This looks to be another Tour full of suprises. With no real favourites, and last year's winner Contador and his very strong Astana team left out, anybody can win the title.
The Rabobank will be allowed to participate again, despite the controversy around their rider Michael Rasmussen last year, who was taken out of the race 3 days before the end when he looked certain to have won it.
This year their will be a stage which includes the famous Alpe d'Huez again, and for the first time in a few years the Tour will go through the south of France first and then finish with the Alps just before Paris.
Full Version: Tour De France
The Rabobank team has just been announced, which is the moment it starts to shiver in my body. Wonderful to see the Alp d'Huez in this years tour again. Either that or the Mont Ventoux has to be in, but it's good to see some changes because else each year would be to much alike.
The Rabobank team: Denis Menchov, Laurens ten Dam, Pieter Weening, Oscar Freire, Juan Antonio Flecha, Sébastian Langeveld, Koos Moerenhout, Bram Tankink, and Joost Posthuma.
Young talent Thomas Dekker is not included. He has been off form for quite a while now. To bad I really wanted to see him in the Tour and try to start to walk in Boogert's footsteps. A few new names for the tour in Ten Dam and Langeveld. I am not such a close cycling supporter that I can say much about them, accept that I know Langeveld is really talented.
I wonder if we can get out revenge for last year, when the entire Rasmussen drama effected our image. Russian Denis Menchov will be our frontman, like he was supposed to be last year. Let's just wait and see
The Rabobank team: Denis Menchov, Laurens ten Dam, Pieter Weening, Oscar Freire, Juan Antonio Flecha, Sébastian Langeveld, Koos Moerenhout, Bram Tankink, and Joost Posthuma.
Young talent Thomas Dekker is not included. He has been off form for quite a while now. To bad I really wanted to see him in the Tour and try to start to walk in Boogert's footsteps. A few new names for the tour in Ten Dam and Langeveld. I am not such a close cycling supporter that I can say much about them, accept that I know Langeveld is really talented.
I wonder if we can get out revenge for last year, when the entire Rasmussen drama effected our image. Russian Denis Menchov will be our frontman, like he was supposed to be last year. Let's just wait and see
Although I have been out of touch with cycling a bit, I know it's logical that Gesink and Dekker aren't included. Too bad, I hope they'll make it next year.
On what days are the interesting stages in the Alps and Pyrenees?
Oh, and if Menchov can't win, which he probably can't, then I think I'll root for Valverde, I like that guy. Who are your favorites lads?
On what days are the interesting stages in the Alps and Pyrenees?
Oh, and if Menchov can't win, which he probably can't, then I think I'll root for Valverde, I like that guy. Who are your favorites lads?
I think I am a bit like you, a real bad cycling supporter.. Only when the tour comes around we start to get warm 
The tour just has something magic I feel. I can't watch the Giro or the Vuelta, sometimes I see pieces and I will see what happen but I won't stay at home or check out information on the internet or what so ever.
I don't know what to support besides the Rabo team. My favourites usualy start to come out when the tour starts. Like any supporter, I love the attacking kind of cyclist. I hate cyclers like Evans and Basso in his earlier years, all they do is following.
The tour just has something magic I feel. I can't watch the Giro or the Vuelta, sometimes I see pieces and I will see what happen but I won't stay at home or check out information on the internet or what so ever.I don't know what to support besides the Rabo team. My favourites usualy start to come out when the tour starts. Like any supporter, I love the attacking kind of cyclist. I hate cyclers like Evans and Basso in his earlier years, all they do is following.
Dekker not making the team is a shocker for me. The guy was so good last year for Rasmussen, he set the tempo in some very important stages and if you looked at the names of the guys falling behind because of his tempo i was really amazed. He was not strong in Switzerland, suffered some injuries and sicknesses and so fell out of form. Im extremely dissapointed.
