Tour de France 2009
Send Alberto your messages of support!
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@Contador_Notebk
- Alberto's brother/agent, Fran, gave a very important interview today. Complete text in English: http://www.albertocontadornotebook.info/ 10 hours ago
- New Astana climber David de la Fuente hopes Contador will renew his contract. Interview: http://www.albertocontadornotebook.info/index.html 1 day ago
hi Alberto,a real tough day today in the paris nice, we all have bad days for whatever reasons . If it can happen to the best it can happen to any one !all an athlete can do is learn from it and move on i know this will make you even stronger and more ready than ever when the tour comes round,you are for me the best rider in the peleton.
Excelente, Alberto. Nos honras a todos los verdaderos amantes del ciclismo. A cuidarse ahora. Forza…!!!
Dear Alberto,
While your talent on a bike cannot be disputed in fact well respected I feel that you need to be more professional as Lance is in the press and play the media game much better.
While you may not like Lance you have to understand that you are taking over the mantle of a sporting enigma who has fought cancer to become a 7 time tour champion. Like it or not this is fact and the world love Lance for what he has achieved and the way he lives his life.
Your hardest job over the rest of your career is not winning the TDF and being a great cyclist but winning the hearts and minds of the many cycling fans around the world just as Lance has done and continues to do.
Alberto saying you dont respect Lance as a man in the press is suicide and will turn fans against you maybe most of the Peleton. Whatever you think of Lance keep to yourself and close friends and play the media game and win the hearts and minds of the fans out there who supported you and Lance on Ventoux and who will be there next year trying to help everyone fight through the pain barrier once more.
Thanks for all the entertainment over the past 3 weeks on the bike. I still feel you should have shown Andy Schlek your rear tyre on Ventoux but then again you had nearly 5 minutes on him.
Play the game Alberto win the fans especially of the English speaking world as we respect you very much and become the next great man of cycling as it is not only achievements on the bike which make you a champion.
Gary M (Manchester).
Go Alberto go.. I will not tell you like some have above to become an hypocrite in order to win the hearts of fan. Please continue to ear our respect with you legs as you have been doing and let others who win through manipulation, oppresion, and abuse right behind as you have done.
Your smile on the podiums are the only prop you need to add to the victories.
Your many American fans keep on cheering for you
Well said!
Brad
¡¡VENGA ALBERTO!!Lance is a great champion and I admire his accomplishments but Lance’s publicity machine is much much harder to take on than Lance the cyclist. So letting your legs do the talking may be the best bet especially when it comes to the main stream media and less knowledgeable cycling fans. I can say for sure Lance’s reputation in the Peloton is not as good as in the main stream English speaking media or even among the other English speaking riders. Alberto just doesn’t cover up his feelings like many others inside the peloton and that is part of his character and appeal. ¡Aupa Alberto!
+1
Alberto,
What a superb effort this week! You have shown the true heart of a champion by never giving in or giving up.
Let us hope that your team mates can see you that way and continue their efforts to stay with your outstanding abilities.
Good Luck for the rest of the season.
LB
Alberto,
Outstanding job this week!!
You are such and inspiration > your life, your story and your amazing efforts throughout the Paris Nice. A champion personified!
Wishing you all the best.
God Bless!
~Kristen
P.S. Lamentations 3:22-25
Alberto, you were amazing in this paris-nice!!!!!!!!!!
congratulations and thanks for your great paris-nice ! you didn’t win but that was real cycling ! I’ll support you on the Tour !
Alberto, I am a big fan of yours and wish you all the best because I believe you are the best. Don’t let Lance push you around–you are a better man than him in all ways. Looking forward to watching you on the TDF. PJ
Hola Alberto – buena suerte la semana que viene.
CJ
The Giro is over the TdF is coming, hope to see you in Monaco, keep safe and well, Ride strong. Best wishes (Astana fan) look for the Mascot on my shirt
Thursday 4 June, Denise, the Astana bus Mascot and I are looking forward to the weekends racing in the Dauphiné Libéré; we wish you well and hope you finish smiling and sucessful, we have much to smile about here, after being so kindly treated by the Astana team in Venice. Ridestrong.
Hi, Alberto
The time is come, for TDF. I hope you will be prepared well for batle against all, i hope you’re gonna be helt and i know that you can’t wait to start TDF.
Ill be watching you from Serbia, first on Dauphine Libere then Tour de France and i hope on Vuelta 2009
P.S. GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO Alberto
Hi Christine,
Very good your diary on Dauphiné Libéré.
Your friend Christian
Alberto; We are watching the Dauphiné Libéré with interest as we are coming to Monaco for the TdF start, if you and the front runners are building your strength we are in for an exciting time, stay clam, fit and focused. Best Wishes
The waiting and training are coming to an end for this years TdF, I hope you become strong and do not suffer the trials of the boys in Aspen, with the weather. Our own excitement is also coming to a peak. We wish all team members success. Good Luck
Ken and Denise (UK cycling fans)
Alberto,
I thought you would win Dauphine, Instead you surprised me by working with Alejandro to keep Cadel out of the win. You will need powerful allies when the boys from Aspen come to the big race. I’m sure Chris will be chosen as part of the TDF 09 squad, which means that you have a lot of hard work cut out for you. Let’s see how well Chris pulls you up the hills. It will be a very interesting tour. Fabian should hold the lead through the first 5 stages. You should have the tour wrapped up by stage 16-17, by then you should have the full support from the aspen boys. I just can’t wait to see Lance bring you water. Once that happens, you should have the whole thing wrapped up.
Good luck. I’ll be watching you from Monaco and ventoux.
Johnny Oregon
Sorry to hear that Alejandro will not be attending the TDF this year just because of that short stint in Italy. He would have been a great supporter and help fend off the top GC contenders like you guys did in dauphine. By the way, nice work on sticking to him like glue, you have the stuff man!
After the world championships, I think you should switch teams. Astana has been nothing but headaches for you since the return of the lance. What a mess. Garmin is a good choice, Jonathan and company seems like a really good fit for you.
I bet your stress level in the TDF after stage 5 will be at its all time high. Hang in there man.
Horner is paid to bring the leader up hills.
Levi is paid to bring wins to the team.
Lance is paid to bring attention.
Alberto is paid to win.
They have age and experience, you have youth and power. Choose your weapons carefully.
Johnny Oregon
I am anxious to see you in the 2009 Tour de France. It is fun to watch your climbing and attacking skills on the 2007 Tour de France DVD. I hope you are able to stay on Astana but if not it will still be fabulous watching you place high or even win!!
WOW…
Horner will not be on the roster. You only have to deal with levi and lance. Things are looking up for you. Not sure how you managed to pull that one off but good job.
Johnny Oregon
Question:
What do the following people have in common?
Jacques Anquetil, Felice Gimondi, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Alberto Contador.
kick lance’s ass in the upcoming TDF. You can beat him easily
Alberto ftw
Hola Alberto,
Que lastima en que Noval no puede ir al TdF par audarle. Lo siento por eso. Pero con Noval o sin Noval, tengo confianza en usted que puede ganar el tour! Se apoyare’ por todo el TdF! Su ere el mas mejor ciclista; cuide su cabeza y su cuerpo y gana el tour.
Linda
Hi Alberto,
What a shame that Noval cannot go to TdF to help you. I’m sorry for that. But with Noval or without Noval, I have confidence in you that you can win the tour! I will be supporting you for the whole TdF! You the the best cyclist; take care of your head and your body and win the tour.
Alberto,
This is YOUR time – Lance’s time is past Show the world how it’s done. Use your weapons wisely and you will win. We believe in you.
Keep safe,
Joan
Now, now. Let’s not create all this controversy like the media did. I’m Alberto’s fan, don’t get me wrong. But I would say, let their leg do the talking. The road will sort out who’s the strongest, whether it’s Lance or Alberto. Period. Go Astana!
Please. Horner didn’t get picked because he is not 100% and not to mention he “crashed” a lot. Sure he’s strong, but when the last time he reached the finish line? NONE. I think Bruynell made a good decision. You can’t loose any member of the team and Chris (I like him) seems to crash all the time. Paulino is strong as well. And as a leader, Alberto has the rights to say who he wants to ride with. And if he chose his riding mates, so that’s his choices. Lance did that for all his 7 times. Go Alberto. Let your leg do the talking.
Just as I thought, Fabian is in the lead and you are right on his heels. Fabian should stay in yellow for 5 days, then you can take it home to paris. You looked much stronger than in the dauphine. keep up the great work. Horner is just pissed off, so watch out from lance and levi, they are taking this personally. I’m headed to the casino in monte carlo. Wish me luck.
One note to the Horner post. Did you see how strong horner was in mid june? Granted a support rider should not crash very much, he is needed for support. This was political it was not due to physical condition. Alberto did the right thing.
happy posting
I used to be a fan of Lance; not anymore. You can bet he was tipped off of the eventual split in stage 3 by his good friend Hincapie who was an essential factor in the whole affair. Watch your back Alberto and ride safe.
WTG. Great TTT ride. Keep up the good work.
Well, we are coming up to stage 5, the decisive stage where I predicted the yellow jersey will change out of Fabian’s hands. Don’t let lance wear the yellow. It will do very bad things for you mentally and probably physically.
lance is sneaky. just make sure you can see him, you don’t look good with a knife in your back. Watch out for the other american riders that favor lance.
Johnny Oregon
I just hope you are able to show Lance tomorrow how good you are and get some of the respect you deserve; after all I do not see any other riders on Astana who have won all three grand tours. Bonne chance.
Great race so far. We’ll see you in yellow in Paris.
Stage 7: Bravissimo………It HAD to be done! TRES, TRES bien, felicitations and WELL DONE.
Great acceleration today. Continue riding smart and be safe .
Congradulations on a great day in the Pyrennes. I support you all the way into the yellow jersey — all the way to Paris. I was disappointed when Lance imposed himself on the team – the team should have stood by their pleadge to support you as the leader. There is a lot of unneeded drama as a result.
I wish the best for you in the Tour and have every confidence that you will be the 2009 TdF champion again…and again.
Nice work to keep lance from getting the lead. It is just a matter of days now until you are wearing yellow again!
Conta ,mucha suerte,tranquilito-One stage at a time.Te veo pronto con la malla amarilla.
Bravo Alberto. Your exceleration at the end of Stage 6 today was
something many of us here in el estados unidos have been waiting for. We are sick of hearing about Lance Armstrong. He is NOT going to win the Tour. He will not even be close. Que segun asi!!
Go Alberto!
You have huge support here in NZ, we all want to see you win again. What a great victory it will be in Paris.
Keep the pressure on in the mountains – make ‘em suffer…
Great job on stage 7. Your acceleration was a thing of beauty. When I describe cycling to someone who does not follow the sport, I will cite moves like that. I wish you all the luck in the rest of the Tour.
Keep up the great work Alberto! You have a lot more support here in the US than you may think. Johan told the press after your team meeting this morning that he spoke to you and that things had been taken care of. I hope that does not mean that he is asking you to lay up and allow Armstrong even more time in the spotlight, which would be unethical. You have always been the leader and this race is yours. I have no doubt that you will fight … and win. I’m just sorry that Johan and Lance obviously appear to be working against you. Best wishes and I look forward to seeing you in yellow!
