[lowbuck]

I would appreciate any knowledgable Freepers out there commenting on the future powers in the TDF. The articles I read keep annointing Ivan Basso.

Also, how will the Discovery Team stack up for the next TDF and who do you think is on the horizon to take the place of Lance (if that is possible)?

[upier]

I think that George Hincapie or Popy would be the most likely choices for Disco. The only issue with George is that he is getting long in tooth and would only have one attempt in his legs. Popy may be too young to win the GC. That could lead to them using George for one year then switching to him. I have also heard that Vino may be moving to Discovery. If that happens he would most likely be the man. One thing that ma happen on the Discovery team is that they no longer focus on a single rider like they have for Lance. They may try to win sprint stages and be more like a CSC or T-Mobile. There will be no one like Lance, who has proved that he is worth working and sacrificing for in order for the team to focus prurely on them.

[nutmeg]

Tour de France ping!

Please FReepmail me if you want on or off my Tour de France 2005 list.

[nutmeg]

ping

[Purple GOPer]

The OLN guys seem to think that Discovery is going to try to recruit a new rider for next year, but Lance has talked about staying with Discovery and training the next generation of riders.

As far as next year's winner, I know I am in the minority, but I like Rassmussen. I think it is easier to train to be a better in the time trail than to get better in the mountains.