Unfair sportsmanship rears it ugly head in Stage 15 of  the 2010 Tour de France, between Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck.  Different than the rivalry between the Tour de France greats of the likes of  Lance Armstrong and Juan Ulrich battle of the mountains, where both displayed true champion qualities, and respect of a fair race, barring any unfair mechanical advantages over the other for personal gain.

Adrenalin pumping, physical exertion, and the overwhelming desire to gain time to win the coveted yellow jersey for the GC of the Tour de France is a life long dream, for these two top young competitors.  The pain and sacrifice that these two riders have committed to their daily training is imaginable to most.  This doesn’t overshadow the core character of fair play.  Most would consider it unsportsmanlike to take advantage of a  mechanical failure, which Alberto Contador did, and continues to show no respect for other riders.  We saw it also last year in the mountains, against his previous team member Lance Armstrong, when they both were on Team Astana.  Andy Schleck said “He wouldn’t have attacked”

The battle will continue, whether you believe it was fair play or not, the strong will survive and prevail,  and the rivalry between Alberto Contador and Any Schleck has been placed in cement for years to come.

The 2010 Tour de France is heating up for these two champions, Andy Schleck 8 seconds trailing Alberto Contador.

See more Cycling News, Videos and Bike information about the Tour de France

Get your daily Bike Auction Listings via RSS
Current Road Bike Auctions | Current Mountain Bike Auctions