posted Jul 8, 2008

Fanboy, I was thinking the same thing re Pereiro. He's a former Tour winner after all, (although he had to wait a long time to claim his prize) and yet no one seems to rate him, with all hype on Valverde. Valverde has had some excellent results this year, and no doubt he isn't out of it yet, but I do hope that Pereiro can ride for himself "just in case". I would be interested to hear what AV had to say about today, anyway.

I think Stage 9 is going to be telling - if Valverde climbs well he should still be regarded as the leader, but then let's see how well he recovers. Remember 2005. If he fares poorly, I think it may be a case of him not being ready for the big test.

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posted Jul 8, 2008

As no one here, there, or anywhere seemed to mention it I think I will...Hincapie put in an impressive ride today. 7th place, beating several big names. So why is he falling under everyone's radar

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posted Jul 8, 2008

im bit suspiscious over schumacher being clean to be honest. I've never even heard of him before and he's not won anything on a world stage against these riders.

I still have a feeling carlos sastre could be a dark horse seeing as this years tour is so blatently set up for a climber to win with the absence of long gruelling time trials

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posted Jul 8, 2008

Hincapie? I don't rate him with the big lads. Do you really think he can challenge in the GC? I can't see it. For me he's an excellent lieutenant, but not the team leader.

He'll go for a stage win, though, especially as it's for a new sponsor.

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posted Jul 8, 2008

I think that without the "talents" of Rasmussen, riders will find it very difficult to take time of Evans in the mountains. Those who can stick with him in the mountains will lose time in the time trials. That's why he's favourite with the bookie's.

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posted Jul 9, 2008

'I still have a feeling carlos sastre could be a dark horse seeing as this years tour is so blatently set up for a climber to win with the absence of long gruelling time trials'

There is a long 50 km TT at the end of tour, so that may well put paid to his chances given he lost over a minute in the short TT.

As for Hincpaie's chances-not a chance. He was hyped by the English speaking press as a podium chance-even a winner-two years ago, and he bombed badly. He is however, a great rider to have on your team in the mountains and on the flat as he an do a lot of work.

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posted Jul 9, 2008

I don't think Hincapie is a challenge in the GC either however I do think it odd that he is ignored. He came 7th in the ITT, GC contender or not surely it deserves a mention when he crosses the line!? And he certainly deserves a lot more credit than being only Armstrong's domestique. Ok, Hincapie fan rant over!

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posted Jul 9, 2008

hincapie 7th in the TT? er, that's about as worthy of a meention as 7th on any other stage- i.e. not very. hincapie is the archetpyal domestique in a 3wk stage race- no GC interest, unlikely to win a TT or prologue- won't win a sprint, won't win a big col- might get in a break during transition-

the postal days of 6 teammates bunching up the cols while genuine climbers were being shelled are gone - many riders in that team hinted at possible stage wins in the mountains- but regardless of whether they are now tainted by testimony from their former colleagues and soigneurs - it's 2008 and a new game and if you want to see him get a biggger mention go watch ghent wevelgem or similar. it's hardly surprising that the french, the stage winner and the GC guys are the focus really is it.....

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posted Jul 9, 2008

does anyone else think that this tour is not very balanced. 2 HC climbs in the pyreness and 7 HC's in the Alpes. and have you seen stage 17, what a killer - galibier, croix de fer and d'huez ??

I also think it is unlikley that Schumacher is clean unfortunately. Gary Imlach said on ITV that he may have had language problems talking in English, but they just showed him saying the exact same thing on German Eurosport. Just what cycling did not need

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posted Jul 9, 2008

Didn't see his interview , but have been reading reaction to it ever since. What did he say, exactly?

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