[PeteB570]

I saw a little clip somewhere where Brailsford explained it was a hard decision to make - not bringing Wiggens, but does anybody know the inside scoop on why?

[Baynative]

There has been a lot of talk about Wiggins not being 100% physically. All Dave Brailsford has to say is that it wan an agonizing decision and it kept him awake at night. It is pretty common knowledge that Wiggins and Froome don't get along. How much of that played a part is impossible to say.

Being a team sport, cycling takes continuity to sty strong in a multi stage event and I would bet cohesion has a lot to do with it all. I agree with Brailsford when he says his philosophy is to win, not to defend.

I have a feeling that Richie Port is a factor in all of this. Not because of personality as much as his combination of speed and climbing ability. With Contador healthy and other teams having strong climbing partners, there may have been concerns about Froome being left alone in the mountain.

A surprise for me is Chris Horner on the Lampre roster after almost being killed just two months ago when he was hit in a dark tunnel and found on the road. Thank GOD he wasn't hit again while he was lying there. If he is strong he will be there to mentor Rui Costa who just might deliver a couple of surprises of his own.