Hi Alberto-
We are totally behind you. You are incredible and inspring. Yes, you have alot of fans here in the U.S. and we would enjoy seeing you as the overall winner, we know you can do it. Please don’t let Lance get you down. You are not just the future, you are the present!
We are cheering for you all the way.
Nicki and Chris in California
Hi Alberto,
Good Luck in the coming stages of Le Tour. Stay out of trouble and you’ll get yellow. As someone else said ‘watch your back’
Was always a supporter of Lance. You then blew me away back in 2007. Then the fact that you could not even compete last year was totally shit. I hope that you kick ass and good luck
Hola Alberto,
Soy Sara, la prima de Gelo,aquella que vive en la otra punta del mundo, te acuerdas de mi?. Nada mas queria decirte que desde Nueva Zelanda te seguimos…. pena que me entere tarde que habias estado en Australia, la proxima vez avisas y te enseno donde vivimos!!!
Mucha suerte en el Tour, besos, sara
Alberto. For all the fun and excitement in Monaco, We thank you very much, having spent the first 5 days in July in the area the time was well spent, as well as meeting the Astana team and all their fellow combatants, we had the luxurious pleasure of Christine and Roger Kahane and their delightful grand daughter.
I could not have written a better fairy tale. Ridestrong.
Hola Alberto!
Bete con suerte, y gana todos en 2009 Vuelta de France!
Hola Alberto
Sólo quería decir buena suerte Usted está viendo muy fuerte en este viaje, sé que puedes hacerlo
You are better than Armstrong!! Take it from him and show that idiot you don’t care about the media hype that follows that guy!!! Kick his butt Alberto!! America is on your side!!
Hello alberto!
I’ve already written e messages to you on your web site but I’ll do here too because I’d like to tell you that you are the best and you’re racing very well in France!
You are the real leader of the team….you deserves it!!
good luck for the rest of the stages!!!
Lucy
forza alberto
per me solo tu dopo jimenez, fuente, delgado ora tu segni le vie d’italia, francia e (ovviamente) spagna.
arriba espana…………..
marco
Watch Lance with Hincapie during the ‘flat ‘ stages; those 2 are ‘close’.
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that; I know you will come out on top at the end of the day.
Albertao,
Usted tiene mucha gente en Los Estados Unidos que quierre que usted gana le Tour de France.
Guarde su espalda and watchele Hincapie and los amigos de Lance en el equippo Columbia- HTC.
Espero que usted gana mucho tiempo en las Alps en la Ventoux.
Tom
California, USA
Roberto,
This post is real. It sounds like someone is playing mental mind games on the rest day when you might be looking at this site.
This is all part of the big time.
Stay focused on your goal and remember to eat and limit your efforts.
It also sounds like Andy Schleck was trying to goad you in the press to attack Lance etc.
Ignore the distractions and remember to eat and drink.
Use Paris-Nice as a reminder to ride smart.
You have loads of support in the US.
Good luck,
DC
alberto,
i am so excited to see you in the 2009 tour! you make it fun to watch! i look forward to seeing you on that podium!
jess
wisconsin
Hola Alberto
I am a big Lance fan, but it is obvious that you are now his equal.
Lance got many Americans interested in bike racing. It was dull without him , I thought.
This is a wonderful, exciting, historic moment in cycling!
This is really great moment for fans of cycling everywhere!
Now we have 2 great champions to support and follow!
May the best man win!
I hope that you have a great opportunity to discover who is the new champion!
grow up pal, you know he is better than lance right now and its hard for some americans to take…cry when he wins it all!!!
Good luck in the alps!
Alberto! El Mejor!!
Simply the best!
You are a hero!
Don’t let people like armstrong or bryneel or whole the astana team intimidade you.
Cuz you are the best.
See you in yellow at the Champs Elyees!
OH Sanchez you are silly.
It is not clear that Alberto can beat Lance. NOT YET.
That is why they must have a great duel!!
Furthermore, if team just pulls for Alberto, the point will not be settled. Ever.(Or maybe next year).
These two champions must duel it out!!!
And this Tour will provide a great opportunity!!
So much the better they are on the same team!
I do not hear Lance making excuses that he is old…
I do not hear Alberto complaining!!
JOHANN LET THEM RIDE IT OUT.
You are the only rider since Hinault to have won each of the grand tours. After you won the Vuelta last year, I have become a devoted fan for life.
Keep up the great work!
Be careful of Armstrong’s mind games. He likes to use psychological warefare on riders that are better then he is.
This ‘duelling out” is all very well, but apparently Alberto is not allowed to attack Lance – and – according to the Press he has said if Lance attacks, he will let Lance go; it is for others to attack him?? So where does that leave us – or rather Alberto?
Watched a small amount of another snoozy stage, but turned on to find Alberto on his own rejoining the peloton having stopped for “un besoin naturel” -(as they say here in France)- while his highness Armstrong was escorted back by no less than 2 team members.
Alberto, Bernard Hinault thinks you can do it, and will go for it as do all your fans – but just watch ‘his highness’ like a hawk.
go albi!!!!
you are the best…..
you’ll do very well in the alps!!!
good luck!!!!
kisses Lucy
Alberto, you have great support here in the UK, we your finesse on the bike and will be cheering you on in the Alps, allez!
Alberto, you have all of our support here in Colorado USA. You will show everyone in the Alps just what you already know – you are the strongest! No gifts! Attack and don’t wait on anyone. Venga! Venga! Show them all who’s the boss.
John
Leadville, Colorado
Dearest Alberto,
of course you have all the support from Hungary as well! My best friend and me are cheering for you every day! Can’t wait for the Alps to see your great ride again! Take care! And……..
HAJRÁ!!!!!!!!!!
Alberto, it may seem like everyone here in the U.S. thinks Lance can do no wrong, but many of us know class when we see it. And you are pure class on and off the bike. You beat him in the TT and I saw his face when you attacked the other day. He was clearly suffering just following wheels. I hope Johan Bruyneel has got his head screwed on right and gives you the freedom and support that you deserve when we get to the mountains. I would love nothing more than to see you go head to head with Lance and have him admit that it is your turn now. Take care.
Agree! Let your leggs do the talking. U.S. fans want the best rider to win and so far you’ve shown us that you are that one!!
Best of luck.
Hello Alberto,
We’re with you!! Conquer the Alps and win the Tour. We’ll be cheering for you!!
Best of luck,
Joan
You know what would be really cool, keep the GC as it is until stage 20, then have Alberto and Lance duel it out on Ventoux. I’ll be at kilo 22.3 on the climb at Ventoux watching and cheering with my little dog on a leash. Why don’t people leash their dogs in France?
頑張れコンタ君！
遠い日本からも応援してるよ！
Hi Alberto, great job in maintain you coolness with the press. I think you handle all this fiasco with Lance very well. Remember it’s a psychology war, and you are right to be focus only on the road. I’m getting tired listening to all Lance’s comment about tension, Andora’s attack, etc. And every where I read, they said Lance will win. WHEW! If an old man can beat all the new young generation, it’s either he is just super human, or the peloton are weak?? I believe in you, keep your head cool and your leg fresh. I hope, you can show everyone, who got the strongest leg. Good luck in the Alps!
Hallo,
many regards from Prague. I am your big fan. I collect all about your career. please about your photo with original autograph. Thank you very much. I hope, that you will be win TdF. Many wins, sucesffuls, health and lucky in next etaps. Good luck
Vladimír Janda
Legerova 47
120 00 Praha 2
the czech republic
Today is a happy day for all the Contador fans.
You are the man! Lance will eat your bike dust next week! I can’t wait my friend, I can’t wait!
Rick
Boulder, Co. USA
GO GO GO ALBERTO! You’re the best! Win that Tour! Looking forward to see you beat them all :D
BUENA SUERTE!!!
Adiós de Belgica! Hope you will come to my country one day, then maybe I get a chance to meet you. In the mean time I’ll be learning my Spanish.
Stay out of the Lance and George fight now Alberto! Just do what you know you can do and win this 2009 Tour! Stay Focused!
GO Alberto there r U.S fans out here also rooing for u climb away from those pretenders in the GC Spanish Pride!
Alberto,
We believe in you here in Austin, Tx!!!
You cheerleaders and support all over the US. Don’t let Lance or his henchmen steal what is rightfully yours……Do your thing in the ALPS.
GO ALBERTO!!!!!!!
Simply the BEST……….Better than all the rest.
You are now the man! All the guessing is over! The thud you heard was Armstrong falling from grace, he was crying on the interview after…Alberto start your own team with Fernando Alonzo, that would be really cool.
HOLY SH**!!!
What a great way to start my day here in the great southwest of the U.S.
Please tell Johan and Lance to kiss your A**.
Allez Contador!
sono molto contenta che oggi 19 luglio tu abbia vinto la tappa del tour.Soprattutto per far capire ad Amstrong chi è il migliore.
spero che tu riesca aportare la maglia fino a Parigi alla faccia di chi all’interno dell’astana cerca di “farti fuori” ciclisticamente parlando.
ciao
FELICITACION CON TU VICTORIA MAGNIFICO HOY ALBERTO!
Eres el MEJOR! Loved the race today, especially the end of it! Glad it was on a sunday so I didn’t have to miss it.
YELLOW JERSEY TILL PARIS!!
Enjoy your rest day! En good luck for the comming week! Don’t let anybody take that jersey away from you!
Alberto Contador, going for campeón del Tour de France 2009 :D
Adiós de Belgica xxx
Many congratulations for todays thrilling finish. I watched the MotoGP and thought that was good but you had me on the edge of my seat bouncing up and down.
I’d forecast that today would be the day you made your attept on the Yellow Jersey and you didn’t let me down.
Well done! :)
Alberto,
I just saw your win in Verbier and it was superb. Congratulations!
Hombre,
you are the King now!!!!….Go for it!!!
Stay focused and strong!!!!
Buena Suerte!!!!!
Indri
Go for it Alberto! Today you make a lots of people happy!
Congratulations. There was never a question in my mind who was the team leader of Astana. Missed you on the tour last year, but you have proved them all wrong. I think we will se you winning 7+ Tours.
GREAT ALBERTO!!! You’re simply amazing it was like you had a moto instead of bike today. I was inspired by you when you won your first tour in 2007 and I came to see the Giro d’Italia when I knew you were going to join the competition last year. GO ALBERTO!
How cool are you?
My week started dancing at the Pet Shop Boys in Liverpool and finished with Alberto in the Maillot Jeune – oh happy,happy day!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you my brave hero,
Trish
Excellent job. You are the best grand tour rider period. Have a great rest day. You deserve it after 15.
Sent by iPhone
Hey Alberto,
Great champion, great race, great smile!
Best wishes to be in yellow in Paris!
Gene
Fantastic race! you are superhuman – congratulations and thank you for the best day of Tour so far!!!
Hi Alberto!!!! You are really great champion!!!!!!!
Please, stay with ASTANA!!!! Dont leave us!!!
You are hero in Kazakhstan, in the world!!!
I am so happy for you, Alberto!
