Contador rumor mill

VeloNews passes along euro-rag rumors that the accountant has his big deal almost finalized with Astana.

4 months ago Jimbo... 49 comments 0 recs |

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4 years would be a long contract with those guys around you...

by Vlaanderen90 on Nov 9, 2009 1:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

8 million euros a year, though.

That’s over 12 million Fahrenheit.

It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro

by majope on Nov 9, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

4 years is a very long contract

… when the sponsor is committed for 3 years.

(Although, granted, I don’t imagine that anyone needs to be concerned about the sponsor extending as required…)

by Lou... on Nov 9, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i just wish

his brother franny would make up his mind…

by rowyco on Nov 10, 2009 5:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hole in one there, I think

Not a fan of the brother-as-agent thing at all. Or any family member.

by civetta on Nov 11, 2009 12:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Brilliant

Take their gimormous sums of money the skip town when one of these clauses are broken

If Contador stays with Astana, he’s asked the team to allow him to break his contract if any riders on the team are caught for doping and has demanded that Vinokourov not be allowed to be considered for the 2010 Tour.

"It looks like talking, but it’s just words that comes out"
~ Andy Schleck

by Hons on Nov 9, 2009 3:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I would like to see how Astana handles the Vino clause

I would also like to see how Vino handles the Vino clause.

I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?

by Drew... on Nov 9, 2009 3:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I would guess the insane amount of money might be to buy that clause out of the final contract

and especially the Astana-rider-caught-doping=get out of jail free card. Too risky on Astana’s part—plus, if I were the others on the team, I’d sure hesitate before accepting a drink from Alberto.

It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro

by majope on Nov 9, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This would cause any resentment from his teammates do you? I mean, just because he’d be making more money than the rest of the team combined and determining who races where. The guys will all see passed that to the sociable team player that he really is, right?

Or else Chris is right, and the whole story is a fabrication.

Tickets are bought, Belgium here I come!

by jsallee00 on Nov 10, 2009 11:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does 8 million Euros mean the negotiations are failing?

Seems like an act of desperation. I’d hate to have a boss like the Astana federation. If they pay 8 million they will expect 8 worth of cycling meat. They’ll never be happy with just the Tour victory and I doubt AC will enjoy the money under those circumstances. IMO Contador should have never slowed down when the door was open, now it’s hitting him in the ass.

Cancellara was robbed! There is none better.

by Mark Frank on Nov 9, 2009 4:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Maybe, his original asking price was 4 mil

I can’t see Astana saying “oh lets double that just for fun” if he would have taken them up on the 4 mil deal, Astana seems to be getting desperate. That’s F1 driver type money for a cyclist, you hardly ever see that.

Look, it's a bird...no, it's a plane....oh never mind it's just fucking balloon boy

by Phil H. on Nov 9, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not just hardly ever

but really, never ever. I’ve never seen a salary offer this high in cycling. Silly money, right there.

S’pose it all depends on just how wealthy he wants to be.

by gavia on Nov 9, 2009 5:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Never ever

I am leaving open the possibility that this report is complete bullshit.

"Harder! Better! Faster! Stronger!" Philippe Gilbert

by Chris... on Nov 9, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Possible

But I actually tend to think it’s real. Maybe it’s something I ate. I can’t remember who it was, but someone made the comment in a previous round of Contador-ing, that Astana does not behave in a financially rational manner. Or in a rationally financial manner. Or something. Anywho, they seem to just throw seemingly infinite sums of money at problems in the hope it helps. Desperation times, right now, they really need to keep this Spanish dude on their team. So reach in that money sack. That’s a very expensive Tour invite they’re buying, and I thought BMC was spending big to score a trip to France.

Silly money.

by gavia on Nov 9, 2009 6:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Remember that the team owners are the "Government"

or some cabal of oligarchs or something quasi-governmental, which means that they print the money! 8 million per year is chicken feed.

by Jimbo... on Nov 9, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I think Astana is just throwing out a big number

in a desperate attempt to keep Bert. I think he should be very careful, it may be a case were Astana either doesn’t pay him what they promised or do and suddenly fall apart financially and disband. I can’t imagine a team that just 6 months ago wasn’t able to pay its riders(if that was really the case) can suddenly fork out record amount of money for one rider while still building a solid team around him and paying all those guys and the staff. Sounds fishy.

