"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Tour of Romandie *Spoiler*

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DrWJODonnell
04-29-06, 09:26 AM
I am starting to wonder a bit about this Valverde. I mean, HOLY COW. Where did this guy come from (figuratively)? Does anyone know his history? Has he found some undetectable designer drug or is this guy the real deal? I have been just amazed by his utter control of these races in the past few weeks. To me, its like a Major League player up against college boys. They are playing the same game, but definitely NOT at the same level.

Laggard
04-29-06, 09:48 AM
He's the real deal. We've been keeping an eye on him for a couple years now. It was evident three years ago when he won two stages at the Vuelta that he was going to be one to reckon with. He can climb with almost anyone and is an excellent sprinter to boot. A rare combination.

He's only 26 and will soon be coming into his prime as a GT rider. I'll be amazed if he doesn't win the Giro or TDF in the next three years.
CyLowe97
04-29-06, 09:52 AM
CycleSport had a lengthy cover story on Valverde in the February(?) issue as one of the potential TdF winners in the next few years. He did finish 2nd to Boonen in the Worlds last year. He's gotten some good press for his impressive results.

thewalrus
04-29-06, 10:00 AM
Horner does the Nixon:

http://www.velonews.com/images/news/9801.14529.f.jpg

http://library.educationworld.net/txt18/depart.jpg
kubla khan
04-30-06, 02:17 PM
Valverde is gonna tear it up at the Tour.

Valverde vs. Basso - that is going to be a good battle.
RockyMtnMerlin
04-30-06, 04:05 PM
Horner does the Nixon:

http://www.velonews.com/images/news/9801.14529.f.jpg

http://library.educationworld.net/txt18/depart.jpg
Naw - Nixon's was a two finger salute, Horner's a three finger. Plus, I doubt if Horner was saying, "I am not a crook!"
Duke of Kent
04-30-06, 05:37 PM
Valverde needs to learn how to do the long TTs. He can climb and sprint, but can he TT? No sir.

There are 115km of ITT in the tour this year. He lost 1:02 to a pretty good (but not exceptional) TTer in Evans, over 20km. Whats going to happen when JU gets in form. Thats damn near 6 minutes if you extrapolate it out over the total distance covered in the ITTs this year. I love Valverde, but he has no hope if he can't TT well.
DrWJODonnell
04-30-06, 06:30 PM
I have watched him put in some exceptional TTs in the past few weeks. Today he was admittedly quite off. If you look at how well Evan did against other people such as Julich etc, you will see that it wasn't so terrible by Valverde as it was an exceptional ride by Evans.
dolophonic
04-30-06, 07:56 PM
Valverde is gonna tear it up at the Tour.

Valverde vs. Basso - that is going to be a good battle.

He may well do but he is peaking a bit early to be in top condition for the tour,He should be good for the giro at this rate.We shall see its looking like a great summer for us fans thats for sure.