It TdF time again! (Tour de France)

Velo News ^ | June 27, 2011 | Jason Sumner

[Baynative]

The American Long Shot

Chris Horner (USA) RadioShack: 50-to-1

Why he can win: After winning the critical Sierra Road stage at the Tour of California, the always-effusive Horner declared to the world, “Nobody can drop me except Contador.” Certainly that was the case in the Golden State, as Horner put on a tour de force, easily dispatching the likes of Schleck and everyone of Team Garmin-Cervélo. On top of that, Horner is a solid time trialist (sixth on California’s tough Solvang circuit this year) and he’s one of the sport’s most cerebral riders. Think coach on the field and you’re on the right track. He’s said a podium finish is the goal, and it’s actually not a totally outrageous proposition.

What could trip him up: For starter’s Horner, 39, is not even the leader of his team. Instead, he’s one among four potential captains in a group that also includes former Tour podium finisher — and recent Tour of Switzerland winner — Levi Leipheimer, former Tour podium finisher Andreas Kloden, and Slovenian climbing sensation Jani Brajkovic. All four will get a chance to show their stuff when the climbing begins. Have a bad day on the wrong day, and you’ll be fetching bottles the rest of the race.

[Baynative]

Seeing Chris Horner on the podium would be just glorious. (I met him while riding at an Arizona event in 1996.) He is one of the genuine good guys in the sport - a rider and athlete we can all be proud of.

But, in reality I think it will take something special to get by the Schleck brothers this year.

It all starts on the first Saturday of July. Sure, there's been a lot of bad publicity about drugs and the Armstrong controversy will overshadow the first week of the event. But, with any luck Ivan Basso, Cadel Evans, Alberto Contador and a pile of new and talented riders will give us all what we want - and event to remember and be proud of.

LET'S RIDE!

[Baynative]

For the record; this is the 20th Anniversary of Big Mig's first of five consecutive wins at TdF.

[Mr. Mojo]

The battle of the PED masking agents.

[Minn]

I haven’t heard. Is Contador in? What happened to all the failed test investigations? Plasticizers and stuff.

[irishtenor]

If there is a ping list, add me to it.

[golux]

I have been trying to discover who might be running a pinglist this year... Please add me to it as well!

I am also pleased to report that in my run-up to TdF couch-potato season, wherein I ride my trusty ‘88 Bottecchia or ‘98 LeMond just a “little harder” than usual, I have dropped many a macho twentysomething wheelsucker with fancy spandex and a ten-thousand-dollar bike.

Contador’s performance in the Giro was impressive.

[PeteB570]

While I think Contador might take it I’m pulling for Andy Schleck - I think - kinda’ sorta’.

Really I’m pulling for any lead American Team and it’s front rider.

[Baynative]

Gotcha!

[Baynative]

Sudden, spectacular moments make the Tour de France what it is.

Racing can change in an instant, whether from a rider's quick acceleration, an unseen obstacle in the road, or a cyclist's unscripted emotional finish-line reaction. Great Tour moments are etched in race lore, and they occur in an instant, year after year — always when least expected.

Countless epic battles, horrific crashes, furious sprint finishes,

and curious split-second oddities have occurred in the race's century-plus history.

[patriotspride]

Thanks for the thread.

Will be interesting to see the Schleck Brothers vs Alberto.

Liked you working the jumping devil into the photos...

[golux]

Great picks, Bay.

[jimtorr]

In that case, please add me to the ping list.

[Vision]

Yes he is. Apparently the officials are satisfied with his explanation of having eaten tainted meat. Seems the public opinion of his involvement is against him.

[Vision]

Hey there. I’m all excited! Go Andy!

[SouthTexas]

Safe!

Wait, wrong sport.

[Ready4Freddy]

Thanks, Bay!

So, anyone just hellbent for leather to ‘run’ the Tour thread on FR this year, or shall I continue?

[Joy in the Journey]

Thank you for the email—I have to say that I am not excited about the race at all this year. I haven’t even purchased the VeloNews special edition mag. :(

[Vision]

Hey. I’m not sure what you mean by “leather”, but go for it; you do a great job. Unless Bay wants it.

[golux]

Are you Ready? (Lots of us’d be very grateful...)

[Ready4Freddy]

I’ll dig up my templates, download the usual Stage graphics, and get ready for the Live Thread.

Prolly post it tmw sometime to get it started.

Also tune up the TdF Ping list w/ this post; I took over the list from nutmeg a few years ago, but Bay has his own. Maybe we’ll look into consolidating them?