Nice.

To do otherwise would be tacky!

(Sorry, I just started the pun attacks)

I see this as apples and oranges.  The flat tires were sabotage.  The dropped chain was not.

I see where you are coming from, but in fairness, the unwritten rule is that you don't attack when there is a mechanical issue/crash regardless of cause.

Now some will argue that your bike's mechanical issues are part of you (your team) responsibility and thus part of the race.  But I think that for the most part a pro cyclist wants to beat another pro cyclist, not win because the other guy flatted (or his chain fell off).

Right, and plenty will argue that dropping your chain at a critical time after your challenger started his attack is operator error and perfectly fine to attack. It wasn't a mechanical.

There is a lot of etiquette in cycling and may very well be from a long history of "gentleman's rules". I always took it as a ego thing... the best rider in the world does not need misfortune to beat you, he will beat you with or without. I remember when Armstrong held up for Ullrich... it was the "proper" thing to do, but I also thought it must have been very demoralizing to Jan to know the Texan didn't have a care in the world waiting for him to beat him. There are head games in every sport.

Again... It always seems people forget that Contador had 2 other GC contenders ahead of him who were not slowing down. AS made a mistake (two actually) and it made no sense for AC to wait... he was on a different team with a lot to lose after all.

Because Karma comes around! :D

I can't wait for the USADA add these charges to Lance. SABOTAGE! 

All kidding aside, that is an excellent example of sportsmanship.