Today you really showed them who is the King of the Mountains. Finally, the maillot jaune is on the correct shoulders.
It was such a pleasure to watch you accelerate away from everyone and fly up to Verbier. I was jumping up and down and yelling venge, venge, venge!
But it was even nicer to see you finally able to smile and look so happy. Buena suerte all the way to Paris!
Alberto, I was completely amazed at the way you were able to leave everyone behind you. I must admit I am an Armstrong supporter however your strength and endurance convinced me that at this time in this world you are the best. My greatest hope however is that you will be a person that will never try to disrespect what Lance has accomplished. It would be wrong of me or of anyone else to ask you to favor him in any way, however if you always speak favorably of him reguardless of how bad you make his performances seem I can support you. I truly hope that you can accomplish as much or more than Lance has. I have NEVER seen ANYONE do what you did today and make it seem so easy. I know it wasn’t easy though. I saw your face afterwards. You left it all on the road. You did have the perfect pokerface though. Congrats and God Bless
Great effort!
You showed great courage and skill during the stage
PRIMOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Alberto,
You are such an inspiration!! Tanto energia y mas importante ‘corazon’. It tells to me that when you really want something and put all your effort intoit, you can reach the….highest mont Ventoux! So, I take that for granted, in my own goals, to once be a inspired singer with a big corazon!
good luck in the tour, You are the one!
Ellen
well done alberto.
Iknew you would distance the rest of the field in the alps
i was that confident i put money on it . i was screaming at they idiots to get out your way when i was watching it on the tv hope all goes well for the rest of the tour and dont give the rest of them an inch all the best
You, sir, are the man with the golden gun.
It’s not just the superb achievement that is so pleasing, it is extra good to see you looking SO happy; a wonderful winning smile! What a relief for you, and all that tension handled so well.
As I said, simply the best – and – ‘Go for the rest’!
Alberto,
Lance was amazing today, he showed me that he had heart! I couldn’t believe he caught back up to you and the Schlecks. He at 37 can move when he has to. As an American he made me proud today, and YOU are still the man to beat!
Alberto – congratulations on a great ride so far through stage 16. Yes, your climbing and time trailing skills are world class, but you’ve ridden a very tactically smart tour too. The results are obvious with your wearing the yellow jersey. Keep it on YOUR shoulders all the way to Paris!
…Greg Shoup
Austin Texas.
Great riding! Great victory! Great team!
Really magnificent!! You are heroic, historic!!
And very stylish, I think , also.
Buena forma de atenerse a la cola como hermanos Schleck. Etapa maravillosa. Mantener el excelente trabajo.
Johnny Oregón
Ánimo Alberto,
Only you know how do you feel phisically. I think you are at great shape, so keep us in front of the TV learning every day that to be the World Best don´t means being arrogant like others we all know. Keep smiling and winning, please.
from Lisbon, Portugal
Stage 17, another Excellent day today, you showed lots of class not contesting the finish. As a Lance Fan of many years, I truely congratulate you on how well you have done and the style you have shown. You have the “Yellow”, now take it all the way to Paris.
Go Alberto Go!!!,
Appleton, Wisconsin USA
Hola Alberto .
Mucha felicidad me da ver a chicos tan jovenes como tu ,desde California usa te miro por las mananas a las 5Am junto amis pequenos hijos. tu ganaras y me dara alegria verte pasar por Paris para hacer hitoria Viva Espana con carino Beatriz
You fought/rode hard to earn your MJ. Keep fighting. It is a beautiful sight to see. ALLEZ ALBERTO!
Un abrazo hermano. A Fan in Texas.
Dear Cantador,
I am so happy to see you riding so well and also manage to up your time against Lance and the rest of your rivals. You are really a rider I admire. You have great determination and I am confident you will win this Tour de France. God be with you for the next few rides.
I watch from Singapore Euro sport practically everynight to see you ride. I noticed stage 17 you could have left the schleck brothers behind but you didn’t due you were waiting for Kolden but he just couldn”t catch up. I know you could have pull away when you strike. Seeing those powerful legs of yours is really incredible.
I just wanted to write and wish you all the best for the remainding rides and collect your yellow on the podium. Really proud of you.
Best regards from Singapore
James Lim
Hola Alberto.
Sige como va champeon ! Sin no recives el apoyo que te mereses pues lo consigue solo !!!
Apor todas !!
Ok, no Lance bashing… but if I may: I wander whether Lance or Levi or one of the others would have waited for Alberto, should the situation have been the opposite. Let’s focus on one thing: ¡¡¡a por ellos Conta, el Tour es tuyo!!!
Wow…You beat Fabian. You now have the time trial skills coupled with your explosive climbing. You should be unstoppable for 7 or so years.
Johnny Oregon
It’s great to be the best but if you’re part of a team you need to work within your team. You wouldn’t be where you are w/o your team. You should remember that when you get the urge
to go it alone. Just ask Kobe Bryant.
Great performance in stage 17 yesterday, and even more impressive today in the time trial for stage 18. You ride like a true champion! Congratulations!
Alberto, so good to see someone who is professional beyond his years and not subject to the sarcasm and boasting like your team mate Lance Armstrong. Too bad he would not just be a good ambassador for the sport of cycling and let the next generation rise to the occassion. You are showing your fantastic riding ability and are a joy to watch, dancing up the hills and focusing on the time trials.
May your years in the Tour and all the other races you do continue to reward you for all of your efforts and training. Fantastic mental ability as well. You ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear Alberto,
You deserve the maillot jaune of 2009. Great riding at the time trial to finally silence the critics. You have proved to be the best rider with your action rather than words. Thank you for being so earnest and cool. Just do your thing and you are the winner! Vive la Tour de France!
Go Alberto Go!
Your friend from California
fantastic what you did today in annecy, and yesterday.
goodluck friday and saterday !
I am so proud of you ….beautiful ride today. It is a pity that jealousy is causing so many people to start throwing stones at your accomplishments. Ignore the comments from Greg Lemond to the press, he refuses to accept that there are cyclists whose talent far exceeds his. He is a poor example for an ex TDF champion.
Onward to PARIS, ride safe.
Another amazing ride from you today. You can only get better and better. Don’t let all negative shit ever get to you, it is not worth it, they are not worth it. Congratulations on number 2.
Dear Alberto,
You are a very strong mean, and I admire the way you are handeling your difficult situation in this tour. You are the leader, and you know that your main enemy is within your team. Some of the fans, like me, are really tired of Lance. what stupid comments he mades. He never care about anyone, and now he is a “team player”. Give me a break! Good for you. Go Contador, in yellow to the end……
Best regards from St. Louis, MO.
We watch you everyday.
Pilar
Alberto – the team is disintegrating anyway – (after this tour is over) – so please don’t spoil your chances atop of Ventoux by trying to put ‘Mr’ Armstrong and Andreas on the podium as well.
You are simply the best, plus being a gentleman to all accounts.
Toda españa y francia están contigo. Ten mucho cuidado. Un aviso_ debes verificar tu bici tu mismo. Nunca se sabe. Besos y suerte desde Andalucia. Liza
Alberto, you were really amazing today at the time trial in Annecy. Your second stage win and even stronger in the yellow. You are truly a big inspiration to me, not only with your cycling but as a whole person.
I have to say it hurts me when I hear what Lance and Johan are saying about you, it’s just unfair. Lance never had to ride to get some of his teammates on the podium, he only thought about himself and his Tour victory. So why do you have to ride for your teammates?! Kloden is just not strong enough, otherwise he could have followed you and the Schleck brothers. This was the perfect opportunity to get some more time on the Schleck brothers, Wiggins, Nibali etc. So I really don’t understand what all the fuss is about. You even asked Kloden if you could attack and he said yes. You really did nothing wrong.
I think you’re very classy by not bashing Lance and Johan in the press, you always say positive things about them and your team and that’s what a real gentlemen does. Lance and JB still need a lot to learn in that department.
I hope you will win on the Mont Ventoux also and that you don’t get instructions to let Lance or Kloden win the stage. It’s such a heroic mountain and you deserve to win up there. Good luck tomorrow and saturday, you are the best!
Congratulations
Go Go Go Alberto
beat them all :P
Amazing! Now almost a two time Tour champion at age 26!
Phil and Paul say no one can egual the record seven wins of Armstrong…….but now!?!
Perhaps Lance himself saw the threat to his record and tried to defend it….?
And more fascination….what happens to Astana now?
I say , in this matter, truth will prove to be more amazing than fantasy. Cycling is a strange planet. Cyclists share a deeper bond , through suffering, than any other athletes.
But it is obvious, Alberto you are the master now, and the rest , are pretenders.
And Lemond…please, for gods sake. it is embarrassing .
Hello Alberto,
What a time trial. A true time trial champion indeed. Don’t worry to much of those negative reports. I beleive everyone can say what they like but first they have to look at themselves first.
You have proven without doubt you are the best and the best will speaks for itself. You are a team player for sure. You have won not 1 but 3 major titles and no one can rob that from you and especially this fourth one. I wish you safe ride for the rest of the stages and God be with you all the way.
Go and get the yellow..
Regards
James/Singapore
Alberto…fantastic ride today…great to see you flying around the course… hope you stay well and will ride into Paris in Yellow. YOU have made this Tour exciting..not all the continuous discussion about Lance and all the “leader” conflict. You have done as you said…”let the road dictate who is the best!” Best of luck over the remaining stages…another big mountain challenge!!!
Sorry Alberto, can’t help myself; after what LA & JB have put you through, I wouldn’t help LA cross the road; you’re a far better person than 85% of the population I imagine. Who did Lance ever help onto the podium through his 7 tour victories???
Had hoped to see you ‘fly’ on top of Ventoux, but I guess your legs are tired as well.
ALberto, tomorrow is the big stage to the Mount Ventoux. I really hope you will win that stage, to win on the Mount Ventoux is something so special and you really deserve it!
Don’t think about Greg Lemond, it’s just pathetic of him to say those things. But you’re very focused and I know that you will be very concentrated tomorrow and don’t let a stupid thing like that get to you.
Good luck tomorrow!! (oh and it’s my birthday tomorrow and it would be the best present in the world if you win that stage!).
you are the best
what a wonderful rider
tiene cuidado con los perros em Mont Ventoux……..
Congrats on a wonderful ride, and an amazing tour with all the background politics! I think you could have won the stage today but you held back because of another teammate. Stay healthy, and continue to show the great character that you possess. (I hope after the Tour is over you do read the messages.) It is splendid to see you in yellow….look forward to watching the ride into Paris tomorrow! Bravo!!! Alberto!!!
Bravo, bravo……….you really merited victory in this tour; physically and mentally you were head and shoulders above the rest.
Thank you for all the wonderful spectacle you have provided; good luck for the future – and – above all, I hope you can soon find a team worthy of you and your talents : A team that will support you 100% Support in moments “without the legs” (rare) and give you the liberty to attack when you “have the legs.”
Bonnes vacances and see you in yellow in Paris next year, although I shall be watching all your races before then!
PS At Ventoux today, I didn’t notice Armstrong waiting for Kloden??
Estimado Alberto, soy un Español que vive muy lejos en Guatemala, Centro America, y nos has hecho vibrar todos los dias con tu calidad.
