Where've you been guys?
 

After this weekends US National Championship and the second stage of the Vuelta I'm lead to wonder where two of the pro pelotons more recognizable champs have been. George Hincapie and Paolo Bettini. Is it just me or have they both had seasons with fewer wins than usual. I know George was derailed with a crash at ToC and Paolo had much of the same luck but it just seems weird that neither can put up a W all year (correction Paolo took 1 stage of ToC). Any ideas on anyones part? Not attacking the riders by any means it just seems weird that after such successful seasons last year they haven't had a whiff all year, maybe a champion jersey curse of sorts?

Hincapie didnt ride the classics due to injury and spent the tour riding for Contador and Leipheimer.

Bettini was competitive in the classics, just about top 5 in all three ardennes classics. He rode a good giro and came close to a stage win but had at least one second. He did crash a lot in the spring.

Bettini was at TOC this year. I'm too tired to look at results but I think he may have won a sprint/stage.

cricket read your post.

Bettini won a vuelta stage today.

Maybe he should pay you to keep asking this question - it brings him good luck.

:D I'm happy to see it, I loved his WC and Lombardia win last year