Does anybody else out there think Basso must be pretty scared about losing a spot on the podium to Kloden and Ullrich? Last year on an 8km shorter and similarly difficult long time trial Basso lost 6 minutes to Ullrich! Der Kaiser may yet make the podium, but which step? My predictions for Paris 1) Lance (obviously) 2) Kloden with Jan following a very close third and a heartbraking 4th for Basso.
I’d bet there is still more shakeup in the top 5, I’d also expect T-mobile to ally with another team to move their riders up. Gerolsteiner?
-SD
I don’t know, 4 minutes will be difficult to overcome. Basso will have more to race for this year and I think he will hold off Ullrich by 30 seconds. Ullrich has a great chance for double gold in the Olympics! I will be cheering for Jan on Saturday.
Dave from VA
Having watched Basso call Voigt back to chase Jan a few nights ago, it’s clear to me that Basso is not working for 1st place or he would have allow USPS to do the work.
Basso didn’t look good up the De Huez, I expect the T Mob boys to work together for podium spots.
I’d like to think that they will work together by alternating their breaks to wear LA down and go for first, but I think everyone is giving LA another win.
Image T-moblie with Ullrich, Kloden and Vino…that would have been very interesting. Of course Armstong would still have 3+ mins on everyone.
DAve from VA
I’d really like to see Basso make the podium. However, I think Kloden will be in 2nd place and Ullrich in 3rd after the ITT.