Agreed. I didn't know how Lance could possibly cover so many potential GC threats - Vino, Jan, Evans, (do they still have Botero?).

I kind of agree and kind of disagree. I definitely agree that their split focus lessens their chances of winning either jersey slightly but that's a fact of life on just about every team in the peloton (except USPS) and I think there's a decent argument for what they're doing.

Chances are, they're not going to win either jersey no matter who they put on the team. Zabel is getting old, Petacchi is really fast and has a great sprinter's team and there are some other threats (the Aussies etc.). Chances are, Jan won't win either. If everyone shows up strong and stays on the road, Lance probably wins. If he doesn't, there's some chance (not a very good chance, IMO but a chance nonetheless) that Tyler or Mayo or someone else will ride out of his mind and beat Jan and Lance both fair and square. Even if that doesn't happen, Jan could easily ride poorly, get sick, crash, or whatever.

The most likely GC scenario is a repeat of last year with Lance first and Jan comfortably second. Obviously anything can happen but Jan can definitely ride to second (or at worst third) with a less-than-perfect team. Likewise, chances are that Zabel will win a stage, maybe two but not the jersey and he too can do that with or without a team built completely around him. A podium GC finish and a couple of stage wins will make a lot of sponsors and fans very happy. If it won't, Cadel Evans isn't going to change it, they're either going to need some luck or they'll need to hire Jeff Gilooly (sp?) to do a Kerrigan on Lance and Petacchi.

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Anyone who tells you they're as fast now as they were when they were 18...
sure wasn't very fast when they were 18.

Vino's out, Cadel is out, Botero is relagated to helping in the mtns, Jan will have a tough time. Evens was/is a head-case and morale buster anyway- so not that big of a loss.

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Phil Cutti

It remains to be seen whether or not Petacchi can finish the Tour. He didn't manage it last year.