I was just looking at the GC rankings and noticed that Levi is 2 seconds ahead of Vinokourov. I’m not sure why excatly I noticed this, but it struck me as pretty interesting. The two riders couldn’t have a more different riding style from eachother, yet after 20 TdF stages they have practically the same time. If I were putting a team together, I would much rather have a leader like Levi (quiet but consistant) than Vino (powerful but spontaneous). Of course, I admire both riders greatly and this observation is in no way meant to disrespect to Vino.
you have a point, but walking out of this TdF, Vino has a stage win to show for it and a place on the final TT podium. Relatively speaking Levi has done nothing for sponsors. Vino’s face is in front of the TV for hours during the TdF.
Not to mention Leige-Bastogne-Leige, and that’s a great point about face time for his sponsors.
Now, two seconds could be taken out of Levi during the intermediate sprints tomorrow - that could be interesting. Obviously, Vino is a wildcard and isn’t going to stop racing just because it’s the last stage, but I wonder if he’d get a leadout by any of his teammates at this point? I guess he could attack kilo away and not have to worry. Wouldn’t put it past him. Come to think of it, I wonder if any of the sprints carry time bonuses tomorrow?
You are right, and that follows my thoughts as well. Vino gets MUCH more attention, and not all of it good, for being bold and always attacking - even if it doesn’t make sense for an attack. I wonder at what point that killer instict becomes a liability for a leader to possess?
And as good as Levi is to finish 5th in the GC, I am not sure he is has that final surge of power that is needed to pull off a breakaway at the summit of a big mountain stage like Lance, Jan, Basso, Vino, etc…
Not to mention Leige-Bastogne-Leige, and that’s a great point about face time for his sponsors.
Now, two seconds could be taken out of Levi during the intermediate sprints tomorrow - that could be interesting. Obviously, Vino is a wildcard and isn’t going to stop racing just because it’s the last stage, but I wonder if he’d get a leadout by any of his teammates at this point? I guess he could attack kilo away and not have to worry. Wouldn’t put it past him. Come to think of it, I wonder if any of the sprints carry time bonuses tomorrow?
If Levi lets Vino take two seconds out of him in intermediate sprints tomorrow he deserves to lose his 5th place. I am surprised he didn’t do better today which would have made this wondering moot.
Very true - a poor showing today.