Tour-D-Rama?

Two prominent and talented athletes brought drama to this year’s Tour De France. Normally a cycling team has a clear number one rider who is supported by the rest of the team, not this year.  For team Astana, Lance Armstrong and Alberto Contador, his rival and teammate, had been battling out who should be number one since the tour began. This is to be expected seeing as how Contador won the race in 2007 and Armstrong has been in retirement for 3 ½ years.

As expected Armstrong held a strong lead against Contador and the rest of the team. That lead did not last long before Contador raced ahead of Armstrong and Andy Schleck in the Alps.  Armstrong came in at an impressive third place, four years after winning his seventh tour.  Contador claimed Schleck, who came in second place, was his toughest competitor in the mountains.

Contador more than proved himself worthy by overcoming obstacles in the mountains and 2,141 miles of racing over a three week period.  He says the biggest battle was against his own team, Astana. Earlier in the year Armstrong accused Contador of being inexperienced and not being a team player.  During the race Armstrong said Contador’s decisions went against the good of the team and that he lacked respect for his teammates and competitors. 

This being Contador’s second win, he stood strong against Armstrong’s accusations and admitted there was a lack of communication between the strongest team leaders.  He said the lack of communication and tension also had an in impact on the rest of the cyclists and technical staff.  Maybe Armstrong’s point is valid. Contador should be thankful for his team, because without them he would not have where he is today. Contador has received the most criticism for saying (about Armstrong), “I have never admired him and never will.”

Next year Armstrong is expected to launch his own U.S. – based team.  Contador’s place on team Astana is uncertain.