Bon voyage and a goodby kiss from Faustino the Mechanic

Lizzy completed a brilliant introductory summer tour, visiting the Vuelta a España the Tour of Missouri. She met some of the biggest names in cycling: Alejandro Valverde, Ivan Basso, Samuel Sanchez, Jonathan Vaughters. It was impressive.

But since her true job is to unite Alberto Contador’s fans all over the world, she’s even more excited by visiting the people who support the champion.

The adventure so far:

China

Lizzy has made it half way around the world. She is currently the guest of sujiaying. They’re about to look at something very interesting on the computer.

Sujiaying is an avid Contador fan in China

 

Kazakhstan

Gulya with her niece at Koktobe Park in Almaty

At the apple fountain in Koktobe Park, Almaty

Hungary

The beginning of a big adventure in Hungary with Aniko

Alas, the hospital in Hungary couldn't cure Lizzy's emaciation.

Skinny Lizzy with Alejandro Valverde before a training ride in Assen

Lizzy was run over by the entire peloton at the Tour de France, from the leader of the escape to the lanterne rouge. Now she’s totally flat. What a disaster!

She’s so skinny now that she can fit into an envelope and travel anywhere in the world. Her new mission: to visit Alberto Contador’s friends and fans all in all parts of the international pueblo de Contador.

Skinny Lizzy set out on her adventures on Saturday, August 22, when she flew from Kansas City to visit Christine and Roger in Paris. Then they all drove north together to the Netherlands. Their destination: the Vuelta a España.

 September 16 – Lizzy lands in Córdoba for La Vuelta!

Valverde gold all over--because of Lucky Lizzy!

Lizzy has flitted back across the Atlantic to cycling Mecca–La Vuelta! Spain is incredible.  She has reunited with race leader Alejandro Valverde. He’s even happier than he was in Assen, because Lizzy has the Midas touch.

A rider as sensational and charming as Ivan Basso would make any fan feel fluttery, especially a fan made of paper.

So why not create a little mischief in the name of good sport? Let’s give Ivan some good luck, too.

Samuel Sanchez is within striking distance of Alejandro

And Samu, why not? Let’s make the Vuelta finale a nail-biter.

Lizzy is a bit shy of such an extreme level of Spanish stardom, so Christine steadies her.

By the way, Christine’s media smock says “Prensa” but it should say “Princess.”

Dani Navarro has had a great Vuelta

Wow! This is exciting, meeting Dani Navarro…

Jesus Hernandez is one of Contador's best friends

And Jesús–he might be pulling Alberto to victory in the Tour next year…

Egoi Martinez is part of the core strength of Euskaltel

And Egoi, he’s imposing, but the twinkle in the eyes! And you gotta love the Basque national color.

Climbing an orange tree in Spain

The delicious color of the Euskaltel kit made Lizzy crave a fresh orange. Looks like she’s in for a long wait. 

Aficionados de Contador in Cordoba

Out on the town with Guillermo and Juanfran in Córdoba.

September 15 – Skinny Lizzy and her Goodwill Tour of Missouri

Jonathan Vaughters is a fan of Alberto Contador

Lizzy flew back to the USA last week to visit her home race, the Tour of Missouri. It only cost 91¢.

Too bad Alberto wasn’t riding, but anywhere people race bikes, they love Contador. There were lots of friends and fans at TOM, but, frankly, Lizzy was also eager to turn on the diplomatic charm among people who had unfortunately been  psyched out by Tour tension. 

She was especially happy to meet Jonathan Vaughters, the manager of the Garmin-Slipstream team. People wonder if Alberto will ride for Vaughters’ team next year.  A lot of people would pay money to know the answer. God knows. God and Skinny Lizzy.

Author and great rider Michael Barry of Team Columbia-HTC

 It has always been Lizzy’s dream to meet Michael Barry.  She once spent a week working as a bookmark in his Inside the Postal Bus.

Jens Voigt refused Skinny Lizzy because Contador beat his teammate at the Tour. He said, “I don’t support him because he beat my friend Andy Schleck.” Lizzy was very impressed by this show of loyalty, and it didn’t hurt her feelings.

Sweet talk for Paul Sherwen

 Commentator Paul Sherwen has a soft spot for collies, and couldn’t resist Jenny. Pleasant words from Skinny Lizzy and the love of a good dog is just the medicine for Versus commentators after this year’s cranky Tour.