Necesito ponerme una gorra de esas con tu mano en forma de pistola, porfavor hacernos saber en que parte la podemos comprar.
Gracias por poner en alto el nombre de ESPAÑA. Aun a miles de kms se siente el amor¡¡¡
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!
For all those who thought that you were not a team player. Hope that they were looking today as you helped LA battle the brothers.
You are a true champion.
Lo veo desde el Tour de Francia del 2007 me parece que es un deporte fascinante y algun dia quiero conocer su pais Espana mi hermana se rie porque le converso a ella aunque sea con un baston conocere Espana.
Me parece que es lo Maximo.
Alberto great job this year, make sure you pick a very strong team or 2010. Saxo or slipstream look at Cadel and Sastre you are the best rider in the world and you need the best team.. Barne Rise would love you he must be sick of losing to Johan Imagine you and the Schlecks on the same team in the mountains together..Armstrong wil have Levi Kloden Horner so Radioshack will be strong
Hola Alberto,
Watching you race at this year’s Tour de France was so exciting!
An outstanding performance all the way through.
Your energy came right through the television set!
Great outcome. You have made history.
Gracias mucho, desea España viva!
Alisha (Melbourne) x
Congratulations with your victory of the Tour de France 2009!
Marjon Jaspers
Hoogerheide
The Netherlands
Congratulations, Alberto!!
Now, where can I buy that hat you wore on the winning platform?
Best to you for next year. You are a true champion.
All the best,
Tom
Congratulations on the win, but I wanted you to know that in 2008 my 33 yearold son suffered a brain haemorrhage similar to yours, and was given only 5% chance of survival. I read about your story of coming back to win in 2007, and placed your photo at his bedside. My son made an almost complete recovery, and now claims your story was his inspiration.
I just wanted to say thank you – you helped me get back my son. XXXXX
Congratulations upon winning the tour!! You did deserve it!:o)Enjoy!
Ciao Alberto, complimenti per la vittoria al Tour, per la classe dimostrata e per tutte le emozioni che mi regali. Un grosso in bocca al lupo per tutta la stagione. Sei Grande!!!
Well done. Brilliant tour win. Hope to see you in the same form next year, with good legs to make it number 3. Good luck and my family and I shall be watching you and other Tour riders in Stiphout and some of the other Dutch “criteriums”. Best of Luck
Congrats on a great Tour de France!!!!
Enhorabuena por la victoria
Alberto Contador!
Muchas gracias, queremos que estuvieron con nosotros!
Fans Equipo Astana
Congratulations to Alberto from russian-speaking fans!
Todos los admiradores de Kazajstán felicitan Alberto una gran victoria
Our congratulations from Astana team fan site- astanafans.com
Alberto.
What you did was incredible. Hard mentally, most of all. We know you’re the best. But when your team is not there in the first 2 weeks to support you, it is very hard.
I Hope Next year. On the last stage, you make an attack in the last kilometer in your yellow jersey. It would be incredible, and the first time a leader do that.
You are the greatest, and you will find out in a few years, that you will break any record.
Well done Alberto
A fantastic rider – u do all your talking on the bike.
A rider with immense class – unlike others that love the limelight … u win !
Well done
Hi,
I think if you have no injuries during your years, you’ll beat Amstrong with more than 7 Tour but you’ll be greater because you Giro, Vuela. But be careful whith Andy
Bye.
Congratulation Alberto! Job well done and super victory! Hope to see you in a great team that whole heartedly supports you next year.
Big fan from the USA
Enhorabuena por una gran victoria pero sobre todo te felicito por el comportamiento de caballero que has mostrado de principio a fin durante un Tour muy duro entre bastidores
Mr. Contador,
Heartiest congratulations on an outstanding victory!
Let me get to the point. It must be obvious that you collect the coverage provided by commentators, like Philip Liggit. I am moving away from the obvious biases they hold for Lance Armstrong, disappointing as it is,especially when such chatter get in the way of fairness in commentary. However, the commentary will show, and you must know, that they think that you are an idiot, with his brains situated in his legs. Indeed, to say, as Liggit does, in the closing commenntary today, that your lack the ‘intelligence,’ like Mr. Armstrong, to put a winning team together, is unforgivably disrespectful, distasteful, and outrageous.
The very best for the future.
Nelson Keith
I couldn’t agree more completely with the post by N. Keith. (How on earth do the commentators have any ability to say how Lance could have put together a team at age 26? I got so I watched the Tour with the mute button on.) Plus, it is very disrepectful to assume that Alberto will not continue to learn tactics and develop other strengths. So…wonderful Tour Alberto… you continue to amaze me on the bike, and please stay humble and grateful to your true friends and fans. Thanks so much for the ride… Lisa in FL.
Bravo on the win Alberto. But commenting about Lance afterward was dangerous because of how everyone loves Lance. You were incredible in the mountains. Good luck for years to come.
P.S. Lisa.. Lance had cancer at 26…
Hey.. to bikefan..this was not meant as directed to Lance or his cancer diagnosis or crusade. This was directed at the comments of Phil and Paul at Versus who seem to assume that Alberto does not have the intelligence that Lance has. Lance does have more years of experience and has had the direction of JB in his development. Give Alberto some time and he can become smarter with tactics and developing a team. Maybe the general American audience can only appreciate Lance..but there are lots of other amazing cyclists to get to know. I still feel the TDF coverage (VERSUS) was overtly pro-Lance.
Alberto:
Enhorabuena por un fantastico Tour de France.
Desde aqui, en Canada, todo lo que vimos en OLN eran reportages del otro que fue tercero o del que acabo segundo.
Espero que el ano proximo demuestres quien es el mejor ciclista del mundo.
Abrazos
Way to ride Alberto!! I knew you could and would win. I can’t wait for the TdF battles next year! I hope to be there.
Alberto:
I am a cycling fan in Austin, Texas so I have been a big fan and supporter of Lance for many years. However, with your victory today in the Tour de France, I now have another great rider to support & cheer for…Alberto Contador!
Good Luck in 2010!
Congratulatiopns Alberto from all your cycling fans in New York. We’ve been behind you from day one! It must have been so difficult given the lack of support from Astana. You knew you had to grab it early and we salute you for that. Don’t think for one second that we were fooled by all of Lance’s nonsense in the press! Astana always had one leader and that was you. Bravo
Congratulations Alberto!
I enjoyed your winning the Tour. I hope that you are on a great team in 2010 and win the Tour again. You have tremendous support from cyclists and fans in the USA.
Gene
Alberto,
Fantastic win!!! Much deserved and look forward to watching you win many many more. You handled a very difficult situation like the champion you are.
Dear Alberto,
Congrats to your fantastic win of the 2nd Tour De France.
You are a deserving winner for sure. I know it has been tough the last 2 weeks where support is hard to find but your mental strength is what makes you a stronger rider.
I wish you more wins to come.
Take care Alberto 3 cheers!!
Best Reagrds
James/Singapore
Alberto – Congtratuations and I hope that you can truly celebrate your victory! I’m an American and I’m an avid cyclist. I’m angered by the Versus coverage and by your treatment by the Astana team. I think that if you watch the Versus channel, you would think that only english speaking, in particular Americans, is what the American audience is interested in watching. This is not true! You are the champion, you’re extremely gifted, and I’m sure that you will be for many years to come.
You are the victor, you’re respected in America, and the U.S. wishes you nothing but success for your future!
Cheers, Charlie (charlie.jones@nike.com)
Has ganado un Tour sin tener el apoyo completo de tu team. Esto tine mucho mas valor. Felicitaciones.
Yo vivo en Colorado y tenemos un cabana a 3048 metros de altitude. Si quieres venir a entrenarte avisame.
Destinguido Alberto!
Te felecito por Su Gran victoria en el Tour de Francia 2009!
Eres un verdadero Campeón! Lo has demostrado una vez más que eres el más fuerte no solo físicamente, sino tambien mentalmente!
La etapa de Verbier y crono de Annecy ámbos quedan grabados en la memoria por siempre!!!
Muchas gracias!!!
Un abrazo, desde Almaty, Kazajstán.
Congratulations on a great tour! You are the most exiting rider to come along in the 20+ years that I have been following this sport. Now please go home, celebrate, recover and get ready to defend your Vuelta crown.
Good luck with the team hunting.
**For Alberto**
I knew you could do it.
There is a problem with the new “Radio Shack” team that lance is putting together. You will find yourself in hardships in the Giro and Tour next year. lance is putting together a climbing team combined with a strong time trial ability. You must back this up with either Astana or whatever team you join. I sure hope you choose to make the smart decision.
Shoot for the Vuelta this year. If you choose of win, you can use that as a barganing chip in order to get a few top noch people to support your grand tour ambitions.
I think you can be the second best cyclist in all time, you must choose your weapons carefully.
One again, nice job on the tour.
Johnny Oregon
Hello Alberto,
Congratulations on winning your 2nd Yellow jersey. You have proven that you are a world class racer and human being.
I watched most of the stages on France 2 (TV). They always spoke highly of you. I was impressed by the report they did on you and your background (on Sunday – final stage). You also have a remarkable story of recovery on health.
Enjoy the victory and savour this special moment !!!
Wishing you another yellow jersey in 2010.
Well done Signor Contador !
Danny, France
Felicitari Alberto !
sunt fan LA,dar asta nu inseamna ca nu-ti respect victoria.
Mult noroc si multa sanatate.Ai multi fani in Romania !
alberto- congratulations from sydney. Fantastic to see your power in the tour de France, both physical and mental! Looking forward to following what will undoubtedly be a brilliant career :)
Congratulations from Vermont!
Bloody brilliant!!!! Congrats Cont!!!
Way to go! I can’t tell you how happy I am with your great performance.
“First we take Manhattan, then…”
From Up-State NY,
JAndres
Felicitaciones, Alberto, un grupo de aficionados de Kazajstán.
Esperamos que su estancia en Astana.
El conjunto de Kazajistán por ti, Alberto.
enhorabuena soy francés pues perdona para las faltas te he visto a arcalis y fue muy contento de verte porque soy apasionado por la bicicleta y tu eres mi idol en 2007 he dicho a mi hermano este ano atención a contador es un pretenden para el “maillot jaune” se burlarse de mi y tu me da la razon de creer en tu.
yo t espera sobre las carreteras de la vuelta el ano proximo en amarillo obviamente
ps:no presta atención al rumor de dopaje que pesa sobre ti son tonterias
thomas 16 anos
dirección :lafon 15310 saint cernin francia
I am from Kazahstan! You the Best!!!No vaya fuera de Astana .
We love you!!!
Estimado Alberto,
Le felicito a Ud tanto por su gran logro del TdF, ahora quedan 6 mas!!!! Facil y Ud tiene la herencia de Indurain y creo que hasta la personalidad con humildad y sinceridad que yo percibo aunque en los fotos no mas. Soy de la India pero con familiares en Sur America, asi estoy bastante habil en Espanol. Mis mejores saludos para Ud, su esposa Macarena y los hijos y me imagino que rico sera su vida en una linda region de Espana en Pamplona, algun dia queremos concocer por alla, aunque ya hemos ido a Madrid.