Menchov will most probably be crap again, when it really matters. Flecha and Freire will probably get us some stages wins, though i think getting as many as the last 2 years will be near to impossible. Freire was amazing last year, and even though he has been out of form lately i think he will come up when it really matters.
I hope the Rabo team do well of course, and otherwise i hope CSC do well. They are an attacking team usually, just like the Euskatel are in the Pyrenees.
I reckon Valverde and Sastre could win the whole thing, seeing as the favorites are left out.
Menchov will most probably be crap again, when it really matters. Flecha and Freire will probably get us some stages wins, though i think getting as many as the last 2 years will be near to impossible. Freire was amazing last year, and even though he has been out of form lately i think he will come up when it really matters.
I hope the Rabo team do well of course, and otherwise i hope CSC do well. They are an attacking team usually, just like the Euskatel are in the Pyrenees.
I reckon Valverde and Sastre could win the whole thing, seeing as the favorites are left out.
QUOTE(Mr.Beek @ Jun 26 2008, 05:12 AM) 
I reckon Valverde and Sastre could win the whole thing, seeing as the favorites are left out.
Evans should be in that list.. I hate that chicken, but still he has proven to be able to compete with the best. He just never seems to be able to attack by himself.
Haha, only Dutchies here so far 
Haha, I know what you mean. Everybody loves that crazy Colombian guy from last year. Nobody had ever heard of the lad, all I remember is that he was young and with an unknown team. Does anybody remember his name?
Edit: I wiki'ed him: Mauricio Soler!
I disagree on you with Basso. He may not be as explosive and adventurous as others, but -before his suspension, after Lance retired- he was by far the best cyclist in the peloton, and would've won anything had he not been suspended.
I think you think Basso only sits back, because that is what he did when he was the only one that could follow Armstrong in his best years. But could you name anyone who actually was able to go over Armstrong, without ruining his legs for the rest of the week?
Does anyone know a site with the full team rosters?
QUOTE(ErnestEnzo @ Jun 24 2008, 10:26 PM)
I don't know what to support besides the Rabo team. My favourites usualy start to come out when the tour starts. Like any supporter, I love the attacking kind of cyclist. I hate cyclers like Evans and Basso in his earlier years, all they do is following.
Haha, I know what you mean. Everybody loves that crazy Colombian guy from last year. Nobody had ever heard of the lad, all I remember is that he was young and with an unknown team. Does anybody remember his name?
Edit: I wiki'ed him: Mauricio Soler!
I disagree on you with Basso. He may not be as explosive and adventurous as others, but -before his suspension, after Lance retired- he was by far the best cyclist in the peloton, and would've won anything had he not been suspended.
I think you think Basso only sits back, because that is what he did when he was the only one that could follow Armstrong in his best years. But could you name anyone who actually was able to go over Armstrong, without ruining his legs for the rest of the week?
Does anyone know a site with the full team rosters?
QUOTE(ErnestEnzo @ Jun 29 2008, 05:28 AM)
Evans should be in that list.. I hate that chicken, but still he has proven to be able to compete with the best. He just never seems to be able to attack by himself.
Yeah maybe he should be. I was actually rooting for him last year, well when Rasmussen got taken out at least. I prefer him over Contador any day, i have my doubts about Contador and the things he might use as well. He does depend a lot on others, but he is good in the mountains, is a very good time trial rider and has a good team around him. He could end up winning it, but to be honest i dont really hope so. Im hoping for a suprise this year, maybe even from the Rabo team
QUOTE(Cuándo volverás @ Jun 29 2008, 01:10 PM)
Edit: I wiki'ed him: Mauricio Soler!
I disagree on you with Basso. He may not be as explosive and adventurous as others, but -before his suspension, after Lance retired- he was by far the best cyclist in the peloton, and would've won anything had he not been suspended.
I think you think Basso only sits back, because that is what he did when he was the only one that could follow Armstrong in his best years. But could you name anyone who actually was able to go over Armstrong, without ruining his legs for the rest of the week?
