the Champs Elysees!

Desperate Housewives move over! The Tour is getting ugly with accusations of poor sportsmanship abounding. George Hincapie lost out on the yellow jersey today by 5 seconds and was bitterly disappointed. So bitter, he blamed Astana and stated he felt it was “disrespectful” for the teams to attack when they knew he was in the lead. I bet George wishes there had been a radio ban today! Armstrong was quick to say he wanted Hincapie to have the yellow jersey and was disappointed for him, blaming Garmin for the missed golden fleece. It would have been a great accomplishment for Hincapie who is riding his 14th tour. Maybe he’ll get the “lifetime achievement” jersey?

Thor Hushovd accused Cavendish of pushing him into the barriers during the sprint finish. The complaint actually got Cavendish disqualified from the sprint, putting him in last place. From the sound of it, this was not the first time Cavendish has behaved poorly.

Oh, Yeah, who won? Serguei Ivanov took the Stage 14 win. A quiet Russian rider I have never heard of, but who apparently has been on the tour for 8 years. Who knew?