Steve drives the media car

 

We know how much
You love that gal,
But use both hands
For driving, pal!
(Burma Shave)

Tim and Lizzy in search of the God of Thunder

A man, a fan, a plan: Get Thor Hushovd’s autograph.

Things to do at the Tour of Missouri Stage 7 circuit

Adorable Adriana

Hang on to Skinny Lizzy so Adriana can be a disk jockey.

Los Alamos crew fly the Mexican colors for KOM leader Aldape

Throw a party!

Adriana’s dad, Augustin Juarez, hosted a big fiesta at the second KOM point, at 17th and Summit Street. His restaurant is called Los Alamos Market and Cocina. They have great food. You should go there.

Los Alamos sold over 500 burritos and 50 dozen fresh tamales at Stage 7 of the Tour of Missouri. Does a pro cycling race put money in Missourians’ pockets? YES.

Augustin opens orange fizzy drink with a machete

 Visit Los Alamos and the proprietor will open your pop with a machete. Skinny Lizzy saw it happen four times. 

Waiting for the KOM with open arms

Wear a big sombrero with Ramon and TJ, and…

This is a patriotic fan

 Be a good fan, and fan the flag of your favorite rider’s country, like Ramon.

Cate got her cowbells at Family Bikes on Wornall Road

Ring cowbells with Cate.

Charlie thinks this date is a bit flat

Cha-cha with Charlie.

Lizzy, Kim and Dr. Ted advocate bike helmets

Raise a few dollars to cure MS. Dr. Ted Higgins is the team leader of the Research Roughriders. Every September the Roughriders earn about $30,000 in contributions by doing the MS Bike Tour.

 

August 30 – Farewell to the Vuelta…for now

It’s hard to make friends one day and leave them behind the next!

It will be hard to say goodbye to Esther

Esther is a fan from Swindon in England. She runs a sports shop, but still manages to find time to go to all the big races. She developed a close bond with Skinny Lizzy immediately. Is it because they look so much like sisters?

Skinny Lizzy will follow the Vuelta to Zutphen, then it’s on to Bonn, Missouri, Scotland and Spain. Then, who knows?

August 29, 2009 – Lizzy meets four Contador fans in Assen

Even though Alberto Contador is not defending his title at the Vuelta this year, the stands were full of Contador fans at the opening time trial in Assen.

Two fans from Bavaria

These two fans from Munich also went to Monaco in July to see the start of the Tour. They’ve just driven eight hours to see the first stages of the Vuelta. Instead of staying in a hotel, they’re roughing it by tent-camping while they’re in Holland.

Clémence is a faithful fan from France

Clémence is from northern France. She has a claim to fame: she was spotted twice on television with Alberto this year as he signed autographs for her. Her mom teaches Spanish and always goes with her to the races.

By the way, Skinny Lizzy speaks Spanish. Her Spanish name, Flaca Elisa, was suggested by Alberto’s soigneur Valentin.

Elisa is from Paris

Today Skinny Lizzy met a person who shares her Spanish name. Elisa is Parisian, her favorite rider is Contador, and she never misses his races.

August 28, 2009 – Skinny Lizzy sits down for a chat with the guys and meets…the next Vuelta winner?

Haimar, Chechu and Dani relax with their guest

Lizzy was the guest of three of Contador’s compadres today, Haimar Zubeldia, Chechu Rubiera and Dani Navarro. A pretty impressive trio!

But little did she know…

Race favorite Alejandro Valverde and Skinny Lizzy

…that she’d find herself face-to-face with the potential winner of  the Vuelta a España! Alejando Valverde took  just a second from his preparation to say hi to Contador fans. Good luck in the race, Alejandro!

August 26, 2009 – Skinny Lizzy meets Alberto’s favorite soigneur and his bike mechanics in Assen

Skinny Lizzy is the thinnest fan reporter at the Vuelta

A girl on an adventure like Lizzy needs access to the hub. Thank goodness she was able to slip under the door of the press room and get a pass.

Alberto's favorite soigneur Valentin

Valentin gave Skinny Lizzy a wrist massage. Ahh…! 

Faustino the Mechanic

Slow down, Faustino! You two hardly know each other.

Javi is one of Contador's trusted bike fixer-uppers

Mechanic Javi was a perfect gentleman, and very pleased to meet Skinny Lizzy.

(photos by Alberto Contador Notebook staff)

 

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