Rogers Vs. Kloden

[alanbikehouston]

T-Mobile has both Rogers and Kloden in position to take the yellow jersey over the coming week. I suppose that means the team owner ought to be happy. But...

If Rogers and Kloden are riding AGAINST each other, and are reluctant to assist one another, the chance of either winning is reduced. If the team designates one as the chosen leader, and has the other ride in support, the chance of winning ought to increase.

So, what should T-Mobile do? Let these guys duke it out in the Alps, and the "best man wins"? Or, designate a leader now, and order the other guy to ride in support of the leader?

[Smoothie104]

In these upcoming alpine stages, It isn't going to matter who is riding for who etc.. It will be a matter of who is strong enough to stay in the front group on the climbs. Neither Rogers or Kloden will be pulling or doing work on the flats, and once it starts going up hill, one of them is going to fade.

Basically I think they will both be looking to ride defensivley and then hold on, It will get interesting if they are both together at the last climb of the day on Monday

[meb]

In these upcoming alpine stages, It isn't going to matter who is riding for who etc.. It will be a matter of who is strong enough to stay in the front group on the climbs. Neither Rogers or Kloden will be pulling or doing work on the flats, and once it starts going up hill, one of them is going to fade.

Basically I think they will both be looking to ride defensivley and then hold on, It will get interesting if they are both together at the last climb of the day on Monday

I thought Monday was a rest day.

[Smoothie104]

Oooops! last climb on tuesday, thanks!


Monday is the day for re-infusing some blood to prepare for tuesday.

[aussie troy]

I'd expect that if the team were to choose a leader it would be Kloden based solely on the fact that he is german and so is the team.

[Alekhine]

I'd expect that if the team were to choose a leader it would be Kloden based solely on the fact that he is german and so is the team.

I doubt that nationality would figure into it anymore - sponsors would like the advertising Euros from simply having a winner, no matter what his country. Even when T-Mobile was Deutsche Telekom, Bjarne Riis the Dane was their man for 1996 over young German stud (and 2nd place finisher by only a 1'41" back) Jan Ullrich.

Then again, it would be nice for them if it was indeed the Kraut Klöden, but I figure Klöden's their man more because he's ever so slightly better than Rogers than that he's German, and they're allowing Rogers to remain close as insurance (and a possible double podium placement, as in 1996). In any case, it should be interesting!

[alanbikehouston]

Kloden has announced that he has been named leader of T-Mobile. If Rogers does a good job of supported Kloden in the Alps, Kloden has a good shot at coming into the final time trial wearing the yellow jersey.

And, Landis will be supported by....well, he may have to support himself in the Alps.

[hollow]

Yeah, it's worked so well for T Mobile to have multiple strong riders in recent years. Maybe this year we can see racing reminiscent of La Vie Clair in 1985/86. That would certainly make this Tour more interesting. But I don't see it happening. Rogers and Kloden don't have the personalities that Lemond and Hinault did.

[Enthalpic]

Landis will be supported by T-mobile. Didn't you see how they nicely set the pace too high for Kloden? ;)

I bet his bud Dave Z will pull for him too; hell he even gets on the Phonak bus. He also might have made some friends with the gifted yellow.