I'd admire your skills, Mr. Stafford
Just as I was about to crank out my cycling geek knowledge, Carlton goes and links to the blog of fellow N&R staffer Charlie Stafford.
I will not be fazed. And yes, even though Wimbledon is rolling - I've got some thoughts on that as well - and the World Cup is at the semifinals stage, I will also offer some opinions and maybe a little insight on the Tour as well.
Unlike Charlie, the loss of Ivan Basso and Ullrich hasn't sapped my enthusiasm. While the huge doping scandal will certainly put an asterisk on this year's tour, it's also opened it wide open. And this, after the retirement of Lance Armstrong already brought a huge dose of parity to the race.
Basso was my pre-race favorite, with Ullrich close on his heels. Now? I have no idea. But I do think it means an American could very well be at the top of the podium. Floyd Landis (provided he can show up the remaining stages ON TIME) Levi Leipheimer and big George Hincapie (Greenville, S.C. represent!) are all in the group of favorites. Heck, as Charlie mentioned briefly, Bobby Julich could become the new team leader for CSC now that Basso's out. Don't forget, once upon a time Julich actually finished third in the tour.
Here's a question for you cycling experts out there - and yes, Charlie you're allowed to answer as well. What about Alejandro Valverde? He looked very promising last year, yet I haven't seen him mentioned as a possible race favorite. Maybe I just missed it. But the guy was dynamite last year - winning the 10th stage after a sprint with Armstrong - before a knee injury forced him out. I'd think he'd probably be the guy to beat unless his team just absolutely stinks.
Comments (1)
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I'll see your Alejandro Valverde and raise you a...Matthias Kessler?
Okay, I'm not that convinced that Kessler is trying to set himself up as T-Mobile's new leader, but it could happen. He had a middling-to-poor prologue and doesn't appear to be a time-trail threat, but maybe he can climb mountains? I think he might be trying to sneak himself into contention.
Remember this name: Vladimir Karpets.
Why should you remember it? Well, because I said so. Won't it look great if he actually rides himself into contention? Then I can say "See. I told you so."
My latest update
Posted on July 4, 2006 1:37 PM