Juan Pelota VS El Pistolero: A fistful of words

Sounds like some kind of old school western showdown doesn’t it? With the 2009 Tour de France now over the war of words between Lance Armstrong (Juan Pelota) and Alberto Contador (El Pistolero) has already heated up.

Juan Pelota

Everyone who watched this years TdF knows that Team Astana wasn’t sitting around the campfire singing Kum Ba Ya everynight with both LA and AC fighting for control of the team. While both showed at least a little restraint while the race was ongoing they’ve both come out swinging in the last few days starting with El Pistolero’s deragatory comments and then Lance firing back on Twitter.

I love it. Personally, I’m not a fan of Contador. I think he’s got a lot to learn before he comes a great cycling champion (I really just don’t like his grin). The sport of cycling needs a good rivalry like this and, even though Contador is nearly 12 years younger than Armstrong, next year is already shaping up to be a great year of cycling.

El Pistolero

Now toss in the fact that Armstrong will be racing on the newly formed Team Radio Shack and it gets even better. Who will make the switch to the USA’s newest pro team to help Lance dethrone Contador? Who knows but I’ll bet El Pistolero’s pea shooter that they’ll be gunning for him come July 2010.

I’m glad too because somebody needs to wipe that cheesy grin off Contador’s face.

What do you think? Is this rivalry good for cycling? Am I too hard on AC? Am I a LA fan boy?

http://www.331miles.blogspot.com 331miles

As I said in my DM, this post title is EXCELLENT. I literally sat and thought about the title wishing I had thought of it first. Then I read the actual post. GOOD WORK DUDE! Oh yeah — I agree with your assessment of El Pistolero's s-eating grin.
http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

@331miles: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it. I have the same opinion of his grin but just didn't put it in writing.

Congrats by the way. Really surprised you didn't go to Austin but I'm sure there are good reasons. Good luck.
retrogal

Fantastic post. Yes I think the rivalry is good on every level. More fans will watch heightening awareness of the sport and all the off-shoots such as each contender's story and whatever else they may be passionate about. Already the stage is set for next year. Competition is always good. Like everyone else, I can't wait. You know what they say, "no such thing as bad publicity".
http://mildstallion.wordpress.com Al

If it gets people talking about next year before the calendar turns to August, it’s gotta be good. The Lance vs Jan drama got tired after a while, and I don’t think many fans miss Jan.

Contador has the talent to be a dominator in years to come, but he will need a top notch team to do it. Let’s hope he’s not a clubhouse cancer on his next team.
http://bikingtolive.com Bryan

@retrogal: Thanks. Same here, can't wait until next year but it'll be entertaining up until then.

@Al: I agree. It will be interesting to see how El Pistolero's next team handles him.
http://www.used-tire.net used tires

Definitely does sound like a western showdown. In fact, I can see the two standing a solid distance apart with their guns, the dust ball rolling on the ground. Definitely man, the rivalry is definitely a good thing. It keeps things interesting, ya know?

Till then,

Jean