OK, lets see some predictions. I think next year’s race will the most exciting in some time…wide open, lots of dudes who think they can win (remember 1987 with the epic battle between Roche and Delgado? Great tour) I’m gonna go out on a limb, and predict that Basso will take next year. I was pretty amazed at his improvement in time trialing, and if he can improve again over this year, he will be a hard man to beat.
Spot
Dario Frigo or Tyler Hamilton
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Basso would be a good bet. Perhaps Ulrich. Vino has a good shot too on another team (as definitive leader).
Leipheimer also is high up as he is well rounded.
Landis also has a shot - good leader.
An what about Hincapie. Good team and probably the best team director of all time.
Would be interesting to see another American win - I think the French would be mighty pissed, no matter what they actually say with a poker face.
That’s pretty funny. Maybe Raimondo Rumsas?
My pick is also Basso. He is already on a very strong team with a great coach. Plus he should only get better. Also if he focus’ on the Tour De France he should also be stronger.
seriously
Valverde, Basso, Ullrich
and at least one American in the podium
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oh, and if vino goes to disco, he has my vote
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how about Armstrong.
You have to think he will pull a “boxing retirement” get bored, and start training in Jan.
Vino (if he is at Disco), Ullrich, Basso
LA is done
He will still be around, probably gov. of TX
Gary, the only other guy I would add to your list is Cuengo. I think his poor Giro result was due to his Mono diagnosis.
Dave in VA
Salvodelli or Danielson both seem like possibilities to take over at Disco. Perhaps Salvodelli, grooming Danielson for the next year? Danielson has the advantage of being American. Yaroslav also seems like a potential leader at Disco in a couple years. Maybe they can get Ullrich to come, learn from Lance, and do one or two years while grooming the young’ins.
Anyone think Salvodelli can go to the next level after winning the Giro and win the TdF?
Basso podiums again, whoever the new team leader of Discovery is, and Cunego if he is healthy all make the podium. When can Tyler Hamilton come back? I was thinking two years.
Next year - Ullrich. The year after, Val Verde or Leipheimer. Basso will be 2nd for the next 3 years. The new Jan.
yeah, add him as well
we are heading into a new era, and unfortunately American’s are not going to be part of it
Landis, Levi, George are aging and not up to Jan, Vino, Basso standards
Dave Z in entertaining, but still young, if molded correctly and if he loses weight, he can be the next American GC contender in my opinion
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I think Dave Z is the real darkhorse, and with his abilities against the clock, could well be the next American tour winner if a few years if he can improve his climbing. I just don’t see Floyd, Levi, or George being able to hang with the top GC contenders in the mountains. I think Hamiliton will retire if he loses this next appeal.
Spot
Come on gary, dont be so ridiculous - It is gonna be David Millar!
OK, I have revised my pics:
Tyler H
Millar
Frigo
They will be on the newly formed Bristol-Myers Squibb team
Gary: how much does david z. weigh?
that looks about right, but I heard rumors that Balco is back and will backing a cycling team-
The Director Sportifs are Mrs Rumsas and Mrs Frigo- Willie Voet is the masseur
Bruno Roussel (former DS Festina) will be the team advisor with Virenque
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http://www.letour.fr/2005/TDF/RIDERS/us/coureurs/29.html
Wow, 147 lbs … and 6’0", nevermind, I thought he was heavier when I read Riis saying this:
“He’s still too heavy. He needs to lose two to four kilos, in my opinion, if he is really going to be able to ride with the best in the high mountains.”
http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Tour_de_France/0,,2-9-1506_1731607,00.html