So who is Team Astana racing for this year at the TdF

so it seems everyone is thinking Contador is the odds on favorite. But really, is Lance likely to race in any role other than the Patron? Isn't it against his nature to be a domestique?

Could this all be posturing?

Who is team Astana really racing for? Lance or Contador?

After stage 7 this is the way I see it. Bruyneel wants three Astana riders on the podium, preferably with Lance in yellow, and it will be Contador's fault if an Astana rider doesn't win.

Not sure about the team, but LA is definitely racing for himself, and he would probably want the whole team to also ride for him. His attack in stage 3 alone proves that. His ego is way too big to ever play a domestique role.

The more I think about it, this Tour de France course favors LA over AC. With only 1 mountain top finish so far, this is a disadvantage for AC. If there were more mountain top finishes he would be able to attack more and get more time. This also allows LA to conserve energy and get into better climbing shape for the 3rd week. This race will be very close with the TT and Mt Ventoux deciding it.

What race were you watching? LA didnt attack in stage 3.

I tend to agree with you here. I think he'll be content to do what he has to do to stay even... and count on Contador expending energy when he doesn't need to. When he senses AC is weak.. he'll try to go then. Race experience could possibly get him the win.

Clearly, not the same one as you.