Who will lead for Disco in the TdF?
 

Who will lead for Discovery Channel in the TdF?

Popovych?
George?
They seem to be using up Paolo and Tommy D at the Giro. TD will probably not even be in the TdF, and Paolo will probably be only up to a support role, at best, like last year after winning the Giro.

Can George or Popo place in the top 5, much less podium or win, up against the likes of Basso, Jan, Floyd, Valverde, Cadel, Vino, and Levi?

I know there has been a lot of talk about Hincapie becomming the team leader at the TDF, but honestly has he ever placed as well in the GC as some of the other disco boys? What about people like Rubiera, Beltran, Acevedo, etc. Haven't they placed higher on GC compared with Hincapie? It seems like Big George wins a hard stage at the TDF last year and all of a sudden it's like he's the golden boy. I admit that he's a good rider, but I thought there were others on the team with better chances.

It's hard to tell what will happen since Bruyneel bluffs a lot. He's talked about Danielson being very good in the tour one day, but needs a few more grand tours in his legs. Popo probably has a decent chance but maybe not for a few years. Then there has been all the talk about Danielson and the Giro and how he's looking forward to hammering there and doing well - but I thought he was supposed to be in a support role for Savoldelli? I'm confused about what's going on there have been so many different comments from various sources.

Yes. TD's comments about making the Giro his main objective were confusing to me too. But maybe he meant riding in support of Paolo? At any rate, they're appearing much less focused this year.

There might be a rivalry between Popo and TD. Watching that climb in the TdG, including Popo's lame attack on TD, seemed like dumb tactics. Reminiscent of T-Mobile stunts against Vino in last year's TdF.

But, prior to his crash in P-R, George did seem exceptionally strong this year. I think this year's Tour will be very close, and smart tactics might be more decisive than ever. Perhaps not revealing, or even intentionally muddling, who their official leader will be, is part of Johan's tactics?

I bet you're right on that one. Johan is a great tactician, so I'm sure he has something up his sleeve. If people are confused, they might not be as likely to mark the disco boys. Sure they will be watch, but probably not as much as Basso, Landis, etc. I mean after Landis' performance so far this season you can bet people will be watching that guy like a freakin' hawk.

Hincapie has always focused on a support role in the past and so naturally has not done well in the GC. They need someone who will do well in the TTs and can get by in the mountains. Hincapie would be the most likely choice in my mind considering Salvodelli will be spent from the Giro. And as for Danielson, the boy can climb, but so can Rasmussen. With three ITTs, he should not even be considered.

True, but some of the other disco boys I mentioned have also been in support roles and have finished better than Hincapie. so are you saying that maybe he can TT better than the others?

Yeah, I think he would be the best allrounder and will be particularly strong in the TT. I have been wrong in the past, and could be wrong now, but he is my bet considering three ITTs this year.

George? Not Popovych?

popovych is great at the TT and would be my second choice. And actually, he may be the first choice considering Hincapie's recent accident. I just feel that on the team Hincapie had the experience and well rounded-ness to be their best shot. Having said that, I don't think that Disco will be in the top 5 considering Salvodelli is going for the Giro...I personally think they should have saved him for the TDF. Oh well. As I said, I have been wrong in the past, and i will be wrong in the future.

I hope you're joking about the rivalry between Popovych and Danielson. The reason Popo attacked was to draw Landis out and make him respond. To take his legs away, and leave him more vulnerable to Danielson. If you think that he was attacking Danielson, you don't understand how Disco works, with or without Lance. Popovych knows his time will come, and will play the role given to him until he's ready.

I think Discovery is going to go for stage wins, and just try to cause as much chaos as possible this year. If Johan doesn't think one of his guys has a shot at the overall.. I think he might just try his best to screw with everyone else.

I predict a power struggle at the Giro between Il Falco and Tommy D

It'll be unfortunate if that happens, as I think Tommy's ego might be a little bigger than his legs can handle. Salvodeli on the other hand, is a proven winner who can perform under pressure. Tommy showed that when it came time to do his job (drop Landis on Brasstown) he wasn't up to it.

I think Paolo can win the giro again, I don't think Danielson has a chance. ...in fact Jan has a better chance of winning the tour, than Danielson has of reaching the giro podium.

I think George will be the leader, but if he struggles in the TT's they'll start going for stage wins.

Hincapi has been designated as the first rider in the climbs to bust up the peloton. Ride some pulls in the flats then blow things up...pacing be damned. This means crawling up the climb afterward to come back and do it again the next day. No wonder he doesn't finish high in GC...it would hurt the team. The description of how George decimated the peloton at La Mongie in 2003from the motorcycle rider was amazing...was described as some of the best riding in the tour that year. However I still question whether he can place top 5???
Seems to me that Danielson has put in a few good TT's this year....isn't that true? I believe in Bruyneel though...don't underestimate him or LA...they may surprise us all and I would dlove to see it as long as " The Jan" wins

That makes sense for the earlier attacks, but he did it again in the final few hundred meters. But, in retrospect, maybe that was the same plan. Too bad I erased the race, or I would watch this part again.