I disagree on you with Basso. He may not be as explosive and adventurous as others, but -before his suspension, after Lance retired- he was by far the best cyclist in the peloton, and would've won anything had he not been suspended.
I think you think Basso only sits back, because that is what he did when he was the only one that could follow Armstrong in his best years. But could you name anyone who actually was able to go over Armstrong, without ruining his legs for the rest of the week?
Lol yeah Soler was great! Cyclers like that make a tour fun.
Nah Basso was likely to do that I feel, like I said especially in his first years. He never even tried competing with Armstong.. When other did. They failed yes, but atleast they tried. Basso just followed Armstrong which is a big no for me
When Armstrong quit we saw that he was the best, until he got suspended. I would have appreciated him more if he actualy tried beating Amstrong, I can't remember Basso attacking against him in a single tour-course.
And we're off. Odd to not have a Prologue, but I actually like this better
Can't wait to see how Cadel Evans performs. Had a great Tour de France last year and hopefully he can go one better this time around.
My bet's on Valverde. Spain Euro champs, Nadal wins Wimbledon, it's a Spanish year me reckons.
Can someone please tell me why Contador is not competing this year?
QUOTE(Bubbakanoosh @ Jul 8 2008, 11:59 AM)
Can someone please tell me why Contador is not competing this year?
He is now with Team Astana, who have a very doubtable reputation concerning all the affairs of the last years. The French organizations are on a witch hunt against anyone related with the affairs, and so Astana wasn't allowed to participate in this year's Tour, even though they have last year's winner and probably the best of all in Alberto Contador.
Can't think of a reason why Contador went to Astana other than the money. Sure, there's Kloden and Leipheimer. But they're both in the twilight years of the careers just wanting to rake in a few extra bucks for their pension. Contador would've done great in team Slipstream I think.
The favourite of Ernst is already out. Soler fell hard in the first stage and had to give up.
Menchov has already lost valueble time, but has made up for it with a good time trial and decent climb today. Ricco had a terrible time trial but mastered Valverde in HIS climb today, which was a great shock to everybody.
Evans looks good so far, the only man going for the classifications who hasnt lost any time yet. Kirchen is in the yellow right now, i prefer him above Schumacher anyday.
More climbs of the 2nd categorie tomorrow, should be great again.
Oh and the Rabo's are actually doing pretty decent.
Menchov has already lost valueble time, but has made up for it with a good time trial and decent climb today. Ricco had a terrible time trial but mastered Valverde in HIS climb today, which was a great shock to everybody.
Evans looks good so far, the only man going for the classifications who hasnt lost any time yet. Kirchen is in the yellow right now, i prefer him above Schumacher anyday.
More climbs of the 2nd categorie tomorrow, should be great again.
Oh and the Rabo's are actually doing pretty decent.
Well fortunately Schummacher is not a candidate for the Tour win. He'll drop further back as the climbs get tougher.
Menchov isn't out I believe, but just have this feeling this ain't his year either. He just doesn't look in great form.
I'm starting to get get reasonably worried about Valverde. That knock he received didn't him good either. Could be on his way to a slow death. I hope I'm wrong, I wanna see him do the exact opposite.
Menchov isn't out I believe, but just have this feeling this ain't his year either. He just doesn't look in great form.
I'm starting to get get reasonably worried about Valverde. That knock he received didn't him good either. Could be on his way to a slow death. I hope I'm wrong, I wanna see him do the exact opposite.
This years Tour de France seems very weird to me as their are so many people who can actually win this thing. Valverde has never impressed me tbh but he does have an excellent team and that could definitely be a factor. Ricco looks like he can climb as well, reminds me a bit of Contador. Obviously Cadel Evans will be there and thereabouts at the end. I would actually pick Cadel Evans as my choice for the win.
Evans is doing the exact thing I hoped he wouldn't be doing. We haven't seen him anything himself so far, just follows and drives a good (not the best, never the best) time-trial. I can see him win this tour without winning a single race. Seriously I see that happen.