For others, may I also write in English and congratulate you Alberto and may you follow Indurain’s paces and get to 6 more TdF’s!! I would rather not comment on Armstrong, my silence speaking louder than words! All I would suggest is to get some excellent riders like Valverde, Sanchez, Zubeldia for a Dream Spanish Team!!!
Suerte y que Los Angeles le acompane siempre!
Felicidades
Sam
Congratulations Alberto!! You won like a true champion with dignity and grace. You are loved and respected in the USA and we will be following your career in the future.
All my best wishes as always,
Joan (USA)
Congrats on the Win… I couldn’t have imagined a better tour! You have proved how strong you are to the world. Just remember that respect for past Tour winners is important, you may be in Armstrong’s shoes one day.
As a big Lance fan since 1996…… no one can deny Alberto Contador was the strongest rider at the TDF 2009. Your next closest competitor was Andy Schleck and he knew that he was way out classed. Congrats.
Alberto go for 8 TDF wins!
I’m rewarded by viewing an athlete whose tremendous class outshone the shoddy behavior by some in Team Astana. Alberto continue forging ahead. Your willingness to endure through difficult and trying times within a team in name only, makes this tour truly memorable. I eagerly await your next athletic performance.
Alberto,
You are the man. After a dominating couple of days in the Alps, your performances in the time trial and on Mt. Ventoux proved not only that you were a champion but also a great teammate.
You took the page right out of the Lance Armstrong recipe book – dominate the big stages in a couple of the big mountain stages, then sit on the main contender’s wheels. Then win the time trial, convincingly to really open up time against the contenders.
Just as importantly, you helped your teammate to the podium by holding off on attacking the Schlecks on Ventoux and waiting up for Lance to catch up.
Good luck for a great summer and more wins.
Congratulations Alberto !!
This was a wonderful Tour de France-the best one I have ever seen!
You have an amazing talent and I wish you many more victories.
I can’t wait to see next years tour.
cheers from Canada eh
-Dave
CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING
You truly deserved it and beat them all
Well done
Nick and Sue
Alberto, i was with you in spirit for all 2200 miles…what an incredible victory and very well deserved…looking forward to your blowing Team Radio Schack away! Congratulations!
Congratulations Alberto you have many fans here in the U.S. that want to see you dominate Lance next year. His true colors are showing through.
Alberto, congratulations on the Tour de France win! I am sorry to hear of your teammate’s comments, you deserve much more respect and support from your team. You proved you are the best in the world and I can’t wait to watch a repeat performance next season! With a team that fully supports you next year there will be nothing to hold you back!
If you were to stay at Astans, here is an interesting 2010 TDF roster. This way, it would work for you, Alexander and Astana.
Alberto Contador – 2010 Tour De France champion
José Luis Rubiera
Sérgio Paulinho
Yaroslav Popovych
Haimar Zubeldia
Alexander Vinokourov – 2 stage wins
Maxim Iglinsky
Dimitry Muravyev
Egoi Martínez – King of the mountains
You won with grace and style, strength and skill I look forward to watching you win and win.
Congratulations Alberto on a magnificent win! Don’t worry about the knockers – not only are you the best rider, but also a better person than some we could name. I particularly liked the way you didn’t challenge for the stage on July 22. You showed that a gracious rider who knows their talent doesn’t need to crush the others, unlike ‘no gifts’ Armstrong.
To all of those out there commenting about the one-sided commentary from Liggett, I couldn’t agree more, we get the same commentary here in Australia. Maybe we should let them know we want a fair and objective coverage?
Congrats again Alberto, looking forward to seeing you win next year.
felicitation mr j’ai été fanne de indurain maitenent de vous vive contadod
france
I’m a bit upset…If this happens again…
The next time they play the wrong national anthem, wave your hands in disgust and make them play the correct version. You will gain so much respect for your fellow Spaniards and the world will watch in respect.
Alberto…
From Hollanda my congratulations for Your performance in this Tour. As a cyclist AND as a Sportsman a real Number One.
And my compliments and deepest and biggest respect that You ask, not to bash L.A.
A true sportsman.
Hope to see You again on the stage in Paris in 2010
Regards
Walter
Alberto; I had mixed thoughts when you and the Schlecks left Armstrong and Kloden behind, but what a shame it would have been to not see what ability you truly have. Best wishes on the future team situation and position yourself to really show what you can do.
Gracias Alberto porque has puesto una nota de optimismo y de alegría en este julio 2009. He disfrutado mucho viendo el Tour pot TV. Adelante. Conserva la sonrisa, la moderación en tus comentarios, el gesto de caballero, la sencillez, el amor a tu pueblo y a tu patria, ¡Tienes que ganar el Tour 2010! No te puedes imaginar la cantidad de apoyo popular que tienes en todo el mundo y, por supuesto, en España.
Estamos contigo. Pórtate bien, como sabes.
Hola Alberto,
Congratulations on your second Tour win! I really enjoyed watching you race, you were simply amazing!! But I’m still angry about how it went this Tour, how LA and his puppet Johan Bruyneel treated you. With no respect at all! So it’s only normal that you’ve said that it was a harder fight for you in the hotel then it was on the bike. LA has a terrible character and it’s good you’ve finally said that. Respect for his 7 Tour wins but no respect for him as a person.
I’m glad that here in the Netherlands, the tv commenters are more on your hand then on LA’s hand. If I read the messages here about the tv coverage in the USA and Australia, then I’m really glad I don’t live there. I find that most of the Dutch people support you big time and see through LA’s behaviour.
I really, really hope you will go to a very good team next year. I’m sure you can win the Tour just as much as Lance did, I think you are more talented then him. But Team Radioshack will be very strong and eager to beat you, so you really have to think about the team you’ll go to and the riders you want around you. They have to be strong and a 100% behind you.
I will always support you and follow you. You’re the best!! Good luck on the “criteriums” in Holland and in the Vuelta.
You were a joy to watch my friend. We were all cheering for you here in the UK!
You have proved to be the greater man!
Yeah Alberto, as someone who lives in the USA, I am proud of you, and not all of us are crazy about Lance Armstrong. So you Go!!!
Great job Alberto!
I think you are well on your way to becoming regarded as the best tour climber of all-time.
I do not think you were wrong at all to say what you said about Lance. I don’t respect Lance as a person either. He criticizes you for being self centered. However, I think he is the one that is self centered for criticizing you for leaving himself, and teammates multiple times when you were just showing how strong of a rider you were. It was like he was mad because he wanted to win and wanted you to lay down so he could achieve this goal. If Lance was a true teammate, he would have been your loyal domestique after the first time he couldn’t keep up with you in the Pyrenees. He knew from there he was not nearly as strong as you, and chose to try and turn teammates against you instead of being a loyal teammate. The fact that you spoke your mind about Lance makes me like you even more, because I am fed up with people trying to be politically correct in giving interviews. You were truthful with how you feel, and I greatly respect that.
Please don’t place a stereotype on Americans thinking that we don’t like you because we are from the same country that Lance is. You have a great number of fans here! I am one of them, and proud to say it. I respect great riders, and I think you will eventually be known as the best tour rider of all time. Six more Tour de France’s and you pass Lance.
We would love to see you come to the USA to race one day even though we don’t host any great races.
Hey Alberto
As a keen cycling fan from Canada, please accept my congratulations on a great TDF win. You were clearly the strongest rider, and I suspect you could have won by more had you been able to attack when instinct told you to do so.
You also handled the Armstrong/Bruyneel fiasco with class. You showed the great mental toughness of a true champion in the face of un-necessary internal tensions on your team caused by Armstrong’s ego. I agree with your assessment of Armstrong’s character. You are the genuine one.
Robbie – Canada
Alberto, congratulations on your win. Your a better person so leave the verbals alone. Men lead and let their actions speak. You are a better person so don’t get into a pissing match. Life is too short.
Alberto,
You were fantastic. If I wasn’t already a fan, I would for sure be one now. You have grace and power. You are this cycling fan’s favorite. I wish you continued success and good health! How about another yellow in 2010
wonderful ride alberto. but please keep on your previous silence and don’t reply to provocative journalists who look for sensations. best strategy is to keep silent and answer only with your bike. armstrong may be a great rider but can be very vindicative and unashamed to pull all strings to defeat people who stand in his way as u saw for yourself. and one last thing: try to polish your english, so that u don’t need translators to stand between u and people’s hearts. don’t let language barriers hinder your true and warm personality from coming through.
hoping u will find a team worthy of your talent and that we shall see u in yello in tdf 2010.
Take for instance, when the first press conference between Alberto and lance, the hand shake looked very tense, lance was flexing his right arm.
Alberto…I bet that hand shake was tight and uncomfortable.
Nice post Brad.
Not only has Alberto proven he is the best of the best in the hills, he has beaten Fabio in the individual time trial, he came in second to him after the first stage, a huge effort.
He is missing one thing that will keep him from the likes of Eddy, his sprinting ability. Not that it makes any difference. Alberto has proven to be the best at the time trial and the hills. That is what makes a great tour rider.
There are plenty of americans that follow Alberto, I live in Oregon and that is the home state of Chris Horner and I’m a huge fan of Alberto. Chris is a nice guy but not an international champion.
I would love to see Alberto win a few of the classics this spring.
We need more support for Alberto from the USA!!!
Thanks again.
Johnny Oregon
Alberto,
Congratulations upon your win. I am inspired by your story of comeback from the aneurysm and by the price you have paid to be where you are.
That said, I feel like some others do that you could learn a great deal from some of the other riders. I fear, watching your performance, that the days of the domestique are not only numbered but perhaps already dead. You can do so much to make sure this does not happen. It is not only about everyone supporting your win, as you put it. It is also about you supporting your own supporting riders.
Interesting news about Riccardo. You better watch the godfather part 1 and 2. Pay special attension to the part when people come in to ask the godfather for favors.
Sorry…Couldn’t resist
Well done Alberto as some one from Gibraltar, it was a great Tdf. So glad to see the best man won. You put the EGO man to one side and ran your own race good on you. Hope you get a team who will give you the chance to win many more times.
Good day to you Alberto. Congratulations on winning the Tour.I wanted to tell you that in 2006 I myself suffered an aneurysm rupture which I did not know that I had. Since then I have gotten hooked on cycling to the point that it is now my passsion. I find you to be an inspiration after you also went through a similar situation. Keep up the good work and I will continue to enjoy your performance’s. John
I think you should know that American cycling fans appreciate your fantastic win. What a race! What an incredible time trial. What you said after the tour was not offensive and was honest.
We are all looking forward to more beautiful racing.
julie
An Italian fan named Alberto sent in this letter by email:
Dear Alberto, my name is also Alberto; I’m a 33 years old, Italian fan of cycling.I’m and I was supporter of all Italian’s cycling champions.I was also fan of Great Miguel Indurain.I’m confident to became your supporter for future years.
For the moment, I would like to “thank you” for:1) your win in Tour the France, because you bring back light on cycling.In last years, we have seen a lot of bed stories on Tour de France. Now, finally, I can speak of cycling and Tour de France without my friends burst out laughing.