Look, it's a bird...no, it's a plane....oh never mind it's just fucking balloon boy

by Phil H. on Nov 9, 2009 10:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh Gavia

our sweet little country mouse. “Why would the Spanish media print it if it wasn’t true?”

"Harder! Better! Faster! Stronger!" Philippe Gilbert

by Chris... on Nov 10, 2009 5:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Me?

I’m usually the last one to think these things are true….

by gavia on Nov 10, 2009 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Indeed

which makes this all the more fun. Srsly, your rationale makes me wonder if they really would pay 8mil for someone. Might. This will be a fun little experiment to see if you can build a cohesive/coherent cycling team around a single, ridiculously overpaid star. Kind of like Dave Winfield and the 1987 Yankees.

"Harder! Better! Faster! Stronger!" Philippe Gilbert

by Chris... on Nov 10, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

I rather hope he signs, you know, so we have plenty to write about and stuff ;-)

by gavia on Nov 10, 2009 7:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

astana

the real madrid of cycling? if only ronaldo could use cycling to speed up his recovery..

"well...you live in england so: you love the rain. loves the queen. hates cycling. based on mr bean had a tremendous amount of humour. all ride in a mini cooper. all getting drunk before the age of 12. getting drunk at least 3 times a day."- frinking, 7/9/09

by benrazor on Nov 10, 2009 9:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am leaving open the possibility

that AC never ever gets really paid

Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!

by perezbike on Nov 9, 2009 9:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe he wakes up one day and there is a horse's head in bed with him.

Cancellara was robbed! There is none better.

by Mark Frank on Nov 9, 2009 10:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I think he'll get paid.

It’s more a question of whether signing for four years is a wise choice. And whether he really wants to ride for Astana. Me, I’d be so out of there, no matter how big the contract. But then, I’m not exactly known for my financial acumen. I’m a writer.

by gavia on Nov 10, 2009 12:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Story of my life...

But then, I’m not exactly known for my financial acumen. I’m a writer.

It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro

by majope on Nov 10, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

lol, yeah

If we were financially acumenous, we would definitely not be sitting in front of the keyboard all the time ;-)

by gavia on Nov 10, 2009 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am open to that possibility, too

For a number of reasons. A minor one being that some reports around the traps were saying that the Accountant wanted it in writing that Vino ‘would ride the Giro and not the Tour’. Well, that’s a very odd thing to ask, don’t you reckon? (the Giro bit, that is. Although the bit about the Tour could be seen as a bit odd in some ways, too…). Then of course there’s the matter of a four year contract and a three year sponsor commitment…

It kinda looks like the product of Belgian boredom ;-)

by Lou... on Nov 10, 2009 1:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

These are pretax numbers

is his brother / agent smart enough to get this contract paid in a tax effective location.

AC should by a villa in Zug, Switzerland and negotiate a flat tax with local authorities. Could add multi-million after tax to the entire deal.

AC if you are reading, drop me a line and I’ll arrange for only a small fee. Your borther can drive us to the meeting.

Moo

by Willj on Nov 9, 2009 5:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Or Monaco

Look, it's a bird...no, it's a plane....oh never mind it's just fucking balloon boy

by Phil H. on Nov 9, 2009 6:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure his brother is that smart

At least when it comes to being an agent. Or was someone else AC’s agent when the Astana contract got signed?

Staring at the swim team gets you killed by a gang of dancing ninja men who know how to twirl.

by TheFigurehead on Nov 10, 2009 4:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rominger I think.

of course it’s entirely possible that I am daydreaming..

by rbjhan on Nov 10, 2009 9:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Monaco

Actually, Monaco would be much better from a tax perspective than Switzerland.

I suspect the request that Vino rides the Giro rather than The Tour is Bert’s way of ensuring there’s no repeat of 2008. After all, ASO made it plain to Liquigas that Basso wouldn’t be welcome and they’ll probably apply the same rule to Vino. Which is a shame for Bert as Astana would be a stronger Tour team with both Vino and Kash.

by Orbea Girl on Nov 10, 2009 2:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

And the latest from Belgium

…is that he’s shortly going to announce that he’s signing with Astana for two years. Apparently ‘Le Soir’ is the source… a publication which I admit I am unfamiliar with (…does anyone have any thoughts, re reliability?)

by Lou... on Nov 10, 2009 6:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Waiiiiiiiit a minute

Alberto is The Accountant here……why would he let his brother negotiate the deal? Silly rabbit.