Let's hope Valvarde or Menchov for the sake of the Rabo team (I doubt that will happen) will be able to beat him.
Kirchen really impressed me so far.. Didn't know much about it but he's doing great. He has shown himself a lot, I like that. Deserved to wear the yellow.
Let's hope Valvarde or Menchov for the sake of the Rabo team (I doubt that will happen) will be able to beat him.
Kirchen really impressed me so far.. Didn't know much about it but he's doing great. He has shown himself a lot, I like that. Deserved to wear the yellow.
Pozzato did well today with 3rd but Sanchez gave it his all. I can understand celebrating but do it before you go across the finish line, if they caught up that would be the worst choke in all of sports. Cunego has sucked lately though, yes he is still young and he is 17th overall but he should be doing better especially in the mountains. It looks like Valverde is still feeling the effects of that crash though. Eventually he will come out to play.
Yesterday's was the first stage I missed, and I think I will only watch the late part of today's stage. But tomorrow it is really going to start in the Pyrenees 
Tomorrow with the peryesourde is going to be great.
Evans and Menchov look the best so far, Menchov says he is in top form so hopefully he will prove that to us tomorrow!
CSC will obviously start dictating early on with the three classification guys they have, hopefully the peloton will break so we can see who are the real contenders.
I know Ricco only came for a stage win he said today, but he is still dissapointed me. Ended second in the Giro to Contador who isnt even racing here in France.
Cunego is also doing poorly, but tbh i expected that from him.
Evans and Menchov look the best so far, Menchov says he is in top form so hopefully he will prove that to us tomorrow!
CSC will obviously start dictating early on with the three classification guys they have, hopefully the peloton will break so we can see who are the real contenders.
I know Ricco only came for a stage win he said today, but he is still dissapointed me. Ended second in the Giro to Contador who isnt even racing here in France.
Cunego is also doing poorly, but tbh i expected that from him.
QUOTE(Mr.Beek @ Jul 12 2008, 11:40 PM)
I know Ricco only came for a stage win he said today, but he is still dissapointed me. Ended second in the Giro to Contador who isnt even racing here in France.
Don't speak to soon.. What a strike he made today. Very convincing win.. This guy could go for 3 jerseys, he is still young enough for the white aswell. He also has won 2 courses now. He missed out of a lot of seconds during the time trial and the finish in Nantes that split him from the favourites (together with Menchov). Seeing him today makes you think he can win tomorow just as easy aswell.
Can't say Menchov convinced me so far. I don't think he'll win. Evans looks to be the biggest contender and I hate that, always choosing someone's wheele instead of doing it himself. So far he's the closest to Kirchen by doing that.
It really is a pity Contador is not competing. Him and Ricco accelerating up the mountains would have been brilliant. Nevertheless, a phenomenal performance from the cobra yesterday. I'm pretty sure that if he attacks today, or should i rather say when he attacks, the big boys will not let him go again. If he can eat up another 1:30 minutes then he is back in with a shout again.
14 July, but I'm sure we won't have a French winner today. Yesterday was another enjoyable stage, but today it's getting serious. I can't wait ! Riccň seems to be the man of the moment, but didn't he waste to many energy yesterday?
So far the big three -Evans, Valverde, Menchov- all easily climbed, without using too much energy, probably saving it for the heavier stages. Other names that shouldn't be forgotten are Sastre and the Schleck-brothers, but after today we'll see who are really the favorites I guess
So far the big three -Evans, Valverde, Menchov- all easily climbed, without using too much energy, probably saving it for the heavier stages. Other names that shouldn't be forgotten are Sastre and the Schleck-brothers, but after today we'll see who are really the favorites I guess
QUOTE(Cuándo volverás @ Jul 14 2008, 11:22 AM)
14 July, but I'm sure we won't have a French winner today. Yesterday was another enjoyable stage, but today it's getting serious. I can't wait ! Riccň seems to be the man of the moment, but didn't he waste to many energy yesterday?