2) you have written a great history of cycling. You have won alone (more or less), under great difficulties and under great pressure. After this Tour, I think that more other people have understood the true Amstrong. A lot of fan of cycling didn’t like Amstrong, but now, more or less, all fans of cycling have understood the true character of Amstrong.All fans of cycling in Italy have understood your great enterprise to win Tour in this situation.
Thanks again, for your enterprise.
Alberto,
Congratulations on a champion’s performance at the Tour de France from start to finish. It’s even more amazing considering days like the Annecy Time Trial, when you showcased the yellow jersey on a day when people tried to drag you down before and after.
I hate that people misquoted your press conference so that they could stir controversy and write sensationalistic headlines. I believe the translation that I heard by the BBC, and pasted those words in comment sections around the world so that people could see the truth. I also undeleted my old blog so I could write a post about broken promises, the car problems, etc.
But many people here have the wrong idea from sound bites and twitter, and Armstrong fans and Bruyneel have spurred them on. Please sit down and do an interview with some English-speaking publication, with a translator you trust, and tell them about the problems with rides and cars and cycling shorts and hotels. Let the fans know that it was you and your brother against…many. The world needs to know these things.
Congratulations again, and thank you, and good luck. Godspeed
Dear Alberto,
congratulations on a great tour! Good luck with all your future plans. Rest assured that there are people from all over the world that admire your low-key approach and great sportsmanship.
Congradulations from Albuquerque, New Mexcio. You are a true champion and a real Hero. I enjoyed your performance through the whole tour, and now I realize you had a difficult time on and off the race course. Great Job! We will follow your progress, and we are behind you 100%
El rey ha muerto…viva el nuevo rey!!!
Se pueden decir muchas cosas pero solo una vasta
Eres el mejor!!!
esta ves fueron 4 minutos, en la proxima seran 10 minutos a quien sea que quiera alcansarte.
Suerte para todas las carreras campeon.
You are now the king of racing and the Tour De France!
Fantastic Alberto from The Netherlands, your the best!!
Thanks for a beautiful tour de france, you are an inspiration!
Hi Alberto, First of all congratulations on the recent TDF 09 win. Never mind the press what ever they publish regarding their translation about your thoughts. Your performance & Action is enough to show who should be the boss on the TDF 09, It’s a bike race it should NOT be influence by who ever; whether they won the yellow jersey from 1 to 7 times. it’s a history. It is your time to break their records. Goodluck and God Speed on the races.
A Filipino Fan
Alberto,
Did he really take the last team car and strand you? Did he really take the water bottle from you that a fellow Spainard tried to give you? I apoligize for all people of the United States, that is NOT how we act. I’m so very sorry…
R Sanchez
Boulder, Co.
Hi Alberto,
Congrats on the win!!! I am so excited that you won and I can’t wait until next year!!! I will say that I was really sad to hear all these things that LA did to you in the race. Especially in his interviews it all seemed one sided..BUT like most people that weren’t wearing blindfolds!! I could see past all that..AGAIN SUPER GLAD YOU won!!! GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR!!! I hope that you do have the team that will support you as the winner that you are!!!
Funny, I have always been a great admirer of Lance Armstrong. He is a great cycling machine, you can’t take that away from him. However, his attitude in the 09 tour has been somewhat poor. The podium in Paris strongly highlighted his rudeness to Alberto and thats unforgivable!
Alberto you have prooved to be the greater man and rider. You were a complete joy to watch and cheer for!
Congratulations!
sounds like everyone agree’s with me, Alberto is the best rider on the planet right now! Hard for Lance to take! LOL I love it!!!!
Dennis sent this by email:
hey alberto,
Congratulations with your second victory from Le Tour de France.
I,m such a big fan of you since you bicycles for the Liberty Securos Team.
I hope to see you many many time, winning the next round.
I know you can…
You,re the best…………………
Dennis Draaisma
The Haque, Holland
by email from Skip in the USA:
Dear Alberto,
I was happy and thrilled by the way you met the challenges with your great riding to win the Tour this year.
The world owes you it’s honor and appreciation for your wonderful achievements.
Sincerely,
SEdmunds
California, USA
Contador,
Thank you for such an impressive win in the Tour. You displayed great poise under all the pressure you faced in and out of the peleton. Many of my friends back in the States were routing for you, even if they didn’t know of you before! I hope that in all your future wins you will retain the ferocity on the bike (AMAZING!) and a humility off of it. You have demonstrated yourself to be a very classy rider, KEEP IT UP!
Thanks again,
Justin
Alberto… sencillamente espectacular!!!
El Grupo Deportivo JIMENEZ VELO orgullosamente les envia felicitaciones a un GRAN CAMPEON ESPAÑOL.
Muchisimas Gracias por su humildad… y caracter solido!
Que Dios te bendiga mas.
Herb JIMENEZ
JIMENEZ VELO SPORT
Montclair, New Jersey. U.S.A.
Alberto,
You are a classy gentleman who was able to rise above the fray within you own “team”. You deserved to be the leader of Astana in the Tour and your riding proved it! Just want you to know that you have many fans in America! You’ve won four grand tours now… Let’s keep it going and build a team that will not betray you and that will support you as the true champion that you are.
congratulations on team Alberto.
Congratulations Alberto!
Continue to take the high road in press conferences and sidebar remarks and you will remain a hero both on the bike and off.
Well done!
Bravo Contador!!! Love your show!
Great champions build themselves from very little.
Great people build themselves from understanding.
Great icons build the people.
You have the first one already in the bag.
Johnny Oregon
You can win the next grand tour with Astana. It should take a better climbing team that it currently has. With your time trial skills and if you had a top heavy climbing squad, that should do the trick. Team radio shack has been left short and are now scrambling to make a climbing team.
Johnny Oregon
Here is a great moment for the ages.
A cyclist breaks away from the group early in the race and stay away.
A team member then bridges the gap to the lone race leader.
They work alone to reach the finish before the pack charges down on them.
At 200 meters, they only have a 30 meter gap and they are tired.
The team member that bridged the gap lead the weaker team member to victory.
The race Milan-SanRemo The winner. Alberto Contador Second place: ? A number of people come up
Just a wish,
Johnny
I’m picking up some feeds on lance owning the team in a few years so he can call the shots. Kind of conflicts with his profile.
Alberto, We stopped at the bookstore to read about the tour in all the magazines, I guess we have to wait till next month to see your dazzling smile on the covers of each of them. I am so happy for your win amidst all the obstacles. It is what a great victory is made of.
We cheer for you and applaud your efforts. You have captured our hearts and emerged as the new hero. I am so sorry Lance has to act the way he does. He had the perfect opportunity to show class by willfully passing the torch, rather he chose to go down in a ball of flames. His behavior will ruin him over time and already has.
You are the greater athlete. Winning all three Grand Tours is a huge accomplishment and one Lance never proved. You have already surpassed him. Seven tours on your horizon will pass like a ribbon of highway on a journey. I will be cheering for you every win of the way.
Many americans are behind you and found the commentary of the TDF biased and reproachful. Hopefully next year they will give you the credit you deserve. Until then I will comment on your behalf.
Thanks for the thrills of the Tour. Looking forward to many more. Your number one fans in Michigan live in Sand Lake. :)
Blessings,
Cathy and Denny
PS May the best team win your affections. I would love to see you riding for Columbia or Garmin. Imagine Team Columbia… Cav winning all the sprints, you winning all the mountain and TT stages… Wowsa…. And Mr Stapelton would usher you to the fame and fortune he found for Lance.
Go Buddy! Follow the light! Either way…. YOU WIN!!!
We Love to watch you fly!
Again Many Blessings as you find your way to the best team
Cathy and Denny
Sand Lake Michigan
One cycling feat has never been done. Winning all three grand tours in one racing calendar year. You have the ability to do this.
Johnny Oregon
Never say never. It has been done. Check the archives of the tour. Alberto won three of them in 18 months. Lance concentrated solely on the Tour. Alberto is in my estimation the greater athlete.
Congratulations Alberto on a great tour!
Of course I don’t know what went on behind the scenes with the team, but it looked to me to be very unfair. Two weeks before the tour Bruyneel, Carmichael, and even Lance himself said you were the leader and the best rider in the world. So why were they whining when you took a good opportunity to gain time? If Lance wasn’t ready to be 2nd man (actually 3rd) on the team he should have stayed home.
I bet Merckx never asked for permission to take the lead. While I admire Lance’s abilities, I think a truly great rider should ride all the grand tours, not become a one tour specialist. And without such a good team I don’t think he would have won 5 tours, much less 7.
Keep up the good work, you have my support!
I wish you peace of mind after all you had to endure, an even brighter future and a team that realy deserves you.
What a blow by Sergio Paulinho going to radio shack. This just makes it just that more difficult for next year. Wow!
The masses keep saying “you are the best” they are right! You and Alonzo could create the greatest team the cycling world has ever seen! I can’t wait!
Interesting post Ricardo.
I can see that happening in 3 years, 4 at the most. By then Alberto should be winning a grand tour a year at the least. He has the ability to be the best grand tour rider ever.
He just needs more weapons:) He is not getting any younger. He just needs to get through 2010 and smooth sailing is on the horizon.
Johnny Oregon
You want to hurt team radio shack, win the Giro next year. I’ve been hearing some more news on Levi being the primary for the next Giro. You win that and POOF! You just sealed more grand tour victories. Get inside info on the course layout for the Giro.
That will be a nice payback from all the terrible things I keep reading about what you had to deal with during the last tour.
Best wishes.
Johnny Oregon
Every cyclist doesn’t want to win the tour de france. Some want to be the best climber, sprinter and time trialist.
To say that every cyclist wants to win the tour, is lacking in information. This kind of a statement by a future team owner is going to cause problems.
Find a team leader with the power to learn by mistakes. A dicatatorship will lead to your down fall as you well know.
A long term plan will direct you to your goals. Do you want to win the 2015 Tour? How will you make that happen. Eddy made this happen. He is one of the very few to be in charge of his destiny.
Put a plan in place for what you want to win for the next 10 years. make that plan happen. choose your weapons carefully.
Johnny Oregon
Alberto,
You are a credit to your family and they I’m sure are so proud of you.
You kept your focus all the way through the tour and didn’t need the limelight of the media to let the world know you were the best.
I have only been following cycling for a few years but I am hooked and as long as you ride I will follow.
Choose wisely for next year and then blow LA of the Podium altogether!
Alberto, you must leave Astana as soon as possible, to stay could ruin your career, it’s a no good outfit.
Alberto,
Sorry I can’t write this in Spanish! I am an American and was excited to see Lance return to pro cycling and very support him as a rider. However – I was a little put-off by the somewhat unbalanced focus that Lance received on Astana. While I wanted Lance to do well (and he did) – I was cheering for you to win. You – by virtue of your magnificent riding and previous Grand Tour wins should have been designated and supported from the start as the team leader. Anyway, you showed you have tenacity, power, speed, and grace in your Tour de France 2009 win. Congratulations! May you repeat in 2010 and many years beyond!
John Williams
Fairfax, Vermont USA
You are a great inspiration to every1 in cycling,I hope you have many years of success in front of you and i’m sure you will,I loved the way you handled the “Lancegate” affair,with much dignity & credibility.
