Posted on 07/04/2009 8:09:14 AM PDT by Mom MD
Today is day one! Armstrong riding. Astana is back! Predictions? Other comments? Does someone have the ping list from last year?
I can’t really see anything significant happening in the GC standings today — maybe if someone is caught napping, a subset of the leaders may be able to go on a breakaway, but it’s far more likely that they’ll just keep an eye on each other and let riders out of the GC contention go for glory today.
That said, if someone is going to try and make a break today, my money’s on the Schleck brothers, probably guessing that they have a better chance today than to try to beat Contador and Armstrong tomorrow. Wiggins may try it, too, but he might be saving himself for tomorrow.
The Astana team is going to have to act as a team today, and reel in any breaks ASAP.
Hey kevkrom! Saxo reeled in the big escape earlier. Doesn't look like anyone's going to allow a breakaway today.
‘scuse, meant to type Rabo.
Let’s hope not...
Do you think there’s any chance that Lance would do this w/o Bruyneel, who’s contract w/ Astana is up this year?
They just need to pull out the Mardi Gras beads, those always seem to work.
The GC is saving for tomorrow. Today Cavendish goes for win #5.
Maybe I spoke too soon... the pack seems to be breaking up on the climb.
Ballan & Lefevre have opened up 20” on the pack. Peleton not really breaking up, at least the front. Everyone who needs to be is at the front of the pack.
There’s the crowd at the top, pretty crowded on a narrow summit.
Go Ballan!!! Go Lefevre!!
Go Cavendish! #5 this year and #9 overall!
Good interview w/ Cav, he couldn’t say enough good things about his team keeping him at the front for the sprint.
Not a chance in hell...
” I am truly in awe “
No need to be. If they are at the factory they will gladly speak to visitors. Have a belgian friend who checked first.
These guys are cyclists, and regardless of skill level they respect anyone who has an interest in the sport.
I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's just Johann's proximity to Lance. For better or worse, I've moved away from being a big Lance fan. That's not fair though, and not like me. I don't know what it is. Probably nothing.
Johan was director sportif of teams that won 8 Tours in 9 years, looking this year to make it 9 of 11. It shouldn't be too surprising that Lance & Johan have a lot of respect for each other.
Johan has brought Astana back from the dead.
Yes I know.
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