"Astana's Alberto Contador says he considers seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong to be "just another member of the team"." - AJ Kohn from Bookmarklet

Okay Alberto - you keep telling yourself that. Still won't make it true. - AJ Kohn

So who is the team captain? Contador? Armstrong eats egos for lunch. - Jason Huebel

It's Armstrong's team, period. Anyone who dismisses Armstrong as a domestique is delusional. That being said, I think Contador is the best all-around rider in the world right now, and he could go on to win several more Tours. He pushed harder than Lance today because he is younger and can afford to do so. We won't know what Armstrong has until the mountains. This is really interesting, though: Astana can't afford to piss of Contador, since he's the future. Most fascinating Tour in years. - Chris Baskind

Agreed. You have some of the top riders in Astana, Armstrong has returned, there's a bit of tension within the team and the team had a commanding start. However, is Armstrong technically a domestique on the team? - Jason Huebel

But that's what they all say. - Mike Reynolds

4 of the top 10 are from Astana. It's gonna be interesting. If they're 1-2-3 at one point - do they support the #1 or is it a dogfight? - AJ Kohn

I think they support Contador, but tell Lance he's free to take a flyer if he feels strong. I can think of at least one guy on the team who would support him, and is capable. THEN we see what happens. It's like racing two teams, isn't it? - Chris Baskind

I think the team time trial could make it very interesting. Astana will probably take minutes there - so then they could really be just racing amongst themselves. - AJ Kohn

If it gets to the point where they're racing amongst themselves, I can see them breaking up into Contador and Armstrong support teams. I don't think that's a bad thing, as long as they come together as a team when it matters. - Jason Huebel

I can see that too, but they'll need to circle the wagons if Sastre or Schleck suddenly come up and challenge. - AJ Kohn

4 of the top 10 is a great way to start. - Mike Reynolds

PLEASE let this be a clean Tour. It has such potential for real racing drama: two generations of champions, team turmoil, big egos, and an interesting course. Bring it! - Chris Baskind

+1 Chris Baskind - Mike Reynolds