While scouring the Internet I came across what appears to be an early design graphic for, perhaps, Team Radio Shack. I’m not sure what it will be used for but I could see it on tshirts or maybe even a training jersey.

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.

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.

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?

Team High Road hammered out another impressive win in the Giro today with Greipel sprinting to the win followed closely by Cavendish. This was Greipel’s first win of the Giro while Cavendish already has two stage wins this year. Alberto Contador of Astana remains in the pink jersey by 41 seconds over Riccardo Ricco’ of Saunier Duval.

Team High Road was in full-force in the final 500 meters with four riders in the mix-Greipel, Cavendish, Brad Wiggins, and Tony Martin. Wiggins and Martin took care of the lead out duties through two 90-degree turns and with 250 meters to go it looked like Greipel was set to lead out Cavendish for another win. But Greipel continued his sprint all the way to the line and took it for himself.

Skeptics are already questioning if Cavendish “let” Greipel have the win. During post-race interviews Greipel seemed taken back by the insinuation and was adamant that there were no such plans.

Regardless what you think, with multiple stage wins already, and now this one-two finish, Team High Road is making a statement to the Pro Peleton.

GC after stage 17:
1. Alberto Contador (ESP), Astana in 72:14:40 at s.t.
2. Riccardo Ricco’ (ITA), Saunier Duval in 72:15:21 at 0:41
3. Gilberto Simoni (ITA), Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni in 72:16:01 at 1:21
4. Marzio Bruseghin (ITA), Lampre in 72:16:40 at 2:00
5. Franco Pellizotti (ITA), Liquigas in 72:16:45 at 2:05
6. Danilo Di Luca (ITA), Team L.P.R. in 72:16:58 at 2:18
7. Denis Menchov (RUS), Rabobank in 72:17:27 at 2:47
8. Emanuele Sella (ITA), CSF Group Navigare in 72:19:05 at 4:25
9. Broeck Jurgen Van Den (BEL), Silence-Lotto in 72:19:06 at 4:26
10. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA), CSF Group Navigare in 72:20:05 at 5:25

USA Notables:
20. Levi Leipheimer (USA), Astana in 72:31:21 at 16:41
40. Christian Vandevelde (USA), Slipstream-Chipotle in 72:54:34 at 39:54