I’d love you to do a hat trick of all the grand tours or go and get 8 tour de france wins,congratulations on your recovery from you Brain op and then mastering your profession,hope you have a gr8 team next year.
Firstly, congratulations on your great win inthis year’s Tour – despite an unenviable team dynamics!
Secondly, a small technical question (apologies if this is not the correct place) that someone in your entourage might send me the answer to. How does your mechanic, Sgr Munoz, remove the names from your saddle? I’m told it’s with a solvent – but what sort/make?
Thanks in advance,
Andrew.
ALBERTO COME BACK TO ADELAIDE!
We miss you…..
The 2005 stage you won by blowing the race apart on Willunga hill was beautiful and I know you will get the full support of the South Australian Locals like myself.
Well done in the Tour, you are an inspiration!
Sam
The days leading up to stage 17 must have been filled with many types of tension. I enjoyed seeing the three best climbers in the tour battle it out on 17. The next day, you beat Fabian in the individual time trial. I think these are your best two consecutive stages you have ever ridden.
After 18, the pistol’s bullet was lodged in its competition.
It was a wonderful tour to watch. Please don’t make me wait too long before you race in another grand tour.
Johnny Oregon
The current Tour of Spain, the 2010 Giro and the 2010 Tour de France will all start in the Netherlands. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands has an interesting cycling connection, not to mention she is one of the richest women in the world:)
Im very sorry, because you dont leave from Astana to Garmin or Casse D’Epargne. But you stay with Astana i hope you get full suport (i hope Kloden will stay in Astana to suport you), and that what is happend on TDF09 never happend from yours team. For me you’re the best rider i ever see in my life, and that is privilege to watch you in cycling races.
Do, what you do best, WIN grand tours
I have to be honest and say that I find it terribly disappointing that Alberto is to stay with Astana; however, if anybody can make it work, it will be him; he is simply the best and I wish him all possible luck. I do think it is going to be hard – and I just hope the ‘Cadel Evans scenario’ dosen’t repeat itself and he is left struggling with a weak team; I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but as I said in another post, look what havoc the TTT played with some GC contenders in this year’s tour.
Whatever happens – on est 100% avec vous Alberto – et bonne chance et bonne santé pour 2010
Hi, Alberto!
I’m Kazak, and I really appreciated what you’ve done for my country and for team “Astana”! Thanks a lot! What a pity you don’t want to stay with this squad but this is your wish and decision. Hope you’ll be with us for a long time! Whatever happen I’ll stay your most faithful fan! Thank you for your victories for each we were the sharers! Good luck to you and to your family!
Team Astana… Hmmm! Well one thing for sure… it will be alot less stressful than this year…And I believe you will have full support of your team. Having the best rider secured I am sure Astana will see to it Alberto has all the support he needs. A great team to usher the best rider to his many victories.
Go Alberto… team or no team.. you proved you could do it alone this year. I believe in you!
Cheering for you all the way
Cathy and Denny
Michigan
Congratulations on winning the Tour De France.
Glad to hear your staying with astana for another year.
I think you’ll have an easier time this year.At least now
you are the true leader of astana with no questions.
Best of luck for the 2010 season.
Francesca
Ireland.
No worlds. How disappointing not to see you race! Please consider your greatness when you make decisions like this.
Hi Jim Bob,
Interesting post. As you can see, Alberto is a grand tour man. He has not won a classic. With Fabian and Tom, his chances with the ITT in the worlds will be slim. As for the road race, he needs a break.
I do wish he would have targeted the worlds but that is for another year.
I guess we will see Alberto in form for the Giro and Tour. Hopefully, he can help Valverde win the 2010 Vuelta after he helps Alberto win the Tour and Giro. Just wissing Valverde joins Astana. It will take a lot of money to make that happen.
Johnny Oregon
Alberto,
I’m so impressed by your time trial ability this year. If you had that last year, you would have won at least silver in the Olympics. You and Bernard Hinault have a lot in common. You both have very similar respect toward animals. In racing, you have even more in common like being a grand tour champion and lance. You are both climbers and time trialists. I think you might want to brush up on your french:) I think it would do wonderful things for your career if you develop a relationship with Bernard.
Johnny Oregon
There are only three retired grand tour champions still living, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Felice Gimondi. Bernard is the only person that doesn’t have doping on his record. Eddy and Lance are buddies. I’m a huge fan of Bernard, the second best cyclist of all time. He might make a good international mentor for Alberto.
The 5 year rule:
If Alberto can stay with a team for 5 years and be the team leader for most of the grand tours, he can become a legend. Bernard Hinault was on the same team for five years and he won 8 grand tours. Eddy won six grand tours when he was on the same team for five years.
Eddy Merckx – Molteni – 1971–1976 – 6 Grand tour wins
Bernard Hinault – Renault-Elf-Gitane – 1978–1983 – 8 Grand tour wins.
Alberto needs to find a team where he can stay for 5 years. If he doesn’t, he will not win as many grand tours as he can.
Think of the 5 year rule for the grand tour champions.
Johnny Oregon
There is a thing called pay for performance or meritocracy. This is the act of paying for good performers. Most directors of cycling teams are prior cyclists. This is one thing that the directors don’t fully understand in the long term.
Directors in general manage their decisions by using external sources such as the internal network of information from friends.
If a director can see the rewards of winning a race years in advance, that director is standing by you. If the director reacts during a race that is sporatic, that director is not standing by you.
Look for a director that has same goals as you do.
I love this quote:
Hinault said Guimard insisted he plan his season and his career.
Hinault won 8 grand tours with Guimard. Guimard was very skilled in playing chess with professional cyclists.
Guimard was one of the best cycling directors of all time. This is the kind of relationship Alberto needs.
Has Alberto planned his career out?
Johnny Oregon
Hi Alberto,
It’s been fun watching you develop over the last few years. I’m a huge Armstrong fan, but I do believe you are the next big guy in cycling. I don’t see how anyone can beat you. Finally a formidable opponent for Lance. I’m sure you’re giving him lots of inspiration to train really hard for next years tour. Congratulations on this years tour win. I feel this should be your third tour win 2008 was really unfortunate. I can’t wait to see you and Lance go at it in the 2010 edition of the tour.
Best of luck, Mike
Alberto,
I unterstand that you want to break free from your current contract with Astana. I’d say the best would be to find a lawyer with wide experience with contract law and who can find a way out.
I hope you will be free soon.
Hi,Alberto
I have seen the news that you stay with Astana because of the contract.I really hope you can find a way out of it although it’s very difficult.
But as your fan,the only thing I can do is to support you forever.
Hope you stronger next year.
Dear Alberto,
I just wanted to thank you for persevering through all of the tough times you have faced. You have done so much to bring interest, excitement, and enthusiasm back to the sport. Thank you for being one of the riders we can always count on to race fairly and honestly; it is riders with those values that are the true heroes of the sport. It has been such a pleasure as a spectator to watch you flourish in your career over the past several years, and I know that there will be many more great years ahead of you. I am sorry for the challenges you continue to face, but hope that the next time you ride into Paris, your victory will be much sweeter than it was this year. Best wishes for your future success, and thank you for bringing all of us along for the ride!
Sincerely,
Jenna Elise
Hey Alberto,
All I can say is hang in there.
It would seem that with all the rich people with interest in cycling that somehow they (you) could buy your way out of this mess! One thing for sure, Astana is NOT making any friends in this regard and it is counter productive PR-wise for them to maintain this attitude.
Best wishes,
Gene
Dearest Alberto,
Sometimes we land in places we would rather not be only to find out it was the best thing in the end. Everything happens for a reason. Attitude is everything. Embrace Team Astana. Your contract holds you there, Let your mind follow and have the best year ever. Dynamics are different. They will take care of the best rider in the world. Bless them with your commitment. Don’t let the ghosts of this past year hang their cobwebs in your mind. Clear your head, take a deep breath, and soar.
Cheering for you!
Got to look at the magazines this month. I had to buy Pro Cycling. It represented you well and told both sides of the sordid story. I love the comments about Lance that I have thought all along. He needs to step aside, his time is over. Forget the rubbish of the past. WE all see. Move on to those new heights… and take us with you!
Blessings
Cathy and Denny
Sand Lake Mi
Greetings of Alberto! I consider that it is not necessary to look back! That that was this year remains here. You should look ahead! I and many fans from Astana wish that you became the leader for many long years in team! We very much love and we respect you!
P.S Also us not the most good responses about Team Astana very afflicts! We love Alberto! And also we very much love our team!
Image of a team should not suffer because of acts of some traitors!
I so agree! The image of a team should not suffer because of the acts of some traitors!
Alberto looks stunningly stellar in Astana colors and Brilliant in the yellow. Team Astana has a huge responsibility to Alberto and I believe they will step up on his behalf.
Close the door on last season, and look to the dazzling rays of the future as you blaze a new trail in cycling. Astana wasn’t the problem, dynamics were the problem, With Lance and Johann on their own the sky’s the limit.
The path is clear and you our dear Alberto will take the place that was always yours to begin with. Shame on Lance for not having the awareness that he no longer is… So sorry he made things so difficult for you. He lost my respect as a cyclist. But I applaud how you took the proverbial “bull” by the horns and dressed yourself in Yellow to win the tour. Did Lance really think a few seconds on a windy day would give him another tour win with you in peloton? He showed us all HIS WEAKNESS!!!
Can someone come and paint my van in Astana colors??? :)
I just had my knee scoped for a torn meniscus. The Dr has recommended cycling as rehab. Well needless to say my husband who is an avid cyclist loves that idea. I am carrying a bit too much weight, like around 100 lbs. I have cycled 80 miles so far this week. And when we are on the hills and I am huffing and puffing at a snails pace I think of You Alberto climbing those mountains with the grace of an eagle. It takes my mind off my own suffering for that moment. It is great exercise, easy on my knee, and I look forward to the fast rides in the future. Where can I get a plus size Astana jersey. :)
Can you feel the love Alberto?
Cathy and Denny
Sand Lake Mi
About Lance to me indeed! but, Johann reserves double feeling! But nevertheless I can express the gratitude to this person for work which it did at a command last years! But I will repeat, at me double feeling to it!
I’ve been thinking about Luis León Sánchez Gil. He seems to be a great fit for Astana in 2010. You might have a chance to get him.
I dont know. Not to me to solve. But, I hope that the management of Astana will type for the following season of not less star riders than we have for today! But after all we needed to wait very little to learn about a new line-up! We need to have patience and not to force simply conditions round a team and Alberto.Whom it was not the fan of Astana or fan Alberto!
I hope the English for you it is clear!
I heard Vino wanted to manage Astana next year. That is just a train wreck waiting to happen. I’m just not a fan of Vino even though he did win the Vuelta.
Valverde raced a very smart Vuelta expecially on stage 13. His first grand tour win and he didn’t even win one stage. Not sure what is future is going to do now that he has won a grand tour. Should be interesting to see. He already resigned so he is out.
I’m glad to see Alberto not racing, I sure hope he can iron out a nice contract.
Best wishes.