So far the big three -Evans, Valverde, Menchov- all easily climbed, without using too much energy, probably saving it for the heavier stages. Other names that shouldn't be forgotten are Sastre and the Schleck-brothers, but after today we'll see who are really the favorites I guess
So far the big three -Evans, Valverde, Menchov- all easily climbed, without using too much energy, probably saving it for the heavier stages. Other names that shouldn't be forgotten are Sastre and the Schleck-brothers, but after today we'll see who are really the favorites I guess
Ricco is built for the mountains, weighing in at only 61kilo's his frame is perfect for climbing. I put money on him attacking today again.
Don't forget about the Euskaltel boys, we are in Basque territory now so i expect the likes Astarloza to attack as well.
BBC reported that "As Evans crossed the finish line, he screamed at his bodyguard to "make sure nobody touches my left shoulder" as camera crews swarmed around him." Good to see that it didn't impact him to much though and that they're saying he's fine but it will be interesting to see how he copes with it in the next few days during the climbs where he's expected to do ok.
WTF is Menchov's problem. Him and Evans are so scared that they will do one ounce of energy to much for each other. Schleck should be in the yellow, Evans doesnt deserve it. NO ATTACKING, NO RIDING UP FRONT WITH HIS TEAM, NO NOTHING.
I hope the CSC team will eventually get the yellow and that the Rabo can bring Freire's green jersey to Paris.
Tomorrow is a day-off, well deserved after todays nightmare for most riders.
I hope the CSC team will eventually get the yellow and that the Rabo can bring Freire's green jersey to Paris.
Tomorrow is a day-off, well deserved after todays nightmare for most riders.
Wow, Valverde (and Cunego) left for dust when Voigt and Cancellara tore up everything. Great tactics by CSC.
Very exciting stage yesterday, Saunier Duval look extremely strong up the mountains. Riccardo Ricco to me looked very comfortable in that group with Evans riding to that finish. I wonder if he was tired from the previous stage or whether it was tactics to hold off Evans and let Piepoli and Cobo attack. If that was the case then i think it was pretty stupid tactics as they have a chance to win that yellow jersey if they want it. They need to decide on a leader now whether it's Ricco or Cobo and start building the rest of the team around them.
I think Schleck might wanted this to happen. Now team Lotto have got to work and protect that jersey. So far all Evans had to do is follow, other teams did the work for him when other contenders for the yellow were attacking. Now team Lotto has to work and protect that yellow, while I think it's obvious that team isn't good enough. Evans is good enough, but I am hoping for a smart attack from a guy like Ricco.
Menchov doesn't really seem to smart so far, he is a chicken like Evans.
Great work by team CSC yesterday!
Menchov doesn't really seem to smart so far, he is a chicken like Evans.
Great work by team CSC yesterday!
Oh no, here we go.
Another rider tested positive on Epo, Duenas from the BarloWorld team.
This is really bad news for cycling. Everything was done for a clean tour, but this is already the second case this tour.
Why do they just never stop?
Another rider tested positive on Epo, Duenas from the BarloWorld team.
This is really bad news for cycling. Everything was done for a clean tour, but this is already the second case this tour.
Why do they just never stop?
Its ridicolous. Its not the elite of cycling when the best 20 have been thrown out for cheating anymore.
Fun to see Kurt Asle today. His first TDF leg win ever, so many times have he struggled to get others to win.
Watch this
The norwegian commentators can be heard in the background. They must annoy their dutch collegues lol. Some screaming rofl.
Fun to see Kurt Asle today. His first TDF leg win ever, so many times have he struggled to get others to win.
Watch this
The norwegian commentators can be heard in the background. They must annoy their dutch collegues lol. Some screaming rofl.