Also, no matter what the money is, locking yourself into a 4 year contract strikes me as madness. Pro teams can change so drastically from year to year, I think he’s nuts to lock in for that amount of time.

I mean uh... hasn't that ever occurred to you, man? Sir?

by Drew... on Nov 10, 2009 9:35 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

His brother is a Contador too

by Le Comte on Nov 10, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Frankie the Accountant.

"Harder! Better! Faster! Stronger!" Philippe Gilbert

by Chris... on Nov 10, 2009 6:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe it will only be for one year. Is the dust settling yet?

Cancellara was robbed! There is none better.

by Mark Frank on Nov 10, 2009 10:33 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

"Is the dust settling yet?"

It’s still hurricane season with this story.

No horn, watch for finger.

by sminer on Nov 10, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does AC remind anyone a little bit of

Ricky Henderson, from back in 1989 or so?

by bethie on Nov 10, 2009 8:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Baseall legend Ricky?

Ah, no. Why do you ask?

No horn, watch for finger.

by sminer on Nov 10, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Kinda,

in that both AC and Ricky are/were the best in the business in one aspect of their games (climbing and speed on the basepaths) while also being one of the best at another, often mutually exclusive of the first, aspect of their games (prologues/TTing and power hitting.) Also both seemed to have big egos and prone to showboating. Hmm…Jose Canseco and Barry Bonds come to mind at this description, too…sorry, wrong turn…I liked the early 80’s Ricky when teamed with Dwayne Murphy and Tony Armas in the outfield for the Billyball (Billy Martin, that is) A’s. Ricky and AC are both explosive.

by M. Anatole on Nov 10, 2009 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

"I am leaving open the possibility that this report is complete bullshit."

Chris commenting on the Contador salary rumors.

I think this is the best quote of the week on this subject.

No horn, watch for finger.

by sminer on Nov 10, 2009 8:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps he's really having this conversation with another team

AC: ‘Look, if you could give me even two-thirds of what Astana are offering [suppresses grin], I might consider it, but as it is…’

Other Team: Ummm… Is this enough?

AC: Yes.

by Drongo on Nov 10, 2009 11:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Interview with Fran

at Biciciclismo. He says (or Google Translate claims he says) that the chances of Bert staying at Astana are very high, but it would be for only one year and a lot depends on whether Astana gets their Pro Tour license.

As to the 8 million/4 year report: “It has nothing to do with reality.”

It was just a long race--Edvald Boasson Hagen, on the Giro

by majope on Nov 11, 2009 6:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yup

And Frankie the Accountant hints that Nov. 20 is the key date on that pro tour license bit. After that the dominoes should start to fall.

"Harder! Better! Faster! Stronger!" Philippe Gilbert

by Chris... on Nov 11, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

more than that

he say that it is a lie..but I would translate it as “complete BS”

he also says AC arrives tomorrow and during the afternoon or Friday he is going to be informed about everything and they will take a decision in a few days. For the future he says their priority when choosing a team is the sportive side (versus money)

Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!

by perezbike on Nov 11, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't

Isn’t it foolish to strike a deal w/ lawless oligarchs?
They barely responded to the Belgian pressure to pay salaries last summer, even with the Lance Armstrong publicity glare. What leverage, other than UCI rules, does AC have to ensure the (presumably) vast sums of money get paid? You can sit at a desk in Kazakhstan and laugh all day at silly French/Swiss bleatings about your bank “guarantee”.

And the horse head in beside you may be the least of your worries.

by MavicMoto on Nov 11, 2009 9:07 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

er, maybe

But is that what we’re dealing with? I personally wouldn’t disparage them too much just yet. OTOH, I know you have some up-close views on the sport so perhaps you are right.

"Harder! Better! Faster! Stronger!" Philippe Gilbert

by Chris... on Nov 11, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You put the salary in escrow

Contador isn’t stupid, and while his brother might be a shitty agent, I’m sure there’s a talented lawyer involved on his side. Astana wants him, and bad. They can front the cash if that’s what he’s holding out for.

by Sui Juris on Nov 12, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs