So everybody is up in arms about this “chain of events” at this year’s Tour de France in that Contador didn’t wait for his rival, Andy Schleck, when Schleck’s chain came off after an attack towards the end of Stage 15. In the long run, it probably won’t mean very much. Yes, Alberto did apologize on his youtube channel, and I think that’s a good thing. Yes, he was boo’ed on the podium when he received his yellow jersey. Yes, we all know that Schleck needed those seconds going into the time trial. However, let’s get real for a minute. Schleck, while very strong in the moutnains, is still no time trialing champion. And don’t give me that shit about the TT champ of Luxemburg either… There were only 4 people competing, and that included his brother, Frank. And since they just continue to trade the road and TT champ jersey each year, it’s not like he had much of a competition.
I’m saying all that to say this… Alberto is just better right now. Sorry that it has to be said that way, and I really am pulling for Schleck, but face it. It’s Alberto’s world. He’s won the last 4 grand tours he’s been in, and the real ‘chain of events’ we need to be worried about or be talking about are how many Grand Tours he could win… in a row.