What I was afraid for, happened. Riccardo Riccň has been caught using dope
QUOTE(Cuándo volverás @ Jul 17 2008, 12:58 PM)
What I was afraid for, happened. Riccardo Riccň has been caught using dope
Well, it didn't really come as a huge surprise cause he was under suspicion, but it's disappointing anyway.
Saunier Duval out of the Tour. (Piepoli and Cobo among others)
What a frreaking idiot. Throwing away everything beacuse of steroids...at least they are getting the retards out this tour instead of over the course of the year.
This is really starting to piss me off now and i'm even thinking of just not watching it anymore. Whats the point really? These cyclists are like fucking junkies needing a vein.
This is an insult to Lance Armstrong, Indurain and all the other previous Tour de France winners.
This is an insult to Lance Armstrong, Indurain and all the other previous Tour de France winners.
havent been bothered to watch it really, its on to late over here i only end up watching the first 30 minutes then turn it off haha, but i hope cadel evans wins
Yes, the Rabo finally won the stage today. Thats at least one stage win.
If they can bring the green to Paris, and if Menchov can end on the podium, it wont turn out to be such a terrible tour for them.
Big mountain stage again tomorrow, should be fun to watch, at least better than the boring stages we had today and yesterday.
If they can bring the green to Paris, and if Menchov can end on the podium, it wont turn out to be such a terrible tour for them.
Big mountain stage again tomorrow, should be fun to watch, at least better than the boring stages we had today and yesterday.
QUOTE
Cavendish pulls out of Tour de France
20 July 2008 | 20:30 - afp.com
Quadruple stage winner Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the Tour de France prior to the 15th stage, the first of three days in the Alps here Sunday, according to his Columbia team.
Cavendish has been one of the stars of the July 5-27 race so far, winning four bunch sprints to set a new British record for stage wins in a single edition. He was victorious on stages five, eight, 12 and 13.
But the 23-year-old from the Isle of Man admitted he was suffering fatigue following two tough weeks of racing.
"I've done enough here with four stages," said Cavendish.
"I'm a bit tired now. I've rode one Grand Tour at the Giro. Here I rode hard through the Pyrenees and was able to get a couple more results.
"Maybe if the green jersey was still in contention I'd carry on, but I'm 60 points behind now.
"I think the green jersey is out of contention now so it's better to go home and try and recover. I'll take a week's rest in the Isle of Man, then I'll start to concentrate on the Olympics."
Cavendish missed out on disputing a bunch sprint for the first time in the race when he was dropped on the small climb 10km from the finish line of Saturday's 14th stage, won by sprint rival Oscar Freire.
He will now set his sights on the Olympic Games, where he will compete for Britain in track cycling's Madison - an event in which he is reigning world champion with Bradley Wiggins.
20 July 2008 | 20:30 - afp.com
Quadruple stage winner Mark Cavendish has pulled out of the Tour de France prior to the 15th stage, the first of three days in the Alps here Sunday, according to his Columbia team.
Cavendish has been one of the stars of the July 5-27 race so far, winning four bunch sprints to set a new British record for stage wins in a single edition. He was victorious on stages five, eight, 12 and 13.
But the 23-year-old from the Isle of Man admitted he was suffering fatigue following two tough weeks of racing.
"I've done enough here with four stages," said Cavendish.
"I'm a bit tired now. I've rode one Grand Tour at the Giro. Here I rode hard through the Pyrenees and was able to get a couple more results.
"Maybe if the green jersey was still in contention I'd carry on, but I'm 60 points behind now.
"I think the green jersey is out of contention now so it's better to go home and try and recover. I'll take a week's rest in the Isle of Man, then I'll start to concentrate on the Olympics."
Cavendish missed out on disputing a bunch sprint for the first time in the race when he was dropped on the small climb 10km from the finish line of Saturday's 14th stage, won by sprint rival Oscar Freire.
He will now set his sights on the Olympic Games, where he will compete for Britain in track cycling's Madison - an event in which he is reigning world champion with Bradley Wiggins.
