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2004-07-07 Europe

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Posted by Raj 2004-07-07 4:27:33 PM|| || Front Page|| [5 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 When I saw Postal was down 30 seconds at the first intermediate split, I was sure they had no chance. Especially since they dropped Nozal(sp?) so early. This team just seems to get better each year. They have been the Dream Team of professional cycling. The riders who have left the team, Hamilton, Heras, Leipheimer(sp?), Boonen, etc., as supporting players to Lance, have emerged as team leaders with their new teams. It says a lot about a team to lose so much and still be able to dominate all challengers.
My prediction for Paris: Lance to win by more than 2:30, Hamilton in second or third, Ullrich will not be on the podium. Iban Mayo will end up with a top six finish.

Posted by Scott R 2004-07-07 5:03:43 PM|| [http://five24.net] 2004-07-07 5:03:43 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 I wouldn't be counting out TeleKom just yet. Ulrich is the best rider (sez Armstrong) out there. Maybe headstrong but getting older, better, wiser and he's in the North of France. Home turf for a good Cherman to make fast.... :)

I'm rooting for Roberto Herras, and no I don't know why.
Damn it's stupid, but I do love the Tour de France. And yes it's very obvious I know nothing about bike racing except for the tour and the Spain thingy, I always figured the giro de Wop would be perfect for TeeeVeee and Teee Vooo (shurg)
Lucky? Thoughts? Kaos is setting in!

Posted by Shipman 2004-07-07 5:20:45 PM|| 2004-07-07 5:20:45 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 Let's get 50 more posts and drive LH Krazy! :)

Posted by Shipman 2004-07-07 5:21:45 PM|| 2004-07-07 5:21:45 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 The changes in timing accumulations and their selection of individual time trial locations were so transparently aimed at penalizing Armstrong in particular that French race officials should hang their heads in shame.

However, it does constitute a flat-out admission that Armstrong c'est l'etat.

Here's hoping Lance blows their f&%king doors off! For the sixth time in a row.

Posted by Zenster 2004-07-07 6:57:28 PM|| 2004-07-07 6:57:28 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Shipman, Heras is a f-ing mountain goat, but IMO he doesn't have the time trialing ability or a strong enough team to provide the support he needs to be a tier one player. I hope he wins a couple mountain stages, but I don't think he can contend for top spot in the GC.

Posted by Scott R 2004-07-07 8:12:34 PM|| [http://five24.net] 2004-07-07 8:12:34 PM|| Front Page Top

capt.tdf10907071605.cycling_tour_de_france_tdf109

Posted by Scott R 2004-07-07 8:42:04 PM|| [http://five24.net] 2004-07-07 8:42:04 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 I'll wager you're correct Scott... just like to have a backup to root for.

Posted by Shipman 2004-07-07 9:38:25 PM|| 2004-07-07 9:38:25 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 So far from what I've seen, the Tour, compared to the Giro, is so much faster. Faso Bortalo was able to just set up Pataki at will for the sprints in the Giro, as did Aqua Sapone did two years ago for Cippolini. At this Tour the sprints are balls out, like jousting nights of old. It's trully mano-e-mano. I've yet to see any team be able to set up their guy for a text book sprint.

I'm still hopeful that Semoni can challenge but that is still a story to come. Mayo, if he can get over his crushing from yesterday may still surprise, but I'm still wondering who the new guy will be.

If you watched the TTT today you saw a text book echelon formation by US Postal. Short hard pulls and easy relaxed drafting. Music!

I've yet to see who is going to challenge Lance. It's not crunch time though. But lay dough on it, Ullrich is still only a high GC guy.

Posted by Lucky 2004-07-08 12:22:14 AM|| 2004-07-08 12:22:14 AM|| Front Page Top

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