Andy Schleck Chain Pops Off Video
During Stage 15 of the Tour de France, Andy Schleck’s chain popped off, which has been the talk of the Tour as of late. As you can see in the video, Alberto Contador passes right by Schleck, with minimal hesitation. After the Stage, Contador is wearing the yellow jersey, and Schleck is knocked to second place. What many are debating, should Contador have waited for Schleck? Leave a comment on your opinion.
Whilst i understand there has allways been an element of fairplay involved in cycling, i was taken back by the negativity expressed toward Contador immediately after the incident by the public and much of the press.
Whilst what happened to Schleck was unfortunate ask yourself this when watching the replay, would Schleck have waited for Contador had he experienced a mechanical issue during his attack?
Contador didnt appear to me to go on an all out assault after the incident and regardless of what happened on the climb most of his time was gained on the descent. It could be argued that Schleck wasnt in the right frame of mind, fueled by anger his descent didnt appear to be as sure as Contador’s and there was a number of mistakes which cost time, the cumulative affect of those mistakes and the lack of any team assistance or other riders wishing to work with him costing nearly 30 seconds.
Dont forget this is a competetive sport. What would be the point in racing at all if fair play was called for every time someone fell, punctured or suffered some other misfortune? If we apply these rules then riders might aswell gather the first week in July in some parisian cafe and draw straws.
Eh! why not give the victory to Lance Armstrong he has suffered more misfortune than most in this years tour.
I say s#@t happens, get over it, the ongoing argument is spoiling a great event.
I have heard and read that Andy Schleck’s chain guard was un-installed during Stage 15. I cannot find a definitive answer to this point, not from Andy and not from Alberto. Suppose they are fatigued at talking about it. Can someone who knows clear this point?