This year’s Tour de France promises to be different. As soon as Lance Armstrong announced his comeback last year, the Tour de France moved into the spotlight. To make this year’s tour even more interesting, Lance is competing for Astana, a team that has 4 TdF podium finishers on its roster, including the 2007 champion Alberto Contador.
As I think about this year’s race, here are some of the thoughts on my mind:
- With 7 TdF victories to his name, will Lance be able to play the role of a super domestique for another teammate in the TdF (for example, if Alberto Contador takes an early team lead)? This is not to say that I don’t think Lance is a professional who knows how to support his teammates — but this is the Tour de France. Sure, in the Giro Lance played water carrier for Levi. However, the Giro was positioned as a training ride for Lance, just a build-up for the main event in France.
- Will Astana become divided along national lines? Should Chris Horner be selected for the Astana TdF team (highly likely in my opinion), then there will be 3 US riders on the Astana roster (Lance, Levi, and Chris). Alberto Contador will be supported by fellow countryman Haimar Zubeldia. Astana has three other Spanish riders (José Luis Rubiera, Daniel Navarro, Benjamin Noval) on the team who could be selected to round out the TdF roster. I’m not assuming that the team will split along national lines, but it could happen. If Lance and Alberto are in direct competition, I can only imagine that Levi and Chris will be pulling for Lance. (Of course, this would put long-time Armstrong teammate José Luis Rubiera in a difficult position. José was instrumental in 5 of Lance’s TdF victories).
- How does the absence of Alejandro Valverde impact Alberto Contador’s chances? As we saw in the Dauphine Libere, Contador’s support for Valverde prompted a gesture of thanks from Valverde in the final stage. One would have expected that Valverde was prepared to repay the favor if Contador had a good shot at winning the TdF. Now we’ll never know.
- Where does all of this put Astana’s other podium finisher Andreas Klöden. Andreas placed 2nd in the TdF in 2004 and 2006. Although he could have been considered a contender this year, it appears that he is comfortable in the role of super domestique to either Lance or Alberto. Will he be forced to choose between the two?
- Although I think the world of Levi Leipheimer, I don’t think he is in contention for the overall victory at the TdF. Lance supported Levi in the Giro and I think Levi will do his best to help Lance in the TdF.
- And finally, what must Alexandre Vinokourov be thinking? Astana was built around him as a team leader. Fortunately, for Johan Brunyeel and company, his return to cycling won’t be until after the Tour de France. Things could have been worse.
The TdF may just be Astana’s last big race with its current roster. Much has been written about Lance’s desire to create a Livestrong-Nike team and Contador’s discussions with other teams. There wasn’t time to put a new team together before this year’s tour, but don’t be surprised to see a black and yellow kit on the roads of France next year.
The 2009 TdF will certainly be a test for the Astana team. Let’s hope that the drama plays out on the roads of France and not on the team bus.
3 responses so far ↓
Frank Steele // June 24, 2009 at 6:21 pm |
I don’t think Bruyneel will let the team split. Astana has 6 riders vying for the final 3 roster spots; I think Bruyneel will play his hand a bit by who gets selected. If Noval and Paulinho come along, he’s giving support to Contador, who wanted to take them along if he left for Garmin.
I agree Rubiera is more likely an Armstrong supporter after years riding together for Postal/Discovery. Not sure which way Navarro would lean, or Brajkovic — there’s more at play than national pride.
If neither Paulinho nor Noval are selected, and particularly if Horner is also selected, Bruyneel’s throwing support to Armstrong.
It’s interesting to consider the possibility of Armstrong and Contador among the leaders at the start of Stage 20 up Mont Ventoux.
velotimes // June 24, 2009 at 7:06 pm |
All very good points. I’m quite sure the selection of the final 3 Astana TdF riders factored into Armstrong’s decision to compete in (and show that he can convincingly win) at Nevada City. It puts just a bit more pressure on Bruyneel to build out the TdF team around Armstrong. Not to mention that it was also important for Chris Horner to demonstrate that he’s back in shape after the Giro.
velotimes // June 24, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Looks like we won’t have to wait too long to find out what Bruyneel is thinking. He just posted to Twitter: @johanbruyneel – Tomorrow we will announce the final Tour de France roster.