trvsub2,
Although I understand your enthusiasm for Jan, I don’t think it is likely.
The last time trial is extremely technical. Not just part of it, but the whole thing! This suits Lance more so than any other TT rider.
Then, as others have said, Lance hasn’t won a stage yet in this year’s Tour. In the past he has always commented that the winner of the Tour should win at least one stage.
It is a classic Lance hallmark to put his stamp on something big and his last TDF is pretty big.
For all these reasons, I expect Lance will be huge in the last TT. In fact I will bet he has already ridden the course a number of times and Jan probably has yet to ride it. But maybe Jan has watched a video tape of it like in the past.
Jan is likely to overtake Rasmussen on GC in the TT, however, and will likely move into 3rd place overall and onto the podium.
Alas, we will all get to watch/follow later today.
Jan rode it at least once in 1997 when he won it (same course)
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Well there you go folks. The results are hardly surprising.
Ullrich IMO did the most gutsy ride. Lance was Lance.
And as I predicted ever since his interview shooting his mouth after his solo break stage win, Chicken had already screwed himself mentally. After killing himself in the last few stages just to stay with the big boys, today was the breaking point. The way he went into the ditch was a comical sight for sore eyes. If he doesn’t relax his mind and focus on the job at hand instead of trying to live up to Super Chicken status in the Viking world, he’ll likely drop further back tomorrow. Reckon he should not bother about making any excuses or cover ups, go get some good head from one of those la femmes and let her transport you far away from TdF, and have a good night’s sleep. Face tomorrow as a new day refreshed. Looking at Rass and his never smiling face and nervous darting eyes my instincts tell me he will not be doing that. Tomorrow he’s fried chicken. That specially painted Polca Conalgo and Polka socks just ain’t gonna have the desired effect anymore. Less admiration more sympathy.
Those within the bottom end of the first twenty will be looking to nudge up the GC with attacks and the Sprinter’s team will set a cracking pace round and round the Champs which may split the field. It will be a take no prisoners day. Robbie most likely the stage winner.
Nice link. Jan did do a gutsy Tour, topping it off with the TT. All respect to him for that and his honesty. He can hold his head high both outwardly and in his heart and that’s always important especially when he will need to dig deep for the winning attitude when it’s crucial.