TDF 2009 to be best ever?
edwardvarla
Posts: 121
There's been lots of positives and negatives said about Lance coming out of retirement for TDF2009, but surely it adds to what could be the best line up in a long time, maybe ever?
Surely all of the following will fancy a chance of the podium at least:
Contador
Armstrong
Evans
Sastre
Rogers
Menchov
Van de Velde
Kohl
Andy Schleck
Frank Schleck
Schumacher
Valverde
Sanchez
Kirchen
OK, maybe getting less likely as we go down the list, but the thought of all those guys hitting the first mountain stage has got me looking forward to next year in a big way.
So what do you reckon, best line-up in a long long time?
Edward
Surely all of the following will fancy a chance of the podium at least:
Contador
Armstrong
Evans
Sastre
Rogers
Menchov
Van de Velde
Kohl
Andy Schleck
Frank Schleck
Schumacher
Valverde
Sanchez
Kirchen
OK, maybe getting less likely as we go down the list, but the thought of all those guys hitting the first mountain stage has got me looking forward to next year in a big way.
So what do you reckon, best line-up in a long long time?
Edward
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Comments
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It all depends on how strong Saxo-bank are going to be next year.
I can see a threeway battle between (in no particular order) Andy Schleck, Contador and Armstrong (if he lives upto all the hype).
No team bar Saxo-bank will be able to challenge Astana, and Saxo-bank may have to make some signings to stand a chance.0 -
Good chance that Armstrong will join Astana though. I just can't see how having Contador and Armstrong on the same team will work, there can only ever be one leader. If Contador flats 10 miles from a climb are they all going to wait, or will they stick with Armstrong and let Contador sort himself out (or vice-versa)?
Contador will surely lose to Armstrong in the time trial so will want to gain time in the mountains. He will therefore expect his team to work for him there, so will they just leave Armstrong?
Just can't see how it will work, which may leave the way open for the other teams.
Also, Evans has now got Kohl to help him in the mountains. Kohl has said he will help Evans for a year or two. Cervelo are also likely to make more decent signings.0 -
edwardvarla wrote:Just can't see how it will work, which may leave the way open for the other teams.
Contador will work for Lance, I can't see anything else happening, he doesn't have the power or the allies to stand against Lance.0 -
I really wanted Andy Schleck to win next year but I can't see him beating Lance:
Andy would love to win. Lance will accept nothing less than a win. BIG difference. Lance will beat him.0 -
redddraggon wrote:edwardvarla wrote:Just can't see how it will work, which may leave the way open for the other teams.
Contador will work for Lance, I can't see anything else happening, he doesn't have the power or the allies to stand against Lance.
Contador said yesterday in spanish TV (a bite anoyed) that if he is going to the next Tour will be to try win it, as a leader......If you like Flandes, Roubaix or Eroica, you would like GP Canal de Castilla, www.gpcanaldecastilla.com0 -
victorponf wrote:redddraggon wrote:edwardvarla wrote:Just can't see how it will work, which may leave the way open for the other teams.
Contador will work for Lance, I can't see anything else happening, he doesn't have the power or the allies to stand against Lance.
Contador said yesterday in spanish TV (a bite anoyed) that if he is going to the next Tour will be to try win it, as a leader......
He'll do what Johan tells him to..........whatever that may be......0 -
redddraggon wrote:victorponf wrote:redddraggon wrote:edwardvarla wrote:Just can't see how it will work, which may leave the way open for the other teams.
Contador will work for Lance, I can't see anything else happening, he doesn't have the power or the allies to stand against Lance.
Contador said yesterday in spanish TV (a bite anoyed) that if he is going to the next Tour will be to try win it, as a leader......
He'll do what Johan tells him to..........whatever that may be......
Johan said yesterday: The road will decide, as in this Vuelta...(freedom to Levy and Bertie in the Angliru)If you like Flandes, Roubaix or Eroica, you would like GP Canal de Castilla, www.gpcanaldecastilla.com0 -
redddraggon wrote:edwardvarla wrote:Just can't see how it will work, which may leave the way open for the other teams.
Contador will work for Lance, I can't see anything else happening, he doesn't have the power or the allies to stand against Lance.
God he's only been back three days and people are starting to fawn already :PWe're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
- @ddraver0 -
I think Johan might be a bit fairer on Contador than promoting Armstrong to leader from the start. Maybe they'll have an equal footing until after the first mountain stages and then a decision will be made. Although that does open the door for other teams.
I think you have to say it's between Contador, Armstrong and maybe Evans. Schleck can't do anything unless he stops leaking 5 mins over two TT's. I'm a big fan of Menchov but his real chance was this year.
What is certain is that whoever wins the tour there are so many riders who can get themselves really involved in breakaways and winning stages. People like Sanchez.
Can't wait!
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