Basso and The Tour

[raindog]

He's been saying he'd like to concentrate on a TdeF win this year - could this give him a better chance at it?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/mcquaid-casts-doubt-on-contadors-tour-de-france-participation

 

[iAmiAdam]

At this rate, there'll be no decision on Albuterol before the tour, so no, he's not riding.

 

[MotorpointProCycling]

I'll be watching this year. Without a clue who's going to win. They're definitely trying to put a positive spin on it in the article.

Will it mean the tour is more competitive though?

 

[iAmiAdam]

It'll certainly see more teams fielding a GC contender, hopefully there will be more competition in the mountains.

 

[raindog]

What I meant was, that all things being equal, if Berto was riding Basso wouldn't win, but with Berto appearing to be a none starter then I reckon he can do it as I rate him over Andy S.

Motorpoint - how's it going in Derby? I lived there for years.

 

[rich p]

I think AS will have it over Basso this year. I'm assuming Basso and his dog are clean of course!

Who will the other contenders be though? Menchov, Sanchez, Evans?

Young guns?

 

[lukesdad]

Im putting my money on Hinault or Indurain

 

[MotorpointProCycling]

Good thanks raindog - strangely enough, it's raining.

I've only just moved to the area myself. Fair few nice people here and lots of countryside.

Where did you move to in France?

 

[iAmiAdam]

Evans will be stronger this year, and hopefully he wont try anything silly, re: mountain stage with broken arm.

I'm still backing younger schleck, it's his for the taking. It'll be great to see others suffering to try and do well aswell though.

 

[Keith Oates]

Andy Schleck must be the favorite if Contador is out, however Basso could be a surprise this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[raindog]

So most people seem to favour Andy over Basso for the win. I'll stick with Basso, but whatever happens, this will be a climber's Tour and without Contador I reckon it's going to be a cracker.

Motorpoint - I'm not far from Montpellier. Great riding in Derbyshire and nice people as you say. I was in the South Pennine RC in me youth - meet for club runs under the market place clock every sunday am and head for the hills.

 

[John the Monkey]

I know Schleck has a bloody good team with him, but Leaky are no slouches either, from what I recall. Maybe the question is whether they can keep enough of their powder dry during the Giro to support Basso in a Tour attempt?

 

[lukesdad]

Wouldn t say Basso would be a surprise this year. He targeted the Giro last year and won it comfortably in the end.

 

[Ghost Donkey]

I know Schleck has a bloody good team with him, but Leaky are no slouches either, from what I recall. Maybe the question is whether they can keep enough of their powder dry during the Giro to support Basso in a Tour attempt?

If Liquigas effectively forfeit the Giro and focus on beating AS in France I can see them in real contention. The whole team were great at the Giro last year in difficult race conditions and it was a bit bonkers at times :-). The same for Evans. He really impressed at the Giro last year and if he takes that form to France without tiring himself at the Giro or breaking bones he's got a good chance.

 

[rich p]

Leaky gas are putting Nibali up for the Giro and I suspect he will be fully supported in their home GT.

Kreuziger and Pellizotti have gone so I'm not sure if this leaves them thin on the ground to attack 2 GTs.

We live in interesting times!