Johnny Oregon
I hope things work out for Alberto. He is too great an athlete to not have a good team and he is great for the bicyling world. I wish he would learn to speak English because I think he would be a great actor like Arnold and make good movies in America.
Best of luck to you in the future Alberto!
Congratulations from North Carolina!!!!
GO Alberto USA fans right behind u for 2010 no matter what team U r On GO show Lance what a clinber and time trialist really look like 100 percent behind you!!!!
Alberto,
October 14 is when the 2010 Tour de France route gets unveiled in Paris. If the time trial on the Col du Tourmalet is going to be part of the route, Alberto will have a huge advantage. I sure hope they also announce the stage from Luchon to the Col d’Aubisque, another race catered for Alberto. Send Wiggins to Sky and Alberto can be the team leader for Garmin.
Johnny Oregon
Hi Alberto,
Is there any chance you could come back to the Tour Down Under?
2010 would be a good year for you to stamp your dominance on Willunga Hill! Watch out Lance!
I was there when you won in 2005 and I have been watching ever since.
Good Luck with 2010.
Sam
Adelaide
Buenas tardes.
I am doing a project about you and i was wondering if you could send me a singed picture of you to help with my project.
Hasta luego.
Austin
Great job cementing your place as the best cyclist of the current peloton. When are you going to sell the caps so your success can go to all of our heads.
Stay yellow
Zascali
I second that………..El Pistolero caps for all your fans to buy??
Hola Alberto
I met you today 9th October at the cycle show in London.
Thanks for signing the back of my Iphone with a felt pen but you thoughtfully have asked for a different pen to sign but there wasnt one available. You took time and care to sign the phone and I will treasure it.
Also, great interview which we appreciated your effort in to speak to English.
All the best in 2010 and will support you whichever team you ride for.
Thanks
Andy
London
Having read the report and interview from the London Cycle Show, one cannot help but feel that time – if not running out – is getting extremely short to sort out the team for 2010? Every day one anticipates an announcement that Alberto has shaken off Astana – (apologies) – and signed with……….Garmin: Always hoped it would be Garmin – and still hope?
Dear Alberto,
Each month I read eagerly the cycling magazines to find that Astana STILL HAS NOT stepped up with a plan conducive to the best rider in the world. Each month I am DISAPPOINTED! This has gone on long enough.
How can Astana think to keep you under contract when they cannot even guarantee your season? Surely a judge would rule in your favor if no one stops up to buy you out. If I had the money I would not even hesitate. It would come back 7 fold.
ASTANA… LET HIM GO!!! If you can’t seal the deal then LET HIM GO!!! Get on with it or get over it already!
Wishing you success in your hunt for a team, since the one that thinks they own you can’t seem to get it together. What a tragedy!!! Forget the paint job on my van…At this point it is ASTANA with a big ZERO!
Keep a clear head, this is all a mind game. Keep to your fitness. It will all sort out soon! As far as a team? You won this year on your own…Just get on Andy’s wheel. He will be all the team you need.
Blessings through this extremely frustrating time
Cathy
Sand Lake Mi
The Col du Tourmalet will be seen twice in the 2010 Tour De France. This is huge for Alberto.
Alain Gallopin to Radio Shack as well? Decidedly Astana’s effective is looking very threadbare. Alberto HAS to go to a more complete team, but, maybe all he does need is his faithful bodyguard, Benjamin and Andy Schleck’s wheel! Still hoping……
Hi, Alberto, you’re my hero, please leave Astana (no body left) and go to Garmin or Casse
You have been through so much and done so much with your life! Congratulations on winning the Tour twice!! I hope that things get settled quickly and in your favour regarding a team for le tour de france. Bonne chance! Thnking of you in Canada.
Dear Alberto,
Don’t let the event of this week get to you. Astana says they have the backing for 2010. We will see. Stay settled. Lance is counting on you getting riled. He is clearly not in this to spread cancer awareness. He came to a tour that he thought in his mind he could win. Now he out for one purpose… to foil your win in 2010. Be strong. Keep your mind focused. If you can survive the tour of 09, you can survive anything Lance throws at you. The problem for him will be what you throw.
We have every confidence in you. Be patient. Be still. All will work out for you.
Cheering for you always
Cathy and Denny
Michigan
The standard UCI rider/team contract (2.15.139 article 8.1.f) states, “if, on 20 October of the year preceding a year of registration covered by the present contract, the UCI ProTeam has not submitted a registration file containing the essential documents,” the rider may terminate the contract “without notice or liability for damages”.
Does anyone know if there is a precedence out there that will override this standard? It was just announced that several teams were being evaluated for the pro tour license. Astana is among one of them. If this is a solid standard, this might give Alberto an opening to join another team. The UCI will make its final decision in November.
Johnny Oregon
It is a great day!!!
Alberto is now a free agent no longer tied to Astana.
Let the bidding start!!!
Johnny Oregon
Here is some interesting news. Lance and Levi will be racing in the tour of california. The tour of california schedule has changed to may 16-23. The Giro is may 8-30. This means that Lance, Levi and Horner from Team Radio shack will not be riding in the first grand tour of the year.
If Alberto goes to caisse, Alejandro will not be able to ride in the Giro, his Italian suspension will still be in effect. Good news is that Alejandro will be able to race in the 2010 Tour De France because the race doesn’t take place in Italy unlike the 2009 tour.
I’m a grand tour nut. and my two favorite current riders are Alberto and Alejandro. I would love to see both of them on the same team.
Johnny Oregon
Cheers, Alberto.
I just want to congratulate you with a great season, with the victories in the Tour and Pais Vasco as the highlights. Of course, your winning margine would’ve been bigger if hadn’t had your hands tied by Armstrong and Bruyneel. And it just show some of your greatness when you’re working to get Armstrong on the podium rather than get the stagewin on Mont Ventoux, something Armstrong himself never would’ve done. But that’s this year, lets take a look at 2010:
I saw the Tour presentation on TV, and quite frankly, it’s a nice route. It certainly suits you well (as do all races with mountains in), but the lack of time trial is a small minus. I think Andy Schleck might become a threat to the overall, as he’s used to the narrow roads and the cobblestones up in Benelux, so you have to be careful and not give away much time on the opening stages. You will certainly crack everyone in the mountains, and I hope you give us a power-demonstration up to Avoriaz, just like Indurain did in his days.
By the way, I heard a comment from you that made me very happy:
“The Giro is suited to me: the time trial, the mountain time trial, stages to Plans de Corones, Zoncolan, Gavia and Mortirolo.”
Does this mean you’re going to ride the Giro next year? Quite frankly, nothing would make me happier! In my eyes, the Giro is the best race on the calendar, and the Giro is even more suited for you than the Tour. I really hope you will ride the Giro, because it will bring back memories to me. I recall watching my great hero Marco Pantani winning the Giro in 1998, a feat you would do ten years later, and now you have the chance to equal Big-Mig Indurain by winning to Giro’s.
So if you ride the Giro, I’m sure we will see some great battles between you and my other favourite rider and a good friend of yours, Riccardo Ricco’. Watching him attack you in the Giro 2008, and you bravely defend your lead was the greatest fight I’ve ever seen the past five years, and I really hope you will be at the starting line in Amsterdam next year.
I wish you the very best, from a lifelong fan of yours. No matter what happens, you will still be my favourite rider alongside the Pirate, Marco Pantani.
With the best wishes of a great season next year, Kristian Pettersen.
Alberto,
Every day…sometimes many times a day…I check to see what’s happening with all the Astana craziness…especially with regard to you. Every day I hope will be the day that will set you free from this mess of a team.
Finally, FINALLY it seems that you may be able to break free to join a really professional team. I hope, hope, hope that is so.
You so deserve to be on the BEST team with the BEST support to work for YOU. You are clearly the most talented rider in the world at this time. I will cheering madly for you again in 2010!
(Hoping to see you in a bit of argyle.)
Alberto, what a fabulous day!!! You are free. I am so happy for you! Soaring with you to that new team… Waiting to see where you choose to go.
May big blessings continue to shower your path
Cathy
Michigan
PS
We will replay the tour to keep warm this winter and look forward to a fantastic new season for you. Wow!!! How cool is that??? Can’t wait to see your new kit!!! Whooooo hooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alberto,
Every day…sometimes many times a day…I check to see what’s happening with all the Astana craziness…especially with regard to you. Every day I hope will be the day that will set you free from this mess of a team.
Finally, FINALLY it seems that you may be able to break free to join a really professional team. I hope, hope, hope that is so.
You so deserve to be on the BEST team with the BEST support to work for YOU. You are clearly the most talented rider in the world at this time. I will cheering madly for you again in 2010!
(Hoping to see you in a bit of argyle.)
Yes ……My words – and my thoughts……..EXACTLY – including the last phrase in brackets! I hope you will be able to put out of our ‘waiting’ misery soon!
I’m quoting a news article. Here is what Alberto said: “I will pretty much only think of the Tour de France for next year.”
So…No Giro or Vuelta? Please don’t tell me you are specializing in the tour de france like lance did…You missed the Giro and Vuelta this year.
Are you going to miss teh 2010 Giro and Vuelta?
Say it isn’t so Alberto
Johnny Oregon
Quoting the Associated press 16 minutes ago:
“ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Tour de France champion Alberto Contador will remain with the Astana team until his contract expires at the end of next year, Kazakh Cycling Federation deputy president Nikolai Proskurin says.”
This should be an interesting year. I guess we get to wait another few weeks to find out what the team roster will be like for Astana.
I don’t believe it. The folks in the big K can say what they want. Until I hear it from Alberto’s lips I am holding out for the new kit… Of course they will say they have Contador for another year. Yet they cannot even get their license on time.
I am eagerly waiting the word for our man…Alberto
Cathy
Michigan
You are being wise Alberto: you are carefully examining the contract; you are keeping an open mind about your future team and establishing the important priorities that will help you make your final decision; and you are focusing on the positive when there are those who would try to pull you down. You are a winner; keep the course! In the mean time, we are biting our nails waiting for the final outcome :-) !
Decision time soon? Reports sound as though a it will be made soon. Good Luck with whatever you choose.
regards L
Alberto,
I have to believe that everything happens for the best. All my best wishes to you for the future. We in the USA are behind you always!!
Many blessings,
Joan
Dear Alberto,
First of all I want to wish you a nice holiday at Curacao.
I think the dolphins like you…(not only them)
Secondly I wish you the best for 2010 and I think Quick Step would be a good chose. But your and Fran’s decision is always the best!
I hope I see you back in Tervuren with the Tour de France 2010.
Your fan forever
Eveline Lefevre xxx
Belgium
Interesting quote from Alberto:
If Contador stays with Astana, he’s asked the team to allow him to break his contract if any riders on the team are caught for doping and has demanded that Vinokourov not be allowed to be considered for the 2010 Tour.
I just gained even more respect for Alberto.
Best wishes,
Johnny Oregon
Hi Alberto
Considering what you have supported mentally on your last tour, you are the best TDF winner of all time. Your 2010 TDF is going to be easier as you will not have to support what did happened to you in this year TDF. As a 3 grand tour winner you are a legendary like Eddy Merckx, not like those who only focus at the TDF. Thanks for the show you did in the tour. wish you the best for 2010.