Not a surprise really seeing he struggled on one of the small climbs yesterday, he would have found it extremely hard in the Alps. Now he can focus on the Olympics
Wow, the weather today is terrible. Should give some spectacle
Wow, what a stage yesterday! It had everything in it. Spectacular crashes; especially Pereiro fell seriously and is out of the Tour, while the crashes on both sides of a rotonda was spectacular. The battle on the last climb was great, with a very strong Menchov and Sastre, and a new yellow jersey wearer. Now we have something I haven't seen in ages, six riders within a minute in the top of the ranking:
1. Andy Schleck
2. Kohl + 7 sec
3. Evans +8
4. Menchov +38
5. Vandevelde +39
6. Sastre +48
Ironically 38 seconds is exactly what Menchov lost in a flat stage in the first week when he wasn't paying attention...
This stage promises a lot for the rest of the Alps
1. Andy Schleck
2. Kohl + 7 sec
3. Evans +8
4. Menchov +38
5. Vandevelde +39
6. Sastre +48
Ironically 38 seconds is exactly what Menchov lost in a flat stage in the first week when he wasn't paying attention...
This stage promises a lot for the rest of the Alps
Well with the time trial still to come, i think the likes of Schleck & Sastre need to gain more time over Evans in the next two mountain stages. If we come out of the Alps with Evans less than a minute behind he should easily wipe that out in the time trial.
I agree, Evans should beat the others in the time trial, the only one close to him in that aspect is Menchov. And isn't Vandevelde a good time trialist aswell? I don't know about Kohl
Yesterday's stage promised something. So far CSC's tactics have been brilliant, and with two men very able of winning the tour, Riis will surely come up with another fine gameplan in the next stages
Yesterday's stage promised something. So far CSC's tactics have been brilliant, and with two men very able of winning the tour, Riis will surely come up with another fine gameplan in the next stages
Today's stage will be very intriguing. This would be the last chance for the likes of Sastre & Schleck to win the Tour de France. It is vitally important that they attack Cadel Evans today otherwise it's curtains for them. I think they need a minute on him to have any chance and i don't think they will get that tbh.
Menchov was really dissapointing yesterday as well and this has probably costed him any chance of winning the bike race as well. So at the moment it looks like Schleck, Kohl & Evans will fight it out with Sastre maybe having an outside chance.
Menchov was really dissapointing yesterday as well and this has probably costed him any chance of winning the bike race as well. So at the moment it looks like Schleck, Kohl & Evans will fight it out with Sastre maybe having an outside chance.
Sastre, wow!
I still see Evans as the favorite, it's too bad Schleck couldn't win some more time. In a long time trial like that Evans should be able to get the yellow, but I'm saying should, as you never know what that jersey does with the one who's wearing it. I really, really hope Sastre can bring it to the Champs-Elyssées, or anyone bar Evans, for that matter.
I still see Evans as the favorite, it's too bad Schleck couldn't win some more time. In a long time trial like that Evans should be able to get the yellow, but I'm saying should, as you never know what that jersey does with the one who's wearing it. I really, really hope Sastre can bring it to the Champs-Elyssées, or anyone bar Evans, for that matter.
So Sastre won it in the end, after an excellent timetrial. I'm really happy for him, he simply was the one who deserved it most. The guy's loved by everyone, there isn't a single person who has hard feelings, bar Evans probably. I loved it how Sastre involved his kids in the crowning
That's the third Spaniard to win le Tour after Armstrong's reign ended. What a year that country has, with the Selección, Alberto Contador and Rafael Nadal all winning everything.
That's the third Spaniard to win le Tour after Armstrong's reign ended. What a year that country has, with the Selección, Alberto Contador and Rafael Nadal all winning everything.
Well at least Liquigas has the second & third best young riders in the world even though I thought Kreuziger deserved the white. Hopefully VS shows more cycling after the tour beacuse I enjoyed watching it. Does anyone know why Bennati & Pellizottii weren't in the Tour?
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